Events

The Notting Hill Carnival
Taking place over the last weekend of August, the Notting Hill Carnival gets bigger, bolder and better every year.

In case you're wondering, the Monday after that weekend is always a public holiday in the UK - so you can party hard with no work consequences!

Read more about it on our sister site: Notting Hill Carnival.

The Kensington & Chelsea Music Society
Founded in the early 1960s, the KCMS has evolved into a well-established music society showcasing young classical music performers. This year's season of concerts take place between October 2008 and May 2009 at three wonderful venues in Kensington & Chelsea - the KCMS's usual home of Leighton House, and during its refurbishment at St George's Church in Holland Park and St Andrew's Church in Chelsea.

For full details about the KCMS and its 2008/2009 programme see: Kensington and Chelsea Music Society.

Ice Skating at the Natural History Museum
Every winter (November to January), a 1000 square foot ice-skating rink is created in the grounds of the Natural History Museum. Over the years, this pastime has increased in popularity in London during winter, and a number of rinks appear all around the capital - including some in very scenic locations (e.g. Somerset House, or the Tower of London).

The rink at the Natural History Museum, November 2007

The rink at the Natural History Museum, although smaller than some others, is amongst the more established ones in London and is hence very popular. The excellent location and the beautifully decorated surroundings attract numerous visitors. There's also a Christmas fair next to the rink, although this shuts in the evenings, and a bar serving the ultimate winter warmer - Winter Pimms.

You definitely have to book in advance as tickets tend to sell out relatively quickly, and if you prefer not to skate amongst the crowds, try to go on a weekday afternoon.

Alternatively, I'd recommend going in the evening to get the full effect of the atmosphere and the pretty fairylights twinkling in the trees.

There's also a little side rink for beginners or those wishing to brush up their somewhat rusty skating skills. There are also marshalls on the rink who provide tips, or help those that haven't quite got the hang of it. And don't worry, plenty of people fall down!

Tickets can be bought online. Skates are provided at no additional cost to the ticket.

See Ice Rink and Christmas Fair at the Natural History Museum for further details.