Douglas & Gordon August Events Guide

School’s out for summer! Going on holiday or still slaving away at work? Enjoy your weekends either way with Douglas & Gordon’s London August events guide.

Live at the Bandstand, Battersea Park: 1 August

Get down to Battersea Park’s Bandstand in the afternoon on 1st of August for some free live music in the park. Along with a seaside theme, this year’s Bandstand will feature live blues, bluegrass and ska music. The line-up includes Ryk Mead & the London Blues Machine, The Steve Morrison Band, Ella and the Blisters, Rags Rudi and Colomboloco. Bring the kids along too for some face painting and arts and crafts. Then finish the evening off with some irresistible food including crêpes, grills, wraps, gourmet sandwiches, Mexican cuisine and more!

Alice in Wonderland at Holland Park: 1 August

Bring the kids to Holland Park’s Yucca Lawn on the 1st of August for an operatic rendition of Alice in Wonderland by Will Todd and Maggie Gottlieb. Celebrating the 150th anniversary of the publication of the children’s book, this is bound to be a great evening for the whole family.

Prudential RideLondon: 1-2 August

Get active for the month of August with the RideLondon festival. The week-long cycling fest gives biking enthusiasts an eight mile loop of roads around Central London to show off their skills, closing it off to regular traffic. The Prudential RideLondon Free Cycle event will take place on the 1st of August and lets cyclists of all ages enjoy the route. Why not bring the kids out to enjoy some safe outdoor fun?

Brompton World Championship: 2 August

Tying in with the Prudential RideLondon festival, the Brompton World Championship is coming to London on the 1st of August. The unique event will surely be something to behold as over 500 smartly-dressed competitors set off on a 1.3 mile circuit along Horse Guards Parade and Buckingham Palace, starting and finishing on The Mall. Come along and show your support for a fun day out!

Light and Lands on The Mall: 2-10 August

Featuring works from around the globe, Light and Land at Mall Galleries celebrates the art of landscape photography. This exhibition is not just an opportunity to view some stunning photos though; you can also hear some of the UK’s best landscape photographers talk about their work, and even receive an individual critique on your own work.

Film4 Summer Screen at Somerset House: 6-19 August

Somerset House welcomes back Film4 Summer Screen movies this month for 14 nights of open-air films. Gather under the stars at the venue’s stunning courtyard for a picnic accompanied by live DJ sets, special guests and of course some great movies! This year’s line-up includes Withnail and I, Do the Right Thing, Quentin Tarantino’s True Romance, and Roman Holiday starring Audrey Hepburn.

Africa Fashion Week London at the Olympia: 7-8 August

Have a passion for fashion? Why not visit Europe’s largest catwalk in celebration of African design and talent at Olympia West on the 7th and 8th of August. Africa Fashion Week champions new and emerging designers inspired by the rich culture of Africa. Explore a fashion-forward showcase, bringing together fashionistas and industry professionals from around the world for a two-day event in celebration of style.

London Triathlon: 8-9 August

The London Triathlon is back in full force on the weekend of the 8th-9th of August. Expecting a record number of triathletes, 2015’s event is certain to be the biggest one yet with over 13 000 participants. Novices and experts alike are set to compete in a range of distances. Flex your muscles for one of the events, including the Super Sprint, Sprint, Olympic and Olympic Plus waves or as part of a team relay.

James Deane and 11.57 at The Half Moon: 9 August

If you’re a fan of the blues rock scene, be sure not to miss James Deane and 11.57 live at The Half Moon in Putney on 9th August. This will be the singer’s official album launch, and is set to feature some inspiring blues guitar and vocal showcasing.

The Three Musketeers at Fulham Palace: 9 August

Enjoy the beauty of Fulham Palace’s walled garden while watching a live performance of the classic Three Musketeers! SeeAlexandre Dumas' swashbuckling tale, performed by international award-winning outdoor theatre company Illyria on the 9th of August. Booking is essential. Prices are £13 for adults and £8 children.

The Great British Beer Festival: 11-15 August

Showcasing over 500 ales, beers, and ciders from around the globe, The Great British Beer Festival is a must for beer lovers. On until the 15th of August, the festival also features over 250 different British breweries. Whether you attend just to try out some new and unique ales or are serious about your beer, the five day festival is sure to be great fun, with activities including live music and traditional pub games as well as some hearty pub grub.

Red Bull Air Race World Championship: 15-16 August

Red Bull’s famous Air Race World Championship is set to hit Royal Ascot for the second time in mid-August. Daring pilots will race through the course, barrel-rolling just a few metres from the ground and looping their way through obstacles at 230mph. Visit Royal Ascot on the 15th and 16th of August for an action packed weekend of thrills!

Sherlock Holmes: A Musical Mind: 16 August

Sherlock fan? Watch the series come alive at the Royal Albert Hall during a live rendition of the film and TV scores, performed by the BBC Concert Orchestra, conducted by Barry Wordsworth. Special guests include Sherlock co-creator Mark Gatiss, and mezzo-soprano Christine Rice.

Trinity Summer Cinema Series: 19-21 August

Enjoy some cinematic greats while raising money for a good cause during the Trinity Summer Cinema Series. Clapham Common features three nights of outdoor movies in support of Trinity Hospice from the 19th-21st of August. Bring a picnic, or buy some popcorn and home-made cakes, for some tasty treats to go along with the perfect summer evening.

Tate Sensorium: 26 August – 20 September

Visit the Tate from the 26th August for a unique approach to art. Stimulate your senses in a new immersive experience.Tate Sensorium is a display that allows you to experience sounds, smells, tastes and physical forms inspired by artworks, and record your physiological responses through sophisticated measurement devices. The experience encourages a new approach to interpreting artworks, using the senses to trigger both memory and imagination.

Notting Hill Carnival: 29-31 August

This month’s Bank Holiday weekend, bring the family along to experience the Notting Hill Carnival. The Caribbean theme is set to line the streets of West London with Calypso music, steel bands and tasty food stalls. Costumed performers and decorative floats will make one of London’s biggest annual events a feast for both the eyes and ears.

Guided Walk of the Thames Foreshore: 31 August

Join local experts Phil Emery and Keith Whitehouse on a guided foreshore walk from Bishop's Park, and piece together the story of this ancient place on the Thames. One of London’s most important archaeological sites, it has remains spanning 10,000 years of history. The shore carries some of the fascinating secrets of the historic settlement and river crossing at Fulham. This is an adult tour but children are welcome to attend.

If there are any events you think we should know about, don’t hesitate to let us know. For more events in your local area, be sure to follow us on Twitter!