Events in London – Summer 2020
London isn’t best known for its tropical weather conditions, but contrary to popular misconception, it is a great place to spend the summer! The heat feels very different to that elsewhere, so don’t be surprised if you get the odd pink patch of skin or feel a little dehydrated on a cloudy day – the sun is often a little shy. If you are lucky enough to be studying in London over the summer, be sure to check out some of these events to really embrace the season.
What’s on
Open Garden Squares Weekend, until 6th June, various venues
Open Garden Squares Weekend sees over 100 squares, community allotments, private gardens and green spaces throw open their doors and open to the public, all across the capital. You’ll be surprised by just how much greenery this great city holds. The venues change year-to-year and previous gardens opening have even included 10 Downing Street! Check online for listings of gardens each week and nip along to whichever you fancy exploring.
Scenes In The Square, until 30th June, Leicester Square
You’ve likely seen Leicester Square on the television as celebrities arrive at film premieres and walk the red carpet, and Scenes In The Square is your opportunity to share in the glamour. Famous film scenes decorate the park and you can walk around them to immerse yourself in the movies: watching Laurel and Hardy lark about on rooftops, Gene Kelly dance and swing around lampposts and Mary Poppins arrive gracefully from the skies above with her umbrella. You needn’t be a film critic to enjoy this installation and can walk along it any time of day or night.
Brent: London Borough Capital of Culture Street Party, 11th July, Kilburn High Road
A mile-long traffic free street party invoking the spirit of Britain in the 20s and 30s, Brent celebrates its 2020 Borough Capital of Culture with a free-to-attend celebration for all. The local community are all coming together to put on a mile of food, drink, performances and art to best showcase their talent and diversity. Everyone will feel at home here – even if you’re actually a long way from it!
Notting Hill Carnival, 30th-31st August, Notting Hill
London’s biggest street party is an unmissable combination of Caribbean and African colours, cuisines and music. Parades walk and ride through the streets of West London which are scattered with party-goers, authentic food sellers and local crafts and makers showcasing their skills. London’s rich history with its black communities is celebrated and enjoyed by all and you may have seen photos and videos online of even the British police dancing along with attendees! If you’re in the capital at the end of August it’s a must-visit (day and/or night!) and you can get as involved as you like.
The UK has lots to offer and the summer is a brilliant time to visit. Even if you’re not planning on attending anything big or don’t have the funds to buy tickets to something, it’s still worth getting out of your homestay once in a while when you’re not studying. Taking the time to explore the city will likely result in you finding something to do and see even if it’s not attending one of the events above.
Check in with your homestay hosts to find out what events they attend during the summer and what they’d recommend – they may well have the inside scoop on some things to do that we don’t, so take their advice and experience London in its full, summery, potential!
Haven’t planned your stay yet? The team at HFS can help with that! Contact us here.
