Summer Bank Holiday weekend is upon us — in my opinion the most underrated bank holiday of the year. Sure, Easter is a long weekend, spring marks the start of nice weather and Christmas for … well, obvious reasons. The summer Bank Holiday is great because if you want to enjoy the city, it’s actually surprisingly more quiet than expected as so many people are out of town. And then if you wanted to go out of town, it’s August so you can enjoy the weather to the maximum. Some of the best parties and activities happen over this weekend and I’ll be talking about them a little more today.
I can’t talk about this weekend without mentioning Notting Hill Carnival. There’s possibly nothing more London than this incredible festival of music, culture and food. It’s been alive for as long as I have and I’ve been attending for as long as I can remember.
Started by the British Caribbean community, this insane celebration of such a rich, vibrant culture has definitely had its ups and downs over the years, whether with the police, crime spikes or racist attacks but one thing is clear — it has probably done more for equality and integration for people of colour than any other event in the country.
To those locals who board up their houses or go on holiday to get away from Notting Hill Carnival... why?
It’s important to say as well that what shines through any of the other bullshit is millions and millions of people’s unwavering desire to come together and dance on the streets, communicate and celebrate love and community above all else. Notting Hill Carnival has over this past decade especially become a safe space, where relationships with the police and volunteers have become far friendlier, resulting in a festival where (most of) the headlines are what they should be — about the moment, the people and nothing else.
It’s magical, and to this day I still go every year unless I’m away for work. One of the biggest carnivals in the world, up to three million people attend each year and for good reason. It’s incredible and with the main day and family day for you to choose from, there’s space for everyone.
I’ve gotta say one thing about the locals though. To all you c***s who board up your houses or go on holiday purposely to get away from it each year… why? Notting Hill is what it is because of the carnival, because of the hectic markets on the weekends, because of this mishmash of cultures. Must you evacuate every damn year? I mean come on. Go immerse yourself in it, party pooper.
What am I getting up to? There’s loads happening this weekend. On Saturday I will be down in Margate for the Ministry of Sound Classical at Dreamland. That’s going to be a pretty special evening. They’ve done some great things at the park over the summer and this one will be no different. I’ll be on the decks alongside Roger Sanchez and Danny Rampling. It’ll all be wrapped up with a full orchestra playing the Ministry of Sound Classics multiple generations grew up on.
And then on Monday… Well, many regular readers will know I was born in Pimlico and raised just over the bridge in Battersea, and will know how important those areas are to me. I’ve lived back in Pimlico for some time now as nowhere feels quite like home as that area. I’m thrilled that I’ll be playing a special daytime set at ArcadeX on the jetty at Battersea Power Station this coming Bank Holiday Monday from 3pm. The renowned food hall brings some of its favourite partners out into the sunshine with this really special summer activation.
Be sure to put it in your diary and come on down, all are welcome and it’s the perfect little day out in the open air. I can’t wait. Who doesn’t like dancing to a bit of house music in the sunshine? One thing is for sure, as we mark the end of summer let’s go out and celebrate together. With this new season on the way, we can welcome a new mindset too. After the obvious struggles and worries so many of us have gone through lately, we deserve to make that shift towards positive change. Who’s with me? See You Next Wednesday.
Track of the Week: Austin Ato — Wee Belter (Harry Romero Remix)
