The Weekend Guide: Battersea, Balham & Clapham

It’s that time of the week again…Pat yourself on the back for surviving the scorching heat, royal baby fever and a succession of British sporting victories – most recently, the Tour de France and The Ashes! Here’s to a less chaotic weekend.

Battersea Arts Centre

The Edinburgh Festival is just a few weeks away, and as a result, the Battersea Arts Centre is hosting exclusive previews of some of the shows that will be performed in Scotland. A hilarious, feel-good play entitled “Feel About Your Body” can be seen tonight and tomorrow night at 8.30pm with an entrance fee of £10. Another Edinburgh preview, “Ahir Shah”, will also be shown at the centre, so do go along if you’re in the mood for some sharp, satirical comedy! Of course, these are just a few of the many shows taking place at BAC this weekend – why not take a look at their full line-up?

The Bedford

On the subject of festivals, previews of shows that will be performed at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe can be seen this weekend at the Balham Bedford. Comedians include Phil Jupitus, Mark Stephenson and Chris Coltrane. The previews begin today and run until Sunday, so don’t miss out on what promises to be a mini-festival of fun. The Sunday Social, meanwhile, runs from 4pm till late, with local resident Sammy Sam playing an eclectic blend of reggae, jazz, funk and a mix bag of classics. Sunday roast will be served until late.

Battersea Park Zoo

If you have children to keep entertained this weekend, why not take them to a printmaking session at the Battersea Park Zoo? There will be workshops for ages 3-5, and 5-10. Artist Beatrice von Preussen will lead the session, and further details can be found here. While you’re at the zoo, you might as well go and watch the animals being fed. During the school holidays and on weekends, the feeding times are as follows: otters and meerkats at 11am and 2.30pm, monkeys at 11.30am and 3pm, and the rest of the farm animals at 12pm and 3.30pm.

Battersea Park

The Sumo Run will be taking place at Battersea Park this Sunday at 9.30am. Otherwise known as the inflatable charity fun run, this 5km race previously set a Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of people running in Sumo Suits! Even if you haven’t signed up to participate, you can still go along and show your support – there will be face-painting, a sumo dress-up competition, a sumo tug-of-war, a raffle and much more. Proceeds from the race go to Link Community Development, a charity that helps to educate children in Africa.

Clapham Grand

Put on your dancing shoes, because there’s plenty to keep you moving at the Clapham Grand this weekend. Friday nights are reserved for club classics, where the resident DJ’s will help you start your weekend in style. Glamorous Saturdays, meanwhile, promise the hottest party in London, so dress to impress! Both events have a buy one, get one free drinks special before 11pm.

If you’re less of a participant and more of a spectator, then Saturday night’s Comedy Carnival will suit you well. This weekend’s performers include The Late Edition star Andre Vincent, the neurotically entertaining Josh Howie, a guest comedian and entertaining Aussie Pete Jonas as MC. Doors open at 7pm, and the show runs from 8pm to 10pm.

Northcote Road Antiques Market

Enjoy browsing for hidden treasures? The Northcote Road Antiques Market gets in new stock daily, and with over 30 sellers, provides a range of gorgeous vintage items, from jewellery to china, pictures and furniture. Open 7 days a week from 10am to 6pm, except on Sundays (12pm to 5pm). You never know – something special may catch your eye!

So there you have it! Let us know on Facebook or Twitter regarding any events we may have missed! Don't forget to like your area page on Facebook - Battersea, Battersea Park, Balham and Clapham South. 

From all of us here at Douglas and Gordon, have a wonderful weekend.