The Rio Olympics in London, street parties galore and loads of free music!
by Jen (follow Jen on Twitter: @JenBarnes207)
Four years ago London was full of pride while hosting the summer Olympics – now it’s someone else’s turn, but in true British style, we’ve taken it as an excuse to host a lot of parties. If sports aren’t your thing, there’s plenty of street parties to fill your time as well! As always, if nothing on my list tickles your fancy, some of my fellow BrokeinLondoners have some more ideas for you in the free things to do in London section.
#1 Well Street Market Against Racism| 6th August
Image: London.gov
Our newly elected mayor wants to remind everyone that #LondonIsOpen so in honour of this sentiment, Well Street Market and HOPE not hate are throwing an East End street party to celebrate London’s brilliant diversity. The road will be closed all day so you can enjoy the two music stages with DJs and all of the dancing food and bunting without having to worry about getting run over.
When: 6th August, 12pm – 9pm
Where: Well Street, London E9
#2 Encampment by Good Chance | Until 7th August
Encampment by Good Chance
It’s the Festival of Love at the Southbank Centre and this year they are hosting Encampment by Good Chance – a festival to reinvigorate the conversations around the refugee crisis through art, music, discussions and hope. There’s an exhibition of art by residents of the Calais camp, morning exercise and warm-up classes, theatre performances and more. Don’t miss what will be truly inspiring and thought-provoking events.
When: Until 7th August
Where: Across Southbank Centre
#3 Rio Olympics Screenings | All Month
Image: Time Out London
London’s Olympic moment has passed, but that doesn’t mean that we’re not embracing the Rio Olympic spirit! Screens will be showing events at Pop Brixton, Broadgate Exchange Square, Beach East, Boxpark, Merchant Square, Summer of Sport at St Katharine Docks and probably more. So get in the spirit and head outside to cheer on Team GB!
When: All Month
Where: Various Locations
#4 Night of Festivals | 6th – 7th August
Night of Festivals
To celebrate the Rio Olympics London is throwing some fab Brazilian themed festivals along the river. There’s street theatre and carnival artists during the day before ‘performers on stilts with colour-changing costumes’ parade from Shad Thames to Potters’ Field park in the evening. Whatever that means, I’m sure it will be a good time.
When: 6th – 7th August
Where: More London Riverside (2pm on 6th August), Potters Fields Park (830pm on 6th August & 11am on 7th August)
#5 Notting Hill Carnival | 28th – 29th August
Notting Hill Carnival – Image: Visit London
Iiiiiit’s baaaackk!! Notting Hill Carnival kicks off on Bank Holiday weekend with floats, food, fantastic costumes and London’s biggest free street party. There’s no better way to kick back and relax than with a little dance in the streets. Don’t forget to get some jerk chicken. Sunday is Children’s Day so if you’re child-less head over on Monday for the real party.
When: 28th – 29th August
Where: Notting Hill
#6 Camden Beach | Until 23rd August
Camden Beach – Image: TimeOut
August is your last chance to experience Camden Beach–London’s fabulous sandy oasis at the Roundhouse. Channel your inner-child as you build sandcastles on the beach while sipping a rum cocktail. Embrace the summer vibes while you can because you know they won’t last long.
When: Until 29th August
Where: The Roundhouse, Chalk Farm Road, London NW1 8EH
#7 The City Garden | All Month
The City Garden – Image: Telegraph
You may have already seen it popping up on your instagram feed and if you want a photo of your own you only have a couple more months. The City Garden is an installation by artist Rebecca Louise Law. She suspended fresh flowers from copper wire back in the Spring which have now dried out and preserved themselves. The resulting effect is quite lovely and the photos will make your friends jealous!
When: All Month
Where: The City Centre, 80 Basinghall Street, London EC2V 5AR
#8 Canary Wharf Jazz Festival | 20th – 21st August
Canary Wharf Jazz Festival -Image: Canary Wharf
The Canary Wharf Jazz festival is actually London’s biggest free jazz festival so mark it down in your diaries now. You could spend all day Saturday and Sunday exploring different performances from J-Sonics, Beats + Pieces, Red Snapper and more (yes- I did just choose to highlight the best sounding names. But seriously – it’s a great opportunity to see some free live music so don’t miss out!
When: 20th August 130pm – 10pm ; 21st August 115pm – 9pm
Where: Across Canary Wharf
#9 Farmopolis | All Month
The Great Plant Rescue ©Farmopolis via Twitter
Farmopolis is the newest addition to Greenwich Peninsula and the perfect antidote to the O2. Thousands of flowers have been rehomed after the RHS Chelsea Flower Show to a jetty in the Thames that has a bar, café, cinema and a full programme of live events all month long. Head down for a talk, workshop or film screening, many of which are FREE!
When: All Month
Where: The Jetty, Greenwich Peninsula, London SE10 0FL
#10 Spotlight Festival | 13th August
Spotlight Festival – Image: Time Out
August really is the month of street festivals! Don’t forget to stop by Covent Garden for the Spotlight Festival at Seven Dials. Free music, comedy, dancing and lots of food stalls – there’s even discounts to be had in local shops and pubs and word on the street is that there’s a free G&T to be had as well! Who doesn’t want free gin?
When: 13th August, 12pm onwards
Where: Seven Dials, 42 Earlham St, London WC2H 9LA
