Bank on a great holiday weekend
NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL
26-27 August; all day; free; Ladbroke Grove; thenottinghillcarnival.com
Since Notting Hill Carnival’s debut in 1966, people have flocked to take part in this Caribbean spectacle. Buzzing crowds, live music and a mass of colourful dancers and processions will all get you in the party spirit. The main parade takes part on the Monday.
LEONARD STREET PARTY
26 August; 12-8pm; free; The Book Club; 100 Leonard Street; wearetbc.com
Missing the Jubilee street parties? Then head down to Shoreditch for a day of indulgent celebrations. Fancy dress boxes, film screenings and a multitude of games will keep you entertained throughout the day, as well as live music, DJ sets and plenty of dancing.
MAURITIAN OPEN AIR FEST
26 August; Down Lane Park; £6; Park View Road; mauritianopenair.com
Mauritius is brought to London this weekend. Traditional music will provide a sense of the exotic in Down Lane Park as some of the nation’s biggest names perform a medley of sounds. Last year 10,000 people attended and this year it looks even bigger.
PYJAMA PARTY
25 August 8pm-3am; £3 (over 18s only); Bloomsbury Lanes; wegottickets.com
Tired of the same old clubbing scene? Then this will be the event for you. Don your pjs and get down to the Bloomsbury Lanes for a night of fun and festivities. Expect a variety of music, from funky soul to hip hop, with DJS including Culture Cuts and the Ridds.
FESTIVAL OF FLOWERS
23-26 August; Southwark Cathedral; £14; cathedral.southwark.anglican.org
This historic venue will be filled with the most beautiful flowers from around the world this weekend. Led by artistic director Mig Kimpton, who has been awarded two gold medals at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, it is sure to be a sensory extravaganza.