Summer in London is pretty close to perfection. The warm months may be fleeting, but there is still so much to do in the city this year! Stopping by for a few days? Check out these festival options with a little something for everyone:
For fans of popular music…
Lovebox
When: July 17-18
Featuring: Rudimental, Snoop Dogg, Mark Ronson, Jesse Ware and more
A two-day festival that focuses on bringing the love to London, Lovebox has evolved immensely since its start in 2002. Now held in Victoria Park it promises the best of both British and International talent while celebrating life and love.
For the mainstream scene avoiders…
Visions Festival
When: August 8
Featuring: The Antlers, Son Lux, Jens Lekman and more
The third year of Visions Fest promises one epic day with 4 venues and an awesome ale and food festival. Add in some markets and art classes and you’ve got everything you need for an indie indulgence.
For the electronic lovers…
South West Four
When: August 29-30
Featuring: Skrillex, Fatboy Slim, Martin Garrix, Faithless and more
A bank holiday weekend is the perfect time for a festival, and South West Four has your answer in August. In its 12th year, SW4 promises its most ambitious lineup with the biggest names to date frequenting Clapham Common in 2015.
For the raving dance machines…
United Festival
When: September 13
Featuring: DJ Hype, 808 State, Slipmatt, Alex P, Creed and more
Celebrating over 25 years of London rave culture, United boasts over 150 acts in 8 arenas in Finsbury Park. Over 11 hours and one epic day, United promises a diverse mix of all your favourite rave styles including trance, UK garage and club classics.
For a burlesque/ big top adventure…
London Wonderground
When: May 7 – September 27
Featuring: Magic and mischief at the Southbank Centre
Circus, cabaret, sideshow and family entertainment all come together at this wacky festival which made its debut in 2012. Leave your perception of reality at the door and go check out the rides, games, shows and awesome eats.
For the mellow fellows…
Proms
When: July 17 – September 12
Featuring: Classical music, pianist showcase, other genres
Proms gets its name from the term ‘promenade concert’, which was an informal concert in the pleasure gardens of London, dating back to the 18th century. Similar to its namesake, Proms is a 2-month long informal classical music extravaganza with a super cheap 5 pound price tag. Culture on a budget, sorted.
For lovers of the island life…
Notting Hill Carnival
When: August 30 – 31
Featuring: Caribbean food, music, and one huge street party
Touted as Europe’s biggest street festival, Carnival is a weekend long Caribbean party with 1 million + attendees, music, bands and the best island food around. The all singing all dancing parade weaves through the streets on both bank holiday Sunday and Monday, and the after parties each night are known for continuing the fun well into the wee hours…
For a taste of the Far East…
London Mela
When: August, exact date TBD
Featuring: A celebration of South Asian Culture
Mela is closing out August with a bang – literally. The day-long dance-food-fashion-sports-and-more fest is Europe’s largest outdoor celebration of South Asian culture. Wrap it all up with a spectacular firework finale and tens of thousands of party-goers for a sweet experience.
For the foodie in all of us…
London Restaurant Festival
When: October 1 – 31
Featuring: A celebration of eating out
The name is pretty self-explanatory, and it’s enough to get us very intrigued. With special menus in top restaurants, and awesome events like a Tapas Tour, it’s a definite must-do for lovers of all things edible.
