Month: July 2018

August in London is teeming with fantastic events, cultural happenings and things to do. Enjoy the capital’s many outdoor and open-air activities to make the most of the warm summer days. Make sure you hit a film summer screening or two (or more), take advantage of the sunshine by getting involved in some outdoor events and visiting one of the many exhibitions. Don’t forget that welcome bank holiday at the end of the month, the highlight of which is the immense Notting Hill Carnival.

FILM 4 SUMMER SCREEN – from 9th to 22nd August

Watch modern and classic movies under the stars at gorgeous Somerset House this summer. Last year, the open-air film festival presented a mixed programme of UK premieres, old favourites and Cannes award-winning films in full surround sound, as well as DJ sets inspired by the films and special guest introductions. Films start at 9pm, but doors open at 6.30pm. Arriving early you can enjoy a picnic listening the DJ playing music inspired by the film. For more information or to buy tickets visit the official website.

NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL – 25th – 27th August

Notting Hill Carnival, Europe’s biggest street festival, is a vivid spectacle representing London’s multicultural past and present. Elaborate floats and colourful costumed performers wind their way through the streets to the sound of steel bands and calypso music. Watch the carnival parade, join in the fun and visit the tempting food stalls at one of London’s biggest and best annual events. The Carnival celebrations take over the areas of Notting Hill, Ladbroke Grove and Westbourne Park. Visit Notting Hill Carnival website for more information.

BBC PROMS – until 8th September

The BBC Proms is an eight-week summer season of daily orchestral classical music concerts and other events held annually, predominantly in the Royal Albert Hall. From classical favourites to contemporary world premieres and family concerts, the BBC Proms offer a stage for leading musicians, singers, orchestras and soloists from across the world with a broad programme of music. Visit the official website for more information.

SENSATIONAL BUTTERFLIES, NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM – until 16th September

Enjoy a fun family day out among hundreds of live butterflies and moths in the tropical butterfly house at the National History Museum. Most of the creatures in the Natural History Museum have been dead for a very, very long time. But here, in this humid tent on its lawn, you can see the most beautiful birth sequence in the natural world: a butterfly wriggling out of its chrysalis, pumping up its damp wings then taking flight and landing, maybe on you, instead of a flower. Book your tickets.

UNDERBELLY FESTIVAL – until 30^th September

Enjoy a fun-packed festival of live entertainment and al-fresco eating and drinking at Underbelly Festival in South Bank. Stretching throughout the summer, the festival stages affordable circus, theatre, cabaret, comedy, music and children’s shows on the south bank of the Thames. Visit the official website for more information.

With so much going on, July is the perfect time to explore London. Outdoor attractions and open-air events, sports galore, pop-ups to boot, and festivals like no other month – we’re big fans of July. We’ve put together a list of the best events and attractions that are going ahead throughout the month. Stay with us this summer and enjoy the best of the city…..

SUMMER STREETS ON REGENT STREET – from 1st to 22nd July

Enjoy the rare spectacle of a traffic-free street with art, music, fashion and family activities on Regent Street. The festivities will take on a different theme each week, with free entry, installations, demonstrations and activities to get stuck into. Sundays: 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd July 2018. Visit the official website for more information.

WIMBLEDON – from 2nd to 15th July

Wimbledon is the oldest tennis tournament in the world. It now attracts over 500,000 spectators for two weeks every year and has some very old-school rules about what the players can and can’t do. Players from more than 60 nations compete in front of a crowd of millions worldwide, through the press, radio, internet and television. Experience two weeks of first-class tennis, strawberries and cream, and good-natured queuing, at the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships. Visit the official website for more information.

RHS HAMPTON COURT PALACE FLOWER SHOW – from 3rd to 8th July

Run by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), who also manage the Chelsea Flower Show, the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show attracts around 130,000 visitors every year.  RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show is world’s biggest annual flower show. Enjoy Show Gardens, the Rose Marquee, Floral Marquee, plant pavilions and a variety of talks, demonstrations and exhibits. Plus, get tips on gardening in a changing climate and shop for garden supplies to create your own little oasis at home. Visit the official website for more information.

BUCKINGHAM PALACE TOUR: SUMMER OPENING – from 21st July to 30th September

Every summer London’s most famous house opens for tours with an accompanying exhibition. Visit the official London residence of the Queen, as Buckingham Palace opens its doors to the public. During a visit to Buckingham Palace, visitors can see the nineteen magnificent State Rooms which provide the setting for ceremonial occasions and official entertaining. All rooms are furnished with many of the greatest treasures from the Royal Collection. Every year, Buckingham Palace’s summer opening features a special exhibition. This year’s Prince and Patron exhibition celebrates the 70th birthday of Charles, Prince of Wales, with a special display of more than 100 artworks chosen by the prince. The items on display include paintings, decorative arts, furniture and textiles. Visit the official website for more information.

THE LUNA CINEMA – until 6th October

Enjoy an outdoor screening of your favourite movies in some of London’s most iconic locations this summer. The beauty of this touring outdoor cinema is walking into a palace, Royal Park or other equally magical location with a picnic just as everyone else is leaving. Luna’s most popular venues include Kew Gardens, Kenwood House on Hampstead Heath and Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. This year, for the first time, they will be also be screening in the gardens outside Westminster Abbey. Visit the official website for more information.