London Diary of Events 2008/2009

2008

Hyde Park Towers hotel is a great place to stay, the location is excellent, especially if you are planning to visit any of these events. Next to the biggest park in London, Hyde park, the Hyde Park Towers hotel is superbly located in central London and is within easy reach of these events.

3rd August 2008* - date to be confirmed.

This loud, colourful fiesta of all things Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American is a celebration of their roots for expat communities in the capital, and a massive party for the rest of us. Proceedings usuallu kick off at about noon when a procession of brightly-coloured floats will wind their way from City Hall down to Burgess Park, where revellers enjoy regionally-themed food, drink, music and, of course, dance.

Carnaval del Pueblo, Europe's largest celebration of Latin American culture, salsas its way into London's Burgess Park.
The carnival features a spectacular procession of exotic floats, costumes, musicians and dancers. Setting off from City Hall at midday, the floats make their way through London Bridge, along Borough High Street, Elephant and Castle and Walworth Road, arriving in Burgess Park at 3pm.

The event incorporates elements of Latino culture from Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Mexico, Peru and Venezuela, featuring dance rhythms, food and music from nations who know how to party.

Venue: Burgess Park
Address: Albany Road, Camberwell, SE5 0RJ
Phone: To be confirmed.
Date: 3rd August 2008* - date to be confirmed.
Time: To be confirmed. Last year: Floats 12:00 - 15:00 | Concerts 15:00 - 21:00
Pricing: Free
Nearest Station: Kennington Tube (central line from Queensway to Holborn, then change to Nothern Line to Kennington tube)

5th August 2008 - 23rd October 2008

Over 66,000 people flock to this massive celebration of our national drink, which features over 450 real ales from the United Kingdom, as well as 200 more from around the world. Although this is a jolly event, do not be surprised to see a lot of very serious faces and concentration - some real ale experts are genuinely obsessive. Tutored tastings are on offer for anyone who wants to learn the subtleties of what makes a great beer. For the rest of us, though, this is a jolly day out with some delicious drinks.
The festival boasts over 400 British real ales, up to 60 perries and ciders and a range of new bottle-conditioned beers. There are wheat beers, ginger ales, beers flavoured with herbs and spices, milds and stouts from all over the UK, not to mention 300 foreign brews, from Belgian and German to American.

Live music, pub quizzes, games, food and shopping contribute to the lively atmosphere.

Venue: Earl's Court Exhibition Centre
Address: Warwick Road, SW5 9TA
Phone: To be confirmed
Date: 5th August 2008 - 9th August 2008
Time: To be confirmed
Pricing: To be confirmed
Nearest Station: Earl's Court Tube ( district line from Bayswater station to Kensington Olympia, alight at Earl’s Court

3 weeks in August 2008* - exact dates to be confirmed

For the fourth year running, August sees Trafalgar Square filled by a program of music, theatre, dance and art - a further reason to enjoy this beautiful space at the heart of our capital. Lasting for three weeks events usually take place at regular times from Thursday to Sunday and there's something different every day, so my advice is just to get down and see what's happening whenever you're in the area.

Venue: Trafalgar Square
Address: London, WC2N 4JJ
Phone: To be confirmed
Date: 3 weeks in August 2008* - exact dates to be confirmed.
Time: To be confirmed
Pricing: Free
Nearest Station: Charing Cross Tube

15th August 2008 - 29th August 2008

It's now a decade since the excellent idea of Kids' Week was first conjured up. A truly inspired summer treat for families, Theatreland is available for free to excitable tots and teens for two action-packed weeks in August. Children aged 5-16 years can see an awesome selection of dazzling West End hits gratis - as long as an adult pays the full price.

Venue: Multiple venues
Address: West End, WC2H 7BP
Phone: 0870 400 0800
Date: 15th August 2008 - 29th August 2008
Time: Various
Pricing: Free (Children 5-16 years old accompanied by an adult paying full price). There is the option of buying two extra children's tickets at half price.
Nearest Station: Leicester Square Tube

16th August 2008 - 24th August 2008

For nine days in August, the parks, gardens, streets, historical buildings and many weird and wonderful venues of London's trendiest corner open up to a bewildering variety of art and performance. The theme for 2008 is sports and arts. The opening event in Shoreditch Park is followed by a host of street arts, theatre and workshops all around the area, many of which are free. A series of bike-related events take place on the first Sunday. The festival culminates on Sunday 24th with a huge 1948-style street party.

Venue: Shoreditch Park, New North Road
Address: Shoreditch, N1 6TA
Phone: To be confirmed
Date: 16th August 2008 - 24th August 2008
Time: Various
Pricing: Free
Nearest Station: Old Street Tube

24th August 2008 - 25th August 2008
 
Carnival sets London on fire in a blaze of Caribbean spirit as extravagantly costumed dancers, calypso and soca musicians, giant soundsystems and steelbands are joined by over a million revellers of all ages. Held since 1966, and originally a local affair for west London's homesick Caribbean community, this has evolved into Europe's biggest street party. Sunday is officially Children's Day, but there are loads of kids on both days enjoying the bright colours of the floats and the dancers' feathered costumes.

Venue: Ladbroke Grove
Address: Notting Hill, and Westbourne Grove, W10 5QZ
Date: 24th August 2008 - 25th August 2008
Time: Arrive around midday. Things start to cool off at about 19:00.
Pricing: Free
Nearest Station: Ladbroke Grove

30th August 2008

The fifth year of London's disability rights festival, Liberty in Trafalgar Square features disabled performers, musicians, actors and dancers, alongside a host of stalls and displays. There's also an organic cafe and a family art workshop to keep the youngsters happy. Performers include comedians, cabaret acts, dancers, musicians and circus acts. Whether you want to take part, educate your kids about disabled arts, or just enjoy some music and comedy in the sunshine, this is an excellent piece of free entertainment.

Venue: Trafalgar Square
Phone: 020 7983 4277
Time: To be confirmed.
Nearest Station: Charing Cross Tube / Rail