From a step/pedal back in time to Victorian London to zombies taking over the world and free musical shows galore, we’ve picked the best things going on around the country this weekend…
Wyndstock, Norfolk
What better way to celebrate the weekend of Midsummer’s Eve than by feasting and partying in the rather majestic setting of Houghton Hall in Norfolk? Created as an anti-festival in response to all the usual over-populated fests in existence, here is your summer playground of fun! There are garden games galore, afternoon tea and fizz, and when the suns sets, there’s cocktails on the lawn, a candlelit dinner and then dancing ‘til dawn. It really doesn’t get much better than this. For tickets, visit wyndstock.
West End Live, London
Back for its 9th year, this is the annual music and theatre festival right in the middle of London Town. It takes place under Nelson’s watchful gaze in Trafalgar Square today and tomorrow, and is totally free to go to! There are shows that are being performed for the first time ever, as well as long-running musical classics such as The Lion King, Matilda, Wicked, Jersey Boys and Stomp… And so the list goes on. Basically, you name a show, you can probably catch a bit of it here. For more info, visit westendlive.
World War Z, nationwide
If you liked 28 Days Later or even 28 Weeks Later, you’ll probably be up for this sci-fi thriller of the same ilk. As ever, there’s a zombie problem and they’re threatening to takeover the world and destroy humankind. But who better to save the day than one Mr Brad Pitt? Playing a United Nations employee, Gerry Lane, it’s down to Brad to stop the invasion and save the world as we know it. There’s a lot of blood and gore but if you’re feeling brave, you should definitely watch it in 3D. Be warned though, you will jump.
London Velonotte Albertina: Grand tour of Early Victorian London
It’s one of the shortest night’s of the year this evening so make the most of it and see London as you’ve never seen it before. This night-time cycle ride explores Victorian London from the Underground and cemeteries to architecture and shopping. It’s a 19-mile tour that starts at 11.30pm and finishes at 5am, so not one for those who like a good snooze. You’ll need to take your bike (obvs), lights, a lock, earphones and some sort of gadget that you can access the internet on or an FM radio, and you’re good to pedal off into the night! The meeting point is Buckingham Palace, and it’s free to take part but donations are encouraged. To register go to velonotte.com.
Edinburgh Film Festival
This celebration of all things film runs for 12 days, opening with Breathe In, starring Guy Pearce as a bohemian teacher who still dreams of making it big as a musician. You can also catch the UK premiere of Sofia Coppola’s The Bling Ring with Emma Watson. It’s based on the real-life story of fame-obsessed teens who break into celebs’ houses and do a bit of robbing. In total there are 146 feature films running and 172 short films – that’s a lot to be seeing so best you get going. For more information, head to edfilmfest.
Filed under: Magazine Tagged: Brad Pitt, breathe in, edinburgh film festival, jersey boys, london velonotte albertina, matilda, stomp, the bling ring, the lion king, west end live, wicked, World War Z, wyndstock
