Don’t be put off by the dodgy weather, there’s loads of free family fun over the August Bank Holiday weekend and Notting Hill Carnival always brings sunshine to the Capital. Whether you’re ‘jumping and whining’ or having a ‘Jolly Day Out’, enjoy!
Fri: Sketch, Scribble, Squiggle at V&A Museum of Childhood, Cambridge Heath Rd, E2 (Bethnal Green tube)
An afternoon of dabbling, doodling and drawing inspired by the series of childhood portraits by Rebecca Fortnum. 12-4pm, drop-in, free (Aug 26)
Fri-Sun: Weekend 51 at Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre SE1 (Waterloo tube)
A three day celebration of the heritage of Royal Festival Hall since the Festival of Britain in 1951, with highlights including a Gamelan Extravaganza (javanese percussion orchestra), Punch & Judy shows, Asian folk dancing and a Floral Bicycle Parade. Varying times, free. (Aug 26-28)
Sun-Mon: Notting Hill Carnival, Notting Hill Gate, Portobello Rd and surrounding area (Westbourne Park tube, exit only)
It’s Europe’s biggest street festival and Children’s Day is on Sunday when the best costumes are awarded prizes. Come out for the colourful floats, the steel drums, the sound systems, the party vibe and of course, the amazing food. 7am-7pm, free. Get directions here. (Aug 28-29)
Sun-Mon: Alternative Village Fete, National Theatre, SE1 (Waterloo/Embankment tube)
A riotous weekend of performances and activities including crazy crafts and provocative produce with cucumber sandwich throwing, wheelchair square-dancing and more fun for all the family, curated by Home Arts Live. 1-7.30pm (Sun) and 12-3pm (Mon), free (Aug 28-29)
Local Pick
Sat: The Adventures of Robin Hood & Maid Marion at Freightliners Farm, Sheringham Rd, N7 (Highbury & Islington tube)
He steals from the rich and gives to the poor. Catch the wild adventures of Robin Hood and his merry band in this lively open-air production from Principal Theatre, suitable for all the family. Starts 3pm, Adults £10/under 15s £5/under 5s £2/under 1s free (Aug 27)
Day Trip
Fri-Mon: Jolly Day Out Festival at Hampton Court Green, East Molesey, Surrey KT8 9AU (South West trains from London Waterloo to Hampton Court direct, around 35 mins journey.)
Brand new festival with an outstanding line-up of family fun including live shows from Zingzillas, Charlie & Lola, Horrible Histories, arts and crafts with Roald Dahl and Science Museum, welly-wanging, pig racing, dancing sheep, Henry the Apes tournament and much more.
Food and drink includes Jamie’s Fabulous Feasts, Pimms tent, Maggie’s Farm. Headlining stage acts are Imelda May (Fri), Bjorn Again (Sat), McFly (Sun) and Singalonga Sound of Music with spectacular fireworks finale (Mon). 12-9pm, £25 for ages 12+/under 12s free (2 kids free with every adult ticket). Visit www.jollydayout.com for info (Aug 26-29)
For more ideas visit 30 Things Summer Guide and August Calendar
Photo via Notting Hill Carnival web site
