Music

Fancy a live musical component to your Valentine's Day celebration? Or just feel like going to a gig and ignoring the whole thing? Let our experts guide you, ether way

The best things in life are free, they cost nothing. Nowt. Nada. We live in the world's most expensive city, but enjoying high quality art, music, clubs and entertainment needn't incur a charge. Skip the cash machine and follow our essential guide to the finest free cultural and pleasure-seeking pursuits

Whether you're up for a hedonistic night of clubbing, an alternative dress-up party or a night of comedy, London has the New Year's Eve night out for you. Read on for the best clubs, gigs and shows as well as top things to do on New Year's Day 2011 – that is, if you're not feeling too ropey!

Check out the Time Out music team's picks for the sound of 2010, with everything from Pavement to Rinse FM

Not quite as hardcore as clubbing, but not as tame as fireworks on the river, a gig is the perfect New Year's Eve solution. NYE 2010 offers a night with Foals, a circus-themed Bellowhead party and an intimate show with Ed Harcourt among a raft of top gigs...

Carnival returns on the August bank holiday weekend - get your festival glad rags on and immerse yourself in sequins and stalls for the annual Mas Parade and the carnival soundsystems

If you're planning a trip to Notting Hill Carnival, here's everything you need to know about getting there, plus advice on how to stay safe over the Carnival weekend