Summer Events in London – August 2016

From the traditional August Bank Holiday destination of Notting Hill and its world beating carnival, to the new and exciting events in Battersea and Fulham Palace, London is THE place to go if you are looking for Summer events in London in August 2016.

So come and visit London, see a show and stay for an extra night or two to take in all the other amazing events taking place this summer.

So here are 6 Summer Events in London – August 2016

Caught By the River Thames

Fulham Palace, 6 – 7 August 2016
Our first festival is on the first weekend of August. Caught by the River Thames is a celebration of  music, arts and nature. It offers the heady mix of “bands and brewers, authors and artists, thinkers and drinkers”. Caught by the River Thames will be part gig, part literary gathering and part nature symposium. Think Woodstock meets Springwatch (Chris Packham is actually appearing!). Music is provided by a long list of artists headed by Low and Super Furry Animals

Fulham Palace is a slice of countryside easy to get to from London’s Undergroud and is the perfect place to relax for a warm summer weekend.

The drink section of the festival is the Ten Mile Beer Festival which will feature locally sourced brews. More information is at http://www.caughtbytheriver.net

Visions Festival

Hackney, 6 August 2016
Running since 2013, Visions gives visitors and residents of Hackney alike, a big dose of Summer fun

Markets, exhibitions, street food stalls and live bands will the like will keep us delighted across a variety of Hackney venues.

Music is provided by  Young Fathers, Anna Calvi, Mykki Blanco and Gengahr.

Venues include ST JOHNS on Lower Clapton Road and the Space Gallery on Warburton Street and NETIL360 (a rooftop with a reputation for pop-ups, events and happenings) for music, food, drink, crafts and just lazin’ about etc. More information at http://visionsfestival.com/

Rio Olympics at Beach East

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, 6 – 21 August 2016
The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park will welcome back the Olympics this summer with over 2,200 square metres of sand, creating an urban beach to celebrate the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

Enjoy sandcastle competitions and long evening walks as you take a moment to watch the action from Brazil on big screens erected across the park.

Splash Fest 2016

Battersea Park, 7 August 2016
A day of water fun is on offer at Battersea’s Splash Fest: London’s first family-friendly water obstacle course. Bring the kids and enjoy water-themed games and challenges across five zones and a demaning (but fun) 1.5 mile course.

Obstacles include slides, water spouts, foam fountains and more! There will also be an event village there so you can spend even more time having family fun courtesy of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI). All the profits from the event will go directly to the charity. More information about Splash Fest is at https://www.splashfest.co.uk/

River Rat Race

ExCeL Centre, 13 August 2016
If you haven’t had enough of water obstacles, then head to Excel. This is a bit more extreme so the kiddies are just along to cheer you on as you swim, wade, stagger, slide, jump, crawl, fall and slip around 35 different obstacles in around London’s Docklands.

A 50ft water slide, giant inflatables and the biggest water jump in any UK race await the thousands of Londoners taking part in this grown-up splash zone!

Procedes go to Shelter – more information is at http://ratrace.com/londonratrace2016/

Notting Hill Carnival

Notting Hill, 28 – 29 August 2016
Finally the London event to end all London events. Each August Bank Holiday Monday, Europe’s biggest street festival comes to the streets of Notting Hill. With the famous parade, full of colourful costumes and mobile sound stages, at its heart, the Caribbean festival of music, food and drink is just one big party and an excellent event to end a London summer break just before we all head back to school!

Notting Hill Carnival is one of London’s biggest and best annual events and great fun, whether you are involved or just watching.

About Simon Harding

Simon Harding has grown up in and around London's Theatreland and has been working here ever since he left school: promoting its shows to anyone who will listen!

View all posts by Simon Harding