Unearth Travel Blog

Regents Street Festival – Indian Summer
Regent Street, Sunday 2 September, 12:00-20:00, Free

This Sunday, Regent Street will be celebrating its annual festival. This year will be themed ‘An Indian Summer’, and will mark the finale of the Mayor of London’s India Now Festival. Regent Street will be transformed into India for a day of “spectacular free outdoor events showcasing India’s incredible variety, colour and creativity”. You will be able to watch traditional performances by the Aakaar Puppet Company or the spectacular processional performance of “In the Dholdrums”, featuring a giant drum, costumes, stilt-walkers and fireworks. There will be food stalls, restaurants and traditional Indian handicrafts as well as popular Indian music and dance performances.

DMC World DJ championships
The O2, 6/7 October, 17:00, £15

DMC return to the former Millennium Dome where the greatest DJ’s from around the world compete over two days in an attempt to be crowned World DJ champion. Saturday sees the “Battle for world Supremacy” and the “World Team Championship Final”. Sunday is the “DMC World DJ Final”.

The Great British Rubber Duck Race
Molesey Lock near Hampton Court, Sunday 2 September, 13:30, Free

This weekend, 165,000 rubber ducks will float down a 1km stretch of the River Thames near Hampton Court Palace. In doing so, it will set a new world record and raise over £500,000 for UK charities. It costs £2 to adopt a duck and if you come in first place you can win £10,000. Head down to the river and cheer on your Duck!

I for India
ICA, 24 August - 6 September, £8

“Sandhya Suri’s absorbing debut feature is a sensitive and intimate slice of life, blending old home movies with archival footage to document her family’s life since their move from India to England in 1965. Shot over 40 years, the Super-8 footage filmed by Suri’s father in Darlington and their family back in India unravels as a deeply emotional story of separation and loss. A time capsule of alienation, discovery, racism and belonging, I for India is a chronicle of immigration in 1960s Britain and beyond.”

Surrey v Somerset (Floodlit)
Oval, Tuesday 11 September, 16:10, £12

This could be your last chance to see some cricket this “non-winter”. So, book a ticket to the Oval and watch Surrey take on Somerset.

Friday Late: India Now
V&A, 31 August, 18:30-22.00

”Experience a journey through the streets of Bombay, with The Bombay Project’s fuse of music and film. Explore a specially designed contemporary installation by Design Temple, inspired by the V&A collection of Indian art and design. See some of the best Indian animation and film. Join talks and tours by artists, designers and curators.” And as always relax to the DJs and gorge yourself on food and drink.

BBC Tickets: The News Quiz, BBC Symphony Orchestra
Broadcasting House or BBC Maida Vale Studios, Free

The BBC makes it into another Top 10 - with good reason - they are funny, fun and free. I have two suggestions for you this week, the Radio 4 institution “The News Quiz” returns for another series and the “BBC Symphony Orchestra”. You need but apply.

Work, Rest & Play
National Gallery, 26 July - 14 October, Free

Work, Rest & Play explores these themes and how they have been depicted in art. “The exhibition brings together exhibits dating from the 16th century to the present, it traces changing ideas about work and leisure, and looks at how artists have responded to major shifts in working patters, from industrialisation to contemporary office culture.”

Buckingham Palace

“Buckingham Palace serves as both the office and London residence of Her Majesty The Queen, as well as the administrative headquarters of the Royal Household. It is one of the few working royal palaces remaining in the world today. Today the State Rooms are used extensively by The Queen and Members of the Royal Family to receive and entertain their guests on State, ceremonial and official occasions. During August and September when The Queen makes her annual visit to Scotland, the Palace’s nineteen state rooms are open to visitors.”

Shakespeare’s and Dickens’ London – The Old City
11:00 Wednesdays and 14:00 Sundays, St Paul’s Tube, Exit 2

Despite the ravages of time, riots, bombings and especially fire, traces of Dickensian and Shakespearean London remain. The tour will pass “half-timbered Elizabethan dwellings to the magnificent early 16th-century gatehouse where Shakespeare went with his plays to the offices of the Elizabethan Master of the Revels. And from London’s grandest Tudor manor house to crooked little alleys which fed the fires of Dickens’ ‘hallucinating genius’”

Notting Hill Carnival
25-27 August, Notting Hill-Hyde Park, Free

Europe’s biggest street party is back. This weekend, the carnival will flood the streets of Notting Hill, with a million people soaking up the music of steel bands, reggae and the spectacle of the parade. The sights and sounds of the Caribbean will extend all the way to Hyde Park. On Saturday, you can enjoy “Panorama”, a steel band spectacular. On Sunday, the emphasis is on families and younger festival goers and Monday is Adults’ day. The carnival is at your doorstep, let it light up you life.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Southbank Centre, 15-16 October, £10-27.50

“Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s chorus of powerful harmonies emote the struggles and passion of South Africa. The warmth and charisma of founder and composer Joseph Shabalala, a man who has survived apartheid with his spirit whole, shines through Mambazo’s music - their captivating Zulu harmonies are a proud, strong homage to the jubilance, power and beauty of indigenous music.”

Summer Opening of Parliament Tours
Houses of Parliament, Ends 29 September, £12

During Parliament’s summer recess, the House is open to UK residents and overseas visitors. Tours take 75 minutes and you will be guided through the key areas of the estate, such as the Commons and Lords debating chambers and the Queen’s Robing Room.

Sanjeev Bhaskar – India Rising
V&A, 7 September, 19:15-20:05, £7.50

“Sanjeev Bhaskar, star of The Kumars at No. 42, discusses the complexities, beauties, and eccentricities of modern India, following an epic and highly personal journey made as part of a new BBC2 series about the country. Travelling from Delhi to Bombay, Jaipur to Calcutta, he met ordinary and extraordinary Indian people from every background. And he reveals a country steeped in history yet at the forefront of new technology, at once confusing, astonishing and jaw-droppingly beautiful.”

Carmen
Coliseum, 29 September – 23 Novemeber, £15-90

English National Opera’s new season commences with an exhilarating performance of Bizet’s masterpiece, Carmen. It is one of the most beloved operas of all time and this new realisation “marries vivid storytelling with dynamic dance elements”.

50 Years of Helvetica
Design Museum, 17 July- 2 September

The Design Museum Café exhibits how the “most widely used and respected sans serif typeface on the planet” has influenced our lives. From its birth 50 years ago, in the Haas type foundry of Switzerland, it has touched our lives and shown up in such diverse locations as the images of lunar landings and the signage for the New York Subway.

Firepower: Royal Artillery MuseumRoyal Arsenal Woolwich, £5

The Royal Artillery Museum gives you a chance to experience “Woolwich at War – The Spirit of the Blitz” and “Summer Holiday Fun at Firepower”. There are a number of activities on offer, including: a paintball range, “firing a 2 pounder”, the chance to try on military uniforms and wander around the artillery of our past.

Roman Amphitheatre - London
Guildhall Art Gallery, £2.50

Discovered in 1988 by archaeologists doing work in the area, you have the chance to see these carefully preserved, 2000 year old ruins that are an important part of the legacy of Roman London.

Camden Fringe
Etcetera Theatre, 30 July-26 August

“Anything goes at the Camden Fringe as the Etcetera Theatre and Liberties play host to a mix of new writing, comedy, cabaret, dance” and much more including shows such as “Get Over It, Hamlet”, “Tripple Tipple Tales” and “Three Cheese Salad”.

Global Cities
Tate Modern, 20 June - 27 August, Free

This exhibition transforms the Turbine Hall to examine ten modern changing cities. Cairo, Istanbul, Johannesburg, London, Los Angeles, Mexico City, Mumbai, São Paulo, Shanghai and Tokyo are explored though five themes: speed, size, density, diversity and form. City populations are growing and their effect on the planet is becoming dramatic, Global Cities explores these changing metropolises.

Betfair Turbo Tennis
The O2, 15 September, £20-60

Turbo Tennis compresses a match into 30 minutes, deuces become sudden death and if you spend too long stretching between point prepare to pay a forfeit. This one day competition sees the young guns: James Blake, Andy and Jamie Murray challenging the experienced Champions: Tim Henman, Goran Ivanisevic and Pat Cash. Who will take home the $100,000 prize fund?

Beastie Boys & KT Tunstall
The Roundhouse, 6 Sept (Beastie Boys), 30 Oct – 1 Nov (KT Tunstall), £20-30

Amongst the multitude of performers taking to the stage at the Roundhouse over the next few months, two take my fancy. The Beastie Boys will play an exclusive instrumental Gala show, featuring The Mix-Up, their first album of all-new instrumental material. KT Tunstall, the Brit Award-winning singer-songwriter and Grammy nominee brings her highly acclaimed live band back to the UK to promote the release of her second album ‘Drastic Fantastic’. Will she live up to expectation and are the Boys just too old?

Ranolf Fiennes: Transglobe Expedition: 25th anniversary celebration
Royal Geographical Society, 10 September, 19:00, £20

From 1979-1982 Ranolf Fiennes and Charlie Burton undertook the first circumnavigation of the world via the North & South Poles. On its 25th Anniversary Celebration, Ranolf Fiennes and members of his team are giving you the chance to listen to the amazing story of their truly epic 3 year journey across land, sea and ice.

Late Lounge
Terrace Café, National Theatre, Friday/Saturday, 22:00-1:00, Free

The Late Lounge introduced Bring & Share into my life. Unlike a normal club, you bring your ipod, suggest a song and then leave the DJ trying to mix it all together.

Why not try something different on a Friday night? Attend a Watch This Space performance and then head up to the Late Lounge to relax, absorb the eclectic music and meet someone new.

Bank of England Museum
The Bank of England, Free

The museum tells the story of the Bank of England from its foundation in 1694 to its role today as the United Kingdom’s central bank. If you haven’t got piles of cash at home, the museum gives you the chance to learn about banknotes and coins as well as stare at the shiny gold bars.

Harlequins v Manu Samoa
Twickenham Stoop, 17 August

In preparation for the start of the 2007/2008 Guinness Premiership season, Harlequins will play four warm up matches. The first is against Manu Samoa, who are currently in preparation for the start of the World Cup. If there is one good reason to slip out of work on Friday, this is it!

Portobello Film Festival
1 –21 August, Free

The Portobello Film Festival claims it “shows tomorrow’s films today” and with an impressive history it seems to have achieved it. This year’s festival, free as usual, will showcase hundreds of low budget films interspersed with other more random features. Venues are varied with pubs, churches and studios all on the roster.

The World Press Photo Exhibition
Southbank Centre, 18 August - 9 September, Free

200 Award-Winning photos from all over the planet are exhibited in the “definitive competition for photographic reporting”. The photographs on display “range from the shocking to the sublime, the beautiful to the barely believable, and include war-torn Iraq, street dancers in Paris, fans and footballers at the World Cup in Germany, the American Ms Senior Sweetheart Pageant, and the vicious hunting grounds of the Leopard seal”.

Warhol vs Banksy
The Hospital Gallery, 10 August – 1 September, Mon-Friday 10:00-20:00, Sat 12:00-18:00, Sun Closed, Free

The Hospital presents a “face to face show of classic drawings and paintings by Andy Warhol set against the infamous graffiti work of Banksy”. This new exhibition consists of more than 40 works and compares those of the late American Pop artist Andy Warhol to the contemporary British graffiti artist Banksy.

Tête à Tête
Riverside Studios, 9-26 August, £5-10

Tête à Tête return to Riverside Studios for a sensual feast of the newest, funkiest and inspirational opera.

Prince @ The O2
The O2, 1-21 August, £20+

Prince is a musical legend! Currently performing 21 dates at The O2, smashing all previous arena attendance records, he is giving us one last chance to see him perform his greatest hits. Songs like “When Doves Cry”, “Purple Rain”, “Little Red Corvette” and “1999” are a piece of musical history and engrained into our brains. Go, let prince rock-your-world and get a free copy of his latest album.

Carters Steam Fair
Battersea Park, 4-19 August

Carters Steam Powered Fair is a fun loving spectacle of the past. It has taken 30 years, but John Carter and his followers have collected unfashionable items, discarded by their owners, preserved them and built up Carters Steam Fair. Take a trip down to Battersea and realise that old is fun too.

Trafalgar Square Festival – India Now
Trafalgar Square, throughout August, free

The spectacle of outdoor Indian-inspired performances continues. This week you can enjoy the internationally acclaimed, Bangalore based, Attakkalari Centre as they bring the sights and sounds of an Indian street into Trafalgar Square (enjoy the choreographed motor scooters). Watch “Juggernaut” a theatrical ritual about the relationship between India and Britain or see one of the highlights of this year’s festival, a collaborative dance spectacle featuring one of India’s leading artists, Naresh Kapuria alongside Akademi and Theatre Tol.

Film4 Summer Screen
Somerset House, 2-11 August, £12.50/£15

The Film4 Screen at Somerset House kicked off last week. Don’t worry there are still four nights of outdoor big-screen entertainment to go. Get tickets quick and catch: “Walk The Line” (Wednesday), “Chak de India” (Thursday), “Hot Fuzz”, “Point Break” (Friday) and “2001: A Space Odyssey” (Saturday). Summer has finally arrived so bring a rug and enjoy.

Great British Beer Festival
Earls Court, 7-11th August, ~£5

The Great British Beer festival has over 450 ales to sample, live entertainment and tutored beer tasting. You don’t even have to grow a beard to grab a pint.

Jimmy Carr
Hen and Chickens, Islington, 11 August

Jimmy Carr tries out more new material at this fantastic venue.

Burma: Behind Closed Doors

“A stunning photographic exhibition by contemporary photographer and recent graduate from Central St. Martins College of Art & Design, James Mackay.”
“This exhibition features a collection of photographs that combine beautiful poignant imagery with both political and personal relevance, capturing the essence of life inside a country under control and reflecting the continuing oppression faced by the people of ‘The Golden Land’ in their daily life.”

Saint Joan
National Theatre, Ends 25th September, £10

Joan of Arc, a country girl in her late teens declares her bloody mission to drive out the English and restore the crown to France. With staggering confidence, she takes command of the army and leads Charles to the throne. But as one of the first Protestants and nationalists, she threatens the fabric of feudal society and the Catholic Church across Europe. Within a year she is burnt at the stake.

Kenneth Martin and Mary Martin
Camden Arts Centre, Free

“Two major figures in British abstract art, this is Kenneth Martin and Mary Martin’s first joint exhibition for over 20 years. Kenneth Martin’s mobile sculptures and Mary Martin’s reliefs and architectural maquettes combine mathematical principles with striking innovation.”

Hreinn Fridfinnsson
Serpentine Gallery

“Hreinn Fridfinnsson is one of Iceland’s leading conceptual artists. His work is celebrated for its lyricism and stark poetry that transcends the often-commonplace subjects and materials that the artist uses to create his pieces. Although there is a consistency of theme and a common emotional thread to his art, the media that Fridfinnsson employs are remarkably varied in scale and substance, from photography, drawings and tracings to presentations and installations of sound, texts and ready-mades.”

Middlesex Sevens
Twickenham Stadium, 18 August, £30

The Middlesex Sevens is a Rugby Tradition! 12 Guinness Premiership clubs go head to head in a free-flowing, try scoring, end-to-end rugby extravaganza.

Covent Garden Night Market
Every Thursday in August, 5 -10 pm

The “Larder of London”, Covent Garden, returns to its roots, bringing together the best of London’s food markets. With delicacies from over 35 different stalls including Neal’s Yard, Chocstar, Gourmet Candy Company, The Ginger Pig and Violet Cakes there will be something to tempt any pallet. To keep you entertained “Cut A Shine” – ‘The hottest Hoe Down group this side of Texas’ promise to provide a ‘roaring, thigh-slapping, pavement-stomping’ performance.

Impressionists by the Sea
Royal Academy, 7 July – 30 September, £7

In the 1860’s to the early 1870’s Boudin, Manet and Monet turned their attention to the contemporary fashionable beach scenes of Northern France. The impressionists focused on the sublime forces of nature, the light and weather to capture the coastline and the ongoing social and economic changes taking place in France.

Wimbledon Ticket Ballot

If you love strawberrys and cream and tennis but are too disorganised, lazy and don’t fancy queuing outside overnight. You are not alone. Since 1924, tickets to Wimbledon have been in such great demand that they have run a Public Ballot whereby the majority of Centre, No.1 and No.2 court tickets are sold in advance. On August 1st, the ballot for 2008 opens, so even though Wimbledon is 10 months away, apply now.

Carnaval del Pueblo
5th August, Burgess Park, Camberwell, Free

The Carnaval del Pueblo is the largest Latin American event in Europe (100,000 people attended last year), showcasing music, arts and dance form 19 Latin American countries. At noon, a colourful and striking float procession departs City Hall on its way to Camberwell. The arrival of the parade marks the start of the Party! The park will play host to four stages and three bars. So whether you fancy chillaxing to one of the Grammy Award winners, or watch the Open Salsa Dance championships it should be a fun day out.

Archery at Lord’s: Great Britain v India v China
Lord’s, 6th August, 10am – 12pm

Lord’s is the venue for the archery competition in the London 2012 Olympic Games, and in preparation for the monumental event, for the first time in the ground’s 220 year history it will host an international archery tournament. The npower International Archery Challenge, for The MCC Cup, will take place on the morning of 6th August (between 10am and noon) and will see Great Britain, India and China competing for the Trophy.

Islamic Art Centre

“A three-year-long renovation and re-design of the V&A’s Islamic Gallery has created an outstanding new home for the collection. The new Jameel Gallery houses over 400 objects, including ceramics, textiles, carpets, metalwork, glass and woodwork, which date from the great days of the Islamic caliphate of the 8th and 9th centuries to the years preceding the First World War.”

Historic Royal Palaces

Tower of London,
Hampton Court,
Banqueting House,
Kensington Palace,
Kew Palace
All brilliant, all fun.

Music: Rosaleen Trio
National Portrait Gallery, 3 August, 18:30

Exploring music written for two violins and one viola, this concert will feature a range of music including pieces by Bach, Dvork and Martinu.

Meet John Deman
Old Royal Naval College, 4 August 2007

“Hear about the life of a black Greenwich Pensioner in the early 19th century who left his West Indies home to join Admiral Lord Nelson’s fleet. Performances are free and suitable for all the family.”