A massive country show in South London is set to become the capital's largest farm festival following the cancellation of the Lambeth Country Show. The Vauxhall May Fair will take place over two days, Saturday, May 16, and Sunday, May 17, at Vauxhall City Farm and Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens. The event runs from 11am to 5pm each day and offers free entry to all visitors.
Activities and Attractions
Attendees can enjoy a wide range of activities, including sheep shearing, wool spinning, seed planting, and petting zones with cute small animals. The fair also features live music, storytelling, and Morris dancing. A barbecue will be available, and food and drink can be purchased at the farm or brought as a picnic. No booking is required, so visitors can simply show up and join the fun.
Family Trail and Anniversary
A family trail will guide youngsters on an all-encompassing tour of Vauxhall City Farm, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. The trail includes animal paddocks and a venture into Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens. While most activities are free, donations to the farm are welcome and encouraged. There is a small charge for face painting.
Vauxhall Tree Week
The May Fair is part of Vauxhall Tree Week, running from May 10 to May 17. This week includes tree walks through Vauxhall's urban landscape, community roundtable meetings, and a screening of the film "The Happy Man Tree" at The Cinema Museum on Sunday, May 10.
Cancellation of Lambeth Country Show
The cancellation of this year's Lambeth Country Fair was described as "shocking" by opposition councillors. A Lambeth Labour spokesperson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that this year's event would have cost £1.1 million. This includes the £400,000 it cost the council to run in 2025 plus £700,000 extra normally saved by using Brockwell Live's infrastructure and staff.
Vauxhall May Fair takes place on Saturday, May 16, and Sunday, May 17, at Vauxhall City Farm. Stay up to date about London's hottest events, latest restaurant openings, and best deals with our Going Out Out newsletter.
