My BABY (he’s almost 10) has gone away on a residential school trip to swing on ropes and learn to canoe! We have followed the packing list to the letter, but – if his previous trip is anything to go by – most of the ‘essential’ items will no doubt return neatly folded and unworn, and he’ll still be wearing the same pants he left home in! I know he will have the most amazing time, grow 2-inches and age 5-years, but I will miss him terribly. Fortunately, there are lots of things going on around Dulwich this month to take my mind off it.

The 2019 Dulwich Festival celebrates its 26thyear (10-19 May) with the theme of ‘belonging’ running through the events. Join the celebration with an array of different music, performances, events and exhibitions.

The popular Artists’ Open House will happen throughout both weekends of the Festival (11-12 and 18-19 May) with over 200 artists opening their doors this year.

The Dulwich Festival Fair on Goose Green is back (12 May) and bursting with more family fun than ever. The Love West Dulwich Spring Fair (18 May) will take place on Croxted, Park Hall and Rosendale Roads; and the Dulwich Park Fair (19 May) ends the week-long Dulwich Festival with a funfair, Vauxhall City Farm, Punch and Judy, the Magician, interactive performances and a dog show.

Brockwell Lido will host The Modern Movement again this year (4-5 May) – a festival celebrating 20th century design with a range of specially selected dealers and architects selling a range of classic vintage furniture, jewellery and object d’art set against the backdrop of the art deco Grade II listed lido building.

Green Rooms Market will be taking over Peckham’s finest food hall on Level 6 at Peckham Levels (5 May).  Specially selected botanical sellers and makers will come together for a plant and food-filled day.

The LinkAge Southwark Open Gardens are returning for 2019 (12 and 31 May). Enjoy the summer sunshine in a beautiful Dulwich garden. Next month, there will be a rare opportunity to visit a selection of gardens in Frank Dixon Way and Frank Dixon Close (9 June). Each house and garden is completely unique with some interesting plants and features – including buses and a train!

If you’ve ever fancied releasing your inner Stevie Nicks (ALWAYS) then why not head over to the Ivy House for live band karaoke (14 June) and sing your little heart out on stage in front of a great crowd? I might have just had a ‘Stevie’ inspired fringe cut back in, but sadly I can’t hold a tune.

Life, Love and Other Stuff is a day retreat at Bell House (15 June) providing a supportive environment for people experiencing emotional or physical exhaustion, feeling a reduced sense of accomplishment, struggling with imposter syndrome, feeling on the edge of burnout, or simply in need of some quality time out. The day is geared to refresh and inspire with talks, mindful movement, workshop exercises and a mindful walk to help you better navigate the stresses and strains of everyday life.

Details of all local events including ticket and booking information can be found on our events page and on Instagram @arounddulwich.