OUR GUIDE TO august IN LONDON
Summer isn't over just yet. August is packed with reasons to make the most of the city, from acclaimed theatre and open-air concerts to world-class exhibitions. It's also your final chance to experience our El Fenn residency at Flute, where a taste of Marrakech has taken over the Soho skyline. Here are a few of our concierge team's favourite ways to spend the month.
THEATRE
HIT MACHINE | SOHO THEATRE
How I Met Your Mother star Josh Radnor (Ted Mosby) makes his London stage debut in this sharp new play about two estranged brothers brought back together by music, family and one final chance to create a hit. Just moments from the hotel, it's one of the summer's most talked-about new productions. Ends 15th August.
MATTHEW BOURNE’S THE CAR MAN | SADLER’S WELLS
Matthew Bourne's acclaimed dance thriller returns to Sadler's Wells for a limited summer run. Inspired by Bizet's Carmen, this gripping production transforms the classic story into a tale of passion, jealousy and revenge set in a 1950s American garage. Ends 29th August.
HEATHERS THE MUSICAL | THE ARTS, MARBLE ARCH
The cult musical returns to London for a limited summer season. Packed with razor-sharp humour, an infectious soundtrack and plenty of high school drama, it's the perfect choice for fans of the iconic 1988 film or anyone looking for a fun night in the West End. Ends 22nd August.
EVENTS & exhibitions
ROYAL ACADEMY SUMMER EXHIBITION | ROYAL ACADEMY OF ARTS
The world's longest-running open-submission exhibition returns with more than 1,000 works from established artists, rising talent and Royal Academicians. Whether you're an avid collector or simply curious, it's one of London's cultural highlights every summer. Ends 23rd August.
CAMDEN FRINGE | CAMDEN VARIOUS VENUES
Discover London's largest independent performing arts festival, where theatres, pubs and unexpected venues across Camden host hundreds of comedy, theatre, cabaret and spoken word performances. It's the perfect opportunity to experience emerging talent before the festival wraps up for another year. Ends 30th August.
WES ANDERSON: THE ARCHIVES | DESIGN MUSEUM
Step inside the unmistakable world of Wes Anderson through original props, costumes, sketches and behind-the-scenes material from across his celebrated film career. A must for film lovers and design enthusiasts alike. Ends 16th August.
NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL | NOTTING HIILL
The August Bank Holiday belongs to Notting Hill Carnival. Expect vibrant Caribbean culture, colourful parades, legendary sound systems and some of the best street food in the city as West London comes alive for Europe's largest street festival. Ends 31st August.
MUSIC
JAZZ CAFE FESTIVAL | BURGESS PARK
The Jazz Cafe brings its renowned line-up to Burgess Park for a day of live music, celebrating jazz, soul, hip-hop and global sounds with performances from acclaimed artists. One day only on August 2nd.
BATTERSEA PARK IN CONCERT | BATTERSEA PARK
Pack a picnic, pour a glass of something chilled and settle in for an evening of live music beneath the trees. This much-loved open-air concert series brings together orchestras, jazz musicians and musical theatre performers for one of London's most elegant summer traditions. Ends 31st August.
RONNIE SCOTT’S STREET PARTY | SOHO
Soho's iconic jazz club takes the music outdoors for one day only, filling Frith Street with free live jazz, soul and R&B performances in one of the neighbourhood's best-loved summer traditions. One day only on August 1st.
ALL POINTS EAST FESTIVAL | VICTORIA PARK
One of London's biggest music festivals returns to East London with an impressive line-up of international artists across two weekends. Whether you're there for the headline acts or simply soaking up the festival atmosphere, it's one of the city's standout musical events of the summer. Ends 30th August.