Notting Hill Carnival

With all the Olympic hype, it's easy to forget that the Notting Hill Carnival, Europe's largest street festival, is upon us once again already!

For the Carnival novices among us, Sunday (26th August) is children’s day with smaller floats and costume awards, while Bank Holiday Monday (27th August) is for the big dogs with the main Carnival procession. 

While many people avoid The Carnival like the plague, other people's view is that it should be on everyone's Bucket List. The infectious samba beats, bustling atmosphere and sizzling rhythms get people hooked for life.  For those of you who decide to brave it, I thought I would share a few hints and tips that people have picked up along the way:

- It may sound geeky, but wear comfortable shoes.  No-one wants to be party pooper because their compeeds have run out.

- Get there early in order to get good views.  

- Take a hipflask (and some water), and drink spirits, not beer, unless you want to be searching for a loo all day.  Drinks can also be quite pricey, so bringing your own booze should save a few pennies.

- Don't bring too many valuables with you - this way, you can relax all day and you don't have to worry if you end up having one, or two, or five too many bevvies.

- Most importantly, go with a positive attitude.  People are there to let loose and party, so you should do the same.

For more information on good sound systems, carnival parties and places to eat, the Notting Hill Carnival website and Time Out London have a comprehensive list of recommendations.  Here is handy map from Time Out which marks out the route of the procession and good places to grab a drink, party on down or simply people watch.

Transport for London also have a dedicated transport page for the Carnival, so be sure to check it out before you head off.  Blow that whistle, get those salsa hips swinging and enjoy!

You must be having a bubble?!

With the tragic news of Tony Scott's death today, I thought I would share a film-related event.   

Pop-up film venues are spreading like (a good but ferocious) rash across The Capital.   Future Shorts has embarked on the biggest pop up film festival the World has ever seen in the hope of bringing the best in short film to audiences around the globe.  Hoping to span 6 continents, 70 countries and 180 cities, the festival's current stop is here in London town!

Tomorrow night's event (Tuesday 21st August) brings us a screening with a twist.  We all know we can rave in a warehouse, have a pint in a car park or wander street food stalls in an abandonded train station, but this pop-up is unlike any others.  When most people say, 'Let's go out for bubbles', they usually mean champagne.  However, perched atop East London's Netil House are 12 hot tubs, ready and waiting for film goers to strip off and get cosy with each other.  Following the success of the Back to the Future screening last weekend, Future Shorts is now taking over the venue for their next night of the Summer Season Short Film Festival.  Prices start from £22 and a selection of hot tubs are on offer - the 'Ghetto' is packed with a maximum of 8 other people; the 'Spacious' tubs have a maximum of 6; and entire group bookings of tubs can be made for a mere £200. 

So strip off, sit back and enjoy the 40 degree heat while sipping your wine and enjoying the film - just beware of prune fingers!

For more information of Future Shorts events, check their twitter.

 

Future Shorts Festival - Summer Season from Future Shorts on Vimeo.

Can you hand-le this?!

Simply terrific!