August 2008

Last year was a wash-out, but usually London bakes in August, the parks full of sunbathers, the banks of the river lined with picknickers, and the beer gardens packed out with party folk. Huge music festivals are the main order of the day, though hardier souls can attempt a triathlon, or the even tougher task of trying to get tickets for the West End's wonderful Kids' Week season.

Trafalgar Square Festival 2008

Trafalgar Square, WC2N 4JJ
7th - 23rd August 2008

For the fourth year running, August sees Trafalgar Square filled by a program of music, theatre, dance and art - a further reason to enjoy this beautiful space at the heart of our capital. Lasting for three weeks, events take place at regular times from Thursday to Sunday and there's something different every day, so our advice is just to get down and see what's happening whenever you're in the area. Trafalgar Square is a lovely spot in summer, a natural meeting place in the heart of the capital, and it's great to see it used in such innovative ways.

Week 1: China Inspires
Taking inspiration from Beijing 08, this theatrical spectacle from UK and international artists includes The Flying Dragon Circus.

Week 2: Olympics Aspirations
Zoo Nation and 'Bend it...', as seen at the Greenwich + Docklands Festival, capture the spirit of the Olympics with a fusion of dance and sport.

Week 3: Images of London
Miss High Leg Kick and Spanish dance company Factoria Mascaro are the artists presenting Zones 1 to 6 and dancing through London's landmarks.

More info: Trafalgar Square Festival 2008 Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Carnaval del Pueblo 2008

Burgess Park, London, SE5 0RJ
3rd August 2008* - date to be confirmed.

This loud, colourful fiesta of all things Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American is a celebration of their roots for expat communities in the capital, and a massive party for the rest of us. Proceedings usuallu kick off at about noon when a procession of brightly-coloured floats will wind their way from City Hall down to Burgess Park, where revellers enjoy regionally-themed food, drink, music and, of course, dance. There are a number of different stages offering everything from traditional music to the freshest reggaeton and Latin hip-hop. Over 100,000 people are expected to attend.

*NB: DATE AND TIMINGS TO BE CONFIRMED.

More info: Carnaval del Pueblo 2008 Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Fashion v Sport

V & A South Kensington, London, SW7 2RL
5th August 2008 - 23rd October 2008

Tracksuits, trainers, shell suits and swimming cossies, this unique exhibition at the V & A delves beneath the Lycra to explore the thin (though perfectly tailored) line between contemporary fashion and sportswear. From fashion deisgners reflecting sports branding in their designs to sporting celebs fronting high-profile fashion campaigns (think David Beckham and you'll get the idea) every aspect of this intriguing trend is examined in true V & A style.

More info: Fashion v Sport Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

The Great British Beer Festival 2008

Earl's Court Exhibition Centre, London, SW5 9TA
5th August 2008 - 9th August 2008

Over 66,000 people flock to this massive celebration of our national drink, which features over 450 real ales from the United Kingdom, as well as 200 more from around the world. Although this is a jolly event, do not be surprised to see a lot of very serious faces and concentration - some real ale experts are genuinely obsessive. Tutored tastings are on offer for anyone who wants to learn the subtleties of what makes a great beer. For the rest of us, though, this is a jolly day out with some delicious drinks. There's even a huge range of ciders and perries on offer for those with lighter tastes. Beer swilling may not be the most glamorous activity but this is a wonderfully British festival.

More info: The Great British Beer Festival 2008 Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Mazda London Triathlon

ExCel Exhibition Centre, London, E16 1XL
9th August 2008 - 10th August 2008

The triathlon is fast replacing the marathon as the event of choice for testing your body to the limit, and the London Triathlon is the world's largest event of its kind. Over 8000 people participate in a punishing program of running, swimming and cycling, while 40,000 are expected to visit the Triathlon Expo. There is a strong focus on raising money for charity, with £1 million usually donated each year, and media celebrities, major sporting figures and some of the world's best triathletes all expected to take part. Taking place around the ExCel Centre, the Docklands setting is idyllic on a sunny summer weekend, and the Thames hopefully not too cold for the brave athletes. It's a great spectator event too, with the chance to see some of the fittest sports people do battle across three gruelling disciplines.

More info: Mazda London Triathlon Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

London Mela 2008

Gunnersbury Park, London, W5 4NE
10th August 2008* - date to be confirmed

One of the biggest celebrations of Asian music and culture outside the Indian subcontinent, last year's London Mela attracted 55,000 visitors, and this looks to be even bigger. Like so many of London's festivals (the Notting Hill Carnival, the Brick Lane Festival, Rise) this has extended beyond its ethnic roots to attract a multitude of Londoners out for a good time. Expect a line-up of the brightest lights on the British Asian music scene, Bhangra MCs, Bollywood, as well as traditional and classical performances. This is all backed up with hundreds of stalls selling food and handicrafts, a funfair for the kids and a fantastic convivial atmosphere.

*NB: DATE AND TIMES TO BE CONFIRMED.

More info: London Mela 2008 Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Kids' Week 2008

Multiple venues, WC2H 7BP
15th August 2008 - 29th August 2008

It's now a decade since the excellent idea of Kids' Week was first conjured up. A truly inspired summer treat for families, Theatreland is available for free to excitable tots and teens for two action-packed weeks in August. Children aged 5-16 years can see an awesome selection of dazzling West End hits gratis - as long as an adult pays the full price. Tickets for the most popular shows go fast, so it's best not to make any promises until you've booked. Aside from the shows themselves, there's a whole raft of free children's activities. Kids can peek backstage, participate in workshops, dabble with make-up, learn to dance, scribble a few lines in writing classes and even sing with the cast. And the freebies don't stop there, children can also eat at a number of kid-friendly restaurants for free. See www.kidsweek.co.uk for full details. It's a fantastic initiative and one which can only inspire kids' enthusiasm for the stage in later life.

More info: Kids' Week 2008 Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Shoreditch Festival 2008

Shoreditch Park, New North Road, London, N1 6TA
16th August 2008 - 24th August 2008

For nine days in August, the parks, gardens, streets, historical buildings and many weird and wonderful venues of London's trendiest corner open up to a bewildering variety of art and performance. The theme for 2008 is sports and arts. The opening event in Shoreditch Park is followed by a host of street arts, theatre and workshops all around the area, many of which are free. A series of bike-related events take place on the first Sunday. The festival culminates on Sunday 24th with a huge 1948-style street party. Check the website www.shoreditchfestival.org.uk for details.

Highlights include:

Saturday 16th August: Live music on the main stage, youth stage, workshops, food, dance and family fun.
Sunday 17th August: Tour de Shoreditch and bike related events, including bike polo.
Saturday 23rd August: Proms in Shoreditch Park with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and fireworks.
Sunday 24th August: 3pm handover on a big screen in Shoreditch Park. From 3pm a 1948 street party in Hoxton Street. From 7pm Big Band music on the main stage in Shoreditch Park.

More info: Shoreditch Festival 2008 Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Metro Weekender 2008

Clapham Common, London, SW4 0AA
23rd August 2008 - 24th August 2008

Putting your festival in direct competition with Notting Hill Carnival- Europe's biggest street party - is a bold move by anyone's standards, but the Metro Weekender has proved a great success over the last few years, filling Clapham Common with seas of revellers. The event comprises two totally different days: Saturday is 'SW4', a dance music marathon whilst Sunday's 'Get Loaded in the Park' is left for more traditional bands. Unlike the major festivals, tickets won't be selling out within four minutes - so maybe this will engender a more of a chilled-out atmosphere. These parties are always cheerful summer fun.

More info: Metro Weekender 2008 Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Notting Hill Carnival 2008

Ladbroke Grove, London, W10 5QZ
24th August 2008 - 25th August 2008

Carnival sets London on fire in a blaze of Caribbean spirit as extravagantly costumed dancers, calypso and soca musicians, giant soundsystems and steelbands are joined by over a million revellers of all ages. Held since 1966, and originally a local affair for west London's homesick Caribbean community, this has evolved into Europe's biggest street party. Sunday is officially Children's Day, but there are loads of kids on both days enjoying the bright colours of the floats and the dancers' feathered costumes. Adults can shake their battys at dozens of stages: our favourites are Channel 1's booming dub, and the jazz-reggae at Gaz's Rockin' Blues, but there are tunes for all tastes, from house to hip-hop. It's a huge area, and can get very crowded, so be prepared for an exhausting day out, but for anyone who loves a party, Carnival remains the absolute highlight of the London summer.

More info: Notting Hill Carnival 2008 Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Liberty 2008

Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DN
30th August 2008 - 29th August 2008

The fifth year of London's disability rights festival, Liberty in Trafalgar Square features disabled performers, musicians, actors and dancers, alongside a host of stalls and displays. There's also an organic cafe and a family art workshop to keep the youngsters happy. Performers include comedians, cabaret acts, dancers, musicians and circus acts. Whether you want to take part, educate your kids about disabled arts, or just enjoy some music and comedy in the sunshine, this is an excellent piece of free entertainment.

More info: Liberty 2008 Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube