The Best Summer Music Festivals In London

Published: July 17, 2024

And the god of summer said, let there be music. And wristbands. Lo, the humble music festival was born. To this day, millions of people have flocked to huge speaker stacks, food trucks and oxygen tents. Yes, festival season is well and truly upon us. But fear not, Londoners. You don't need to drive two hundred miles and sleep in a tent to get your fix of heavenly grooves. London has some of the best around, no matter your musical desires. Have a little scroll down to check out some that are right on your doorstep. Here are some of the best summer music festivals in London.

British Summer Time 5th July – 14th July, Hyde Park

If you’re looking for some of pop music’s heaviest hitters all in one place, British Summer Time in Hyde Park needs to be on your radar. Over the years they’ve played host to superstars like Phil Collins and Massive Attack, and this year it’s no different. Over ten days of (hopefully) glorious sun, you’ll be treated to performances from Stevie Wonder, Barbara Streisand, Celine Dion, Florence and the Machine, Black Eyed Peas, Lionel Ritchie...the list goes on and on. Attendees will also have their pick of fancy food and refreshing drinks from a huge range of bars and pop-up restaurants.

South West 4 24th August – 25 August, Clapham Common

SW4 is one of the biggest dance festivals right on your doorstep, so if need to throw some shapes over the bank holiday weekend, head on down to Clapham Common. Expect two days’ worth of club bangers from electronic stalwarts like Basement Jaxx, Armand van Helden, Andy C, and Pendulum, as well as the urban stylings of Tinie Tempah and Craig David.

Lovebox 12th July – 13th July, Gunnerbury Park

If you’re a London resident, you’ve probably already heard of Lovebox. It’s one of the capital’s most renowned music festivals. Even though it’s now moved to Acton, you can still expect the same mix of eclectic music, alongside sponsored tents pumping out relentless beats, and more food and drink than you could reasonably be expected to consume in a lifetime. This year, Beyonce’s sister Solange and Chance the Rapper headline, alongside hip-hop behemoths Cypress Hill, Kaytranada, and London’s own Loyle Carner.

Wireless 5th July – 7th July, Finsbury Park

finsbury-park-beautiful-sunset-sky-north

Once again, Finsbury Park plays host to the UK’s biggest urban music festival. The usually quiet park will be taken over by trans-Atlantic stars like Cardi B, A$AP Rocky, and Future, and plenty more acts from both sides of the pond. Just make sure you don’t bring a drone to the festival doors, apparently they’re not too keen on them. And as usual, you’ll find plenty of places to eat and drink dotted about the arena.

Citadel 14th July, Gunnerbury Park

If you prefer your music a little more chilled out, then head west to Gunnerbury Park for Citadel. It’s on a Sunday, so expect a more laid-back experience with acts like Friendly Fires and Bastille headlining the bill. And if you want to give your ears a rest, there’s lots more to see and do. Take in a comedy show, attend a workshop, or sit down for a lovely bite to eat. It's the perfect way to end the weekend, and definitely one of the best summer music festivals in London.

Meltdown 3rd August – 11th August, Southbank Centre

Fancy something a little funkier? How does a festival curated by the great Nile Rodgers sound? That’s exactly what you’ll get at this year’s Meltdown festival. This year, the CHIC disco pioneer is pulling the strings of one of London’s more highbrow celebrations, held at the Southbank Centre. Not only will you be treated to a disco-funk masterclass courtesy of Rodger’s and CHIC, but you’ll also experience sets from Johnny Marr of the legendary Smiths, Thundercat, and LCD Soundsystem’s James Murphy. All of that is just a stone’s throw from Waterloo, so even out-of-towners will get there in a pinch. And if you fancy making the most of your day, why not try a hop-on, hop-off bus tour?

51st State 3rd August, Trent Park

House every weekend? Make it house for the first weekend of August at 51st State, Cockfosters' tribute to all things house music. This year, expect better food, drink, and sound systems to accompany the electronic delights of Kings of House, Soul Clap, Kerri Chandler, and many many more. And there you, just some of the best summer music festivals in London. Let us know if we missed any you’re looking forward to in the comments below!

Dom Bewley

London Travel Expert

Discover {{destinationFullName}} itineraries

Continue reading

Colorful houses in the Portobello Road area of Notting Hill, West London.

Blog

West London Attractions

Ah, West London. So good the Pet Shop Boys wrote a song about its neon-lit nightlife. So nebulous that even long-term West Londoners will squabble about where it actually begins and ends. Some say it’s pretentious and aloof; others would argue that’s in fact West London is the city’s coolest, most laid back quarter. Whichever way you shake it, something most Londoners will grudgingly agree is that West London’s attractions are among the very best in town. Our whistlestop guide counts down 10 of the must-visits, including historic theaters, upmarket department stores, epic palaces and some of the city’s finest green spaces. Dive in! The West End Move over Broadway, London’s West End is the finest theater district on the planet and no mistake! Just south of Soho, the iconic Shaftesbury Avenue snakes from Piccadilly Circus to Cambridge Circus and boasts several theaters on and around it. Theater-goers scurry expectantly beneath the neon lights, off for an evening of world-class entertainment at historic playhouses including the Apollo, Lyric, Gielgud and Palace. Here’s where you can catch Les Misérables and Phantom of the Opera, or thrill to relative newcomers like Wicked, Matilda and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. You can experience the world’s longest continuously running show just off the main drag, opposite the legendary Ivy restaurant. Agatha Christie’s evergreen whodunnit The Mousetrap has been playing here at St. Martin’s Theatre for half a century of its epic 70-something year run. South Kensington Museums South Ken’s ‘big three’ have enough eye-popping exhibits to keep even the most jaded museum-goer entertained for hours at a time. We’re talking the Natural History Museum, where no fewer than 80 million objects – including ancient ammonites, dino skeletons and meteorites – chart the entire history of our planet. Hop just next door to the wonderful Science Museum to have your mind blown by the wonders of modern technology (Apollo 10 command module, anyone?) and don’t miss the eye-popping V&A if it’s art, design and fashion through the ages that float your particular boat. Hyde Park One of West London’s most popular green spaces, Hyde Park is a fine choice if you’re in the market for a picnic or gentle stroll. There’s plenty to admire on a perambulation of its 350 acres, too. Pay homage at the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain and feast your eyes on cutting-edge contemporary art at the Serpentine Galleries either side of the lake that ssssnakes through the park. You can ogle the manicured gardens at Kensington Palace at the park’s westernmost point while, between November and January, the enormous Winter Wonderland event occupies the southeast corner, all thrill rides, craft stalls and the festive scent of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts drifting on the air. Harrods Not just a department store but a landmark in its own right, the hallowed halls of Harrods in swanky Knightsbridge are a mecca for shopaholics and IG addicts alike. Sure, the price of that snakeskin handbag would make an heiress’s eyes water, but there’s nothing stopping you indulging in a little window shopping, right? A traditional English afternoon tea complete with cucumber sandwiches, scones and Earl Grey is available in the lavish tea rooms upstairs for the princely sum of £70 per person. Pinkies at the ready... Kew Gardens West London attractions don’t come much more relaxing than the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, where rainbows of wildflowers and gentle strolls among towering trees are the order of the day. Admire exotic tropical plants and endangered species in the soaring Victorian glasshouses, tour the Great Broad Walk’s swoonsome borders and let the kids go wild on the Treetop Walkway. Head for heights? Experience a natural high atop the 18th-century Great Pagoda, a Chinoiserie confection with epic views across the gardens to London beyond. Royal Albert Hall Only one of the most iconic concert halls on the planet, the Royal Albert Hall has played host to more legends than you can shake a conductor’s baton at since its opening (by Queen Victoria, no less) in 1871. We’re talking some of the most powerful voices of the last century, among them Shirley Bassey, Frank Sinatra and Liza Minelli. Muhammed Ali fought here, Winston Churchill gave speeches here, Albert Einstein campaigned here. And the list goes on. Take a tour or, better still, book a seat to see some of today’s biggest stars strut their stuff inside this West London landmark. Richmond Park The largest Royal Park in London, Richmond is also one of the wildest, its herds of some 650 free-roaming deer being one of this vast green space's main attractions. As well as saying hey to the abundant wildlife, you can explore ancient woodlands, fill your IG feed with color thanks to the Isabella Plantation’s dazzling display of pink, mauve and purple azaleas, and take in views as far as St Paul’s Cathedral from atop King Henry’s Mound, a prehistoric burial chamber that dates back to the Bronze Age. Portobello Road Notting Hill's buzzy bric-a-brac market is manna for trinket-hunters – and photographers. Snap selfies in front of the candy-colored houses and traditional storefronts that line the street before getting down to some good old-fashioned rummaging. Market stall wares run the gamut from souvenir tat like replica London street signs and miniature red phone boxes to one-off retro fashions, antique silverware and boxes of vintage vinyl records. Pause for refueling (and to survey the spoils of your spree) at any one of dozens of fine brunch spots along this vibrant stretch. Hogarth’s House This unassuming country house in Chiswick was once home to a titan of English painting and engraving. Yep, the clue’s in the name. Perhaps best known for his moralizing Pilgrim’s Progress, Rake’s Progress and Gin Lane pieces, William Hogarth lived here in West London during his twilight years in the mid-18th Century. Inside, you can wander through the rooms he lived and worked in and explore a large selection of his work. Don’t miss the mulberry tree in the garden, which has stood here since Hogarth’s time. Hampton Court Palace In spite of its somewhat bloody history (particularly under Henry VIII), Hampton Court presents as very much the fairytale palace, all crenelated Tudor towers and storybook brick chimneys. There’s stacks to see and do here at this most westerly of West London attractions. See the world’s oldest grapevine (250 years and counting, fact fans!) and get lost in the epic yew-hedge maze, which has been bamboozling visitors (and palace staff) for centuries. Inside, there’s an extraordinary medieval feasting hall, and a gallery said to be haunted by the screaming (and presumably headless) ghost of one Catherine Howard. Don’t miss the ostentatious Astronomical Clock, a 15-foot-tall mechanical marvel built at the behest of (who else?) Henry VIII, and the Chapel Royal, an extraordinary example of 16th-century baroque architecture, complete with fine Tudor timber ceiling. Save on Activities and Attractions in London Save on admission to London attractions with The London Pass. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.

Stuart Bak

Blog

Things to do on Remembrance Day in London

If you're looking for things to do on Remembrance Day in London, check out our guide and discover everything you need to know to commemorate this momentuous day. Including: What is Remembrance Day? The history of Remembrance Day Why do we honour Remembrance Day? Things to do on Remembrance Day in London Other things to do on Remembrance Day in London What is Remembrance Day? This sacred day, marked annually on the 11th of November, carries a unique weight and history, not just in London but across the United Kingdom and far beyond its shores. It is a day that compels the entire city to pause and pay homage to the courage, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication of those who have served their nation in times of conflict. Remembrance Day is an occasion that transcends its historical origins; it symbolizes unity, respect, and gratitude, reminding us that we must never forget the lessons of the past. It underscores the unyielding values of peace, democracy, and the freedoms we cherish today. The history of Remembrance Day It falls on the 11th month of the 11th day of the 11th year because that's when the armistice between the Central Powers, made up of Germany, Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria, and the Ottoman Empire, and the Allied Powers, made up of Great Britain, France, Russia, Italy, Romania, Canada, Japan, and the United States, began. The armistice was signed at around 5AM, but it would take time to disseminate the end of the conflict to units across the war's many battlefields. This momentous occasion ended the deadliest human conflict of all time and laid the groundwork for the ceremony we honour today. From those early beginnings, Remembrance Day has evolved into a day of reflection and gratitude, not just for the fallen, but for every person who has gone to war. It's often remembered with the iconic red poppy, which frequently grew on the graves of fallen soldiers during the war. This humble flower was immortalised thanks to the poignant war poem In Flanders Fields by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae. Why do we honour Remembrance Day? Remembrance Day is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices and courage of those of us who have worn or still wear their nation's uniform. It's a tribute to their unwavering dedication to duty, sacrifice, and valour. Through commemorating these sacrifices, we honor the values of freedom, democracy, and peace that they fought to protect. Remembrance Day isn't merely an exercise in historical remembrance; it reinforces our shared humanity. It unites us in acknowledging our collective responsibility to ensure it never happens again. This day underscores the importance of striving for a world where conflict makes way for dialogue and understanding. It's also a day that transcends borders. The act of remembrance isn't confined to one nation or culture. It's a universal gesture that speaks to the fundamental principles of honor, respect, and gratitude. Through this observance, we weave a tapestry of shared humanity that extends far beyond national identities. Remembrance Day is a day of reflection, gratitude, and unity. It's a day when we pay homage to the past while renewing our commitment to shaping a future marked by peace, understanding, and the enduring values for which so many have sacrificed. In the heart of London, and indeed the world, it stands as a powerful testament to the enduring strength of the human spirit. Things to do on Remembrance Day in London So, let's talk about things to do on Remembrance Day in London. The first, and arguably most famous event, is the Cenotaph service. The Cenotaph, an imposing Whitehall monument, is the focal point of the nation's remembrance. Here, government officials, members of the Royal Family, veterans, and representatives of the armed forces gather in a powerful display of unity and tribute. The moment of silence, marked by the chiming of Big Ben, encapsulates the gravity of the occasion. The Royal British Legion's Festival of Remembrance is another highlight. This annual event at the Royal Albert Hall is a magnificent tribute combining music, drama, and poignant remembrances. It's a night of reflection and gratitude, where artists and performers unite to honor the fallen and those who continue to serve. For those who seek a more personal and reflective experience, the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey provides a sacred space for reflection. It's a sea of thousands of small wooden crosses, each representing an individual life lost in conflict. Visitors can plant their own cross and pay their respects in a deeply personal way. These are just a few of the many Remembrance Day events that London hosts, each offering a unique perspective on the significance of this day. The city's rich history and unwavering commitment to remembrance create a solemn and inspiring atmosphere. London's events pay homage to the past and inspire a collective commitment to a future marked by peace and unity. Other things to do on Remembrance Day in London If you'll be in London for a few days, or want something to do between Remembrance Day events, check out our picks of other things to do on the day. The first is the Guards Museum, which is dedicated to the elite soldiers handpicked to protect the King or Queen, as well as the Royal Palaces. The museum itself explores how the role of these guards has evolved through the centuries, features artefacts like uniforms that date back to the English Civil War, as well as tonnes of learning materials and photo opportunities. Next is the Royal Airforce Museum, which charts the history of Britain's airborne fighting force - which was created during the First World War. Inside, you'll see a huge number of replica planes, and learn about the brave men and women who piloted them. And finally, you could go and see the Changing of the Guard, the ceremony where the New Guard replaces the King's Guard. It's a grand affair, and one you shouldn't miss while in London! Of course, there's so much more to do and see in England's capital, and with the London Pass, you can see all the city's best bits for one low price!

Dom Bewley