It’s August, and the City of London is bursting with exciting activities! Whether you’re a sports enthusiast, a culture vulture, or simply seeking a fun family day out, there’s something for everyone this month. Let’s dive into the exciting events taking place throughout the city, starting with the continuation of the Summer of Sport in the City.
Summer of Sport in the City Continues
The Summer of Sport in the City continues into August and September, offering a fantastic blend of activities for all ages. Get ready to play giant Noughts and Crosses and chess in Fleet Street Quarter until August 30th, or cheer on your favorite athletes at the Olympic Games screenings in New Street Square Apex Hotel and Seething Lane Garden until August 11th. Don’t miss out on the BOCCE tournament in New Street Square from August 5th to 20th, or show off your skills in beach volleyball and tennis in The Cresent on August 12th. And as the Olympic Games wrap up, the Paralympic Games screenings in New Street Square Apex Hotel and Seething Lane Garden will start on August 28th, providing even more opportunities to celebrate sporting excellence. This summer, the City of London is your ultimate destination for sporting excitement and fun!
Unwind in the City with Free Cultural Events
Looking for a relaxing and enriching experience? Unwind in the City, a free eight-week program of cultural events at Broadworks by Hive Curates, has something for everyone. From live music and performances to wellness and movement classes, kids’ art clubs, and exhibitions, there’s a plethora of options to choose from. This inclusive program welcomes all, with events either free or pay-what-you-can, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to participate in these enriching cultural experiences.
Musical Delights at the Barbican Shop
Music lovers, rejoice! The Barbican Shop is hosting a pop-up store for the legendary independent music retailer Rough Trade until the end of the year. Dive into a treasure trove of vinyl records, featuring a carefully curated selection of new and emerging artists, influential names from the London music scene, and recordings by past and present Barbican performers. This is your chance to discover the hidden gems of the independent music world and immerse yourself in the rich history of music in the City of London.
A Roman Adventure for Young and Old
Step back in time and discover the captivating world of Roman London through six newly unveiled artworks created by London primary school children. This unique project, “Reimagining Londinium”, invites you to embark on a trail that explores the city’s fascinating Roman heritage. Each artwork is inspired by a different Roman theme, offering a glimpse into the city’s vibrant past. With things to spot, archaeology to uncover, and lovely green spaces to relax in, this trail promises a fun and informative experience for the whole family.
Let Your Inner Child Run Free at Our Street
Unleash your creativity and rediscover the joy of play at Our Street, taking over The Curve in the Barbican Centre this August. Transforming the space into an interactive playground for all ages, Our Street will offer a diverse range of workshops and events throughout the month. From storytelling and crafting to a family rave, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The best part? All activities are free, but booking in advance is recommended.
Embrace the Sunset at Horizon 22
Enjoy breathtaking views of the London skyline while sipping on a glass of Searcys’ signature champagne at their Sunset Lates at Horizon 22, every Friday in August. This exclusive event offers a unique opportunity to experience the city’s beauty after dark, from the highest events space in London. Tickets are £29.50 per person and include after-hours sunset access to Horizon 22 and a glass of Searcys Champagne or non-alcoholic sparkling wine.
A Glimpse into Victorian London
Take a journey through time at a free outdoor exhibition in St Paul’s Churchyard, showcasing the extraordinary collection of photographs from Queen Victoria’s reign housed at The London Metropolitan Archive. From the first known photograph of London to the opening of Blackwall Tunnel, this exhibition offers a captivating glimpse into the city’s Victorian era, capturing its people, places, and pivotal moments in stunning detail.
Musical Melodies and Culinary Delights at The Lampery
Get ready for a weekend of musical performances, delicious food, and drinks at The Lampery, where Harvard’s oldest acapella group, The Harvard Krokodiloes, will be performing on August 3rd and 4th. While The Kroks enchant you with classic songs of America’s Golden Age, The Lampery will be hosting a variety of events, including a three-course dinner on their Terrace, a Sunday Brunch, Sunday Roast, and a relaxed cocktail hour. This is an opportunity to enjoy a unique blend of musical talent and culinary delights in a charming setting.
Family Fun at Guildhall Art Gallery
Guildhall Art Gallery is hosting a special Summer Holiday family-friendly activity day on August 6th, drawing inspiration from their current exhibition, Anne Desmet Kaleidoscope: London. Families can participate in printmaking with handmade stamps, create their own kaleidoscopes, make SKY Window-inspired collages, and enjoy storytelling sessions led by award-winning poet and storyteller Shamim Azad. This is an excellent opportunity to spark creativity, explore art, and create lasting memories with your family.
Journey Through Roman London
For those interested in history, archaeologist Dr Andrew Lane is leading a fascinating tour on August 10th, exploring three of the best-preserved Roman sites in London. This captivating journey will take you to the Roman Amphitheatre and the remains of the Roman City Wall, immersing you in the rich history of London during the Roman era.
Wood Engraving Workshops at Guildhall Art Gallery
On August 17th and 23rd, Guildhall Art Gallery is hosting wood engraving workshops, led by Anne Desmet, artist and co-curator of the exhibition “Anne Desmet: Kaleidoscope/London.” Learn the basics of wood engraving, create two engraved woodblocks, and go home with several prints of your own design. This hands-on workshop is perfect for both beginners and those with some experience in wood engraving.
Outdoor Cinema at the Barbican
Enjoy the warm summer evenings under the city’s stars at the Barbican’s Outdoor Cinema series, returning this summer with a sparkling programme of films. From August 21st to September 1st, you can indulge in a memorable movie experience, complete with delicious street food and refreshing drinks.
Explore the Mythology of Mithras
“Born From Stone”, a captivating new exhibition by Goshka Macuga, invites you to explore the fascinating world of Roman mythology at the London Mithraeum Bloomberg SPACE. Inspired by the ancient Roman temple of Mithras found on the site, Macuga’s mesmerizing cave-like installation delves into the history of the intriguing god Mithras. The exhibition also features carefully curated works on loan from the Imperial War Museums, contributing to the narrative of destruction and redevelopment that spans the history of the City of London.
Play Cycles at Guildhall Art Gallery
Join the family fun on Saturday, August 10th, at Guildhall Art Gallery’s “Play Cycles” event in the Guildhall yard. This newly launched pop-up event offers a variety of exciting activities, including loose parts play, arts and crafts, games, and sensory explorations through sound. There will also be craft activities and storytelling sessions happening in the Gallery, ensuring a day filled with fun and creativity for all ages.
Explore the Historic Petticoat Lane Market
If you haven’t already, Petticoat Lane Market is a must-visit for anyone exploring the City of London. This historic market, dating back to the 1650s, offers a unique blend of independent shops, restaurants, coffee shops, bars, and a weekday food market. Don’t miss the fantastic Sunday street market, bursting with unique finds and local treasures.
Exclusive Discount at Andaz London Liverpool Street
Andaz London Liverpool Street, one of the leading hotels in the City of London, is offering an exciting discount this year. From July 5th, 2024, to January 5th, 2025, enjoy 20% off your stay and a complimentary breakfast for bookings made within this period. This is the perfect opportunity to indulge in a luxurious getaway in the heart of the city.
Sculpture in the City
The City of London’s public spaces have transformed into a vibrant open-air gallery with the 13th edition of Sculpture in the City. This free exhibition, available 24/7, showcases the work of renowned artists, including Arturo Herrera, Clare Burnett, Elisa Artesero, and many more. This captivating exhibition offers a unique opportunity to engage with contemporary sculpture in an outdoor setting.
This August, the City of London is buzzing with activity, offering a diverse range of events and activities for all ages and interests. From sports and cultural events to art exhibitions and outdoor adventures, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So grab your friends and family, and make the most of all the exciting opportunities that the City of London has to offer this August!
