16-22 MAY 2015
Saturday
Sevens heaven
London’s Twickenham Stadium hosted the England leg of the Sevens World Series. Tens of thousands of rugby fans went to the two-day event, where the US triumphed, beating Australia 45-22 in the final.
Sunday
Play day gains sway
Playtime topped the agenda for National Children’s Day, organised by the Save Childhood Movement. The event was established by the UN in 1954 but has only been officially marked in the UK since 2013.
Monday
Flying colours
Nervous new MPs were greeted by 80 hand-sewn flags flapping in Parliament Square. They were designed by primary children to celebrate the 750th anniversary of political representation in the UK.
Tuesday
Clearing the Eire
Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall began a four-day visit to the Republic of Ireland, his first since 2002. In a historic meeting, the prince shook hands with Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams.
Wednesday
Bearded bard
What’s here? The portrait of a blinking idiot? Quite the contrary - what experts claim to be the only image of William Shakespeare from his lifetime, bearded and holding some sweetcorn, was published in Country Life.
Thursday
Feet of strength
For One Day Without Shoes, people posted pictures of their bare feet online using the hashtag #WithoutShoes. The campaign aims to raise awareness of children without adequate footwear around the world.
Friday
Gay marriage goes to the vote
Just over a year after legislation allowing same-sex marriage came into force in England, a referendum is being held in the Republic of Ireland to ask voters whether the country should follow suit.
23-29 MAY 2015
Saturday
Nul points? Non merci
Get ready to warble like Engelbert Humperdinck - it’s the 60th Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna, Austria. The UK’s representatives, Electro Velvet, will compete for points with Still in Love with You.
Sunday
Join the mile-long club
It might not beat the London Marathon for intensity, but the Westminster Mile will be more than a match for an anticipated 16,000 runners. The race starts at the Mall and finishes at Buckingham Palace.
Monday
Celebrate geeks, you must
Dust off your Darth Vader costume for Geek Pride Day. The celebration coincides with the anniversary of the first Star Wars film being released in 1977 and Towel Day, a tribute to the late writer Douglas Adams.
Tuesday
Make your pitch
If you need an excuse to drop your marking, run to the hills and join thousands of muddy campers munching marshmallows, now’s your chance. It’s the 15th National Camping and Caravanning Week.
Wednesday
Pomp and Parliament
The Queen will make her way to Westminster in a grand procession for the State Opening of Parliament. The Queen’s Speech will outline the political priorities of the newly elected Conservative government.
Thursday
Demokratia for all
Despite being the birthplace of democracy, Greece took longer than many countries to adopt universal suffrage. Greek women were first granted the right to vote and stand for election in 1952.
Friday
It was the best of times.
Pupils going through hard times reading a Charles Dickens novel can have great expectations about the Rochester Dickens Festival. Don’t be offended if you encounter a right Scrooge wandering the streets.
