The AIL Bank Holiday Guide

It’s the final bank holiday of the year, and as usual there’s heaps going on. Unsure what to do? Let us help you decide.

Rave all weekend
Discerning clubbers will be aware of The Hydra, who for the past two years have been hosting parties with the crème de la crème of the underground electronic music scene. This bank holiday they’re launching their new permanent venue, Studio Spaces E1 in Wapping, which comes complete with a bespoke Funktion 1 soundsystem. They’re putting on no less than three parties over the weekend, featuring among others, techno legends Carl Craig and Robert Hood, singer, producer and DJ Matthew Dear, and jazz and soul champion Gilles Peterson.

Soak up the last of the summer sun
The temperature may have dropped dramatically this month, but it’s still warm enough for some outdoor relaxation. Go for a walk along the Regent’s Canal alighting for a snack at the Towpath Café, or pizza and craft beer at Crate. Alternatively take a picnic to Primrose Hill and pick a spot near the top so you can see the beautiful London skyline, which includes the Shard, the BT Tower and the London Eye, which all gleam brilliantly as the sun starts to go down.

Sip cocktails on a rooftop
One of the fashion pack’s favourite bars is Vista, above the Trafalgar hotel. Sip champagne and cocktails with stunning views of Trafalgar Square and the London Eye, and if you get peckish there are burgers and sharing platters of charcuterie. If rain looks likely head to Sushisamba on the 38th storey of the Heron Tower, or 24 hour Duck & Waffle one floor above; both boast magnificent scenery of the City.

Go to London’s biggest music festival
Taking place over Saturday and Sunday in Clapham Common, South West Four always has the biggest names in dance music. This year Deadmau5, Eric Prydz, Jamie Jones, Loco Dice, Seth Troxler and John Digweed are just a few of the DJs who will be descending upon south London. Sunday tickets have sold out, but you can still buy tickets for Saturday’s event.

Dance at the carnival
Last but not least, it’s the weekend of London’s biggest event: the Notting Hill Carnival. This is the world’s largest street party second only to Rio de Janeiro’s. Sunday is kid’s day, while Monday is for the adults. Once the daytime fun is over head to one of the after parties, such as X-Press 2’s Ashley Beedle’s night at the Notting Hill Arts Club.