Bank holiday in London
Make the most of the long weekend with our guide to the August 2019 bank holiday in London
Sound the long weekend klaxon! August is upon us and you know what that means – there's a bank holiday on the horizon. Although we've already had the fun of the Easter long weekend and two Mondays off in May, the August bank holiday (Sat 24-Mon 26 August 2019) is the most important for Londoners. Yes, it’s the last bank holiday until Christmas rolls around but most importantly, it coincides with the dates of Notting Hill Carnival, the second biggest carnival in the world after Rio de Janeiro’s, so you better make it a good one.
There’s heaps happening across London for the August bank holiday, so where do you start making plans? Right here, that’s where. We’ve compiled the ultimate guide to celebrating the holiday weekend. Whatever you like to get up to in your spare time (well, within reason), we’ve got you covered with all the best new art exhibitions, new theatre shows, day trips and the best clubs in London. Don’t think about Tuesday. Tuesday does not exist. You have one sweet, empty Monday to fill. Make it count!
The best bank holiday events in the city
August events in London
August in London is teeming with fantastic events, cultural happenings and things to do. Take advantage of the sunny weather (fingers crossed) by heading out into London’s great outdoors, eating alfresco at one of London's best rooftop restaurants and sinking a cocktail or two at one of these bars with a view. Don’t forget to hit up Europe’s biggest street party Notting Hill Carnival or bag a seat at the BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall. August in London is also the month of the summer bank holiday, Meltdown Festival - curated by Nile Rodgers this year - South West Four Festival, Cocktails in the City, London Craft Beer Festival, 51st State Festival and Buckingham Palace’s Summer Opening. Here’s your guide to the best pop-ups, parties, events and things to do in August in London 2019. RECOMMENDED: The definitive London events calendar
Top ten things to do this August bank holiday
Make the most out of the last – and longest – weekend in August (Saturday August 24 - Monday August 26 2019). Yes, you can always jump in a London lido or snooze in a big old London park, but this August bank holiday is positively packed with things to do. You’ve gained a day off work, so make it count. Check out top ten ways to let loose from Friday to Monday and before term time (or Tuesday) kicks in again. RECOMMENDED: Our full guide to the bank holiday in London
Notting Hill Carnival guide
Given that an estimated two million people attended last year, Notting Hill Carnival totally deserves its reputation as Europe’s biggest street festival. The annual event is a vivid and thrilling spectacle that celebrates and showcases London’s rich, varied and magnificent multicultural past and present. And for any party lovers, the Carnival weekend is a vital date in the calendar. Still, the sheer size and excitement of Carnival can be overwhelming, especially if you’re unsure of exactly what you should be doing. So, to get totally prepared and ready for the celebrations, don’t go anywhere without reading our guide, which includes invaluable information, tips and travel details about Notting Hill Carnival 2019. What is Notting Hill Carnival?A yearly celebration of London’s Caribbean communities, their culture and traditions, which has been taking place since 1966. The Carnival takes places over two days and features a parade and fantastic live music, including reggae, dub and salsa. There are also 37 static sound systems, soca floats, steel bands and a whole lot of delicious Caribbean food. Where does Notting Hill Carnival take place? The Carnival spreads throughout W10 in West London, with celebrations taking over the areas of Notting Hill (obvs), Ladbroke Grove and Westbourne Park. The main parade begins on Great Western Road, moving its way along Chepstow Road, before leading on to Westbourne Grove. It then travels down Ladbroke Grove. When does Notting Hill Carnival
