From top: Taste of London Food Festival, Southbank Beach and Vintage Festival.
The sun’s officially shining, and here at Handbag Towers we’re on a mission to make this The Best Summer Ever. If you can’t face shelling out for a festival ticket, spending ages in the airport waiting for your delayed flight or getting stripey sunburn in the garden, then read on for some great places to go and things to do around the UK…
London
Vintage FestivalTransported from Goodwood to London’s South Bank, the Vintage Festival is a creative collection of retro style, music, art and culture ranging from the ‘40s to the ‘80s. Curated by the founding designers of Red or Dead, Wayne and Geraldine Hemingway, the festival promises an eclectic range of popular culture and glamour. There’s a chance to indulge yourself in vintage vogue, makeovers, fashion stalls and a there’s even a catwalk in place to flaunt your unique look before taking in the rest of the festival.
When: 29-31 July
Where: South Bank Centre, London
Cost: £60 for all three days
Taste of London festival, Regent’s Park
One of London’s premiere food fairs, the Taste of London festival includes 40 of the most popular London restaurants dishing up an assortment of gourmet delights. You can sample a wealth of food and drink, with signature dishes created by some of the most celebrated chefs in the capital. If you want to make your trip extra-special, you can visit the Secret Garden, an exclusive backstage area, where you will be welcomed with a complimentary glass of Laurent Perrier Rosé champagne, accompanied by delicious canapés created by a top chef. Mini master classes are on offer, live music, and a private cocktail champagne bar.
When: 16-19 June
Where: Regent’s Park, London
Cost: Standard entry £22, VIP tickets priced from £55 - £95
MINT Polo in the Park
MINT Polo in the Park is a three-day glamorous and fun-filled event celebrating international polo. Hosting the world’s top polo players as they compete against one another in a thrilling battle to reach the final, Polo in the Park is a brilliant chance to get dressed up, and after the day’s matches you can enjoy the lively cocktail bars, the delicious Harrods’ Food Court and last (but not least!) the Veuve Clicquot champagne garden.
When: 3-5 June
Where: Hurlington Park, Fulham
Cost: £20 General admission
London Naked Bike Ride
This is the perfect event for anyone daring enough to bare all on the saddle. The Naked Bike Ride takes place throughout the second week in June in various cities across the country as part of the World Naked Bike Ride . The concept behind the streaking cyclists is to highlight the importance and vulnerability of cyclists on the road, and the positive environmental effects of using bikes instead of cars (see No More Lethal Lorries for more info). You can take part in your birthday suit, or if you’re a little bit shy, just flash a bit of skin to show your support for the cause.
When: 11 June
Where: Hyde Park
Southbank Beach Festival
Oh, we do like to be beside the seaside here at Handbag Towers, but sometimes there just aren’t enough hours in the week to go traipsing down to the coast whenever the mood takes us. So, why not let the seaside come to you? With artistic beach huts and the chance to catch a few rays on the sand, the Southbank Beach Festival is our new favourite place to be this summer. See you in the surf.
When: 3 May - 4 September
Where: Queens Walk, The Southbank Centre, London Waterloo is the nearest tube.
