August Bank Holiday 2023: Five things to do in London

Hip hip hooray for the August Bank holiday and what better place to enjoy your three days off than in our fair capital.

August in London wouldn’t be the same without Europe’s biggest street party: Notting Hill Carnival, along with the array of music festivals including All Points East.

Whether you’re a carnival dancer or looking for something more low key, we’ve rounded up a few of the best events happening in the capital from August 25 to 28.

Notting Hill Carnival 2023

Saturday August 26 to Monday August 28

Europe’s biggest celebration of Caribbean culture and diversity has taken place every August Bank Holiday weekend since 1966.

Over two million people are expected to head to west London to enjoy some banging beats, lashings of street food, razzle-dazzle costumes and utterly fabulous parade processions.

For more information around schedules, parade routes and road closures read our full Carnival guide.

All Points East festival

Victoria Park, E9 7DE August 18 to 28

One of the most beloved of all London’s music festivals, All Points East returns to Hackney’s Victoria Park this August.

This year’s lineup includes some of the hottest names in the music industry including Stormzy, HAIM, The Strokes, Jungle and Dermot Kennedy.

The support acts are just as enticing, with the likes of Erykah Badu, Amyl and the Sniffers, Confidence Man, Angel Olsen, Tove Lo and more warming up the stage.

A free programme of midweek events will also be hosted in the community by In the Neighbourhood.

Greenwich + Docklands International Festival 2023

August 25 to September 10 Free

London’s spectacular free outdoor Greenwich + Docklands International Festival is back for 2023 with an eclectic programme.

Over the Bank holiday weekend, make sure to catch Open Lines in General Gordon Square in Woolwich, a stunning tightrope act which will open the festival.

Other events include the Greenwich Fair which will take over the grounds of the Old Royal Naval College, Cutty Sark Gardens and Greenwich Park on Saturday August 26.

‘Ancient Futures’, a Grime soundtracked Afrofuturisric dance party will also take place at The Moorings, Thamesmead from August 27 to 28.

For the full festival programme check out the website.

Hampton Court Palace Food Festival

Hampton Ct Way, East Molesey, KT8 9AU August 26 to 28

Feast your eyes on the surroundings of Henry VIII’s palace, and your stomach on goodies from the Hampton Court Palace Food Festival, which is held in the palace gardens.

There will be over 150 food stalls serving everything from mouth-watering cheeses and sausages to brownies and churros.

There’s also a cocktail-making class from local distillery Bone Idyll, face painting and other kids’ activities, and an array of local musicians taking to the bandstand to soundtrack your culinary adventure.

Victorian Vauxhall

Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, Vauxhall Walk, SE11 5HL Saturday August 26 Free

Roll up, roll up, this August Vauxhall is hosting a Victorian fun fair for the whole family.

The free day out will feature tightrope walkers, strong men, music hall bands, stilt walkers, a vintage carousel and a hot air balloon.