Bizarre Ball
19 May
Dress to impress in your most freakish outfit and prepare for a night of burlesque dancing, risque performances and live music, as the Bizarre Ball takes over London's Coronet Theatre. Expect lots of latex, leather and loud uniforms!
London Sevens
19 May
Rugby fans can enjoy two days of action as the IRB Sevens World Series visits Twickenham. A total of 44 matches over the May Bank Holiday weekend feature teams from all of the world's top rugby-playing nations.
Chelsea Flower Show
22 May
The Chelsea Flower Show is the gardening Mecca of Europe. Some of the greatest exponents of the art exhibit imaginative garden designs over an 11-acre site at the Royal Hospital in Chelsea, creating a floral wonderland for the public to explore.
Mind Body Spirit Festival
23 May
Open your mind and release your body at the annual Mind Body Spirit Festival at the Royal Horticultural Halls. A huge range of 'alternative' goods, concepts, companies and individuals persuade you to embrace a spiritual future and a healthy lifestyle.
Skin Two Rubber Ball Weekend
26 May
London's Skin Two Rubber Ball Weekend is one of the biggest fetish gatherings in the world, with events at venues around the capital. Naturally there is a strict dress code - think tight, tight and tighter.
Sci-Fi London Film Festival
26 May
First held in 2002, the London International Festival of Science Fiction and Fantastic Film (to give it its full title) covers all genres. It ranges from premières of the latest blockbusters to a 48-hour film challenge for five-minute films, via all-nighter screenings.
Beltane Bash
27 May
Pagans, witches, wiccans, druids and shamans gather at London's Conway Hall for an extraordinary celebration of the changing season. The Beltane Bash's parades have dancing bushes, medieval giants, live music, chanting and singing. Join in with a leafy green outfit.
London International Antique Dolls, Toys, Miniatures & Teddy Bear Fair
29 May
Established for nearly 30 years, the London International Antique Dolls, Toys, Miniatures & Teddy Bear Fair attracts collectors and dealers from around the world. Now taking place at Dulwich College, find antique and new dolls, bears, miniatures and juvenilia.
Free Range
31 May
Free Range at London's Old Truman Brewery brings the very best of the country's creative talent together on one site and boasts visitor numbers to rival some of the capital's top art shows. You might even spot the next Tracey Emin!
The Derby
01 Jun
Situated on the beautiful Epsom Downs and run for more than two centuries, The Derby is the jewel in English racing's crown. Thousands flock to Epsom Downs Racecourse to watch the race. The winning rider nets one of racing's most generous prize funds.
Twenty20 Cup: Surrey Brown Caps
01 Jun
The Friends Life T20 begins with a group format in June, before quarter finals in July and Finals Day at Southampton's Rose Bowl in August. Surrey Brown Caps play their home games at The Oval in London.
Twenty20 Cup: Middlesex Panthers
01 Jun
The Friends Life T20 begins with a group format in June, before quarter finals in July and Finals Day at Southampton's Rose Bowl in August. Middlesex Panthers play their home games at Lord's, Richmond and Uxbridge.
Futureversity
02 Jun
Thousands of young Londoners can enrol on free summer courses throughout June, July and August this year. Futureversity offers a choice of over 100 subjects ranging from belly dancing and Japanese to rowing and business studies.
Polo in the Park
03 Jun
World-class polo players come to Fulham's Hurlingham Park for the three-day Polo in the Park event. The London event aims to shed the sport's elitist image, and make it accessible to more people.
International Guitar Festival
03 Jun
London's Southbank Centre and the International Guitar Foundation celebrate six-string wizardry from around the globe at this festival of the guitar. Past performers have included award-winning guitarist Tom Kerstens, Allan Holdsworth and one of Spain's leading flamenco guitarists, Gerardo Nunez.
Opera Holland Park
05 Jun
An annual summer fixture since 1989, Opera Holland Park performs fully staged opera under Holland Park Theatre's spectacular canopy. The all-new productions in 2011 comprise Don Pasquale, L'amico Fritz, Le nozze di Figaro, La rondine, Rigoletto and La Wally.
Crusaid Walk For Life
05 Jun
The Crusaid Walk For Life sees thousands taking to the streets of London for the HIV charity's biggest fundraiser of the year. To get into the spirit of things, sponsored participants are encouraged to complete the 10km stroll in fancy dress.
Graduate Fashion Week
05 Jun
Stella McCartney, Antonio Beradi and Sheila Maloney all launched their careers at London's Graduate Fashion Week, Britain's springboard for major new designers, held at Earls Court 2. Competition is fierce as students battle to impress buyers, headhunters and the press.
Royal Academy Summer Exhibition
07 Jun
The Royal Academy of Arts' famous Summer Exhibition is the world's largest open contemporary art exhibition. Paintings, sculptures, drawings and models by many distinguished artists jostle with works by unknown and emerging artists, with cash prizes and work for sale.
First Thursdays
07 Jun
On the first Thursday of every month, more than 80 of East London's art galleries stay open until 9pm. Heavyweight galleries such as the White Cube and the Barbican participate alongside smaller independent exhibition spaces, and many stage special events.
Meltdown
08 Jun
The annual Meltdown festival of contemporary music, organised by London's Southbank Centre, is programmed each year by a celebrity curator. In 2011 the artistic director is Ray Davies, lead singer and rhythm guitarist of The Kinks.
Spitalfields Festival
08 Jun
Sinc 1976 Brick Lane and, more particularly, Nicholas Hawksmoor's iconic Christ Church Spitalfields has resounded with a summer jamboree of exceptional music making. Old and new, and both professionsals and comuunity performers come together for the annual Spitalfields Festival.
L.E.D. Festival
09 Jun
The inaugural London Electronic Dance Festival takes over the city's Victoria Park with a feast of crunching beats and booming bass. French house music star David Guetta and influential UK electronic dance act Leftfield top the bill.
London International Fine Art Fair
09 Jun
Browse paintings including Old Masters, ancient Chinese ceramics, Art Deco jewellery and other sought-after treasures exhibited by British and international galleries at the annual London International Fine Art Fair. Buyers, curators and fine art aficionados fill the Olympia Exhibition Centre.
World Naked Bike Ride in London
09 Jun
Over 1000 naked, body-painted and scantily clad cyclists turn out for the annual World Naked Bike Ride in London, protesting against climate change and the tyranny of the automobile. Motorists stuck in traffic jams may get more than they bargained for...
Crisis Square Mile Run
09 Jun
This 6K fun run (or 2x3K relay race) benefits homeless charity Crisis. Starting at Paternoster Square, runners in the Crisis Square Mile Run pass the Tower of London and Tate Modern before finishing on the Millennium Bridge.
Trooping the Colour
09 Jun
Trooping the Colour is a quintessentially English experience of pomp and ceremony. A parade of the Massed Bands and Troops of the Foot Guards and Household Cavalry takes over Horse Guards Parade in Whitehall to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's birthday.
Twickenham Festival
10 Jun
Music lovers, river enthusiasts, culture vultures and party animals will enjoy the ten-day Twickenham Festival. Highlights include Morris dancing, quiz nights and al fresco dining in Church Street, which is closed to cars during weekend evenings.
London Sculpture Week
10 Jun
London Sculpture Week exhibits a wide range of sculpture from all over the world, dating from throughout history to the present day. All galleries are situated in London's Mayfair, making it easy for visitors to walk from one to another.
Royal Ascot
14 Jun
Royal Ascot is one of the grandest race meetings of the year and also a great social event. As much attention is paid to the fashions being worn as to the horses in the paddock.
BNP Paribas Tennis Classic
14 Jun
The Hurlingham Club hosts the BNP Paribas Tennis Classic, a mainly seniors tennis tournament with all-time favourites. Pat Cash, Ilie Nastase and Henri Leconte have graced the courts here, and high-calibre tennis is guaranteed.
Liberty's Summer Sale
15 Jun
Liberty's summer sale offers discounts of up to 50% across the whole range of goods: from china and glass to linen, furniture and furnishing fabrics, fashion and jewellery.
Club Kali
15 Jun
A bit of a well-kept secret, Club Kali at The Dome in Tufnell Park is an open and friendly bi-monthly gay Asian music night
Lovebox Weekender
15 Jun
Lovebox Weekender brings love, tunes and happy people to London's Victoria Park, making the most of a summer weekend with a quality line-up and plenty of festival fun. Away from the main stage you'll find DJs filling the dance arenas.
Designer Warehouse Womenswear Sale
15 Jun
Those with an eye for a real fashion bargain visit the Designer Warehouse Womenswear Sale at Islington Studios. Find catwalk samples, international designers and current collections at up to 80% off original prices. Major names include Prada, Armani and Missoni.
BP Portrait Award
16 Jun
A highlight in London's art calendar, the BP Portrait Award exhibition is held annually at the National Portrait Gallery. It showcases the winning entries of what is considered by many to be the most prestigious portrait competition in the world.
West End Live
18 Jun
West End Live transforms Leicester Square into an extravaganza of theatre, dance and music. While the stage offers free fun and family-friendly entertainment for all, the whole area is out to impress with shopping and eating to boot.
The Big Mix
18 Jun
The Big Mix has seven hours of live music spread across East London venues around Brick Lane. Café 1001, 93 Feet East, Cargo, The Brickhouse, Rough Trade, Spitalfields Market and the Vibe Bar host performances. Money raised goes to Macmillan Cancer Support.
City of London Festival
18 Jun
The pride and joy of London's "Square Mile" are its exquisite guild halls and churches, which resonate every summer during the City of London Festival. Also spilling onto the streets, the closing concert takes place at mighty St Paul's Cathedral.
Harrods Summer Sale
18 Jun
Harrods Summer Sale draws thousands of bargain hunters to the Knightsbridge store every year. Shoppers sniff out cut-price designer clothes, kitchen appliances and other goodies in the world-renowned prim and proper emporium. Arrive in the small hours, prepared to queue.
London to Brighton Bike Ride
19 Jun
Every year around 27,000 riders take part in the London to Brighton Bike Ride. This huge fundraising cycle event covers a distance of 54 miles. The ride departs from Clapham Common in South London and finishes on Brighton's seafront.
London Festival of Architecture
19 Jun
Leading architects join London's local authorities in revitalising the public's view of the city's key buildings and spaces at the biennial London Festival of Architecture. Exhibitions, walks, performances and installations aim to refresh the common view of architecture and design.
Rosenblatt Recitals
20 Jun
Bringing to London some of the finest vocal talent around, the Rosenblatt Recital Series is now an established part of London's classical music season. The one-a-month, mid-week concerts (usually Wednesdays) bring top singers to St John's, Smith Square.
Hickstead British Jumping Derby Meeting
22 Jun
Hickstead's Derby Meeting is the most exciting competition in British showjumping, drawing enthusiasts from throughout the country. The highlight of these four days is the Derby, when riders pit their wits against a fiendishly difficult and notoriously challenging course.
Hard Rock Calling
24 Jun
Hard Rock Calling in London's Hyde Park is a veritable rock music extravaganza on two huge stages. Top international stars perform every year on the park's east side, near Park Lane. Tickets sell like hot cakes, so book early.
Wimbledon Championships
25 Jun
Widely considered the world's greatest tennis tournament, top-seed players, traditional strawberries and cream and the infamous rain delays set Wimbledon apart from other Grand Slams. Some of the greatest matches of all time have been fought out here on Centre Court.
Bluesfest
27 Jun
Despite all those cuts and closures it's not all doom and gloom for London's cultural calendar. Venues throughout the city this summer play host to the inaugural Bluesfest. Featuring BB King, Booker T and others, its soundtrack is blues, soul and jazz.
Greenwich+Docklands International Festival
28 Jun
East London erupts every summer at the award-winning Greenwich+Docklands International Festival, London's longest-established free outdoor extravaganza. Spectacular performances, encompassing theatre and music, fill spaces across the Thames, connected each year by a different theme.
Wireless Festival
01 Jul
The Wireless Festival in London's Hyde Park is another of the capital's addictive outdoor summer festivals with a top line-up of international performers. There is also a market, side shows and chillout zones.
Watch This Space
01 Jul
Street theatre, music, acrobatics, comedy and spectacle from across the world provide entertainment for all ages and tastes at Watch This Space. The National's annual summer fiesta spills from the theatre and onto Theatre Square, Square 2 and the terraces.
Pride London
02 Jul
The Pride parade has firmly established itself in London and is the biggest event in the UK gay diary. The carnival atmosphere transforms central London with a flamboyant parade of floats representing the full force of Great Britain's GLBT community.
East End Film Festival
03 Jul
From Bollywood Queens to Pearly Kings, the East End Film Festival is a celebration of local and international film. Screenings depict locations throughout the world but they're all inspired by the vibrancy and diversity of London's East End.
Big Dance
03 Jul
In an attempt to get Londoners off the couch and onto their feet, the Mayor organises Big Dance every two years. Londoners can shake their hips to their preferred music at venues across the capital.
BBC Henry Wood Proms
13 Jul
Founded in 1895 by Sir Henry Wood, the Proms concerts at the Royal Albert Hall take over London's classical musical calendar every summer and, with some justification, can claim to be the greatest classical music festival in the world.
1234 Shoreditch
14 Jul
Inspired by the area's reputation as London's creative hub, the 1234 Shoreditch festival features performances from over 50 of some of the East End's most popular bands and DJs on large stages. Tickets also give you entry to after-parties.
Ardingly Antiques and Collectors Fair
19 Jul
Eagle-eyed collectors and antiques enthusiasts hunt for gems at the Ardingly Antiques and Collectors Fair, held at the South of England Showground. Hundreds of stalls sell everything from 19th-century silverware to textiles, ceramics and paintings.
Fashion Fringe
23 Jul
Part of London's Fashion Week, Fashion Fringe at Covent Garden is an annual project launched to find and nurture undiscovered British designers. Hosted by Donatella Versace, the event showcases the best in cutting-edge and iconoclastic talent.
Cartier International
24 Jul
The annual Cartier International offers world-class polo in the regal surroundings of the Guards Polo Club in Windsor Great Park. The long-running event attracts attention from media-celeb spotters, and is traditionally attended by the Queen and Prince Philip.
The Royal International Horse Show
24 Jul
Dating back to 1907, Hickstead's Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) welcomes the elite of many equestrian disciplines. There are competitions in everything from international show jumping and dressage to the very best of national showing.
Greenwich Summer Sessions
26 Jul
Top solo musicians, orchestras and groups play in the open air around the striking Old Royal Naval College to celebrate the run-up to the 2012 London Olympics. The Greenwich Summer Sessions trumpet Greenwich's heritage with six days of themed live music.
Olympics 2012- Games of the XXX Olympiad
27 Jul
Home to the 2012 Olympics, London welcomes over 205 nations to participate in the biggest international sporting event. Gear up to support your favourites win medals as the best athletes in the world come together to showcase their skills.
State Rooms at Buckingham Palace
27 Jul
During summer Buckingham Palace's doors are opened to the public, providing access to the State Rooms. Highlights include gifts the Queen has received on behalf of her subjects, like Salvador Dalí drawings and an embroidered silk scarf from Nelson Mandela.
Summer Opening of the Houses of Parliament
29 Jul
Sneak a peek inside the British Houses of Parliament, one of the world's oldest representative assemblies, during the Summer Opening. With nearly 1200 rooms and 100 staircases, the one-hour guided tour visits both debating Chambers and the great State Rooms.
London Triathlon
30 Jul
Watch sweaty contenders pumping their muscles at the London Triathlon, a gruelling trial concentrated around ExCeL London. There is a Super Sprint, a tougher Sprint, the Olympic Distance and the team relay Olympic and Sprint competitions.
MV Princess Pocahontas
19 May
Climb aboard the MV Princess Pocahontas for a guided tour along the Thames. Cruise upstream as far as London or to Greenwich, where you can visit the Maritime Museum and Cutty Sark. Sail downstream to enjoy Southend's traditional seaside amusements.
Brick Lane Curry Festival
19 May
The Brick Lane Curry Festival is a gastronomic extravaganza in London's Brick Lane, celebrating the best in curry culture. Visitors have the chance to sample some of the most tantalising cuisine from Bangladesh, India and Pakistan over two weeks.
The Cult of Beauty
19 May
Delve into an age of decadence with The Cult of Beauty, an exhibition at the V&A Museum on the Aesthetic Movement in Britain. Pieces ranging from paintings to ceramics showcase one of the most sensuously beautiful art periods in Western tradition.
Trafalgar Roof Garden
19 May
A well kept secret awaits you at the top of the Hilton Trafalgar hotel. The chic, candlelit Trafalgar Roof Garden is a great way to start a romantic night on the town or to unwind after a hard day's graft.
Chiddingstone Castle
19 May
Rescued from dereliction by antiquary Denys Bower in 1955, 15th-century Chiddingstone Castle is home to Bower's impressive collection of Japanese, Egyptian and Buddhist artefacts, including Edo period weaponry. Finish the day with a walk around the National Trust village.
Open Air Theatre Regent's Park
19 May
Forget stuffy auditoriums and enjoy the pleasures of Regent's Park Open Air Theatre. Combining natural beauty, atmosphere and choice drama, current artistic director Timothy Sheader has expanded the repertoire to programme high drama and musicals as well as Shakespeare.
Chessington World of Adventures
19 May
The Chessington World of Adventures theme park is just a short drive or train journey from London and a great day out for adrenalin-starved kids and their excited parents. Apart from countless rides, there's a zoo and Sea Life Centre.
Chantry Heritage Centre
19 May
The Chantry Heritage Centre is a small museum housed within a 14th-century chapel. Inside there is an ornate Jacobean staircase and displays on Gravesend's local industries and Roman history, including Roman coins excavated from nearby Springhead.
Hauteville House
19 May
Hauteville House was the home of 19th-century French Romantic writer Victor Hugo during his years in exile in Guernsey from 1856 to 1870. The house remains as the author left it, and the interior mixes classical style with idiosyncratic touches.
Lufthansa Festival of Baroque Music
19 May
London's Lufthansa Festival of Baroque Music takes over the churches of St John's - Smith Square, St Peter's - Eaton Square and Westminster Abbey every summer. Concerts range from little-known gems of early 17th-century repertoire to large-scale masterpieces of the late baroque.
The Mousetrap
19 May
The country house murder mystery by Agatha Christie marches into another exhilarating year. Not knowing that it would become the longest-running play in the world ever, Dame Agatha whimsically gave the revenues to her grandson! He must be a millionaire a few times over.
Dreamboats and Petticoats
19 May
Based on million-selling rock 'n' roll compilation albums, the stage musical Dreamboats and Petticoats moves from the Savoy Theatre to the Playhouse Theatre.
Hatfield House
19 May
Chosen as the home for Henry VIII's children, Hatfield House is a gem in Hertfordshire's crown. Visitors can see tapestries, furniture and works of art in the house and explore the extensive gardens.
Down House
19 May
Step into Charles Darwin's slippers and explore Down House, in which he wrote and researched his revolutionary On The Origin of Species series. Watch bees building their honeycomb or pace his Sandwalk path and come up with your own theories.
Tottenham Hotspur FC 2011/12
19 May
Spurs play their home matches at White Hart Lane. The Premier League runs between August and May and full fixture lists can be found on the club websites. Please note: games may be rearranged due to cup or television commitments.
A Room for London
19 May
London's rolling skyline accommodates an unusual embellishment in 2012: a rickety boat moored atop the Southbank Centre. It's actually the result of 'A Design for London', a competition to design a temporary residence for the Olympic year.
Ghost The Musical
19 May
The latest film-to-stage-musical, Ghost The Musical, arrives at London's Piccadilly Theatre. Bruce Joel Rubin revisits his original screenplay for the 1990 classic weepie starring Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore and Whooppi Golderbg. Ex-Eurythmic Dave Stewart provides the music with Glen Ballard.
Crofton Roman Villa
19 May
Touch ancient Roman objects like coins and pottery, excavated at Crofton Roman Villa in Orpington. Evidence of underfloor heating within the ten rooms of this former farming estate reveals the sophistication of Roman life.
Concrete and Glass Festival
19 May
Shoreditch is the setting and inspiration for the Concrete and Glass Festival, which shows off cutting-edge talent in music and contemporary art. The festival takes place in various music venues and gallery spaces around London's Hoxton Square.

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