6 Things to Do in London on Bank Holiday Monday

August Bank Holiday might be dominated by the Notting Hill Carnival, but the UK capital is far from a one trick pony this weekend. Here is our round up of things to do in London on Bank Holiday Monday (26 August).

Whether you’re into ska music, food or rubber duck races, there’s sure to be something for you this Bank Holiday Monday in London.

House of Common

Clapham Common will become the setting for total Madness, as the 80s ska band takes once more to South London to entertain with timeless hits. A funfair ensures that House of Common, one of our best family friendly festivals, will entertain even those whose parents weren’t born when Suggs and pals first put on their baggy trousers. Other acts include: De La Soul, Toots and the Maytals, Ziggy Marley, Jimmy Cliff, David Rodigan and Ms Dynamite. Join the waiting list to see if you can join the fun.

80s in the Park

Eighties nostalgia is not just limited to south of the river, Three Mills Island in the Lee Valley, East London will see Radio 2 DJ Sarah Cox and Martin Kemp (Spandau Ballet and Eastenders) host this unashamedly backwards looking party. Once more add your name to the waiting list to see if you can get a ticket.

90s Outdoor Cinema

If you’re more a 90s than an 80s type, then Morden Park House is the place to head for outdoor movies including Pretty Woman, Pulp Fiction and Romeo & Juliet. Screenings start at 11am and finish at 8pm, and with food stalls also in the courtyard you won’t have to put up with popcorn all day.

Alternatively, head to Morden Hall Park for Quacky Races, the ultimate rubber duck race, from 11am to 3pm. Hire a duck for £2 and see if you can be Donald – Duck not Trump that is – for a day.

Hampton Court Palace Food Festival

Henry VIII’s former home will see hordes of commoners descending upon the historic building for live cooking demos from top celebrity chefs Nadiya Hussain, Michel Roux Jr and Rhiannon Lambert. Face painting, circus school and various other activities will keep the kids out of trouble, while The Courtiers, Dos Tiempos and The Herringbone Cocktail Club will play music at the bandstand. And if none of this appeals, there’s always the maze in which to lose yourself.

The Monster at Alexandra Palace

What organisers claim to be the “biggest inflatable obstacle course” will transfer Alexandra Palace into an adult’s playground. With 300 metres of obstacles and the largest NERF experience in Europe as well as street food and craft beer, this could be the place to reveal your inner child this Bank Holiday Monday.

Notting Hill Carnival

And last, but by no means least, comes the London carnival itself. More than a million people are expected to congregate in west London, especially considering the predicted record breaking Notting Hill Carnival weather. Monday sees the main parade for the Notting Hill Carnival, so expect plenty of outrageous costumes, great music and rum in a celebration of the diversity of the UK capital.