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Everything to See, Shop & Do in May

Could this be the best May on record? With 3 bank holidays and oh so many cultural events, consider this month the official start of summer. You may be wondering what to do with your extra days off, but don’t worry, we’ve got you. Read on to discover some of the best things to do in May, from pampering gua sha in London, to Eurovision events in Liverpool.

1. Outdoor Sketching Workshop with Nick Coupland

Join Form Shop & Studio and local illustrator Nick Coupland for a tutored group sketching session around Hull's beautiful marina. Known for his incredibly detailed pen and ink drawings of architecture, Nick will be heading out around the area to draw the sights, and taking you along with him - soaking up his expertise and the beautiful surrounding areas. Plus, there’s 10% in store at the boutique all day too.

21st May

Form Shop & Studio, 62 Humber Street, Kingston upon Hull

2. Tate Lates: The Spirit of Eurovision

Excited for the Eurovision Song Contest to be on home turf this year? Head to Liverpool a little early and get the festivities off to a flying start with The Spirit of Eurovision at Tate Liverpool. Wanting to celebrate the power of music and creativity and its ability to unite us, Culture Liverpool has commissioned a one night only event for the Eurovision Cultural Festival 2023. Get into the Eurovision spirit with live music, performance, workshops, talks, immersive installations and so much more, all inspired by the joyous spirit of the institution that is the Eurovision Song Contest.

4th May

Tate Liverpool, Royal Albert Dock, Liverpool L3 4BB

3. How to Gua Sha at Blomma Beauty

Get to know the art of gua sha massage. Learn the fundamentals then build your practice at home with an interactive tutorial from sustainable beauty boutique Blooma Beauty. Rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Gua Sha is designed to help stimulate microcirculation by pulling a gua sha tool across the skin. It increases blood flow to the skin, aids lymphatic drainage, can help to tone the skin, help it feel firmer and lifted and drain away puffiness. On 6th May, you can enjoy a follow along in class and use cult brand Olixa Skincare's products to cleanse and tone your skin before starting the massage.

6th May

Blomma Beauty, Coal Drops Yard, N1C 4DQ

4. RHS Spring Festival, Malvern

Perfect for any garden lover, and an integral part of the RHS cultural calendar, the Annual Malvern Spring Fair takes place in May. Delve into the world of horticulture and be inspired by innovative and thoughtful design, and leave with plenty of ideas for your own outside spaces. A new element for 2023, the festival will be placing focus on growing food. Learn tips and tricks from some of TV’s key experts, and be inspired by their kitchen garden designs.

11-13th May

RHS Malvern, Three Counties Showground, Malvern, Worcester, WR13 6NW

5. Terrarium Masterclass at The Botanical Boys

Learn all there is to know about terrariums with the expert help of London-based boutique The Botanical Boys. Build a self-sustaining living garden to take home with you, and learn about the history of terrariums with the guidance of their tutors. Layer by layer, you can put your green-fingered skills to the test, or learn from the ground up - either way you’ll leave with a terrarium to perk up a mantel piece, a bedside table, bathroom, or wherever needs a touch of nature.

13th May

Botanical Boys, Lower Stable Street, N1C 4DR.

6. Papersmiths x Jessica Smith Illustration: Customise your notebooks

Stationary heads, listen up! Join Papersmiths in their Chelsea store for a masterclass hosted by illustrator and mixed media artist Jessica Smith, who will be live-painting her playful floral designs onto their notebooks. Bring your own notebook to be transformed or purchase a brand new one in store to take a timeless piece of art home with you.

26th May

Papersmiths, 170 Pavilion Road London SW1X 0AW