What's on in September - Our Guide

Cling on to the last of the Great British Summer with September's finest offerings.

There's something here for everyone, so be a 'yes' man (or woman) and do something a little bit different…

1) Portobello Film Festival (Notting Hill: 2nd - 19th September) Over 500 independent movie premieres and, like every other year in its 5 year history, admission to all events is free. We don't need to be asked twice!

2) Proms in the Park (Hyde Park: 11th September) If you haven't got tickets for the Last Night at The Proms yet, you won't, but don't despair - for £30 you can join the party in Hyde Park. There'll be flag waving a plenty and picnics galore plus fireworks AND Terry Wogan. Who could ask for more?

3) The Thames Festival (The Thames: 11th - 12th September) London's largest free outdoor arts festival is sure to be crammed full of surprises again this year as the river and its surroundings are transformed by street artists, exhibitions, performance, carnival, music and food, amongst others. The magical finale is the illuminated Night Procession, culminating in fireworks from the centre of the river itself.

4) St John's Hill Festival (St John's Hill: 12th September) This is a village fete in the heart of London and shouldn't be missed. There's a Real Ale festival in the local pub, a wine making workshop at GDG favourite Artisan & Vine, face painting, outdoor spray tanning (...?), a human fruit machine (again…?), a BBQ and much much more.

5) Open House London (Londonwide: 18th - 19th September) 'The capital's greatest architectural showcase' allows you to have a bit of a nosey around hundreds of London's buildings including anything from the BT tower to small private homes. And yes, it's free! If architectural explorations are your cup of tea (and, please, your date's), this one's for you.

6) London Design Festival (Multiple venues: 18th - 26th September) Bringing together the world's greatest talents in a 9 day design extravaganza, this is a true celebration of design. The venues and exhibitions are scattered all over London, but a good place to start is the wonderful V&A museum which acts as the hub for the festival's duration.

7) Autumn Equinox on Primrose Hill (Primrose Hill: 23rd September) For a slightly unusual date, join the Druids, robed in white, as they celebrate the Autumn Equinox on Primrose Hill. Slightly spooky stuff if you ask us, but each to their own...

8) Toast Festival (Clapham Common: 24th - 26th September) Combining international polo with the very best food, wine and live music from the Southern Hemisphere, Toast brings you 'everything good about the antipodean way of life.' With one day each dedicated to South Africa, New Zealand and Australia respectively, pick your country and head on down. We particularly like the sound of the South African gumboot dancers…