Five things to do in London this weekend

As Londoners continue to enjoy the ending of restrictions, there are many events this September which should have you venturing to some of the city’s biggest cultural institutions.

Here are five events across the capital, for the weekend of September 3 to 5, which you should consider grabbing a ticket for.

Akira

September 3 Prince Charles Cinema, Chinatown, WC2H 7BY

Considered to be one of the best anime films of all time, which continues to be an influence on film directors and artists today including Rian Johnson and Kanye West. 

Akira was initially released in 1988, but is being revisited on the big screen at the Prince Charles Cinema as part of their September season.

Set in the future in 2019, 31 years after the Japanese government nuked Tokyo, Kaneda, a bike gang leader, tries to save his friend Tetsuo from a secret government project.

Katsuhiro Ohtomo’s film is strikingly bloody and violent, but its phenomenal animation helped set the standard for modern anime.

Pub In The Park

September 3-5 Chiswick House & Gardens, Burlington Ln, Chiswick, W4 2RP

Very much aimed at those festival-goers for whom the food truck line-up is just as important as who is playing on stage.

Pub In The Park claims to be the “biggest food and music festival tour in the UK”.

It mixes the musical acts with on-stage chefs who offer live demonstrations and cooking tips, as well as an artisan food market.

Those scheduled for the Chiswick edition include Basement Jaxx, Marc Almond, Marcus Wareing, and Atul Kochhar.

Frankie Boyle

September 3 - 9 Leicester Square Theatre, Leicester Square, WC2H 7BX

For those who like their comedy with more ‘bite’ than a hungry crocodile – Glasgow’s finest Frankie Boyle is trying out some brand new material at the Leicester Square Theatre.

Expect laughs, politics, and a wander through some taboo subjects with former Mock of the Week star.

Tickets cost £20.50.

Open House London

September 4-5Various locations

This city-wide festival lets you peer into London’s institutions, which are not usually open to the public.

Open House London is kicking off its 30th anniversary season this Saturday, with a number of events throughout the city including 10 Downing Street and the Argentine ambassador’s opulent residence.

Following last year’s festival being mostly online, this will be a chance to really explore London.

Read our guide on the places to explore at Open House London.

Bad People at London Podcast Festival

September 5 Kings Place, King’s Cross, N1 9AG

Podcasts have done a lot to get many people through the last 18 months, but London Podcast Festival gives you the chance to shed the headphones and enjoy your favourites in the company of others.

‘Bad People’ is a BBC Sounds production which sees criminal psychologist Dr Julia Shaw and stand-up comedian Sofie Hagen contemplate criminal cases from throughout history.

They discuss everything from the power of conspiracy theories to what makes people sadists.

Despite the grizzly subject matter, there are definitely laughs to be had too. Tickets are from £16.50.