What’s on in London for August?

tottenhamWith all schools broken up for the summer holidays London is very crowded and buzzing with holiday makers and children. Here is a range of entertaining events happening during this busy month.

Rock legend Rod Stewart is continuing his run at the O2 centre until 3rd June. He will be performing all his classics and of course some of his more recent recordings. Tickets are still available for some nights; see the O2 website for details.
Also at the O2 Centre from the 7th till 26th will be Bon Jovi. This well-known rock band will be performing all their classic tracks and playing some new material too.  Tickets are from £30 to £73.65
Something special on the 12th will be ‘Trooping of the Colour’ which dates back to the time of Charles II in the 17th Century. This annual event is held at Horse Guards parade to mark the Queen’s birthday. All the pageantry and spectacle that the British are known for will be on full display. Entry does require advance tickets; however if you can’t get a ticket the procession can be seen down the Mall for free. If you want to see it you should get there by 10.00 a.m.
The 5th is Epsom Derby day; one of the oldest and most famous horse races in the world. This year it will be in the presence of her Majesty the Queen. Tickets cost from £15 – £70.00.
On 15th to the 19th another famous racing event takes place. Royal Ascot it is one of the most well-known events in the horse racing calendar with her Majesty the Queen attending every day during the meeting. Over 500,000 visitors attend the racing over the 5 day duration of the event. Tickets can be purchased in advance from the Royal Ascot Website.
Like food? Then ‘A Taste of London’ on the 17th till the 20th is bound to take your fancy. The food show takes place in Regents Park and is a must for anyone who loves a variety of good food. As well as the many food stands to visit, you will also be able to sample fine food and drink from some of Britain’s top restaurants and see cookery demonstrations from top chefs. Further details can be found on the event website.
Between the 18th and 20th marks the 180th anniversary of the opening of Covent Garden’s iconic Market Building.  This weekend there will be many events to celebrate the occasion, including a giant birthday cake, ice sculptures, party games on the piazza, workshops, entertainment from Covent Garden’s street performers and much more.
Come and bag a bargain. On the19th the famous Harrods summer sale begins. Make sure you come early to get the best buys. This event is always very popular so be prepared for big crowds.
The start of Wimbledon is on the 21st.  This famous tennis tournament goes on for two whole weeks, with the best tennis players from all over the world competing to see who will be Wimbledon Ladies and Men’s Champion for 2010.
The City of London Festival 2010 starts on the 21st. The event is on till the end of the month and there will be lots of midsummer concerts and events.  Every Summer this event brings the cities’ unique buildings and spaces to life.  Most of the events are free.
If you love music then check out the Hard Rock Festival in Hyde Park; an event not to be missed. It starts on the 25th and runs over three days. The concerts will feature headlining artists like Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, Pearl Jam with supporting bands such as The Hives, Gomez, The Gaslight Anthem and many more.  Tickets from £47.50 – £62.50.
Starting on the 25th till the 27th is The Clothes Show taking place at Earls Court, London.  The event is based on the popular T.V. show that bares the same name; it is the largest fashion and beauty show in the world. Featuring catwalk shows, hair and beauty demonstrations plus loads more stands showing the art of fashion and beauty. Tickets are £24.00.
The 30th June marks the first day of Henley Royal Regatta. This event is very high up on the social sporting calendar and dates back to 1839. If you like the spectacle of two teams challenging each other in a rowing race down the Thames, this is for you.  With many marquees supplying the refreshments of cool Pimms or a chilled Beer what better way to spend a nice summer’s afternoon. Enclosure price is from £11 – £18.00 on weekends.

1st August

Victoria Park hosts the music festival ‘Underage Festival’, which is aimed at 14 to 18 year olds. It will feature many top artists, including M.I.A, Tinchy Stryder , Crystal Castles, Darwin Deez, Tinie Tempah, The Courteeners, Sub Focus, Twizzle, Ellie Goulding, Chiddy Bang, Fugative, Daisy Dares You, Rox, Late Of The Pier Sound System and more!

1st – 9th August

Somerset House is staging ‘Film 4 Summer season’. The films featured include everything from special previews to cult classics, all showing on a state-of-the-art screen with full surround-sound. And there’s more than just the movies. Arrive early if you want to come and picnic in the magnificent Edmond J. Safra courtyard while DJs play top music.

3rd – 7th August

For adults there is ‘The Great British Beer Festival’ held at Earls Court. This is a chance to sample over 450 real ales, ciders and beers, along with some great food.

8th August

The Community Shield final at Wembley is played, marking the start of the new football season. Featuring Chelsea vs Manchester United, this should be an all-action match as both teams will want to win their first silverware of the season. To check ticket availability contact Wembley box office.

10th August

Why not visit the start of the Trafalgar Square Festival 2010, which is held over the next three weeks from Thursdays to Sundays. The Square will hold various free entertainment featuring music, drama and art. Check the London evening paper for details.

11th August

Back from a disappointing World Cup, England are at Wembley playing a friendly with Hungary It should be interesting to see what changes the manager makes to the team as he starts to rebuild for the European Championships.

13th – 14th August

If you like athletics there is the Aviva Grand Prix held at the Crystal Palace national sports stadium. With the Olympics coming to London in 2010 all British athletes are trying to perform at their best to ensure a place in the Great Britain team. Also there will be many visiting top athletes from all over the world competing in this event so it should be very competitive.

14th August

The start of the football Premiership League season and two big London clubs begin the season at home. Chelsea play West Bromwich Albion at Stamford Bridge, while Tottenham Hotspur play Manchester City at White Hart Lane.  For tickets contact the home teams’ box offices.

18th -22nd August

The England cricket team take on Pakistan in a five day test match at the Oval. Contact the Oval box office for tickets.

21st August

The first home games in the Premiership for London football teams Arsenal and Fulham are played. Arsenal will be taking on newly promoted Blackpool while Fulham play Manchester United. For ticket information contact the home teams’ box offices.

27th – 28th August

The LED Festival at Victoria Park. London Electronic Dance – or LED Festival – has seen promoters Cream, Goldenvoice and Loudsound join forces to create what is hoped to become one of London’s most exciting outdoor electronic dance festivals.

28th August

Rugby League Carnegie Challenge Cup final takes place at Wembley. Check the Wembley box office for tickets.

28th -29th August

The South West Four Weekender at Clapham Common – a music and dance festival with a difference. Billed as a two day clubbers’ delight, the music will be supplied by headliners Fat Boy slim, Armin Van Buuren and various other top DJ’s.

29th – 30th August

The highlight of the month’s events takes place. Held each August Bank Holiday since 1966, the Notting Hill Carnival is the largest festival celebration of its kind in Europe. Every year the streets of West London come alive, with the sounds and smells of Europe’s biggest street festival. With twenty miles of vibrant colourful costumes, 40 sound systems, hundreds of Caribbean food stalls, over 40,000 volunteers and over 1 million Notting Hill carnival revellers, you wouldn’t want to miss it!

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