LONDON

SightseeingWith Beatrice Yeatman-BiggsSIGHTSEEINGWhat’s hotPUPPET IMAGE © ALTERNATIVE ARTS FESTIVAL; LONG FARM LIBRARY BY THOMAS MILLS © GRAND DESIGNS LIVE; STREET ART BY DAVID WALKER COURTESY OF ALTERNATIVELONDON TOURS; RABBIT IMAGE COURTESY OF THE LONDON PET SHOWOn 12 May The May Fayre And Puppet Festival will be celebratingthe fine art of puppetry with performances from Punch And JudyProfessors and Puppeteers from around the country. The day willstart with a grand procession around Covent Garden, followed by aspecialist church service with Mr Punch in the pulpit, puppet shows,workshops and stalls, folk music and maypole dancing. Food anddrinks refreshments will be served throughout the day.St Paul’s Church Garden, Bedford Street, WC2E 9ED. 020 7375 0441. punchandjudy.com/coventgarden.htm Ë Covent Garden. Map B6.Get streetwise about artGreat works of art are not just limited to churches,galleries and museums. Over the years, more andmore street artists have emerged, their talentsadorning the walls of the city. The streets providean outlet for controversial artists, such as Banksy,to voice their political views. The Alternative LondonWalking Tour takes you on an informative journeythrough the East End of London, where visitorscan see a varied range of artwork from around40 artists. As street art is constantly evolving, sodoes the nature of each tour, meaning that each isfresh and exciting. Furthermore, Alternative Londonare offering their new East London Market Tours,where you will be guided around the best shopsand stalls, from those selling antique furniture, toflowers, fashion and food.Alternative London Tours, p. 46.A Grand Design for aninspirational day outKevin McCloud, the property expert of televisionprogramme, Grand Designs fame, is heading to Londonto host contemporary home show Grand Designs Live,from 4-12 May. More than 500 exhibitors will displaytheir creations in this impressive collection, which will becategorised into: buildings; interiors; kitchens; bathrooms;gardens and technology. Visitors can shop from countlessproducts that are not yet available on the high street andfind inspiration in hundreds of pieces. Free consultationsand seminars will be offered to visitors, as well as cookingdemonstrations and debates given by Kevin McCloud,on topical issues surrounding homes and designs.ExCeL, One Western Gateway, Royal Victoria Dock,E16 1XL. 020 3225 5200. granddesignslive.comË Custom House. Map inset.Animal antics at the London Pet ShowHave you ever seen a skateboarding chicken? If your answer is no, then thegood news is; now you can. From 11-12 May, The London Pet Show 2013will give you the chance to witness all manner of animals, from felines andcanines to guinea pigs and geckos. The show will be divided into zones ondogs, cats, ‘small furries’ and exotic and aquatic animals, and each will haveits own talks and demonstrations given by the UK’s leading animal experts.Earls Court Two, Lillie Road, SW5 9TA. 020 8995 5006. londonpetshow.co.uk Ë West Brompton. Off map.May 2013|LONDON PLANNER|visitlondon.com |29