Lose yourself in the world of Harry Potter, grab some free pizza or throw a coconut at the Hackney Village Fayre; here’s what’s going on this weekend…
Words Helen Brown
ALLY PALLY FESTIVAL
With giant waterslides, music stages, outdoor cinema and a woodland silent disco, the Alexandra Palace festival is back with a bang. Excitement is building particularly around the jam-packed family arts programme on offer. This year the line-up includes theatre and comedy, as well as graffiti workshops, a steel drum band and much more.
summerfestival.alexandrapalace.com
PADDINGTON FILM FESTIVAL
This weekend the Immersive Film Festival comes to Paddington Central. Visitors can watch a selection of the nation’s favourite films in the alfresco setting of Sheldon Square. But this is no ordinary cinema experience. Themed activities will take place during the screenings, so that visitors can immerse themselves in each fictional world. With Rock n Roll dance classes a la Grease, canoeing with Moana and a Back to the Future retro ice-cream van there is something for everyone to enjoy.
WIZARDING WARDROBES AT WARNER BROS STUDIO
The Warner Bros. Studio are inviting visitors to step even further into the world of Harry Potter with a special summer feature, Wizarding Wardrobes. Here, guests can go behind-the-scenes to discover the process that brought our favourite characters to life. Many of the authentic ‘hero’ costumes are displayed at the Studio Tour including those worn by Harry, Hermione and Ron throughout their years at Hogwarts.
Wizarding Wardrobes from 21 July – 4 September
wbstudiotour.co.uk
MOTHER’S PIZZA PARTY
Mother are celebrating their restaurant opening at Battersea Power Station with a housewarming party on them. This weekend they’ll be giving away 2000 pizzas and plenty of wine and beer to wash it down with. Live music and DJ’s will keep the party going all day and into the night.
HACKNEY VILLAGE FAIR
Get back-to-basic, good-old-fashioned frivolity this weekend at the Hackney Village Fayre. Expect tombola, a coconut shy, face painting and all the fun-filled games you remember from your childhood. This is also one for the foodies with a line-up of East London’s restaurant front-runners. Making appearances will be Dishoom, 8 Hoxton Square, Smokey Tails, MEATMission and more.
FOUR SEASONS SECRET GARDEN
Now that the sunshine has returned, so has the Secret Garden at the Four Seasons Hotel London. This year, Casamigos have two cocktails on the exclusive Secret Garden menu, along with a sumptuous tapas style menu. Feast on street food from around the world bursting with Mediterranean, Italian and India flavours. It’s an ideal location to escape the hustle and bustle of Central London and enjoy a cocktail or two.
SAKAGURA’S NEW BBQ MENU
This summer, Sakagura are welcoming the lighter evenings with a twist on the classic barbeque. Guests can discover Sakagura’s tender yakiniku grilled meat along with the signature elements of washoku cuisine. Head Chef Jin Yackshin’s accessible Japanese BBQ will tempt, educate and delight.
REAL ALE OPENS IN LITTLE VENICE
Real Ale, the liquid delicatessen based in Twickenham opens its new venue this weekend. The award-winning shop has a well-earned reputation for offering a huge range of craft beers, ciders and perries, both established and lesser known. Visitors to Real Ale Little Venice can sample beers, discover new flavours or watch the world go by with a glass of wine in-store.
