It looks like a perfect Bank Holiday Monday! With sun forecast all day and temperatures reaching a delightful 23°C, it’s the ideal day to get out and about. From world-class music performances right on your doorstep to Europe’s biggest street festival, there’s something magical happening across London for every taste and budget.
Whether you fancy staying local in South West London or venturing out for some of the capital’s most iconic celebrations, here’s your guide to making the most of this sunny August bank holiday.
Grease: The Immersive Movie Musical
Location: Battersea Park
Time: 7:30pm – 10:00pm
Step into the world of Rydell High with this spectacular immersive experience featuring live music, themed food and drink, and a summer fairground atmosphere. With a cast of 30 performing amidst giant multi-screen platforms, you’ll experience iconic locations like The Drive In, Frosty Palace Diner, The Autoshop, The Rydell High Carnival and The Gymnasium.
Please note: 18+ recommended, children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult, and under 5s will not be admitted.
More info: Event Details
Battersea Park in Concert
Location: Battersea Park
Time: 1:30pm – 9:00pm
A sun-soaked afternoon of exceptional music featuring Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra as the headline act. The master of boogie woogie will be joined by longtime collaborators Louise Marshall and Sumudu Jayatilaka, plus a special guest appearance from Chris Difford of Squeeze.
Bring your picnic and picnic blanket and spend your afternoon in the sun.
Full Schedule:
- 1:30pm – Show opens
- 2:10pm – World Heart Beat present “A Tribute to Evelyn Dove”
- 3:10pm – Marvin Muoneké
- 4:25pm – Ella Fitzgerald Reimagined feat. Elaine Delmar, Jacqui Dankworth & Ian Shaw
- 6:00pm – YolanDa Brown
- 7:30pm – Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra
- 9:00pm – Show close
More info: Battersea Park in Concert
Half Moon Music: New Moon All-Dayer Special
Location: The Half Moon, 93 Lower Richmond Road, Putney
Time: 2:00pm onwards (doors open 2:30pm)
Entry: Only £2.50!
Your legendary local venue is hosting an incredible day of new music discovery with no less than nine acts. This intimate showcase features singer-songwriters, bands, poets, and performance artists from the UK, Europe, and beyond.
Get the music inside, soak up the rays outside, drink and eat in both.
Featured Artists Include:
- Dreamwire – High-voltage rock storm from SE London
- WLM – Dynamic teen rock/pop band
- Racing Colours – Original songs by Jason Quinsey
- Leaf Down – French pop rock band inspired by British music
- Maddie Ager – 21-year-old London singer-songwriter
- Kyle Chatham – Scottish ethereal dark folk
- Tilly Cripwell – Singer-songwriter-activist from London/Dublin
- Fabrizio Toccaceli – Roman guitarist blending rock, blues, and modern pop
- Minifigure – 90s rock-inspired trio
Food served until 10pm, making this perfect for a full evening out!
More info: Half Moon New Moon Event
Cricket at The Oval: The Hundred
Location: The Kia Oval, Kennington
Times: Women’s match 2:00pm | Men’s match 5:30pm
Double-header cricket action as Oval Invincibles take on London Spirit in both The Hundred Women’s and Men’s competitions. The perfect day out for cricket fans, with two exciting T20-style matches featuring some of the world’s best players.
The Oval is easily accessible from Putney – just a short journey across South London to one of cricket’s most iconic venues.
Notting Hill Carnival
Location: Notting Hill, West London (W10 & W11)
Time: 10:30am – 7:00pm
Monday is Adults Day at Europe’s biggest street festival! The main parade features spectacular costumed bands winding through the streets from Westbourne Park to Elkstone Road – a 3.5-mile celebration of Caribbean culture, music, and community.
What to Expect:
- Main parade starts at 10:30am
- Over 40 sound systems pumping out music
- 300+ food stalls with jerk chicken, roti, and Caribbean specialties
- Free to attend – just follow the crowds, music, and amazing aromas
- Steel drums, soca, calypso, and dance until 7pm
- Up to 2 million people celebrating together
Getting There: Take the tube to Paddington and walk, or try Notting Hill Gate, Westbourne Park, or Royal Oak stations.
Hampton Court Palace Food Festival
Location: Hampton Court Palace
Time: Festival open until 6:00pm (Palace closes 5:30pm)
Dates: August 23-25 (final day)
End the bank holiday weekend at this spectacular food festival in the grounds of Henry VIII’s former palace. With over 150 food and drink producers, live music at the bandstand, and full access to the historic palace and gardens included in your ticket.
Highlights:
- Delicious street food and artisan producers
- Family activities including face painting, vintage garden games, and Shire horse rides
- Live music from The Polka Dots (1940s swing), ABBA tribute acts, and more
- 60 acres of gardens, maze, and Magic Garden adventure playground
- VIP packages available with exclusive tent and complimentary drinks
More info: Hampton Court Palace Food Festival
Making the Most of Your Day
With such fantastic weather and incredible events across London, you could easily combine several activities. Start with cricket at The Oval, head to Battersea Park for some Jools Holland magic, then end your evening at the Half Moon for intimate live music. Or immerse yourself in the incredible energy of Notting Hill Carnival and soak up one of the world’s great cultural celebrations.
Whatever you choose, this Bank Holiday Monday promises to be filled with music, culture, great food, and those special London moments that make living here so extraordinary. Get out there and make some memories!
Have a wonderful Bank Holiday Monday, Putney!
