How to enjoy the sun while it lasts
Film 4 Summer Screen
Somerset House
£10; Until 25 August
Set in the jaw-droppingly beautiful Edmond J Safra fountain court, this is the ideal way to spend a summer evening in London. Likewise, if you enjoy open-air cinema then this is the destination for you. Classics including Hitchcock’s menacing The Birds will be showing on Friday, with the hallucinogenic Enter the Void beating out the Chemical Brothers electric sounds on the Saturday. Surround sound and an impressively large screen covering the façade of the house ensure that a truly great cinematic experience is to be had. Tickets are selling fast for this summer extravaganza so get them as soon as you can.
somersethouse.org.uk/film
Camden Beach
Chalk Farm Road
Free; Until 22 August
One doesn’t normally plan a trip to the coast in North London, but this weekend you can. This summer the Roundhouse has ingeniously crafted a beach in Camden. With striped deckchairs and heaps of golden sand, this location has been the perfect backdrop to the summer sporting events. Inspired by the Olympics, with ping pong, badminton and boules all available on the sandy dunes, you will also find an ice cream/alcohol van and a Margarita shack. Food is also provided at the Grill Tiki bar with steaks, burgers and all your dietary desires. Sadly it will come to an end next Wednesday so if you fancy a trip to the beach head down this weekend before it gets washed away. roundhouse.org.uk
Foodies Festival
Battersea Park
£18 for three days; 17-19August
Battersea Park plays host to a feast of gastronomic delights this weekend. Foodies festival brings the most exciting food and culinary talents to your doorstep. Nourishment is provided throughout the day with a host of food and bar tents. You can try the very best of UK restaurants without ever having to leave the premises. Over 100 artisan stalls offer you the chance to buy and sample their organic produce, whilst mixologists are on hand to ensure that you never go thirsty. If you wish to learn, you should head to the chef’s theatre, where Michelin starred and TV chefs will be will be sharing their culinary secrets. food.festival.com
Canary Wharf Jazz Festival
Canada Square Park
Free; 17-19 August
This weekend London will celebrate the very best of jazz. Bands from all over the world will descend on the capital to take part in this extraordinary festival. A mixture of cultures and sounds will find harmony in Canada Square, with music ranging from classic modern jazz to free form improvisation. After a weekend of unbelievable talent, the finale on Sunday will see Manchester based Beats and Pieces take centre stage as they perform their modal jazz, Latin and bossa mixed music. Any fans of the genre would be mad to miss out. canarywharf.com
London Mela
Gunnersbury Park
Free; 19 August
This festival is a celebration of the colour and life of the Asian community. Held for one day at Gunnersbury Park, the event promises to be a visual delight. Art, music, comedy, theatre and dance are all represented, while eclectic music will add to the party atmosphere. There is a range of entertainment for children, including a funfair, to ensure little ones won’t get bored. Food markets with a mix of flavoursome produce provide the best of Asian cuisine. The Mayor’s office will be among the spectators joining London’s Mela and celebrating the Eid ul-Fitr that marks the end of Ramadan and the month of fasting. londonmela.org