Includes a free big party at Southbank

This is going to be a big weekend, so wear a belt around your waist and other body parts.

From Brighton Pride and Fagamuffin block parties, to endless brunches on the barge, quayside festivals with free ice cream all day, music festivals and afternoon tea for a short break.

Please note that the tea includes a drink.

Find the best events below…

dance scene

We are FSTVL - Karl Cox

Feel the beat (Image: Dave Burke/REX/Shutterstock)

I love London festivals. All festivals, no fluff. And take a shower when you get home! That is why we have always had a great presence in We Are FSTVL. They don’t disappoint with their big day dance style when they’re at home.

And this year’s lineup is as exciting as ever. Camelphat, Craig David TS5, Carl Cox, Mabel and Rudimental will perform top-tier DJ sets and dance floors including Glitterbox, Defected and Afterlife.

All this, and no dirty shops to go back to… and maybe someone will bring you breakfast in bed.

Saturday and Sunday, Dammins Hall Aerodrome, Upminster, Essex, RM14

bigger and bigger

brighton pride

Pride of the Waves (Image: Getty Images)

It is the biggest, brightest and most star-studded in Her Majesty’s Kingdom and many say it is the pride of Her Majesty’s Kingdom… and an hour from London! Yeah guys, Brighton Pride is back with a bang…and with Christina Aguilera, that’s got to mean a blast. And Paloma Faith, Jake Sears, Todrick Hall… well, lots of wings.

Watch the parade, throw a town block party, go to Preston Park to see the big names… but make sure you have a ticket! Stock up on Berocca and makeup remover for the big weekend at the We Are Fabuloso event in Preston Park on Saturday and Sunday. Check out Friday Subway!

Saturday and Sunday at various Brighton locations

good ice, baby

see the ice

Ice for you to see (Image: Courtesy)

There’s nothing like getting out of the city and spending a weekend by the sea. Now there’s the added incentive of Ben & Jerry’s, the friendly ice cream parlor that hosts the festival on Hastings Pier. I love Hastings!

I think the main stage Soul II Soul (Is there a main stage on the pier?) and Maribou State, Poppy Ajudha, Porij and others. That’s a big enough giveaway, but add unlimited free ice cream all day.

And if your ticket is only five and you have to go to this pier, all proceeds go to the local charity The Refugee Buddy Project.

Saturday noon to 1-10 White Rock, Hastings, TN34

tropical storm

Tropical Party at 100 Wardour Street

Fun in the jungle (Photo: Thomas Alexander)

We have become accustomed to the tropics in recent weeks. The heat and humidity associated with it, the sweat-soaked clothes and sneakers that require you to stand on the windowsill.

But on Tuesday, he’s heading to a party at Tropics at 100 Wardour Street to put his new skills to work. That means having a refreshing cocktail (new discovery?! I hear you cry). Tropical Max serves delicious canapés accompanied by upbeat jungle music. Who knows, we could use patterns!

From Wednesday (Aug 9), 100 Wardour Street, W1

elimination of the competition

Peggy Jean Burge

I always have a craving for a blackberry (Image: Courtesy)

Bottomless brunch, river views, watermelon margaritas? Three wishes at once? This is similar to what is offered on the barge Peggy Jean *checking notes* on the banks of the Thames.

Oh, we found out! Either way go to Richmond which is a great place and have an Aussie brunch including very good banana bread sandwiches and bacon rolls etc. Sip on pizza and cocktails while taking in the 360-degree views. – On a barge loaded with more than 100 years of history.

Riverside Richmond, Richmond, TW9

jam filling

best british

The best of the UK (Image: Courtesy)

So, it turns out that next week is afternoon tea week. East London’s new hot spot, The Gantry in Stratford, has some great shoes.

Their afternoon tea takes things to a whole new place with brioche sandwiches with aged cheddar and homemade onion marmalade, mini fish and chips, mini salt beef bagels straight from Brick Lane, and of course scones with cream. Cornish coagulate. Champagne jelly and jam made with strawberry powder!

And of course, to complete the British theme, welcome afternoon tea with a London gin and tonic or English sparkling wine.

Sat & Sun 12-4, 40 Celebration Avenue, E20

depending on the season

Live Summer Music at Kings Cross Summer Sounds Audiences dance to the Endurance Steel Band at Cubit Sessions, Cola Drop Courtyard and Kings Cross

Underground Voices (Image: John Sturrock)

I remember when no one set foot in King’s Cross unless they were involved with the prime suspects guarding the camps, whether they had good people or dead bodies hidden away. Well those days are long gone.

Now, not only is it a great place to shop, eat, drink, and watch a movie outdoors (outdoors doesn’t mean “naked”), but it’s also home to King’s Cross Summer Sounds and more. The event is held live for free. A music festival where you can get everything from everything from classical to folk to jazz. And while you’re there, you can shop, eat and drink, do everything…

10-21 August, N1, King’s Cross, Coal Drop Yard

it’s vacation time

it's vacation time

Riverside Rhythms (Image: Stony Johnson Production)

“The mission of the Faggamuffin Bloc Party is to raise awareness among LGBTQI+ people of African and Caribbean descent like a carnival,” it reads.

Taking the Hackney part as usual, all the scenery and cables are the focus, bringing the sounds of carnival and the rhythms of the Caribbean to the banks of the Thames.

As someone on TV said, wear something that allows you to move, grab your loved ones and get off. Amen!

Saturday, Riverside Terrace Level 2, Southbank, SE1

let the game begin

let the game begin

Start of the game (Image: Haydon Perry)

Some weeks I can barely bring coffee to my lips, let alone get up, eat breakfast, get dressed and go somewhere else… but with a 50% off game at Skylight Tobacco Dock, I need to get up. There’s no shortage of croquet and boules, so wash it down with Skylight’s signature cocktails.

It’s silly, so if there’s one thing we don’t do… Great views of London, plus the food options just slip your ears, perfect for recovering from the night before. I guess that’s the way to go. Do not do it. Don’t forget to reserve both the game session and the table.

Sunday, Tobacco Dock, Pennington Street Entrance, E1

Have a story to share?

Please email us at