The best ways to spend August bank holiday in London

The bank holiday is upon us, one of the best weekends of the year where we will hopefully be greeted by the sun. There's plenty to do in London and if you aren't yet decided, here are a few ideas for how you could spend your time. It's the perfect excuse for you to try something you haven't done before.

 

Notting Hill Carnival 

The Notting Hill Carnival is one of the biggest events of the year in London and it will see well over a million people in attendance this bank holiday weekend. One of the most joyous events that you'll ever attend, it is full of colour and the sounds of steel bands giving it their everything.

 

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All Points East

When: Friday 25th- Monday 28th August

Where: Victoria Park, London

The second weekend of All Point East takes place over the bank holiday and it brings some of the best artists to the world to Victoria Park. The headliners will be The Strokes, Jungle, Dermot Kennedy and HAIM. With a wide range of brilliant artists supporting too, these events always find something for everyone. 

 

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Attend a Theatre Show

There's no better excuse to get out to a theatre show than when you have a bit of extra time off. The West End will still be in full swing and we have a wide range of shows that you can book tickets for. There's A Strange Loop, one of the best new shows and classics such as Wicked and Cabaret.

 

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Head to a rooftop bar

There's an enormous amount of rooftop bars where you can catch some sun in London. Frank's Cafe (pictured) is the pick of the bunch at the moment, a converted car park that is getting rave reviews. But make sure you give some thought to Dalston Roof Park, Skylight Tobacco Dock and Queen of Hoxton.

 

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Channel One Soundsystem Carnival Warm Up

When: Friday 25th August

Where: Village Underground, London

If you want to get in the mood for carnival then this event at Village Underground has you sorted. Channel One Soundsystem will be bringing the party with reggae and dub bangers to make sure that you have that party atmosphere going for the whole of the bank holiday weekend.  

 

Buy tickets:

 

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We Party Great American Circus- Bank Holiday Special

When: Sunday 27th August

Where: Electric Brixton, London

Coming direct from Madrid, this American-inspired party is coming to Electric Brixton where it will make its UK debut. There will be an international guest DJ appearing as the event goes well into Monday morning, where you can spend your day off recovering. 

 

Buy tickets:

 

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Viva Reggaeton- Baila, Baila, Baila! Ozuna's Special Tribute

When: Saturday 26th August

Where: Lightbox, London

Another event that will capture the spirit of carnival, Viva Reggaeton is a weekly party that always has a lively atmosphere. With a mixture of vibes if you want to switch things up a bit, you can dance away to pop, Brazil and House as well as Reggaeton. It will be a joyous night of dancing.

 

Buy tickets:

 

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Check out our What's On Guide to discover even more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.