Get summer started nicely with these hot events, all around the UK this May
8th, 9th, 10th and 11th: Hidden Gems Live Tour (Coventry, Leicester, Manchester and London)
We’re big supporters of upcoming talent here at Pride – and if you are too, we recommend you grabbing a ticket to Hidden Gems Live Tour, hitting Coventry (8th), Leicester (9th), Manchester (10th) and London (11th) this May. Featuring artists Tray Avlon, Lemzi and Exclusive Collective, it’s dedicated to bringing great acts to bigger stages – and it’s well-deserved! Catch them before they blow up…
Tickets: hiddengemslivetour.co.uk
From 11th: Yola: Walk Through Fire (Multiple UK dates)
You might assume that country and soul are two genres that don’t mesh – but UK singer Yola melts both styles together for something fresh and beautiful. She embarks on her first UK tour, following the release of her new album, Walk Through Fire, back in February. Her soulful voice and intriguing play on sounds gives just enough to get you hooked on her. Tickets and info: iamyola.com/live
15th: Lemonade RE:MADE (London)
Hold Up! Before you think about smashing someone’s windows this month, take a trip to XOYO to hear an orchestral rendition of Beyoncé’s much-loved album, Lemonade, in celebration of the masterpiece’s third birthday. The music will be also be accompanied by the sttuning visual album to beat your hump day blues – the only thing missing is the Queen Bey herself! Returning for just one night, after its previous versions being continuously sold out, we pray you catch one of the most forward-thinking productions that London has to offer.
Tickets and info: search ‘Lemonade’ on www.eventbrite.com
Opens 17th: King Hedley II (London)
Fans of the theatre take note, as Lenny Henry makes his Stratford East debut featuring in August Wilson’s touching and ferocious drama as the smooth-talking hustler, Elmore. Set in 1980s Pittsburgh, against the backdrop of Reagan’s America, King, King Hedley II tells the story of an ex-con, who is trying to rebuild his life and start a family. Until Sat 15th June.
Tickets and info: stratfordeast.com
25th – 27th: Black Girls Camping Trip (London)
Put on your wellies, grab your leave-in conditioner and fold up your durags for an annual camping trip in London. Founded by Tianna Johnson to dismantle the idea of black girls not camping, surround yourself with other melanin-enriched queens to unload and unplug from your booked & busy lifestyle, and sleep facing the stars for the weekend.
For tickets and sign-up info: blackgirlscampingtrip.co.uk
26th: Marcus Miller (London)
It’s always a pleasure to see someone who’s a boss at their art demonstrate it live, and right in front of your eyes. For fans of jazz, this is an unmissable opportunity to watch one of the genre’s foremost figures perform, as bassist Marcus Miller takes to the stage of the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall for one night only. Performing tracks from recent album ‘Laid Black’, he incorporates elements of trap, hip-hop, R&B and gospel into his sound for an exhilarating show. Tickets: http://bit.ly/2VobTkX
From 28th: Sean Paul (UK tour)
The dancehall legend that we’re all still loving has announced a set of dates for a tour in the UK after giving us Boasty hits with Stefflon Don, Wiley, Jhene Aiko and many more! Get Busy and fling ya shoulders to the classic beats that he has blessed us with over the years, at locations including Hull, Newcastle, Nottingham, Glasgow, Brighton and Liverpool.
Tickets and location dates: ticketmaster.com
31st May – 2nd June: The Ends Festival (Croydon)
There’s a huge wave of festivals hitting us early this year, but if you have a little FOMO this summer, The Ends festival is a brand new music and food festival that you’d be clever to dip your toes into. The weekender takes place in Croydon’s Lloyd Park, and will provide us with plenty to enjoy, so sip your drinks and bite your burgers to the sounds of Nas, Wizkid, Damien Marley, Nao, Maleek Berry and more!
Tickets and info: theendsfestival.co.uk