This month

More than a million revellers and performers from around the world will take to the streets of West London on August 28-29 for the colourful annual Notting Hill Carnival, the largest celebration of its kind in Europe.

Monday 1 August

HSBC, one of the world's largest banking and financial services organisations, announce their interim results for the six months to 30 June 2011.

Friday 5 August

This 29th annual Edinburgh Fringe festival begins. The largest arts festival in the world offers three weeks of dance, music, theatre, opera, art and comedy across the Scottish capital. It runs until 29 August 2011.

Thursday 18 August

This year's A-level results are revealed. Last year the overall pass rate rose for the 28th consecutive year. This year, UCAS applications have risen yet again making competition for university places fiercer than ever.

Friday 26 August

The two-day Edinburgh TV Festival takes place. More than 2,000 UK and overseas delegates gather in the Scottish capital for keynote lectures, screenings and master classes.