The last bank holiday feels like a distant memory, but don’t worry, another long weekend is right around the corner! Get ready for a weekend of fun starting August 24th and lasting through the 26th. We’ve compiled a list of exciting events, festivals, and activities to help you make the most of this extra time off. Ready to explore the best London has to offer? Let’s dive in!
Notting Hill Carnival: A Celebration of Caribbean Culture
The annual Notting Hill Carnival is a highlight of the bank holiday weekend and it’s easy to see why! This vibrant celebration of Caribbean culture is the biggest street festival in all of Europe! Immerse yourself in the infectious energy, vibrant music, and delicious smells of Jamaican jerk chicken and Trinidadian roti. Don’t forget to catch the colourful and dazzling masquerade bands, known as “mas”, as they parade through the streets.
While the traditional J’ouvert celebration has been cancelled this year, the main carnival parades will take place on Sunday, August 25th and Monday, August 26th. Get ready for a vibrant spectacle that attracts over 2 million visitors every year! Whether you join the parade or cheer from the sidelines, Notting Hill Carnival is sure to be the most unforgettable part of your bank holiday weekend.
Beyond the Main Event: Carnival-Inspired Events
Not everyone can handle the huge crowds of Notting Hill Carnival, but don’t worry! You can still get a taste of the Carnival spirit at several events happening around London over the weekend. Here are two great options:
🎊 BOXPARK Croydon is throwing a two-day festival-style event. Friday, August 23rd, kicks off the festivities with DJ sets from the iconic sound system, Rampage, alongside live disco and soul performances (including Kathy Sledge of Sister Sledge!). On Saturday, August 24th, stellar DJs will spin pre-Carnival hits. Of course, delicious street food and drinks are available both days.
🎊 Charlotte Mensah’s Braid Bar is the place to go if you want to look your best for Carnival! Award-winning hairstylist, Charlotte Mensah, will be hosting her renowned braid bar at the Hair Lounge salon in Notting Hill on Carnival Sunday (August 25th) and Carnival Monday (August 26th). With over 30 years of experience, Charlotte will create stunning braided styles for you, and you can even enjoy her famous nutmeg cake while you wait!
Get Your Engine Revving: The Formula 1® Exhibition
Buckle up, racing enthusiasts! The Formula 1® Exhibition opens just in time for the bank holiday weekend on August 23rd. The ExCeL Centre will be filled with memorabilia, rare film and photography, and fascinating artifacts from the world of F1®. But the highlight of the exhibition? You can get up close and personal with some of the most iconic cars in F1® history, including the legendary Lotus 72 and the Red Bull RB16B, which helped Max Verstappen win the 2021 Formula 1® Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix!
Secret London’s Sushi Collaboration: Asian Prawn Cocktail
You might have heard the buzz: Secret London is making headlines! For one month only, we’ve partnered with SushiDog, the “grab and go” sushi experts, to create our very own Secret London sushi roll! The bank holiday weekend is your second to last chance to try it before it’s gone.
Head to one of SushiDog’s seven locations across London and order the “Asian Prawn Cocktail” roll. It’s a delicious twist on the classic British dish with a subtle Asian influence. And, because it’s Secret London, there’s a secret ingredient in the Marie Rose sauce. Can you guess what it is?
Barket Place: A Food Market for Dogs
You’ve got your sushi fix, now it’s time to treat your furry friend! Market Place Vauxhall will transform into “Barket Place” for one weekend only, becoming the UK’s first ever street food market for dogs.
In celebration of National Dog Day on August 26th, vendors will be serving up dog-friendly versions of human food…and it’s all free! Expect tasty treats like chicken tacos, salmon poke bowls, and fish and chips (all made for your four-legged friend).
Moco Museum: A World of Modern and Contemporary Art
Prepare to be amazed! The internationally acclaimed Moco Museum has recently opened its doors in London. This impressive museum, with previous locations in Amsterdam and Barcelona, houses one of the world’s leading collections of modern and contemporary art. Famous works and installations by renowned artists await!
During your visit this August bank holiday weekend, you can see masterpieces by Damien Hirst, Banksy, Andy Warhol, Yayoi Kusama, Keith Haring, Jean-Michel Basquiat, KAWS, and many more. It’s a must-see for any art enthusiast.
Battersea Park In Concert: Picnics and Performances
Pack your picnic blankets and your best picnic basket! Battersea Park In Concert is taking outdoor picnics to a whole new level. Over the bank holiday weekend, this emerald expanse will host three days of open-air picnic concerts. The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, Jazz stars from Ronnie Scott, singer Myleene Klass, and the world’s greatest composers will fill the air with classical masterpieces and musical hits. It’s the perfect setting for a relaxing and unforgettable evening.
