Things to do in London this weekend

Another summer weekend, another chance to dance away the daily grind.

This weekend there's a chance to get down at Lovebox and Citadel, to drink up at a Tiki party in Regent's Park, and to get a little culture courtesy of the Proms.

That is, of course, if you can tear yourself away from the Wimbledon final. Looks like it's going to be ace.

Friday July 14

Dance away the week at Lovebox

​Lovebox Back for a 15th year, Lovebox returns to Victoria Park this summer for a two nights of fun. On Friday July 14 and Saturday 15, the east London park hosts the likes of Frank Ocean, Kano, Solange and Mac Miller. There are also a host of after-parties being held at venues including the Oval Space and Village Underground. Check this page for more information.

Info: July 14 - 15, Victoria Park, E3 5TB, loveboxfestival.com

Get a dose of old soul

Steve Van Zandt is many things to many people: Bruce Springsteen’s guitarist, co-inventor of the Jersey Shore sound, radio host and Silvio Dante on The Sopranos. He’s also a serious old school r'n’b lover, too, and has cranked out some terrific records with his band The Disciples of Soul, including Men Without Women and the garage-rock tinged, political Voice of America. After more than 25 years away from the UK, he and the band are back for a UK tour to support new record Soulfire. Catch them for a fifteen piece group full of blaring horns, chiming guitars and dancing bass. They play Camden’s Roundhouse on November 4, before heading off around the UK. Tickets go on sale from 9am this Friday.

Info: July 14, aegpresents.co.uk

The Proms

London will sound lovely over the next eight weeks with the Proms are kicking off this week. Over 90 concerts will take place, with the first ever ‘relaxed’ Prom giving those with autism and learning disabilities the chance to enjoy a concert in a relaxed environment. Most of the concerts are at the Royal Albert Hall, but this year there will also be performances at Tate’s Tanks, Bold Tendencies Car Park in Peckham, and a few in Hull to make the City of Culture celebrations.

Info: July 14 - September 8, across London, bbc.co.uk/proms

Hyper Japan

Tobacco Dock hosts the UK’s biggest celebration of Japanese culture and cuisine throughout the weekend, which is something of a must for gaming fans. Nintendo will be there, showing off the brand new Super Mario Odyssey. Other highlights include Splatoon 2, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and the Death Note VR game. There’ll also be plenty of cutting edge tech on show, fashion highlights and lots and lots of food.

Info: July 14 - 16, hyperjapan.co.uk

Saturday July 15

Drink up… and up… and up...

Summer drinking is a category unto itself and needs to be celebrated properly. Repeatedly. Every weekend. Fortunately, Regent’s Park is hosting the Spirit of Tiki festival, so you can get stuck in properly. There’s a village of Polynesian bars, with a focus on rum, serving bright, punchy cocktails. Look out for hula dancing and feast on the street food stalls.

Info: July 14 - 15, Regent's Park (Park Crescent), NW1 5HA, designmynight.com

The Chap Olympiad

A jolly pleasant way to spend an afternoon, this one, and now decidedly something of an institution. Back for another year, this dandy event sees chaps and chapesses compete in trials of 'unathleticism', where style counts for far more than sporting ability. Expect plenty of picnics, sharp trouser creases and an outright ban on denim.

Info: July 15, Bedford Square Gardens, WC1B 3HH, designmynight.com

Have a go at Hockney

Feel like indulging your artistic streak? Head to the Horniman at Hay’s, where they’re celebrating David Hockney’s iconic A Bigger Splash with a pop-up painting session, where guests have a go at recreating the original, or creating something new inspired by it. Best of all, drinking is fully encouraged for that authentic laid-back LA feel. Tickets include a glass of wine and painting materials.

Info: July 15, The Horniman at Hay’s, SE1 2HD, nicholsonspubs.co.uk

Comedy and music up on the roof

The Roof Gardens are hosting another Reverb session, with a mix of live music and comedy, besides plenty of outdoor garden games. Karen Harding headlines – you know her from ‘Say Something’ – and there’ll also be Martin Luke Brown and Arlissa. Comedy is found on the Tudor Garden stage, and don’t miss the barbecue, either.

Info: July 15, The Roof Gardens, W8 5SA, virginlimitededition.com

Sunday July 16

Watch the Wimbledon final

It's been a tense couple of weeks of tennis and it all comes down to this. Is it set to be a historic final? Very probably. Don't miss it: plenty of spots are serving up each game, set and match across London, usually with strawberries and champagne on the side. Go enjoy.

Info: July 16, across London, standard.co.uk

Unwind with Citadel

Though just two years old, Lovebox follow-up Citadel looks to be living up to its tag as ‘the ultimate summer Sunday’. This year’s headliners are Foals, making their only UK festival appearance, and there'll also be Bonobo, WIld Beasts and Laura Marling.

Info: July 16, Victoria Park, E3 5TB, citadelfestival.com

Celebrate National Ice Cream day

This Sunday marks National Ice Cream day: our suggestion is to get out and make the most of the capital’s best gelato joints. We like Gelupo, Morelli's Gelato and the ever excellent Amorino. Mayfair’s Mercante are getting in on things, too: buy an ice from them and you can tuck into it for free on the deck chairs of Green Park, opposite.

Info: July 16, across London