What’s on in London – August 2023

Brace yourselves for an action-packed August in London, with a truly unforgettable lineup of events! First up, quench your thirst at the Great British Beer Festival, where ales, stouts and lagers from every corner of the UK will tickle your taste buds. Football fanatics will rejoice as the Premier League’s 2023-24 season kicks off, bringing back adrenaline-pumping action from across the stadiums of London’s elite clubs. And for all you music aficionados, take a Step Inside Abbey Road Studios, where legendary artists recorded their timeless hits. London in August 2023 promises to be a whirlwind of excitement, so don’t miss out on the fun!

Calling all beer enthusiasts, The Great British Beer Festival is the UK’s flagship beer extravaganza that will unfold at Olympia London in the first week of August. Organised by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), visitors can sample over 100 beers, ciders and perries, including innovative flavours from diverse breweries. From dark milds to light and hoppy ales, even wine and gin, the festival’s 30+ bars cater to every palate.

Indulge in an array of activities, ranging from expert-led beer-tasting sessions and live musical performances to quintessential pub games like Shuffleboard. Pair your chosen beverages with London’s best street food selection, adding the perfect accompaniment to your pint. The Great British Beer Festival is your chance to celebrate the finest brews, savour delectable appetisers and bask in the vibrant festival ambience.

Prepare for a grand adventure as Pokémon GO Fest 2023 takes over the UK Capital. Split across two venues, trainers will enjoy the thrill of glittering gameplay, stunning bonuses and delightful surprises as they venture alongside thousands of fellow trainers.

Join the global Pokémon community in a spectacular celebration of augmented reality, where real-world and virtual realms collide in the heart of London. Embark on an epic quest like never before, capturing elusive Pokémon and unlocking unique rewards.

Experience the fusion of entertainment and sporting brilliance this summer with The Hundred, the thrilling 100-ball cricket competition! London Spirit and Oval Invincibles, two powerhouse teams from London, are set to ignite the pitches of Lord’s Cricket Ground and The Kennington Oval.

In this exhilarating format, each team faces 100 balls, and the race is on to score the most runs. The atmosphere is electric, and the action is non-stop, making it the perfect family-friendly event. Don’t miss this high-energy spectacle that promises edge-of-your-seat excitement, fierce rivalries and breathtaking performances.

Embark on a magical musical pilgrimage as Abbey Road Studios opens its legendary doors to music fans for two weekends this August. Led by Kevin Ryan and Brian Kehew, the authors of “Recording the Beatles,” attendees will attend captivating lectures that unveil the secrets of the storied building.

Unravel the tales of iconic rooms, legendary equipment, talented engineers and renowned artists who have shaped music history for over 90 years. Immerse yourself in the ethereal ambience of Studio Two, immortalised by The Beatles and Pink Floyd, also where chart-toppers like Adele, Ed Sheeran, and Radiohead have crafted landmark recordings.

London is prepared for a football frenzy this August as the 2023-24 Premier League Season kicks off in England. With seven teams from the Capital featuring this year, witness live action at prestigious stadiums, where the cultures of different London Boroughs come alive on the pitch.

Experience the thrill of cheering for your favourite team in the world’s most elite football league with the finest talent from across the globe. This season guarantees unforgettable moments and intense rivalries, all set in iconic stadiums surrounded by passionate fans.

Big Kid Circus is coming to London’s Brent Cross Shopping Centre from 9th to 20th August. At the heart of this family-friendly circus lies a talented cast of performers, pushing the boundaries of their craft with bewitching acts that will leave you spellbound.

From the exhilarating Globe of Death with roaring motorcycles to daring high wire acts, arch-shooting contortionist and more, enjoy the high-octane entertainment at this animal-free event. The hilarious clown-work of Papeluxo and La Loka will leave you splitting your sides as they wreck mischief in every corner.

A world of wonder awaits you at the Greenwich + Docklands International Festival (GDIF), London’s premier festival of free outdoor theatre and performing arts. This annual program showcases extensive art installations, street theatre, circus, dance acts and musicals brought to life by UK and international artists.

From breathtaking aerial shows to a mesmerising regatta of life-size swans performing ballet on the Royal Victoria Dock, this year’s activities promise unmissable enchantment. If you’re exploring London on a budget, GDIF is the ideal entertainment hotspot, offering a completely free experience!

Covent Garden Cool Down: 20 – 28 Aug

Beat the heat this summer at the Covent Garden Cool Down, an annual ice cream festival at the iconic Covent Garden in London’s West End. Indulge in a delightful array of frozen treats with over 40 delectable varieties of ice cream, sundaes, sorbets, gelato and ice-cold drinks.

Top brands like Godiva and Hotel Chocolat will offer buy-one-get-one-free deals and exciting discounts across all nine days of this ice cream bonanza. The piazza will come alive with renowned pop-ups like Crosstown, Barafat Café, Bears Ice Cream, Kelly’s Ice Cream Van and Little Orange Van. Don’t miss this chance to cool down in style, where a world of frozen pleasures awaits you.

Watch the streets of West London come alive this August bank holiday weekend with an explosion of Caribbean celebrations at the Notting Hill Carnival 2023. Join the exuberant crowd as elaborate floats and costumed performers take over the streets in an enthralling carnival parade.

Witness top bands in the UK’s grandest steel pan competition at Panorama in Emslie Horniman Pleasance Park. In addition to groovy Caribbean music genres such as mas, soca and calypso, indulge in an international gastronomic adventure with over 300 stalls offering delicious food and drinks from around the world.