It’s almost that time of the year again guys 'n' gals. That’s right, it’s the end of August already (only four months ‘til Christmas, arg!) and so the Notting Hill Carnival is rolling back into town. Personally, as an East London girl, I have to admit I’ve probably not been as many times as I should have. The lure of Caribbean food, incredible DJs such as the god that is Norman Jay, the summer sounds of steel bands and the stunning carnival displays should have been enough to get me over there every year. However, when I was a kid I remember my best friend …

Oh dear guys and gals, our Guy About Town John Gough is going away for two whole weeks! He'll be busy sunning himself in Bali - I'm sure London will be a little less fun this coming fortnight... Still, to keep us going until his return he's partied hard and brought us the usual mix of celebrity and party gossip from our fair capital. From partying with the god that is Jimmy Choo to blagging his way into a party at one of the hardest-to-get-into members' clubs in London, he's really worked his magic. We'll miss you John, try not to come back too brown - you'll put us all to shame!

As you know, Viewlondon’s Guy About Town has …

Oooh it’s almost that time of year again! Now there’s little I love more than a long summer's weekend – even with the guaranteed rainfall. And this year the August Bank Holiday (if you don’t know when this is then shame on you! It’s 23rd-25th August) is chocker with massive events.

Of course, the most internationally renowned of these events is the Notting Hill Carnival. Yup, you all know the drill, West London is taken over by a sea of bright colours, big stages with live acts and DJs, thousands of people dancing on the streets and the sounds of whistles blowing, all to the smells of incredible Caribbean food. Of course, there is bound to …

Ahh the beach. After a few years living in Cornwall (and yes, as a born and bred Londoner I did miss the big smoke) I developed a big love of beaches. The sand, the fresh sea air, the giant killer seagulls. OK, not the last part. I may have never quite got to grips with surfing, but I do lament the lack of a beach when sat in an office in Central London. Holding a seashell up to my ear doesn’t quite do it.

Well, a big hurrah for Zebrano then, who are saying ‘sod it’ to the weather and are holding their very own beach party weekend, 22nd-25th August. A massive six tonnes of sand is being poured into the venue with the aim of recreating a different famous …

Ahh music festivals, so raw, so edgy, so cool. That’s why I can’t wait for West 12’s August Music Festival – yes that’s West 12 the shopping centre. Ahem. Not quite a muddy field in Somerset now is it?

Still, all preconceptions and pretensions aside, this event does sound like it may well be worth checking out. Really, trust me. Bringing a little festival spark to West London (yes, it’s hardly the Notting Hill Carnival, but still) every Friday and Saturday from 8th August until the end of the month, this is sure to be a winner. Showcasing local talent (now they’re talking, it’s good to give new talent a chance), they’ll be covering all genres, including RnB, soul, afrobeat, urban, acoustic, salsa, jazz, blues and rock so whatever …