As we start a new month and officially enter autumn *sigh*, it’s time to countdown the top 10 things to do in London this September.
From music festivals to shopping events to groundbreaking photography, be sure to start penciling in some diary dates for all of the exciting events taking place in the capital over the next 30 days.
The Greenwich Vintage Fair
If you love a retro find, be sure to head to South London in the first weekend of September to get your hands a vast variety of old school items. Whether you’re after a new pair of shoes or want to add to your record collection, you’ll find all that and more at this Cutty Sark Gardens based market.
Lunch also stays true to style, with vintage street food trucks selling a range of culinary delights.
Cutty Sark Gardens, 5-6 September – free
OnBlackheath
This super cool festival in South-East London only made its debut last year, and is now returning for another round this September. Music comes courtesy of some mega headline acts, including Madness, Kelis, Elbow and Laura Muvla, while the food village is also a main attraction – expect live demonstrations and a range of family friendly activities.
Magician Dynamo also has his own slot for the weekend, so be sure to stop by to see his trickery in the flesh.
Blackheath, 12-13 September – tickets start at £45 per day
Sure Run to the Beat
It’s time to slip on those running shoes – fans of a brisk jog will love the high energy feel of this 10k race in Wembley Park. Along the route you’ll be blasted with tunes by the likes of Danny Howard, Marvin Humes and Jameela Jamil to distract you from the sweat and inevitable leg pain.
While it costs to enter, there are spaces available for charity runners too.
Wembley Park, 13 September – £37.60
Travel Photographer of the Year
Photography fans can get up close and personal with the winners of this coveted annual award, as the striking images are now on show at West London’s Royal Geographical Society. From snaps of the Arctic to the tribes of Ethiopia, you can take a walk around the world without even leaving the capital, exploring untouched corners of the earth in a matter of hours.
Royal Geographical Society, Knightsbridge, until 5 September – free
McQueen the play
Moving into its new larger home at the Royal Theatre Haymarket, this dramatic adaptation of late designer Alexander McQueen’s life is the latest show to make waves in the theatre world. Lead by uncanny lookalike Stephen Wight, the play takes you on a journey through McQueen’s turbulent life, including encounters with the likes of fashion icon Isabella Blow.
While reviews have been mixed, this is a definite must-see for any dedicated fashion fan.
Royal Theatre Haymarket, until November 7 – tickets from £15
Pearly Kings and Queens Harvest Festival
For a real London experience that’s heaped in history, be sure to check out this fun annual parade of the capital’s Pearly Kings and Queens. Kitted in out in their traditional dress, participants walk from Guildhall to St Mart-le-Bow church, adorned with thousands upon thousands of glimmering pearl buttons.
Expect sing songs, donkeys and a range of frivolities, with money raised going to the Whitechapel Mission.
Guildhall Yard, 27 September – free
Totally Thames
In celebration of London’s infamous river, this South Bank-based festival plays host to a whole range of water-themed events for a full month. Whether you fancy trying your hand at paddle boarding or cruising on a Tall Ship, there are plenty of ways to experience the water, with or without getting wet.
There’s also music to enjoy, art to see and food to indulge in along the full 42 mile stretch across the city.
South Bank, throughout September – free
iTunes Festival
This free yet exclusive festival returns to the capital this September, with the likes of One Direction, Pharrell Williams and Disclosure already confirmed headline acts. While the race to snap up coveted tickets is always a tough one, some lucky people will have the opportunity to see some of the world’s biggest artists at North London’s intimate Roundhouse venue.
With Kylie, Sam Smith and Maroon 5 amongst last year’s big names, we only expect even more major players to join the bill this year.
The Roundhouse, from 22 September – free
Last Night of the Proms
Get ready to wave those Union Jack flags once again, as this prestigious music event blasts out patriotic classics for all to enjoy. Marking the end of a long run of live sets across the summer, the Last Night of the Proms unites people young and old in their love for all things British.
If you can’t get there in person, be sure to join this monumental night by tuning in when it goes out live on the BBC.
Royal Albert Hall, 27 September – tickets start at £27
What is Luxury?
This question is posed by the Victoria & Albert Museum this month, with its latest exhibition showcasing exceptional design and expertly-crafted products that exude that high-end aesthetic. Exploring how the concept of luxury is expressed in both physical and abstract states, this is a chance to see some of the world’s most enchanting pieces with your very own eyes.
Victoria & Albert Museum, until 27 September – free
