Music

Weekend city guide: 12 – 14 August

There’s no shortage of fun things to do in cities across the UK during summer and this upcoming weekend is no exception.

With more festivals, more comedy, more musicals and loads more sport to take in, we handpick some of the best below. But for ever MORE, visit our handy London, Manchester and Scotland guides whenever you’re looking for ideas on where to go.

LONDON

The Spoils
Until 13 August 2016
Trafalgar Studio 1

Time is running out if you want to see Jesse Eisenberg in this comic/tragic play he also wrote. The Spoils, about a privileged but otherwise good-for-nothing bully named Ben (played by The Social Network film star), closes this weekend in the West End.

Film4 Summer Screen
Until 17 August 2016
Somerset House

Watching a film under the stars is a summer experience not to miss – especially when it’s being projected on London’s largest outdoor screen in a stunning neoclassical courtyard. Enjoy Jackie Brown on 12 August, Galaxy Quest and The Final Girls on 13 August and Funny Face on 14 August.

Louis CK
13 –14 August
Eventim Apollo

Everyone loves Louis CK. We first fell for him in Parks & Recreation as the socially awkward Pawnee police officer. And you’ll fall for him too – if you haven’t already – when you see him onstage delivering his cutting-edge stand-up comedy.

Holi Festival of Colours 
13 August
Wembley Park

OK, we’re not exactly sure what happens with all the brightly coloured powder at this festival celebrating peace and love but it looks like a kaleidoscope of fun and includes performances by 99 Souls, Benga and Dubvision. Count us in!

England v Pakistan
Until 15 August
The Kia Oval

This is the final Investec Test of the four-match series against Pakistan. If England win they’ll hold all nine bilateral trophies against their Test opponents, so come cheer on Alastair Cook and the team.

CARDIFF

Party in the Parc
12 August
Coopers Field

We know you’ve heard of this electro pop trio: Years & Years. They’re one of the hottest bands in the UK right now. Catch them live with Maribou State, Izzy Bizu, Nimo and Jax Jones at this special open-air concert that raises funds for Pride Cymru.

MANCHESTER

Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan
13 August 2016
Manchester Arena

Pakistan’s most famous singer is in the UK on his Greatest Hits Live tour. Known as the King of Qawwali and Sufi music, you’ll be entranced by his melodious voice when he belts out songs like Tere Mast Mast Do Nain and Teri Ore.

EDINBURGH

Hot Dub Time Machine
12 – 13 August 2016
Edinburgh Corn Exchange

Prepare to travel through time. This dance party band will take you on a funk-filled journey with stops in the ’60s, ’70s, ’80s and ’90s… all the way up to modern day. It’s a pop music history tour you’ll never forget.

GLASGOW

Summer Nights
Until 14 August 2016
Kelvingrove Bandstand

This summertime series of outdoor concerts concludes this weekend with a stellar line-up. Enjoy Electric Honey Sessions (12 August), Eddi Reader & Friends (13 August) and Will Young (14 August) in beautiful Kelvingrove Park while drinking fine beers and eating delicious Italian street food.

EVEN MORE EVENTS ACROSS THE UK

WALTON-ON-TRENT

Bloodstock Festival
Catton Park, Derbyshire

Metal brethren, we beseech thee to go to this head-banging extravaganza featuring Twisted Sister, Slayer and Anthrax along with over 100 other international bands. With four stages to choose from, our resident riff-lover has highlighted the ones you can’t miss here.

NEWTON ABBOT

80’s Gold 
14 August 2016
Newton Abbot Racecourse

Put on your most sparkly clothes or a jacket with shoulder pads for a night of ’80s music and nostalgia. Tony Hadley of Spandau Ballet, ABC, Bananarama and Midge Ure of Ultravox are performing their greatest hits at an outdoor concert that’s going to be true gold.