Your Guide To August Bank Holiday Weekend In London

The August bank holiday weekend is coming up (25 August – 27 August) and we’ve handpicked the best way to spend it in London. Check out our pick of events to make sure your long weekend is filled with fun and Notting Hill Carnival madness. Expect to be nursing some massive hangovers on Tuesday…But it will be worth it!

Bloomsbury Lanes Pyjama Party

This is a PJ party like no other! Head here on the bank holiday Saturday for the best DJs playing music all night long. Mary Go Round will be playing a selection of funk, disco, soul, reggae and hip hop and Culture Cuts will play a classic garage set, while Ridd wil be playing a mix of hip hop and RnB. To give the whole thing a classic pyjama party touch, there will be movies playing in the cinema and delicious milkshakes available (Oreo flavour? Yes please!). And to top it off, those in PJs are guaranteed free vanilla pink candyfloss! Who could refuse?

What: Pyjama Party
When: Saturday August 25, from 8pm
Where: Bloomsbury Lanes, Basement of the Tavistock Hotel, Bedford Way, London
Price: £6

Sin City at The Electric Ballroom

Sin City provides all the alternative music you need to make your night out rock. Spend your bank holiday Friday here for all the best of underground sounds and brutal riffs. On Level 1 expect alternative rock and metal with DJs Adam Lightspeed and Sleazy H. If you fancy classic rock and old school metal, head to Level 2.

What: Sin City
When: Friday August 24, from 10.30pm
Where: The Electric Ballroom, Camden High Street, London
Price: £7/£5 members

Gilles Peterson @ Up on The Roof at Brixton Clubhouse

Join New 6 radio presenter Gilles Peterson at the Brixton Clubhouse’s magnificent rooftop terrace. It overlooks the heart of Brixton and for the bank holiday it will be turned into a day and night rooftop rave. Expect some of the most influential DJs from the past three decades playing a mix of soul, disco, hops and hip hop.

What: Gilles Peterson @ Up on The Roof
Where: Brixton Clubhouse, Brixton Road, London
When: Sunday August 26, from 2pm
Price: £8 – £15

Funky Buddha Carnival Special

On bank holiday Sunday, Funky Buddha is hosting the Carnival Latin Special! There will be live Brazilian dancers and 2 for 1 Mojitos before 11pm! Expect an authentic carnival vibe with live percussion and the finest party tracks, including RnB, funky house and club classics. Get on the guestlist and skip the queue to get to the cocktails quicker!

What: Carnival Special
When: Sunday August 26, from 10pm
Where: Funky Buddha, Berkley Street, London
Price: £20 after 11pm

Pre Carnival Brazilian Party @ The Roof Gardens

Kensington’s The Roof Gardens will be holding Brazil-themed festivities on bank holiday Saturday. As a warm up party for Carnival 2012 it’s looking pretty good – expect samba dancers and drummers with music to match. Dr Joao Brasil will offer exotic sounds of Rio de Janeiro to keep you up on your feet all night.

What: Pre Carnival Brazilian Party
When: Saturday August 25, from 10pm
Where: The Roof Gardens, Kensington, London
Price: £7 Early Bird

Playaz Carnival Special @ Fabric

Fabric is one of the biggest DJ clubs in London and it looks set to deliver its usual brilliance this bank holiday weekend, including star DJ performances. DJ Hype, Pascal, David Rodigan MBE and Rockwell are among the DJs set to get everyone up on their feet. Party through till 6am with some of the best of house music.

What: Playaz Carnival Special
When: Friday August 24, from 10pm
Where: Fabric, Farringdon, London
Price: £8 – £19

Bank Holiday Half Dayer @ Barfly

East London punks Flats adopted the manifesto of writing only fast, short and heavy songs, which has caught the attention of plenty of influential people. Klaxons’ Jamie Reynolds co-produced their first EP, while one of their shows was attended by J Mascis, J Spaceman and Kevin Shields. Their recent single ‘Never Again’ was the first release on Sweat Shop Records, the bands own imprint on One Little Indian. Flats were also invited to support Morrissey on his June 2011 tour.

What: Bank Holiday Half Dayer with Turbogeist, Flats + loads more to be confirmed.
When: Sunday August 26, from 3pm
Where: Barfly, Chalk Farm Road, London
Price: £6