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Throughout the month of June, London is celebrating the biggest and one of the most exciting annual global festivals – The London Festival of Architecture. Until June 30th you can get stuck in to anything and everything architecture and design with a variety of inspirational talks, stunning expositions and educational debates. With over 400 events throughout the month, there will, without a doubt, be something for you to sink your teeth into.

This year, the theme surrounding the festival is ‘identity’; each event is related back to this subject, giving you the opportunity to learn more about architecture and the meaning behind some of the most iconic buildings in London.

Some of the highlights of this year include an insightful talk and exhibition by Chris Dyson about the restoration of one of Clerkenwell’s most loved and historic pubs, The Sekforde Arms. However, in my opinion one of the most exciting events is happening this weekend on 16th June – The Great Architecture Bake Off. Each and every year, this occasion brings together some of the most renowned architectural design firms to construct some of the most famous building from around the globe out of cake…I told you it was the most exciting event of the festival.

The sun is out for real and it is heating up in London. So what better way to cool off than to immerse yourself into generous helpings of gelato? Nothing.

For one weekend and one weekend only, the main Piazza in Covent Garden is hosting The Gelato Festival, where London’s ice cream-lovers gather together to enjoy this sweet and creamy two day extravaganza!

Expect to see workshops, discussions, and food trucks that are over 40ft long! That’s a lot of gelato. That’s not all, 16 of the most talented gelato chefs (possibly the best job ever) have created some special, never-before-tried flavours and you get to vote for your favourite! With some fruity, boozy, savoury and spicy flavours on the horizon, things are about to get tasty.

When: 23rd-24th June

Where: Covent Garden, Main Piazza

If you been pondering to yourself lately: ‘I can’t put my finger on it, but there is definitely something different about Westminster Abbey.’ You’d be correct! A tower has been added to this iconic building, which has been its first noteworthy addition in over 270 years.

Ptolemy Dean Architects are the ones to thank for designing this building, which cost a total £23 million to construct. The design of this seven-storey tall tower has been inspired by a common pattern found in the Abbey; a star-shape derived from two rotating squares. It will allow the public to have easy access to the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries where some royal treasures can be found.

Having opened on 11th June, this new piece of architecture will no doubt be a top tourist attraction in London.