In the way that London summers usually mean an onslaught of music festivals descend upon the capital; similarly autumn sees the cultural equivalent happening. In amongst the art fairs, the architecture tours and the film festivals, the London Design Festival shines like a beacon, calling to all those harbouring interior decor intentions, cool college students and Wallpaper* subscribers, to be blinded by the incredible array of the design talent on show.

This year the LDF is strengthening its partnership with the V&A to present exhibitions and talks that represent the mad, the sublime and all in between. At the V&A itself you’ll find ‘In Praise of Shadows’, where 20 European designers will showcase work which deals with low energy lighting, challenging the interplay between light and darkness. And renowned London designers Terence Conran and Sir John Sorrell will be leading tours around their favourite bits of the museum.

Stepping outside of the V&A’s confines you’ll find playful exhibits that will have you intrigued, whether you’re into design or not. For 4 days from the 19th September, Trafalgar Square will host ‘The Tournament’, a gigantic chess board created by Spanish designer Jaime Hayón, with each piece 2m high. Other locations taking part include the Design Museum and Southbank Centre – see the website for the full timetable. With so much on show, you one thing you won’t lack for is inspiration.