London is the perfect city to visit during the summertime, not only for the great weather but also for the top activities and attractions in London’s exciting event calendar! From the most famous street carnival in Europe to spectacular theater performances in the park, the city becomes a thriving hub of activity for both visitors and locals alike. We have listed our favorite events and attractions for your visit to London this August and September.
The Notting Hill Carnival
The August Bank Holiday can mean only one thing – it’s carnival time! A visit to Europe’s largest street festival will guarantee a day out filled with the most incredible live music, which will no doubt get you into the party spirit. The carnival first came about in 1964, and has since inspired people the world over to come together in celebration of music and dance.
As well as the incredible live music, which includes Reggae and the famous steel bands, you can expect to sample some delicious Caribbean food. In fact, there’s even a recipe for Jerk Chicken on The Notting Hill Carnival website if you fancy making the recipe for yourself. Alternatively, you could head over to West London between 30th–31st August to sample the delights of London’s most spectacular street carnival for yourself!
Click here to find out more details, including times and transport links.
Somerset House – Film4 Summer Screen
For movie fans, one of the must-see events of the season is the annual Film4 Summer Screen which takes place in the regal courtyard of Somerset House. This spectacular outdoor setting is so impressive you might forget that you are actually there to see a movie as it’s hard not to admire the neoclassical architecture of one of London’s most beautiful buildings. The movie line-up this year is particularly impressive, with titles such as West Side Story, Roman Holiday, Withnail & I, The Silence of the Lambs and The Graduate. You can also see some of the latest movie releases, so if you would prefer a more contemporary movie-going experience, there is also a great selection to choose from. You are also guaranteed a spectacular view as you’ll be watching the movie on London’s largest outdoor screen. This is always a very popular event, so to avoid any disappointment, click here for details on movie times and to book your tickets in advance.
The Film4 Summer Screen at Somerset House runs between the 6th-19th August.
BBC Proms at The Royal Albert Hall
The musical event of the season kicks off on Friday 17th July with the greatest classical event, The Proms! Every year the Royal Albert Hall is the venue to be for fans of classical music. Over the two months you can expect some of the most famous names gracing the iconic stage, as well as the latest acts on the classical music scene. This year’s highlights include conductor Sir Simon Rattle, pianist Leif Ove Andsnes and the Vienna Philharmonic.
The most sought-after ticket of the two month-long extravaganza is the famous Last Night of the Proms, which always guarantees a night of spectacular music and certainly is a night not to be missed!
The BBC Proms runs from Friday 17th July – Saturday 12th September. Click here to book your tickets.
Regent’s Park Open Air Theater
A night at the theater is always an exciting way to spend an evening out, particularly in the idyllic surroundings of Regent’s Park. What makes this place so special is the jovial atmosphere that is created. People enjoying picnics on the grass, for instance, making the most of the balmy summer evenings. Throughout August and September, they are running two wonderful shows, the first is the popular musical Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, which will run from 16th July-29th August. And if you can’t make it to the theater in August, they are putting on a production of William Golding’s Lord of the Flies from 3rd–12th September. A night at the theater in London’s beautiful Regent’s Park is not to be missed!
Click here to book your theater tickets.
National Portrait Gallery – Audrey Hepburn: Portraits of an Icon
The iconic movie star, Audrey Hepburn, is celebrated in this stunning photographic exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery, which will run from the 2nd July through to the 18th October. This special event charts Audrey’s early career as a chorus girl through to silver screen super-stardom, and also her later humanitarian and charity work. Audrey’s timeless style and elegance has captured the imaginations of audiences for years, and continues to do so right through to the present day. This exhibition has over seventy images, and from some of the world’s most celebrated photographers, including Cecil Beaton and Richard Avedon.
Click here to find out more details on this very special exhibition.
Kew Gardens: Full of Spice Summer Festival 2015
A visit to the stunning Kew Gardens has been given a spicy twist with their new summer festival which celebrates the amazing spices we use every day and the history behind them. This festival has a jam-packed schedule, which includes: workshops, talks and even the opportunity to enjoy some delicious food! You also have the chance to sample a spice-infused cocktail at their pop-up botanical bar. Kew Gardens is a wonderful place to visit during the summer months, so for your chance to experience the delights of this summer festival, make sure you book your tickets as it runs until 6th September, 2015.
Click here for more details on this and other festivals they are currently running at Kew Gardens.
Royal Opera House – Casablanca: Live
A night at the famed Royal Opera House in London’s Covent Garden is a spectacular event to add to your social calendar. This particular operatic stage is famous for its traditional work as well as introducing new stories and performances to the world-famous stage. This summer you can experience something a little different as one of the most iconic films ever to grace the silver screen – Casablanca – will be screened in their auditorium. This is no ordinary screening though as it will be accompanied by the Cinematic Sinfonia! For fans of the film and live music, this is an evening not to be missed.
The performance will be shown on the 7th and 8th August, 2015.
Click here to book tickets to this cinematic and musical extravaganza.
