SUMMER IN THE CITY

London puts on a good show for the summer months. When the mercury does finally rise, out come the al fresco tables on Southbank, the open-air theatre in Regent’s Park, the pavement drinkers in Soho, and the deckchairs in Green Park. Here are some of the best events, but for more ideas try VisitLondon.

The Great British Beer Festival at Earl’s Court Exhibition Centre on August 7-11 has been growing in popularity since it launched and the 30th anniversary event looks like it’ll be the biggest yet. There are lessons in beer tasting, a programme of live music, plus on August 9, it’s hat day, which unlike the Ascot catwalk is a comic event showcasing home-made hats with a beer theme.

Later in the month is London’s most popular street festival, The Notting Hill Carnival. The streets around Ladbroke Grove and Golborne Rd are deluged with two million people who come to watch the parade of Caribbean costumes and music every August Bank Holiday. It’s always very busy so be prepared for crowds, but the atmosphere, food and music are electric. This year’s dates are August 26-27.

The BBC Proms until September 8 sees a classical concert hosted at Kenisington’s Royal Albert Hall every night for the two-month event. The concerts spill out in Hyde Park on some nights, and the finale is the Last Night, a goosebumps-inducing spectacle even when watched on television.

For a bit more culture, the BP Summer Exhibition this year is Turner at Tate Britain. Around 150 of the artist’s watercolours, rather than his oil paintings, have been selected and there’s commentary by another artistic English great, David Hockney. The exhibition is on until February 3, 2008, and it’s free to get in. There’s also a fabulous Dali exhibition on until September 9 at the Tate Modern, which costs £11.

If the weather allows, there’s no better way to pass a balmy evening than watching open-air cinema in Somerset House, the 18th century neoclassical palace on The Strand. The Film4 Summer Screen is a ten-night event on August 2-11, transforming the cobbled courtyard into an open-air cinema with surround-sound. The programme touches on comedy, horror, romance, thrillers, sci-fi and action. You need to book tickets ahead, for £14.25, and screenings include Rushmore, Walk the Line and Hot Fuzz.

WHY I LOVE LONDON

There’s much to love about London in the summer, if you steer clear of the sweltering tube. These are some of my favourites, but we’d like to hear about yours too – not just London, but your favourite summer-in-the-city tips across the UK.

I am, unapologetically, a north Londoner, having defected to NW6 two years ago, so I’m biased. Why not even up the balance with some south London tips, as well as advice for the UK’s other blooming cities. Click here to tell us your summer in the city tips.

1. I never understood the appeal of walking in London cemeteries, but have been converted after moving to the vicinity of one of London’s most beguiling, at Fortune Green. It’s called Hampstead Cemetery, although the closest tube station is West Hampstead. The site covers 37 acres and was opened in 1876 and among the famous graves are physician Joseph Lister and the illustrator Kate Greenaway.

It’s a magical spot, with stone angels looming over paths, fading names peeping through ivy-clad headstones and an extraordinary church that is split into two sides and has an elegant walkway through the centre. The notice board features upcoming walks by authors of the Hampstead Cemetery guidebook, and there are an increasing number of trendy eateries popping up on the Fortune Green Road if you want a snack. I’ve not tried it yet but Yuzu, the Japanese, and Rotisserie, which specialises in steak, look good.

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