Fun in the Sun: 6 fun activities happening in London this summer

When the bright August sun comes out, London takes the roof off! Even if it rains, it’s part of the city’s summertime magic.  With the month starting off Wimbledon and Love Island in its rear view mirror, there is a myriad of activities and festivals that Londoners and its tourists can enjoy during the UK’s warmest month of the year.

We, at the Edward Hotel, have scoured the streets of the capital to bring you the best outdoor and indoor activities you could experience this summer.

OPEN-AIR CINEMA AND THEATRE:

From watching The Greatest Showman on a rooftop to Bollywood blockbusters in Wembley Park, and all manner of classics and new releases in the open air. Check out London’s epic roster of outdoor cinemas, from the sky-high Rooftop Film Club to a big screen inside Somerset House’s courtyard. Check out what’s on throughout August at https://bit.ly/333i3uV

From a theatrical perspective, the season at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre runs from May-September. It kicks off this year with Thornton Wilder's Our Town, followed by family favourite Hansel and Gretel, Shakespeare classic A Midsummer Night's Dream, and Evita. The theatre is tucked away in the centre of Regent's Park, and feels like a secret. Check out the productions at https://openairtheatre.com/whats-on

Open air cinema and theatre, big screen summer sports, live comedy and music performances, fun family days and fitness classes all form part of free festival Summer By The River. From 30 May. Check out the line-up of events at https://londonbridgecity.co.uk/events

JUMPERS FOR GOALPOSTS FOOTBALL CULTURE FESTIVAL

Are you a football fan? One cannot visit London without partaking in its love for the sport. Which is why this new festival is celebrating all the diverse aspects of the beautiful game, the communities that make it what it is, and its grassroots kickabouts.

Across the two-day fest there will be screenings, panels, workshops, immersive experiences, exhibitions and live audience shows. The programme will touch on everything from football fashion, the future of football, rare and iconic vintage Admiral shirts, the legacy of the women’s game and lower-league clubs.

To learn more about the program and the two-day line up visit https://jumpersforgoalpostsfestival.com/

DANCE YOUR HEART OUT AT SOUTH WEST FOUR FESTIVAL

The giants of EDM are coming back to London this summer, with the likes of Martin Garrix. Oliver Heldens. Basement Jaxx. Armand Van Helden. Bakermat. To make it one hell of a show. You’ll be raving all day with this storming festival.

To find out more visit https://bit.ly/2KbIaIS  

 

 

UNLEASH YOUR INNER GAMER IN LONDON’S REAL LIFE MARIO-KART TRACK

Our favourite Italian plumber is back with a life-size impact aiming to bring you all the thrills and spills of the video game. The Mushroom Rally gets you dressed up as your favourite Mario characters, before letting you loose on a custom-built go-kart track where you’ll duel your friends for the title of best Italian plumber-turned race car driver.

For more information, visit https://bit.ly/2OxrlMD

NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL

The world-renowned Notting Hill Carnival is back in full swing this summer, with a line-up that will surely keep people from all walks of life entertained. The carnival attracts around one million people annually, making it one of the world's largest street festivals that celebrates London’s vast cultural diversity, specifically its Caribbean heritage.

To fully enjoy this carnival, we recommend that you wear comfortable choose to easily walk around the festive streets during the celebrations. 

Notting Hill Carnival is free! You don’t have to buy tickets or pay to get in. Enjoy all this world- renowned and famous street carnival has to offer!

FOOD FESTIVALS IN AND AROUND LONDON

• Vegan Festival: Feel the power of the flower! Shoreditch is getting a big ol’ vegan festival, filled with plant-powered food, clothing, and lifestyles. It’s taking up residence on Brick Lane for the first half of August. This free entry event will feature everything from vegan fried chicken and steaks, to ice cream and waffle mountains. Meanwhile, there’ll be an ethical marketplace, lots of wellness activities and plenty of bars for boozing.

To learn more, visit http://v-for.co.uk/

• Espresso Martini Festival: Coffee lovers, unite! this caffeinated celebration returns to the capital, and this time it’s FREE! Five days of espresso martinis, and then most likely a week of caffeine withdrawal afterwards.

To learn more, visit https://drinkup.london/espressomartinifest/

• Meat Festival: Get ready to sink your teeth in London’s juicy Meat Festival that will leave your senses triggered the second you show up! At the end of the month, the carnivore heaven known as Meatopia arrives back in town, with a whole host of famous names on board to sear, flame, and sizzle up a feast.

To learn more, visit https://bit.ly/2Klqk4H

• Dessert Festival: Yes, we all scream for ice cream, but what do you do when there’s ice cream, cake, donuts, macaroons, milkshakes, and pretty much every dessert under the sun? Screaming doesn’t quite capture our excitement enough, because The London Dessert Festival is next-level indulgence.

To learn more, visit https://bit.ly/2yvIwmY

• Alcohol Festivals: If you’re a beer lover, then London’s Craft Beer Festival must be marked on your calendar. The festival brings a horde of the world’s best breweries together. To learn more, visit https://bit.ly/2YFHROe

 

However, if you’re a more classical drinker of gin, then there’s also Brixton Gin Festival, which isn’t your ordinary celebration of gin. The Brixton Gin Festival is a celebration of glorious gin, featuring masterclasses and tastings aplenty. Really, it sounds like Gin Heaven, with live DJs and Hipchips’ finest crisps and dips only make it better.

To learn more, visit https://bit.ly/2GHqhPX

We, at The Edward Hotel, know what’s going on, when it’s happening, and where it all happens. We have the latest and greatest list of things to do in London ready for all our guests. When you are in Paddington, the Edward Hotel is the friendly and affordable hotel of choice designed around giving guests an epic London experience.

Learn more about our offers and special rates by visiting https://www.theedwardhotel.co.uk/