Have a right old knees-up at the Pearly Kings and Queens Harvest Festival this weekend

Sorry to break it to you but summer is officially over on Thursday, aka the autumnal equinox. Yes, it heralds the end of sunny evenings, alfresco boozing and profuse tube sweating, but it’s not all bad. With autumn comes Instagram-worthy trees, conkers, fireworks and spiced pumpkin beverages. But if you want to usher in the season in a more traditional style, head to the Pearly Kings and Queens Harvest Festival at Guildhall Yard this Sunday.

From 1pm, London’s cockney monarchy will all be out in their finest button-festooned regalia, alongside classic English entertainment including a maypole, morris dancers and a marching band. Be prepared to declare your London pride by shouting along to ‘Maybe It’s Because I’m a Londoner’ before embarking on a parade around the City of London to St Mary-le-Bow Church for the 3pm service. Forget a night out at The Dolphin – this is a proper East End knees-up.

Photo: Adrian Scarbrough

Want to party with pearly royalty? Find out more about the Pearly Kings and Queens Harvest Festival