August Bank Holiday fun: Best things to do in London
From enjoying day trips to indulging in weekend-long festivals, here’s a list of the top activities to partake in while in London during the upcoming bank holiday from August 26th to 28th.
1 Battersea Park In Concert
During this August bank holiday weekend, the air will be filled with the harmonious melodies of music as a series of open-air concerts take center stage. Leading the lineup, the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra will inaugurate the sequence with “A Night at the Musicals,” a performance showcasing timeless melodies from West End sensations. This enchanting evening will feature an array of guest star vocalists adding their flair. Following suit, “Proms in the Park” will grace the scene, where the orchestra returns to present a repertoire of masterpieces composed by luminaries such as Tchaikovsky, Elgar, and Puccini. Anticipate the crescendo of the concert marked by a dazzling fireworks display. Wrapping up this musical extravaganza, Gabrielle, three decades after her chart-topping debut single “Dreams,” will command the stage alongside an ensemble of skilled musicians and performers.
- Date: Saturday, August 26 to Monday, August 28
- Time: From 4.30pm; 2pm Monday
- Tickets: From £18.85
- Address: Battersea Park SW11 4NJ
- Website: batterseaparkinconcert.com
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2 West End Drag Brunch, Liverpool Street
Drake & Morgan’s establishment, The Otherist, reintroduces its West End Drag Brunch series, commencing this upcoming bank holiday. As you indulge in delectable offerings like crispy chicken and waffles or the delectable superstraccia and nduja tortellini, comprising a two-course brunch that can be enjoyed limitlessly, relish in the spectacular performances of death-drops, sassy demeanor, and perfectly synchronized lip syncs. These captivating displays are brought to you by a talented ensemble of queens who have graced the stages of the West End.
- Dates: Sunday, August 27; 1pm-4pm
- Tickets: £49.95
- Address: The Otherist by Drake & Morgan 111 Old Broad Street, EC2N 1AP
- Website: shop.drakeandmorgan.co.uk
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3 RVT Sports Day, Vauxhall
The yearly sports day at The Royal Vauxhall Tavern offers a delightful and lighthearted experience, particularly enjoyable on sunny days. Taking place in the area behind the renowned gay pub located in south London, this sports day features teams participating in unconventional sports that don’t make an appearance at the Olympics. Activities include the tug of war, the 50m mince, handbag toss, drag race relay, and even rhythmic gymnastics. Notably, this event serves as a charitable initiative, contributing funds to LGBT HERO, an organization dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ individuals in leading healthier lives.
- Date: Monday, August 28; 1pm-5pm
- Tickets: Free to watch
- Address: The Royal Vauxhall Tavern, 372 Kennington Lane, Vauxhall SE11 5HY
- Website: vauxhalltavern.com
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4 Victorian Vauxhall at the Pleasure Gardens
London’s foremost event from the Victorian era, the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, is organizing a festive gathering that pays homage to its illustrious past. Named “Victorian Vauxhall,” this event is a nostalgic return to the era of yore, featuring an array of vintage games, captivating circus performances, and engaging activities for all to enjoy. Put your juggling, diabolo, and poi talents to the test, along with mastering the arts of hula hooping and plate-spinning. The event also offers dance and music workshops, as well as creative crafts tailored for children.
- Date: Saturday, August 26; 2pm-7pm
- Tickets: Free, but ticketed
- Address: Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens Vauxhall Walk, Vauxhall SE11 5HL
- Website: eventbrite.co.uk
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5 Sound bath and wellness session on the Heath, Hampstead
Restore and recharge your energy levels with this wellness session held in the grassy greens of Hampstead Heath designed to relax and unwind. The session includes a fire ceremony, a yin yoga practice, meditation, and a sound bath. Held near the mixed ponds, you can even go for a swim afterwards.
- Date: Sunday, August 27, 5pm-6.30pm
- Tickets: From £16.96
- Address: Hampstead Heath, next to the mixed bathing ponds, NW3 1BP
- Website: eventbrite.co.uk
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6 The Line, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park to the O2
The Line, a trail of public art, links Stratford Park to Greenwich’s O2 Arena by tracing the waterways and the path of the Greenwich Meridian. This open-air art exhibition provides a chance to discover works by renowned artists including Anish Kapoor, Gary Hume, and Yinka Ilori, all while immersing oneself in the natural beauty of London. To make the most of this experience, you can download the digital map which highlights the optimal points to start and pause your journey along the trail.
Website: the-line.org
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7 Greenwich + Docklands International Festival, London-wide
Bringing vibrant excitement to the city’s thoroughfares, London’s largest free theater and arts festival is back in action. The festival lineup is set to captivate with its diverse array of performances, from a captivating vertical dance held on the façade of St. Paul’s Cathedral to a show taking place on a life-sized roof of a submerged Thames-side house. Anchored by the theme “Acts of Hope,” these performances encompass over 35 events, including the debut of two world premieres and 14 UK premieres. Alongside these, the well-received Greenwich Fair and the enchanting Dancy City at Canary Wharf are set to delight festival-goers.
- Dates: August 15 to September 10
- Tickets: Free, but check programme for ticketed events
- Address: Various locations in Greenwich and London
- Website: festival.org/GDIF-2023/
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8 Notting Hill Carnival
London’s ultimate street party will light up west London with dancing, floats and music, oh so much music once again. Bigger than Glasto, so they say, and with equally colourful outfits and positive vibes, get swept up in the raucous fun and roll along with the day. For families, there’s a stage that’s suitable for those with children in tow.
- Date: August 27-28
- Website: nhcarnival.org
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9 All Points East & Field Day, Victoria Park
- Dates: August 18 – 28
- Tickets: From free
- Address: Victoria Park, Tower Hamlets
- Website: allpointseastfestival.com
An extensive list of renowned music artists including Stormzy, Aphex Twin, Bonobo, Erykah Badu, Fever Ray, Confidence Man, Tove Lo, and Girl in Red forms just a part of APE’s impressive lineup. Aside from the headline performances, the festival is set to organize a complimentary family-friendly event during the week, perfect for a hassle-free outing with children during school holidays. The schedule comprises outdoor cinema screenings, musical performances, wellness-focused activities, alongside the presence of pop-up bars and street food stalls for added enjoyment.
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10 Hampton Palace Food Festival, East Molesey
Embrace the August bank holiday weekend with a leisurely stroll through the grounds of Henry VIII’s historic palace, all while immersing yourself in the diverse array of street food and handcrafted culinary delights available at this extensive food festival spanning the long weekend. Quench your thirst and rejuvenate at the pop-up bars, and take advantage of the numerous food-focused masterclasses on offer. Alongside these offerings, you can enjoy live musical performances, engage in activities like face painting and circus skill sessions, ensuring a delightful experience for the whole family.
- Date: August 26-28
- Tickets: From £29
- Address: Hampton Court Way, Molesey, East Molesey KT8 9AU
- Website: hrpfestivals.com
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Disclaimer:
The information in this post is for general informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional advice. Consult qualified experts before making any changes. Engage in activities at your own risk, considering your abilities. Individual results may vary. Sponsored content may be included. The post does not diagnose or treat medical conditions. Use critical thinking and verify external sources. By engaging, you accept responsibility for your decisions.
