It has - to my surprise - taken quite a long time to have a look online for events going on in and around Richmond this May Day Bank Holiday, which spurred me on the list as many events and ideas as I could for you here (plus one or two for the future).
If you know of other family events, activities or days out we can enjoy on 1st 2nd and 3rd May, then feel free to let us know and share your suggestions with others by leaving a comment below (it's simple to do and you don't have to register).
We especially need more ideas for family days out.
Whether it's a wander round Ham House in Richmond, or a visit to the Kingston Museum, there's plenty of culture to be had this weekend in Richmond. I'm tempted by a day at Hampton Court Palace - it's years since I've been there and they have some great tours and attractions on now.
Magnyfycence
Hampton Court Palace
1st May - 2nd May 2010
A play by John Skelton
Great Hall 7.30pm
Tickets £20, wine included
Magnyfycence is a satire on Henry's court, and a warning against the abuse of power and wealth. Slapstick comedy with a sting in its tail, it is also a drama of the roles we all play.
Army v Navy
Babcock Trophy - Rugby
Saturday 1st May 2010
Twickenham Rugby Museum & Stadium
Rugby Road, Twickenham, Middlesex, TW1 1DZ
£18 - £20, £10 concessions
Bearcat Comedy
Saturday 1st May 2010
The Turk's Head
Winchester Road, St Margarets, Twickenham TW1 1LF
8.00pm for 8.45pm
£15 non-members, £12 members
Enjoy the Dawn Chorus in Richmond Park, with the Friends of Richmond Park.
If you can get yourself up in time to meet at 5.00am on Saturday 1st May 2010, then this early morning stroll could just set the tone of a relaxing and special weekend.
Kew Gardens
It's hard to beat the beauty and diversity of colours during Spring at Kew Gardens - officially from 17th February to 28th May 2010
There are plently of other events and activities on at Kew in the coming weeks and months; here are just two:
International Garden Photographer of the Year Exhibition
1st May - 26th Sept 2010
An exhibition of winning entries from the 2009 competition. Walk amongst enlarged photographs and admire the photographic skill, stunning colours and wonderful garden shots all displayed in an outdoor gallery.
There are lots of different guided walks and exhibitions at Kew Gardens throughout the year, many of them starting this weekend - for example Biodiversity in Native British Woodland
1st May - 26th June
Guided walks round Kew's conservation area
And Biodiversity - What's It All About?
1st May - 30 September
Did you know that every breath we take depends on plants?
Discover what biodiversity means and why it’s so important.
Find out about biodiversity hotspots, the importance of the rainforest, plant and animal interdependence and Kew’s conservation work around the world.
Kids Art Club
Saturday 1st May and Sat 22nd May 2010
£12 per child per session, 10.00am to 12noon
Land Mark Arts Centre
Tel: 020 8977 7558
Spring at Kilmorey
1.00-5.00pm
Kilmorey Mausoleum
St Margarets Road, St Margarets, Twickenham
020 8891 5455
Celebrate May Day by discovering one of Richmond's most historic yet least known buildings. The egyption style mausoleum was built in 1854 by Lord Kilmorey for his young mistress Priscilla Hoste.
It is now a grade II listed property and is surrounded by an award-winning wildlife garden which will also be open to the public for FREE on the open day.
The Art Agency Launch Exhibition
Sat 1 - Mon 3 May 2010
10:00am - 5:00pm Sat and Sun
10:00am - 4:00pm Mon
theartagency.co.uk is an exciting new art agency selling orginal art work by British contemporary artists including photography by Xander Casey, landscapes by Felicity Keefe, Graham Towler, Katherine le Hardy, sculpture by Guy Reid and abstract art by Esther Hartley
Tel: 020 8977 7558
Sheen Folk/Blues Festival
Saturday 1st May 2010
12:30 - 4:30pm
East Sheen Library
Sheen Lane, Sheen
An open air celebration of acoustic music from a marquee outside Sheen Library, with a variety of guest performers including Bo Taylor, well-known troubadour on the UK folk circuit.
Sunday 2nd May 2010 is Random Huggers Day!
However one of my favourite events listed for this coming Bank Holiday weekend is one by the Random Huggers.
On Sunday 2nd May 2010 the Random Huggers will be dispensing their unique brand of harmony by hugging anything that moves, between 11.00am and 2.00pm on the Richmond Riverside next to Richmond Bridge (coinciding with other events elsewhere on the same day).
With aspirations of going global in 2010, the Random Huggers will also be hosting events in Hong Kong, New Zealand and South Africa. Closer to home, they also have two events planned in Central London, one in Brighton and one in Scotland.
Richmond Theatre
Ruby Wax in Losing It
23rd May 7.30pm
Is Ruby Wax losing it? Find out as the fabulously frank comedian joins musician Judith Owen at Richmond Theatre.
Agatha' Christie's
Witness For The Prosecution
10th - 15th May
In a world where everyone seems to be harbouring a dark secret, this gripping courtroom drama will keep you guessing until the final fatal moment.
Silas Van Der Bas
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Thank you for reading thebestof Richmond Blog. If you have something to say about the London Borough of Richmond and what's going on for you, we'd love to hear from you. Come and blog with us: email richmond@thebestof.co.uk
TheBestOfRichmond Blog - what's on, where and why
Silas Van Der Bas is a freelance writer and photographer with The Little White Studio.
