Woah, where did summer go? The 30 degree heat is long gone and, like it or not, we've been catapulted into the harsh, wet reality of autumn without any warning. Sigh.
We hate to break it to you, but those late summer barbecue plans probably aren't going to happen. Don't panic, though, because the outlook for September isn't all gloomy. There's still one more festival to squeeze into your calendar if you're desperate for one last boozy hoorah! And between new romantic-drama Wanderlust and Crazy Rich Asians finally hitting UK cinemas, your rainy day programming is pretty much sorted, too.
There's more to September than the return of pumpkin spiced lattes, my friends. Here's what else is in store...
Benefit Cosmetics x Alice Skinner
We’re massive fans of illustrator @thisisaliceskinner over on the Refinery29 UK Instagram. Along with an all-female paint team, Alice is teaming up with Benefit Cosmetics to design a couple of huge 39ft-wide murals in London and Brighton in celebration of women supporting women. Sound like your kind of thing? You’re in luck. The public is invited to make its mark on the murals too. Sections will be left blank for contributors to add their own stamps or motivational messages to the art. Plus, there’ll be a Benefit goodie bag for anyone who gets involved. Find out more on the Benefit blog page.
Chance Street, Shoreditch, London until 14th September and The Lanes, Brighton 8th-30th September
Lío London
Can’t afford a trip to Ibiza for a closing party? Us neither. But this might cheer you up. The people of Pacha Group are bringing Lío London – sister to the well known Ibiza night spot – to London next year. Taking residency at The London Cabaret Club from Thursday 21st February for six weeks, it’s a pop up, but not as you know it. Expect cabaret, hedonism, Ibizan DJs, debauchery, good food and a very late night. Blink and you’ll miss the tickets. Click here for details on what you are getting yourself in for.
The Miseducation of Cameron Post
We’ve got a smart, moving, definitely-worth-the-cinema-trip film for you. Chloë Grace Moretz stars as high school junior Cameron Post, who is caught fooling around with her female friend Coley in the back of her boyfriend’s car. She’s then swiftly sent to a gay conversion camp called God’s Promise (and yes, these sorts of places still exist), where she meets other kids who are being taught to rid themselves of their SSA – Same Sex Attraction. Directed by Desiree Akhavan, the film’s not without humour, but it’s also smart, sensitive and a coming of age story that the world has needed for a very long time.
In UK cinemas on 7th September 2018
The Turner Prize Exhibition
The Turner Prize is making its way back around again and this year returns to Tate Britain for another brilliant exhibition. 2018’s shortlisted artists include Naeem Mohaiemen, Charlotte Prodger, Luke Willis Thompson and a team called Forensic Architecture. Sharing a focus on humanitarianism and political issues, they all use film and video to tell beautiful stories. The winner isn’t announced until December, so you’ve got plenty of time to check out the installations beforehand. And if you’re 25 or younger, you get free entry to the exhibition for the first 25 days. If you’re on the other side of your mid-twenties, don’t worry; there are discounts for members and advance bookings too.
At Tate Britain from 26th September 2018
Birdsong X Beyond Retro
The wonderful humans over at ethical fashion brand and shop Birdsong are teaming up with Beyond Retro for their 4th birthday, and you’re invited! If you can’t make the launch party on 5th September, there are some other cool events to check out too. There’s a panel discussion on positive activism with Scarlett Curtis and Charlie Craggs and an ace comedy night that they promise "passes the Bechdel Test". Tickets can be bought via their Facebook page and all sales from the panel and comedy night go towards training for some of Birdsong’s lowest income women’s groups whose craftwork they sell on site. In return you’ll get a voucher and some other freebies.
Events held at Beyond Retro Dalston from 5th-9th September 2018
Wanderlust
Okay sure, The Great British Bake Off is back on telly but we know that deep down, you’re after something a bit meatier for your weeknight entertainment. Our recommendation is Wanderlust, a new BBC drama series that takes a fresh look at sex and relationships as we know them. Toni Colette and Steven Mackintosh star as a married couple who, after lacklustre sex and failed attempts at reviving that elusive spark, decide to sleep with other people (but intend to remain together in the process). Our guess is things are going to get messy but from a first look at episode one, it’s going to be a funny, thought-provoking journey that throws traditional monogamy right out of the window, for better or worse.
On BBC One on Tuesday 4th September at 9.30pm
Festival No.6
The weather has taken a turn for the worse and with the bank holiday behind us, it’s no surprise that summer feels like a lifetime ago. But there’s one more festival to squeeze into your calendar and the quirkiest has been saved until last. If you make your way over to the village of Portmeirion in north Wales, you’ll be greeted by a surreal, Mediterranean backdrop. Friendly Fires and Franz Ferdinand are on the music lineup but they’ll be competing with the eclectic programme of comedy, arts, yoga, screenings, theatre and talks also on offer. This is the festival’s last year in action, so expect some special surprises too. Head to their website to find out more.
6th-9th September 2018
Crazy Rich Asians
We’re throwing another film into the mix. No doubt you’ve heard about this one already, but Crazy Rich Asians is finally making its way to UK cinemas this month so we can revel in the excitement of it alongside our American friends. The Hollywood film is the first to star an all-Asian cast in 25 years and, as the title suggests, is about the lives of some really bloody wealthy Asians. It’s a romantic drama with a few moments of comedy and none of the demeaning stereotypical tropes that are normally attached to Asian characters in American films.
In UK cinemas from 14th September 2018
London Fashion Week Festival
We might not be able to get you FROW at Victoria Beckham's catwalk this September, but we can certainly tell you where to go to feel at least a little involved in the glamour of it all. Save for lingering outside shows in hopes of scoring a street style snap, you could go to one (or all!) of the four days of festival events the following week. Head to one of the talks or shop a selection of curated British brands; at the very least you'll probably get a new tote bag to carry around with you. See the full lineup of events on the official website.
The Store X, London from 20th-23rd September 2018
MATANGI/MAYA/M.I.A
The M.I.A. documentary has been on the lips of UK music and film critics for quite a while now and it’s finally heading our way. Directed by M.I.A’s friend Steve Loveridge, the film takes a stark, intimate look at M.I.A’s life through a catalogue of personal videos that've been saved over the years. It touches on the bits we do know – performing to tens of thousands of fans at festivals and M.I.A’s fierce love of music – but also gives insight into what it was like for M.I.A. having escaped the civil war in Sri Lanka at just 11 years old, and then having to deal with the prejudice that came with arriving in the UK as a refugee. Check out the trailer on YouTube to get an idea of what’s in store.
In UK cinemas from 21st September 2018
Language by MNEK
There are few people MNEK hasn’t written or produced for. We’re talking Dua Lipa, Kylie Minogue, Rudimental, Madonna and Beyoncé. You’ll recognise his vocals from collaborations with Rudimental, Gorgon City, Zara Larsson and Stormzy. So it’s no wonder that people are super excited about the release of his debut album, Language, this month. MNEK posted the full track listing on Instagram in August and the hype is well and truly building. If you’re into soulful R&B against pop and dance beats, you’re in for a treat.
Language is out on 7th September
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