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Spring into action for the May Bank Holidays
The arrival of spring heralds the promise of warmer weather and the chance to get out and about and enjoy the many activities on offer in the region. With two Bank Holidays to look forward to in May, Southampton Staff Connects takes the opportunity to explore what you could get up to over the long weekends. Here is just a sample of some of the exciting events on offer.
2-13 May
Circus Vegas Mayflower Park, Southampton
The death-defying circus comes to Southampton in May with a show featuring the most talented performers from across the globe. Merging Las Vegas traditions and contemporary styles, with acts ranging from extreme stunts and the high wire, to classic clown escapades and a troupe of dancers, audiences are in for a night to remember.
6 May
Bill Frisell and Thomas Morgan, Small Towns, Turner Sims
If you fancy sitting back and enjoying a musical interlude, then Turner Sims has something for you. Hot on the heels of the announcement that Arts Council England has awarded the concert venue significant funding to launch Jazz South, Turner Sims continues with a storming jazz series for spring.
Bill Frisell will be performing on Sunday 6 May. The multiple Grammy Award-winner is one of the most admired and influential musicians across contemporary music. The American guitarist, composer and arranger’s unmistakable trademark sound has seen him collaborate with a staggering range of artists from jazz, rock, film, and beyond – including Paul Motian, Elvis Costello, Paul Simon, Charles Lloyd, Bonnie Raitt, and John Scofield.
8-12 May
Education, Education, Education,Nuffield Southampton Theatres
The Wardrobe Ensemble bring their award-winning comedy to NST Campus on their UK tour. Education, Education, Education takes us back to 1997 in a homage to the schools and music of the 90s. Combining the Ensemble’s trademark inventive theatricality and irreverent humour, the performance asks some big questions about a country in special measures with energy and passion.
Common People, 26-27 May
12 May-18 August
ARTIST ROOMS: Gerhard Richter, John Hansard Gallery
If you prefer the world of visual art, then why not pop along to the new John Hansard Gallery, opening on 12 May.
The opening exhibition in the Gallery’s brand new purpose built home at Studio 144 in Southampton’s Guildhall Square will see all spaces within the new gallery devoted to Gerhard Richter works, drawn from the ARTIST ROOMS collection as well as the artist’s own studio.
Gerhard Richter is one of the world’s most significant artists of the 20th and 21st centuries, and the John Hansard Gallery presents a solo exhibition that includes significant examples selected from Richter’s wide-ranging practice over the past five decades, including painting, photography, tapestry and print.
25-26 May
Tipping Point,Nuffield Southampton Theatres
Ockham’s Razor’s latest show comes to NST City for two spellbinding evenings of aerial theatre. Five performers, enclosed within a circle, transform simple metal poles into rich landscapes of teetering worlds, balancing on their fingertips, suspended from the roof, swinging and climbing and supporting each other.
26 May
Before Dusk and After Dark, Winchester Science Centre
The South of England’s family-friendly, hands-on, interactive science and technology centre is home to the largest standalone planetarium cinema in the UK.
Before Dusk gives you and your family the opportunity to enjoy an experience after exploring the Science Centre, with an after-hours, immersive journey through space, which includes a live planetarium show where you will be taken on a tour of the visible night sky.
After Dark is a chance for adults to satisfy their own curiosity in science and explore the exhibitions in a child-free event. The evening also includes live, presenter-led planetarium experiences and is strictly for those over the age of 18.
26-27 May
Common People, Southampton Common
Southampton’s two-day festival returns with Lily Allen, James and The Jacksons headlining. Enjoy a weekend of singalong favourites, disco delights and music for all tastes, as well as a range of amusements, including a gin festival, the world’s largest disco ball and family favourites, Peppa Pig. This Bank Holiday weekend of entertainment are brought to you by the multi-award winning Bestival team.
If you would like to know what else is on offer from Arts at University of Southampton visit the website for the latest events, news and opinion pieces.
