It’s Notting Hill carnival weekend – but if you want to stay closer to home and avoid the crowds, here is our pick of five alternative things to do this August Bank Holiday.
Greenwich and Docklands International Festival
Bank holiday is covered with this free arts and culture festival around Greenwich.
Watch a thrilling tight-rope walker on Friday, August 25 at General Gordon Square in Woolwich or attend a family funfair in Greenwich at various locations on Saturday, August 26. The fair will feature street arts, theatre, circus, installations and dance as the grounds of the Old Royal Naval College, Cutty Sark Gardens and Greenwich Park are taken over.
See the full list of activities that weekend and beyond here.
Where? Various locations across Greenwich and surrounding areas.
When? Friday, August 25 – Sunday, September 10
Admission: Free
Victorian funfair in Vauxhall
Immerse yourself in all the classic delights of a Victorian funfair at Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens with circus acts, sweet treats, and vintage games.
Throwing it back to the area’s Victorian past, expect a circus school with juggling, diabolo, plate spinning and more. There will also be dance classes, a Regency hair salon and live music. All the exciting activities will be free of charge.
A prize draw will include the chance to win local meals, drinks and show tickets.
Where? Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, New Spring Gardens Walk, Vauxhall Walk, SE11 5HL
When? Saturday, August 26 from 2 – 7 pm.
Admission: Free (reserve a ticket here to be entered into the prize draw.)
Carnival rooftop party in Peckham
Want the carnival feeling but don’t want to trek to Notting Hill? Head to this rooftop bar in Peckham for a day and night party.
Skylight in Peckham is hosting a carnival-themed day & night rooftop party this Sunday, August 27. Take in stunning panoramic views of the London skyline as you enjoy a cocktail and exquisite food. A line-up of London’s best DJs will be playing a mix of Bashment, Soca, Afrobeats, HipHop, RnB, and Amapiano.
Where? Skylight Peckham, Theatre Walk (in between Peckham Library and Mountview College, 120 Peckham Hill St, London SE15 5JT
When? Sunday, August 27 from 5 pm.
Admission: Tickets start from £13 – click here to buy. (Age requirement: 23+)
Beer and Cheese Festival in Elephant
Get down to this pub in Elephant and Castle for a day of cheese & beer tasting, including thirty of each to try.
You’ve heard of cheese and wine – so what about cheese and beer? Spit and Sawdust, in Elephant and Castle, are hosting their annual festival where fans can taste more than 30 cheese and beer pairings.
Entertainment will include live music from Aleks & The Molotovs and DJ Domzilla will be playing disco classics.
Where? Spit and Sawdust, 21 Bartholomew St, SE1 4AL
When? Saturday, August 26 and Sunday, August 27 from 12 pm-close.
Admission: Free entry (or buy a ticket to include cheese and beer tasting.)
Jazz weekend at Battersea Park
Enjoy a perfect August weekend as Battersea Park hosts a three-day open-air concert series.
Unpack your picnic, pop the fizz and relax into the ideal summer’s day to night, enjoying some of the finest music around at Battersea Park in Concert.
On Saturday (August 26), enjoy a ‘Night at the Musicals’ and on Sunday (August 27) it’s ‘Proms in the Park’ both brought to you by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
On Monday (August 28), soul and jazz singer Gabrielle, who sang the hit Dreams, will perform live alongside double MOBO-winning saxophonist Yolanda Brown and The Ronnie Scott’s All Stars direct from the legendary Soho club.
Where? Battersea Park, Albert Bridge Road, SW11 4NJ
When? Saturday, August 26 – Monday, August 28.
Admission: Tickets start from £48 (under 5s go free.) Click here to buy.
