Roll up, roll up. It’s a bumper bank holiday bonanza. 

Eddington
Since the release of 2023’s Beau is Afraid, we’ve been eagerly awaiting a fix of Ari Aster’s typically dark and psychologically driven horror. For the director’s latest cinematic offering, we’re transported back to Covid-19 times (remember that?) for a contemporary Western starring Joaquin Phoenix, Pedro Pascal, Emma Stone and Austin Butler. Set in Eddington, New Mexico, the local cop goes up against the long-time mayor for ownership of the town, unravelling a string of personal grievances, local politics and conspiracy theories.

Eddington is out in cinemas now. 

Definitions of beauty
Taking over Somerset House until the end of September, Virtual Beauty is examining the complexities of beauty standards in the digital age. Bringing together over twenty international artists, their works traverse portraiture, performance, sculpture and video. The likes of Minnie Atairu, Ben Cullen Williams, and Isamaya Ffrench present a series of AI-generated portraits, while ORLAN’s Omniprésence (1993) exhibits a performance in which the artist live-streamed her own cosmetic surgery to critique Western beauty ideals.

Virtual Beauty runs at Somerset House until September 28th, more info here. 

Body Movements
Returning to Southwark Park, Body Movements is promising another one-day celebration of queer and trans joy, soundtracked by some of the best DJs in the business. Names to note on the bill this year include Midland, Angel D’lite, Peach and Saoirse alongside takeovers from the likes of ADONIS, Pxssy Palace, and Fèmmme Fraîche.

Body Movements takes place at Southwark Park on Sunday 25th August, more info here. 

Carni time!
You don’t need us to tell you it’s that time of year again, but it wouldn’t be the August bank holiday weekend without Notting Hill Carnival. Soundtracked by steel drums and thumping sound systems, the parade kicks off on Great Western Road and snakes the whole of West London – grab a Red Stripe and get involved.

Party in Viccy Park
All Points East is taking over Victoria Park until Sunday for a final round of day festivals. Friday sees Barry Can’t Swim joined by Confidence Man and Shygirl, on Saturday Raye is joined by Tyla and FKA Twigs, and to close out proceedings on Sunday, The Maccabees return with a little help from The Cribs and Bombay Bicycle Club. Pick your day, or pick all three.

All Points East is taking place in Victoria Park across the weekend, more info here. 

Très bon
Opening its doors in Notting Hill last month, Chez Lui is bringing Parisian chic to London. The debut restaurant from La Bistrot Collection, the space is designed “to feel like stepping into the home of your most stylish Parisian friend,” with an interior complete with plush velvet and pristine white table cloths. The menu is an ode to seasonal cooking with standout dishes including beef tartare with a chimichurri glaze, golden-fried purple artichokes, slow-cooked roast chicken and caramelised apple Tarte Tatin with mascarpone cream to finish. 

Chez Lui is located at 184A Kensington Park Rd, W11 2ES, more info here.