Focus Favourites August 2018
London never goes on holiday! Even in August there are so many fun and interesting things to do. From outdoor cinemas, to zipping over the river or relaxing at the Pergola in Hampstead. Make sure to try out loads of new things.
festival: Notting Hill Carnival
25th - 27th August
The iconic Notting Hill Carnival is back in 2018, for the last weekend in August. The carnival takes place from Notting Hill all the way to Ladbroke Grove. One can expect a fantastic parade, lots of live music and a ton of delicious foods. It is ideal for the whole family, kids usually have more fun on the Sunday, as it is considered family day with lots of fun activities planned. Make sure to plan your travel beforehand, as with such a big event some transportation may be disrupted!
21st July - 19th August
The Hayward Gallery is known for some stunning exhibitions and this year it brings you the next thrilling experience. Lee Bul’s exhibition stems from her growing up under an authoritarian regime. Her utopian thoughts have been transferred to art, taking one through the journey of torture, a nation failing and the silencing of protest. There are countless ways to interpret the art, however one does get an insight into the artists life and her sci-fi view of her nation.
theatre: The Comedy about a Bank Robbery
July - 4th November
Presenting this play is the production team behind the hilarious ‘The Play that Goes Wrong’. Taking place in the Criterion Theatre in Piccadilly, this is a comedy that follows a jewel heist in Minneapolis. The whole play is 2 hours long, it is light hearted and engages the audience throughout. Tickets start at £15 and the show is on every night of August!
22nd August - 26th August
Russian ballet has always had an eerie of magic that comes with it. This year the Russian Classical Ballet is coming to London! Prima ballerina Irina Kolesnikova will be staring in this production, having been one of the youngest prima’s with the age of 21. Not only will one be able to watch a masterpiece but also live the story of the ballet and listen to the live orchestra.
music: BBC The Proms
13th July - 8th September
Finally, for those of you who enjoy classical music The Proms are back! The renowned 8 week classical music festival is back this year in the Royal Albert Hall. Throughout these 8 weeks there are hundreds of shows that one can watch. Either get your tickets by booking online or at the box-office on the day. Tickets are a bargain for £6 and you get the chance to watch young upcoming musicians, orchestras and vocalists. This is a unique chance, with nothing like it and an experience that is not to be missed.
children: Kids Week
1st August - 31st August
The whole month of August, children under 16 get to go to some of the best West End shows for free. Musicals such as ‘The Lion King’, ‘School of Rock’ and ‘The Comedy about a Bank Robbery’ are some of the most sought after shows this summer. Entice your children with the opportunity of taking them to a musical and at the same time enjoy a fun few hours for the whole family. Early booking recommended.
3rd August - 5th August
In the first few days of August come down to the Royal Hospital Chelsea to watch top riders and horses in the jumping series. The grandstand seats are the best views for watching the riders, with children under 10 going in for free. The average ticket is between £10 and £30. Not only can one watch the world class competition, but there will also be lots of fun horse-related activities in the kids zone, exhibitions and lots of food and drinks to try.
book in advance: Zipline London
1st August - 9th September
Ever wanted to see London from above? Well now is your chance, the world’s longest and fastest city zip-line is coming back to London! Starting in Archbishop’s Park, one zips over the river to gain stunning views of the London Eye, Westminster Abbey and Big Ben! Make sure to book in advance, as this is an opportunity that many Londoners will want to take!
hidden gems: The Hill Garden and Pergola
Located on Hampstead Heath the Pergola is a raised walkway built in 1905-6 by the famous landscape architect, Thomas Mawson, on request of Lord Leverhulme, a wealthy philanthropist. Lord Leverhulme wanted a place where his family and friends could spend long summer evenings enjoying the spectacular gardens and at the same time a place that could be the setting for extravagant Edwardian garden parties. After his deaths, and WW1, the Pergola was neglected and it went into ruins, but from the late 1980s it has been partly restored.
not to be missed: Movies on the River
July - 18th August
What would be more ideal than to relax on a hot summers night on the thames, whilst watching a movie! This year Movies on the River is coming back, showing classic as well as new movies, from Monday through Friday evening. The journey begins at Tower Pier and continues with cinema snacks and drinks as one enjoys the journey down the thames, to return back to Tower Pier after the movie.
restaurant: Udderlicious
Summer in London is usually accompanied by sweltering heat. Nothing better than a nice refreshing ice cream. Udderlicious is an independent ice-cream shop with two stores, one in Islington and one in Covent Garden. They serve home made ice-cream, with fantastic vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free alternatives. Each month a flavour of the month is chosen. Not only is the ice-cream perfect for a hot day in August, the store itself is laid out very nicely, bringing a welcoming atmosphere. A personal favourite is the dark chocolate with sea salt!!
day trip: Blickling Estate
Explore Blickling Estate's breathtaking mansion, gardens and park, in Norfolk. The breath-taking Jacobean mansion and ancient yew hedges sit at the heart of a magnificent garden and historic park in the beautiful Bure meadows. Surrounding the house, the formal garden is the result of three centuries of inspired planting, and the gently undulating historic parkland is great for exploring.
Blickling Estate was the birthplace of Anne Boleyn, and during the Second World War RAF air crew were billeted here, while its owner, Lord Lothian, influenced Churchill’s actions. Open 363 days a year.