Things to do at home during lockdown: The best online and virtual events taking place over bank holiday weekend

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Harry Fletcher21 May 2020

The second bank holiday of the month is upon us, and there’s an extra day to get involved in some of the best events and attractions happening online to keep people occupied

Thankfully, London has been busy moving its cultural output online, and millions of us have been tuning in for theatre, comedy and art exhibitions from our sofas.

There’s good news for foodies, too, with more restaurants opening for delivery, and cinemas hopeful of opening soon.

These are our top picks of the things to get up to online over the weekend – make sure to check out our main guides for things to keep yourself occupied at home and new hobbies to try out too.​

Join a homage to the Boss with a Hungry Heart Requests Special

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This club night is dedicated entirely to Bruce Springsteen, and will be taking requests all night long in this latest live-stream, which has been scheduled in recognition of Mental Health Awareness week at 8pm on Saturday.

Take part in a wellness festival for Mental Health Awareness Week

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Kindness is the theme of free online event Getahead, which is welcoming people to get involved with a programme of yoga, mental health panel discussions, interactive workouts and much more from 9am on Friday. Tickets are free but donations to Refuge, NHS Charities Together and the Trussell Trust are welcomed.

Party with an Insta Live set from one of the best bars in the world

Lyaness – one of the best bars in the world – is hosting a five-hour DJ set on its Instagram page to celebrate the bank holiday weekend. Tune in from 5pm on Monday to see Lyaness’ resident record spinner Martin 2 Smoove play everything from funk to soul, disco and hip hop, as well as spots from LDN HRLM, DJ Andy Purnell, Volatile, DJ Cable and DJ Santero.

Enjoy a Bristol Takeover Online with Colston Hall

A virtual festival shining a light on Bristol’s music scene and arts spaces is taking place in collaboration with Music Venue Trust’s Save Our Venues campaign on Saturday from 3pm. Artists like Ishmael Ensemble, Melt Yourself Down, No Go Stop, Pictish Trail, Rachael Dadd, Run Logan Run and Three Cane will all be performing.

Tune in for Defected Virtual Festival

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Defected’s online streams have been one of the best things about lockdown, and it’s going out with a bang with the last DJ marathon of the series. Carl Cox, Idris Elba and MK are among the line-up for this one, which runs from 2pm-9pm on Friday.

Tune in for Digital Drag Fest

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A celebration of all things drag has been taking place online over the past few weeks thanks to Digital Drag Fest, and the good news for fans is that the virtual event has been extended until May 31. Tune in each day to see Frankie Grande’s Livin’ La Vida Grande show on May 23 and next week see Todrick Hall’s Beyonce tribute on May 29, among many others. Buy your tickets now.

Settle in for a weekend of live music with Radio 1’s Big Weekend

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Radio 1’s three-day festival moves online for the first time ever, but it’s pulling no punches with the line-up — expect sets from Stormzy, Billie Eilish, AJ Tracey and plenty more across the weekend. Check out our guide for more information.

Take part in a cocktail masterclass with Bombay Sapphire

Learn to fix the perfect cocktail with artist and illustrator Joey Yu and mixologist Franck Dedieu, as part of the latest instalment of the Stir Creativity at Home series with Bombay Sapphire. The masterclass held over Zoom will see guests perfect their mixology skills and create ‘windowscape’ illustrations, taking inspiration from their surroundings. Tune in from 6.30pm on Friday.

Join Laura Whitmore and Jessie Ware for Google's Nest Sessions

Laura Whitmore is the host of Google’s new Nest Sessions, helping listeners to relax over the weekend from May 23. Jessie Ware, Olly Alexander, Celeste, Sam Tompkins and Mae Muller have all taken part, with music, home activities and chat to enjoy from 10am each day. Say “Ok Google, talk to Nest Sessions” or visit the YouTube page to get involved.

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