5 Things You Have To Do In London Before Summer Ends

Lucie Turner • 25 August, 2015

“That’s all folks!” says the London sun, as it disappears with a cursory Looney Tunes wave. It may be back, it may not, but one thing is for certain: summer is on its last legs. However that doesn’t mean we should slap on our slippers and start ordering hot chocolates with extra cream just yet. There’s still plenty of summer action to be had, regardless of pesky weather forecasts, so slip on those shorts for one last shimmy into a summer sunset.

1. South West Four, Clapham Common.

In the words of the Spice Girls themselves, get ready to swing it, shake it, move it, make it show them how good you are. This international dance festival is THE place to be to see off summer, since everyone will be in such a happy mood from the incredible line-up pumping out club classics (Skrillex, Basement Jaxx, Faithless, Fatboy Slim to name but a few) you’ll barely realise it’s nearly September (gulp).

Tickets still available. From £61.50 for a one day pass.

2. Audrey Hepburn: Portraits of an Icon, National Portrait Gallery.

In uni girls everywhere adorned their walls with the iconic Breakfast at Tiffany’s movie poster; Audrey’s pearls and chignon watching over many a sordid adventure. Why are we so in love with Audrey, years later? She holds the key to elegance and grace, whilst still maintaining an air of mystery and adventure. Oh and her eyebrows are legends. If you fancy yourself a lover of Hepburn, make your way to the National Portrait Gallery’s exhibition on the iconic star and perhaps nibble on a croissant in a boat necked LBD (guys I expect this from you too).

Open til 18th October, 2015.

3. Open Air Theatre

I was going to suggest Hamlet starring Mr Cumberbatch himself, however unless you are smugly sat on a pair of the sold-out tickets, your best bet is a chance in the ballot for 30 £10 tickets each day. So instead, why not make the most of the mild summer weather and take a trip outside for some al fresco acting. Regent’s Park’s next production is William Golding’s Lord Of The Flies but you’ll want to be quick as tickets are selling like hot cakes. Perhaps head to The Globe for Shakespeare’s hilarious comedy As You Like It (running till Saturday 5th of September).

4. Free From Festival, Brick Lane.

It wouldn’t be a Secret London list without food and this one’s rather special. If your dietary requirements leave you sad and hungry at the end of a night out (FYI a garden salad does nothing to soak up 3 G&T’s) then look no further than Free From Fest. There’ll be plenty of tasty treats to try and specialist chef demonstrations throughout the day to teach you healthy but delicious DIY dinners. It’ll give you hope outside of goats cheese and red onion tartlets yet.

The Boiler House, Brick Lane 31st of August, Monday Bank Holiday from 10.30AM until 6.30PM.

5. Notting Hill Carnival

We had to save the best till last for the ULTIMATE summer blowout that London has to offer. Come rain or shine this goes ahead so you really have no excuse not to go. You’ll party, you’ll dance, you’ll scoff as much jerk chicken as you can stomach and then you’ll drink. Oh you’ll drink.

Tags: art, bank holiday, carnival, culture, list, music, Notting Hill, outdoors, pop-up, summer, theatre, weekend