August 2011

London's answer to the Edinburgh Festival, the Camden Fringe, is one of the main highlights of August and it runs throughout the month. For those whose idea of bliss is a pint of brown ale, there's The Great British Beer Festival. On the final bank holiday weekend, the month draws to a close with the famous Notting Hill Carnival, when the streets of west London are transformed into an all-day Caribbean party.

Camden Fringe 2011

Etcetera Theatre and various venues, London, NW1 7BU
1st - 28th August 2011

Bringing together comedy, theatre, poetry, dance and much more, the Camden Fringe boasts 400 performances of 100-odd shows across five venues in north London throughout August. (And there we were thinking a Camden Fringe was some sort of trendy hair coup to rival the Hoxton Mullet...) Whether you want to catch some of the edgiest stand-up around or witness a new twist on Shakespeare or watch a group of OAPs rap, the Camden Fringe has become the metaphorical David, ready "to challenge the Edinburgh Goliath" (The Guardian). Now in its sixth year, this rapidly growing four-week festival is offering fresh opportunity for both new and established acts to get themselves noticed in a creative environment outside Edinburgh. It also gives Londoners the chance to see a huge variety of shows - at £7.50 a pop - without having to trek all the way up to Scotland on a crowded train. Having started out in the Etcetera Theatre, the festival has shed its humble beginnings and now venues also include the Roundhouse and The Camden Head. Stand-out comedy shows in the past include the loveable Simon Amstell, the topical Shazia Mirza and the downright filthy Scott Capurro - who returns this year for one night only, performing on Monday 1st August at The Camden Head. The 2011 programme includes Love And Other Games, four bite-sized comedies about relationships by Smack The Pony writer Lisa Fulthorpe, two versions of A Midsummer Night's Dream (one by Pell Mell Theatre Company, one by all-female theatre ensembel Get Over It Productions), and award-winning comedian Helen Keen who returns after a sell-out show last year. Go to www.camdenfringe.org for the full details.

Camden Fringe 2011 - Information

The Great British Beer Festival

Earls Court Exhibition Centre, London, SW5 9TA
2nd - 6th August 2011

Over 66,000 people flock to this massive celebration of our national drink, which features over 700 real ales, ciders, perries and beers from around the world. Although The Great British Beer Festival sounds like a fun event - and it can be - don't be surprised to see a lot of very serious faces and concentration; some real ale experts are genuinely obsessive - and for them this isn't merely an occasion to get sozzled. 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 brewed drinks. Besides the amber nectar, there's a load of activities to keep you interested, including traditional pub games, live music and, to soak it all up, some hearty traditional pub snacks. Beer swilling may not be the most glamorous activity but this annual Earls Court event brings it as close to an art form as possible.

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

LolliBop Festival

Clissold Park, London, N4 2EY
5th - 7th August 2011

A festival especially for the under-10s, LolliBop - "the big bash for little people" - comes to Clissold Park this summer. There's a whole heap of entertainment from Peppa Pig to stories told by the Roald Dahl Storytelling Centre. There'll be live music on bandstand and circus fun the Big Top as well as plenty of activities where you can get involved - what with workshops on hula hooping, bodypopping and creating a carnival costume. In fact, dressing up is positively encouraged - you're advised to come in your best fancy dress. On arrival you can take part in a treasure hunt - but look out for walkabout performers and firebreathing dragons on your way - take part in the sandcastle competition, and meet Dr Doo and his sheep, chickens, pigs, rabbits, goats, and donkeys. There's something for all the family including fairground rides for the kids and a dedicated baby change tent for parents. If that's not enough you can always run away to the LolliBop circus and be entertained by the talented troupe of performers. Brilliant family summer fun. Go to www.lollibopfestival.com for full details.

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

Little London Fields Festival

London Fields, London, E8 3PE
20th August 2011

The Little London Fields Festival is back (we hope) on Saturday 20 August after the original date in June had to be abandoned due to objections from Hackney Council. Last year the little festival with big ideas made its debut attracting over 20,000 visitors. Although only taking place on one day this year the Little London Fields people are promising the same exciting mix of local bands, food stalls, vintage fashion and homemade beverages. There's a dedicated 'Field Of View' art section featuring a series of art interventions, installations, talks and workshops. Here you'll also find the 'Art & craft market' and - new for this year - the 'Uniquey Boutiquey' area which will house around 70 independent crafters, designers, artists, self publishers and fashionistas all showcasing & selling their unique and individual wares. With neighbouring Broadway Market and the London Fields Lido, as well as the 'so-hip-it-hurts' creative types who live locally, London Fields feels like a natural home for a genuinely grassroots festival like Little London Fields. Let's hope Hackney Council agrees. See www.littlelondonfields.co.uk for the full programme of events and latest news.

More info: Little London Fields Festival Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Jolly Day Out

Hampton Court Green, London, KT8 9AT
26th - 29th August 2011

Enjoy a Jolly Day Out at this new family festival on Hampton Court Green where you can see some pig racing, dancing sheep and welly wanging as well enjoying the kids shows, live music and fun fair rides. Performing live on the stage are Imelda May, Bjorn Again and McFly. For younger members of the family there are live shows in the theatre tent including Charlie and Lola (ages 3+), Horrible Histories (ages 4+) and demonstrations and story telling from the Science Museum and Roald Dahl Museum. Circus skills, arts and crafts and animal farms will also help keep young ones entertained. There's a summer market so you can indulge in some retail relaxation and sample the food stalls. Jamie Oliver's Fabulous Feasts are just one of the food traders tempting you with their 'One Pot Wonder' - pots of pasta or couscous with a choice of delicious stews or casseroles on top. Add a Pimms or a pint of real ale and you've got all the ingredients for a splendid summer family day out for the August Bank Holiday weekend.

More info: Jolly Day Out Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Notting Hill Carnival

Notting Hill, London, W11 3AG
28th & 29th August 2011

Held since 1966, the Notting Hill Carnival was originally a local affair for west London's homesick Caribbean community, this has evolved into Europe's biggest street party. 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. 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. On Bank Holiday Monday, the main parade begins on Great Western Road, then winds its way along Chepstow Road, on to Westbourne Grove, and then Ladbroke Grove. In the evening, the floats leave the streets in procession, and people carry on partying at the many Notting Hill Carnival after parties. During the day you can shake your batty 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 Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube