What’s On – August events

The English social season reaches its apogee in August with a whole host of events to peruse. From film to sailing, there’s something for everyone. Here’s our pick of the events not to miss – put them in your calendar now, or risk not knowing what anyone’s talking about come the end of the summer.

FOR FILM FANATICS: ‘Summer Screen’ at Somerset House

The most famous of all open-air film events to take place in London, ‘Summer Screen’ is back for another year this August with an extended programme of films over 14 nights. Presented in the magnificent 18th Century courtyard of Somerset House, minus the water fountains, there’s something for everyone with films ranging from comedy, to thrillers and romance, and, of course, the much revered classics – perfect for a family outing, romantic date or time away from work with friends. Dine on the finest picnic in the vicinity with one of Fortnum & Mason’s fresh summer picnics, which hamper up everything from poached salmon and beef carpaccio to chocolate truffles and sparkling wine as you listen to early evening DJ sets. 8th–21st August 2013, book now somersethouse.org.uk and for picnics visit fortnumandmason.com

FOR OPERA ENTHUSIASTS: Glyndebourne Summer Festival

Every year The Glyndebourne Festival presents six productions. If you can’t make it to the architecturally stunning 1,200-seat opera house built in 1994 then be sure to catch one of the Glyndebourne on Tour productions in the autumn and be one of 150,000 people to enjoy Britain’s best opera this year. The line-up for 2013 includes Rameau’s Hippolyte et Aricie, Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro and Strauss’ Falstaff. 18th May – 25th August, book now glyndebourne.com

FOR ART AFICIANADOS: Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition

Now in its 245th year, the Summer Exhibition remains a much-anticipated highlight of the arts calendar, serving as a unique window on to all areas of the contemporary art world. It is a unique opportunity to view and buy over 1,000 works of art Grayson Perry will exhibit a series of six tapestries, inspired by Hogarth’s A Rake’s Progress and there will also have a dedicated portraiture room, including new works by Frank Auerbach, Tom Phillips, Michael Craig-Martin and Alex Katz. Whether you have an eye for painting, photography or printmaking and sculpture, this is the exhibit for you. 10th June-18th August 2013, entry free, royalacademy.org.uk

FOR SPORTING SUPREMOS – Cowes Week

Cowes Week is one of the UK’s longest running and most successful sporting events and is a key highlight of the British sporting summer. It has been held in early August every year since 1826, except during the two world wars. Traditionally, Cowes Week takes place after Goodwood and before the Glorious Twelfth. It makes for a great day out, whether you are one of the 8,500 sailing the sea or enjoying the festival with friends and family this must attend event should be in your diary. 3rd – 10th August, aamcowesweek.co.uk