September in London 2012

The iTunes Festival takes over the Roundhouse this September with a free gig every night for the whole month. In the past the Roundhouse stage has been graced by The Rolling Stones, David Bowie and The Clash and the iTunes Festival has some produced some pretty memorable music moments, including performances from epic stadium rockers Coldplay, US rock legends Foo Fighters, British songstress Adele, and a surprise appearance from Amy Winehouse; which in fact turned out to be the last public appearance for the troubled singer/songwriter. This year Jack White, Norah Jones, Usher, and (somewhat surprisingly) One Direction will all be headlining. The iconic Camden venue provides a rare opportunity to see these acts up close and personal for an intimate affair. To get everyone guessing and excitement levels to the maximum, performers are announced gradually nearer to the time of the event. Tickets are free but to apply you must enter a competition by going to the festival's official website. You can apply for as many gigs as you like. But don't fret if you don't manage to win because each performance will be recorded and sold exclusively on iTunes after the event. It's worth keeping tabs on the Roundhouse website because last year's festival included many impromptu splinter events.

Major roads in the city are closed to traffic for the Mayor of London's Skyride, formerly known as London Freewheel. It's a day when everyone can enjoy the city on two wheels as major roads along the 15km route are closed to cars. Arteries like the Victoria Embankment will be free from the usual hum of traffic as up to 50,000 pedalling enthusiasts take to the roads. Sign up and you can cycle along the Thames taking in some stunning London landmarks in the City including St Paul's Cathedral. The event, now in its fourth year, has proved to be a popular outing for families and people of all ages where participants can be anyone who has two wheels, no matter how dusty or rusty. Even novice cyclists can take part, safe in the knowledge that white van man won't be anywhere near them. Details are yet to be confirmed but, judging by last year, there'll be a festival atmosphere with music, cycling angels and jugglers.

The 1-2-3-4 Shoreditch music festival in Shoreditch Park returns for a fifth outing and this year it has come over all autumnal, bringing you the best new underground music alongside inspirational international acts. Given the fashionable East London location, it's no surprise that this whippersnapper of a festival is branded as one for 'stylish bands, stylish fans and stylish sounds'. Perhaps the least corporate music festival you'll get all summer, the 1-2-3-4 will no doubt throw up a bevy of 'heard-them-here-first' bands alongside (in equal measure) many 'will-never-hear-of-again' offerings. After the live music comes to an ever so cool close in the park the fun moves on to some of nearby venues, usually including Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen, Electricity Showrooms, Bar Music Hall, Queen Of Hoxton, Old Blue Last, the Joiners Arms and Mother. Last year tickets cost a mere £22.50 and your festival wristband got you into all the after parties for free, working out as a damn good deal. We're looking forward to another a night of summer mayhem.

Created in 1996 as a reaction to the state of the British Film industry the Portobello Film Festival aims to provide a platform for new exciting film-makers and to give daring and ground-breaking directors a chance to get their films seen. The festival hasnt had an easy ride and has even found itself without a cinema screen at times, screenings in parks, theatres, clubs and bars have all added to the diverse nature of this festival. This year the festival will be held at a number of locations including Westbourne Studios and a pop up cinema on Acklam Road; check out the website for the full programme. With annual premiers of shorts, documentaries and animations and lots of talks and workshops with top film directors the Portobello Film Festival is an exciting event in any film fanatics diary.

Worlds Together is an ambitious project aimed at exploring the importance of arts in young people's lives. The London based conference will combine the efforts and resources of the Tate Modern, the British Museum, the National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company. This mass collaboration draws on every medium of art, from digital technologies to Shakespeare and takes a particular interest in new emerging art forms and practices. The three-day event will provide a platform for teachers, artists and professionals to come together to discuss the way different artistic disciplines effect young people's cultural experience. The forum will be held in the Tate's brand new Oil Tanks, please visit the website to book your ticket, as spaces are limited.

The world famous Last Night of the Proms at the Royal Albert Hall brings the terrific summer season of The Proms to a fitting finale. Described by conductor Jiri Belohlavek as "the world's largest and most democratic musical festival", the much-loved classical celebration now encompasses more than 100 concerts each year. The Last Night is traditionally very different from the eight weeks that precede it, following a lighter, 'winding-down' vein and often pandering to popular classics and Patriotic Anthems (Rule, Britannia!, anyone?). Tickets are almost as hard to come by as Centre Court passes for the Wimbledon finals, but like the tennis, the whole thing is broadcast live on the BBC - and all round the world. Plus there's the popular Proms in the Park party, hosted by Terry Wogan. Check the Royal Albert Hall website for full details of the 2012 Proms programme.

The world famous Last Night of the Proms at the Royal Albert Hall is one of the most sought after events in the musical calendar. Tickets are almost as hard to come by as Centre Court passes for the Wimbledon finals. Like the tennis, the whole thing is broadcasted live on the BBC, but not without losing some of its charm and vigour. For the Henman Hill/Murray Mount of The Proms experience, nothing quite beats going to its sister event in Hyde Park with hundreds of other classical revellers. So, if you can't get tickets for the main event, then head to the park with food, family and friends, where for £35 you'll get five hours of music and entertainment hosted by Sir Terry Wogan and featuring pop star Kylie Minogue, tenor Alfie Boe, and pop/opera quartet Il Divo. With a sensational firework finale above the stage to cap things off, the only thing you'll have to worry about is the weather. Unlike Wimbledon, Hyde Park doesn't have a retractable roof just yet.

The Mayor's Thames Festival takes place in September each year celebrating the main waterway which winds its way through the heart of the city. This year the festival is taking place on the closing weekend of the London 2012 Games; so expect big crowds and a euphoric atmosphere. There's a carnival ambience to the two-day festival with street entertainment, art installations, music and dancing all performed at various riverside locations between Westminster Bridge, Tower Bridge and beyond. All this fun entertainment is free and, for the grand finale, there's a colourful night procession featuring costumed performers with tambourines and whistles travelling along Victoria Embankment and via Blackfriars Bridge, culminating in a massive free fireworks display. The festival ends with a spectacular bang as more than a ton of pyrotechnics explode over the River Thames in just ten minutes. Large crowds line up along the river for the fireworks display but with the stretch from the two barges between Blackfriars and Waterloo Bridge spanning almost half a kilometre, there's plenty of opportunity to find a space.

Radio 2 broadcasts from Hyde Park for the BBC Radio 2 Live in Hyde Park concert on Sunday 9 September 2012 when a selection of the radio station's regular presenters are joined by bands and singers that the broadcaster is associated with. Artists confirmed so far are The Voice UK's judge Jessie J, British rockers Status Quo, Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, London songstress Paloma Faith, Scottish funksters Average White Band and hot new talent Emeli Sandé. Also confirmed to perform are Norwegian band Katzenjammer. Further acts will be announced, check the official website for details.

Raising both money and awareness for Breast Cancer, the Generations Walk returns in 2012, having raised £35,000 last year. The grand total raised from the annual charity walk has now reached over £300,000 and this year the event will be supporting a new project, one which aims to develop new drugs to overcome resistance to chemotherapy. Chemotherapy allows 60% of patients to return to work and is a challenging but vital treatment for many breast cancer patients - the money raised by walkers will be put towards the research for this project. The walk will be 5 kilometres across Hampstead Heath and will finish with a picnic lunch for all participants.

Organised and hosted by the London Jewish Cultural Centre, the Hampstead and Highgate Literary Festival has quickly become a much loved event in London's literary calendar. This will be the fourth year of events and the festival seems to be growing with momentum since launching back in 2009. Book lovers arrived in their thousands last year to join in with creative workshops and to hear from some of the literary world's leading figures. Sarah Brown, Esther Freud, Raymond Blanc, Peter Snow, Diana Athill, Nicholas Parsons and Alan Hollinghurst were all among the names that made an appearance in 2011. Hosted in the former home of prima ballerina Anna Pavlova in a picturesque part of north London, and assisted by GRANTA and Daunt Books the three day book festival is certain to get those creative juices flowing.

The UK's biggest professional cycling race The Tour hits the streets of Britain for nine days of two wheeled action offering spectators a chance to see first hand the peddle-power of Olympic medallists fresh from the Games. The 2012 race will be the ninth edition and runs throughout England, Scotland and Wales over the eight days. Now an established highlight of the British sporting year, the race is Britain's largest free-to-watch live sporting event. You can expect to see plenty of top cycling names take to the road with home favourites like Tour de France Green Jersey Mark Cavendish and Olympic Gold medallist Geraint Thomas. Ben Swift, Boasson Hagen and Andy Schleck have all had successful rides in recent years and this year should provide a chance to catch fleeting glimpses of some talented newcomers.

The world's biggest duathlon returns to Richmond Park this September as athletes prime themselves to run, bike and run a little bit more on closed roads in south west London's area of outstanding natural beauty. This double-discipline endurance test is ideal for sporty types (17 years or above) who fancy doing a triathlon but are put off by the cold water of the Thames! There are three main categories: fun (5km run/10km ride/5km run), challenge (10km run/20km ride/5km run) or challenge team relay (10km run/20km ride/5km run). While 50% of the 3,500 entrants are competing for the very first time, top athletes will also be able to take part in separate elite and junior elite sprint races. The London Duathlon is sponsored by Chelsea and Westminster Health Charity and encourages participants to raise money for charity. Those wishing to race must apply by late August and pay an entrance fee. For more information and an entry pack go to the official website.

The Pre-Raphaelites were the rebels of the mid-nineteenth century, a collection of avant-garde artists who overturned orthodoxy and set the tone for modern art. The secret society was founded in 1848 and was largely led by Dante Gabriel Rossetti, William Holman Hunt and John Everett Millais. Opposed to the triviality represented by the Royal Academy's tastes, they were inspired predominantly by John Ruskin's theories of nature, realism and religion, love and death. The Tate has now brought together a collection of over 150 pieces of art showcasing the very best of the movement. Paintings, sculpture, photography and applied arts will sit alongside rare masterpieces including Ford Madox Brown's controversial Work 1852-1865. Also Philip Webb and Burne-Jones's The Prioress's Tale wardrobe of 1858. Don't miss this unique chance to view work from Britain's original modern art movement.

Following its debut in 2011, Empire's Big Screen is returning for another movie extravaganza. Spread across three days, this is a chance for all movie lovers to experience exclusive footage of upcoming blockbusters and full length movie previews. On top of this, there will also be discussions with A-list stars, live entertainment in the O2's FX arena and movie master classes. Audiences in 2011 were treated to footage from major films including The Amazing Spider-Man, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and Mission Impossible - Ghost Protocol. Daniel Craig, Guy Ritchie and Steven Spielberg were among the stars that dropped by for the shows. Visitors will also have the chance to see original props, costumes and memorabilia - different ticket packages are available depending on how much you want to see.

The London Design Festival is an ambitious project. Hundreds of events, locations, shops, universities and design agencies are involved in the nine days of talks, exhibitions, competitions and activities. It's a true celebration of the capital's all-encompassing design industry, taking in sectors as diverse as fashion, architecture, retail, typography, photography, textiles, interior decoration and manufacturing. There's a huge amount to see but don't be put off by the volume: inclusion here is based on the quality of the design. Events come in all shapes and sizes from product launches in tiny boutiques to massive trade shows. Details are released in March but, judging by what we've seen in years gone by, the programme is likely to centre on hubs at the Southbank Centre, the V & A and St Paul's Cathedral. The scope is far-reaching and you'll be hard pressed to cover all of it but it's fun trying. Check the website for full details.

Regarded as the rowing equivalent of the London Marathon, The Great River Race is bursting with colour, spectacle, intense competition and casual fun. Due to tides, the 2012 race will be run upstream for the fifth successive year, starting at Millwall Slipway in London's Docklands at 10.30am and finishing with a spectacular riverside party at Ham. The extensive 21-mile course takes crews from the industrial cityscape of Docklands all the way along the Thames to the idyllic semi-rural Richmond shores. The idea for this Herculean test of strength and endurance was inspired by a 1987 charity event in which a passenger barge rowed from Hampton Court Palace to the Tower Of London. Entries have snowballed from a mere 72 entrants to a massive 300 boats carrying over 2,000 competitors, racing for 35 trophies. This prestigious event is a fun day out for all the family. Those not competing can take a picnic and settle down to watch the action or follow the winding course right to the heart of the city. Festivities along the river at Richmond will begin at noon with live music, a children's beach, donkey rides and food and drink stalls. For more information and details just search Great River Race on LondonTown.com.

The Chelsea Antiques Fair has been a popular annual fixture on the Kings Road since 1950. The antiques are presented against the gilded opulence of Chelsea Town Hall, with its marble columns, chandeliers and original oil paintings; a fitting backdrop for such a wealth of prized items. The fair has 36 specialist dealers this year, and a quick browse will reveal 19th and early 20th century porcelain and pottery, fine gem set jewellery, oak furniture, silverware, Chinese antiquities, Art Deco furniture, fine maps and prints, Persian carpets and rare glassware and much, much more. Prices range from £20 to the tens of thousands, so there is something to suit all budgets.

The naturalistic play Mademoiselle Julie is one of Swedish playwright August Strindberg's most famous; this spring, the Barbican is presenting a modern version of the 1888 play. Starring Juliette Binoche and based on a battle between the sexes as a young woman encounters her father's footman and has an agonising evening consisting of lust, sex, and lies; the performance aims to be intimate, emotional and engaging. The play will be performed in French with English surtitles, and will be predominantly based on a fight for power between the lead male and female who differentiate in class, sex and values.

Five of India's most celebrated musicians come together at the Royal Albert Hall for a wonderful night of Music, Meditation and Healing. Nada is a South-Asian musical commemorating 25 years of the music of the divine. The famous five on the bill are Guinness World Record holder, Dr Yella Venkateswara Rao on the Mridangam, 'Pele of Percussion', Vaidyanathan Suresh on the Ghatam, respected composer, Jaitra Varanasi on the violin, Sri Ganapathy Sachidananda Swamiji on the synthesiser and Dr Natesa Ramani on the flute. Whether you're interested in spiritual well being or you just enjoy Asian music then this could be just the night for you.

The Cake and Bake Show has all the ingredients needed for a delicious day out. With new celebrity chefs and baking shows constantly bursting onto the scene, baking has become more popular than ever. Embracing the rise in popularity, Earls Court will be hosting the first live event dedicated to the world of cakes, breads and the art of baking. The day will offer an array of tempting and tasty features including: Sugarcraft Showcase, icing demonstrations and classes from the country's top cake artists; Chocolate Unwrapped, a sweet tooth's heaven with chocolate tastings and demos; and The Science Lab, expert advice that looks at the techniques of many cake conundrums. There will also be an English Tea Room offering tea and cakes to support the Macmillan Cancer Support team.

There's some serious monkey business going on in London this September; back for its 10th year the Great Gorilla Run will be bounding through the streets of the capital. Aiming to raise money to save the world's remaining gorillas, hundreds of people will be pulling on their gorilla costumes and running, jogging or walking the 7km City and Bankside route. Expect to see many humorously adapted costumes; including cheerleading gorillas prancing across Tower Bridge and ballerina gorillas perfecting their poise by the Tate Modern. The Gorilla Organisation works on raising money to help local communities in Africa work harmoniously alongside the rainforest rather than against it; and as a result enabling the Gorillas home to remain safe and kept as it should be. Runners hoping to participate need to pay a registration fee of £80 which can be done through the website; gorilla costume is included!

The Globe welcomes back its first artistic director, Mark Rylance, whose stunning performance in Jerusalem has been bowling over audiences in London and New York. The actor returns to the Southwark theatre for the first time since he left in 2005, starring in an all-male award-winning production of Twelfth Night by Original Practices. Rylance plays Olivia in the production, reviving a role he took on ten years ago when the show premiered in 2002. With a celebrated cast in some of Shakespeare's most loved roles you can expect comedy, cruelty and plenty of cross-dressing in this bittersweet production about two teams battling within the house of Olivia. On one hand, the lovesick lord Orsino plots against the heart of indifferent Olivia. On the other hand, a vexed alliance of servants scheme against her steward Malvolio. With traditional Shakespearian costume, music and dance this production at the Globe promises to transport you right back to 1601.

So many of London's architectural landmarks are closely guarded secrets, off-limits to Joe Public. It's tantalising to imagine what goes on behind those closed doors. Well, thanks to the hugely popular London Open House Weekend, we need wonder no more. Almost 700 of the city's buildings - including the Bank of England - take part in this fantastic, free yearly event, now in its 19th year, by opening their doors to everyone. London Open House Weekend offers a wealth of historical landmarks to choose from including some of the most beautiful architectural achievements in the city. You can also get inside some of the grandest private homes in your own neighbourhood - it's a voyeur's dream come true. For the more serious students of contemporary design, this is a chance to visit spaces by famous modern architects. An inspired idea and a real treat whether you're a lover of architecture or just plain nosy. Entry to some of the houses is only permitted via pre-booked tickets acquired through the website www.londonopenhouse.org. You're advised to bring booking confirmation with you.

The Royal Opera season opens with the complete Ring Cycle in 2012, a spectacular revival of Wagner's Der Ring des Nibelungen. The monumental scale of the production is matched with Wagner's epic musical score in a rich tale of ancient sagas, dragons, dwarfs and water nymphs. The full Ring Cycle was last brought to Covent Garden in 2007, now it returns using contemporary themes of modern science to juxtapose the timeless mythology.  With a powerful score, a stunning international cast and bold and vivid staging this emotional and uplifting production promises to be a memorable Opera Season to conclude their Olympic Programme.

Michael McIntyre is one of those universally loved posh people accepted by everyone and despised by few. Long before Jeremy Clarkson got into hot water for joking about Gordon Brown's vision, McIntyre was ridiculing the "one-eyed Prime Minister" and his previous cabinet meetings between Tony Blair and David Blunkett ("there were only three good eyes between them"). Unlike Clarkson, the well-spoken and slightly tubby McIntyre pulled it off - like he does most of his observational gags. Since his laugh out loud stand up routines that have the audience screaming with laughter and exclaiming "that is so true!" He has since moved on to present Michael McIntyre Live at the Apollo, been the loveable judge on Britain's biggest talent show; 'Britain's Got Talent', and released his first book. His trick is simple: his enthusiasm is infectious, his voice hilarious, his observation exemplary, his delivery perfect while on top of that, he seems a genuinely nice chap. Hailed by audiences and critics alike as the best new stand-up to emerge in years, McIntyre is, according to The Telegraph, "quite simply, top-to-toe hilarious". McIntyre is returning to what he does best this year with a long awaited tour, stopping by London's O2 for an impressive eight gigs in September.

Glaswegian comic Kevin Bridges comes to London with 'The Story Continues...' his stand-up show which tours the UK in 2012. After appearing on BBC One's Michael McIntyre's Comedy Roadshow in 2009 Bridges hosted the Bafta nominated 'Live At The Apollo' and won the breakthrough award at the 2010 Chortle Awards. His evident popularity is bourne out by the 45,000 tickets that were snapped up on the first day his current tour went on sale. The Perrier-nominated young comedian who has become a firm fixture on TV panel shows thanks to his jet black humour from the heart of Glasgow has a 6 part BBC 1 series - 'Kevin Bridges What's The Story', confirming his promotion from 'rising' to 'established' star of British stand-up.

What better way to celebrate the change of seasons than with Maypole dancing, Morris dancing and a marching band; and at the Pearly Kings and Queens Harvest Festival you can do just that. Each year the Pearly Kings & Queens come together from every borough of London to welcome the new season in style, and boy what a style they have, with extravagant Smother Suits covered top to toe in sparkly buttons, badges and glitter. The festival starts in the afternoon at Guildhall Yard and continues with a parade to St Mary-le-Bow Church for a harvest festival service at 3pm; harvest offerings are donated to the Whitechapel Mission, a charity aiming to help those caught in poverty.