The Must-Do Events To Book Ahead For This Summer
Glasto might be cancelled and Notting Hill Carnival TBC, but there is still plenty for Londoners to get excited about this summer. Here are our top picks for the festivals to hit this year.
Southbank Reunion Summer
An eclectic mix of free and ticketed events will be taking place at the iconic Southbank location. From the 17th May, open-air artworks and weekend residences from DJ collectives will be hosted on the Riverside Terrace. The Summer Reunion season continues in the newly refurbished Royal Festival Hall with music, talks, dance and art shows from the 28th May. For sustenance, you can take your pick from the food trucks and pop-ups on offer behind Southbank Centre. Sure to provide that feeling of togetherness and festival vibes, the Summer Reunion is not to be missed.
Dates: 17th May - 30th August
Prices: Many outdoor events are free, tickets for the Royal Festival Hall start at £26
Tickets and line-up here - https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/festivals-series/summer-reunion?tab=overview
Image Credit: @southbankcentre
Yam Carnival
Newcomer festival Yam Carnival will no doubt provide the beats for a banging August Bank Holiday weekend. From US favourite Kehlani and Nigerian superstar Yemi Alade to critic’s favourites Nao and Ms Banks, the biggest sounds in Afrobeats, hip-hop and R&B will come together to celebrate black culture from around the world. Alongside an amazing line-up, there will also be an array of African-influenced food trucks and pop-ups from contemporary chefs to enjoy.
Date: Saturday 28th August
Price: £66
Tickets are on sale - https://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/event/35005A7591FE0C0B
Kaleidoscope Festival
Perched on top of the hill at Alexandra Palace the Kaleidoscope festival is always something really special. Headliner Groove Armada’s party tunes and summer beats will provide the perfect soundtrack to enjoying the view of the twinkling city lights below. Other highlights include The Coral, Mat Jam Lamont and Hip Hop Karaoke.
Date: Saturday 24th July
Price: £59.80
Tickets: https://kaleidoscopefestival.seetickets.com/event/kaleidoscope-festival/alexandra-palace/1495958
Hampton Court Palace Festival
Get ready for an evening filled with music legends, historic architecture and stunning gardens. Headline acts include Van Morrison, Tom Jones, Nile Rodgers & Chic and ABBA. Book a waterside gazebo for the evening so you can soak up the atmosphere from the comfort of a lavish table and chairs. Alternatively, you can pre-order a picnic hamper (from Fortnum & Masons no less) and find a spot on the lawns to make the most of a summer evening. If you prefer to be spontaneous there are plenty of bars and food trucks to tickle your fancy on the day.
Dates: 13-24 August
Price: Start at £82.50
Taste of London Festival
Foodies! Get your chops round this one. The Taste of London festival is back and we couldn’t be more excited. Spend a sunny afternoon nibbling and drinking your way around stalls from some of the best of London’s food and drink scene. After a difficult year for many in the industry the enthusiasm for the event is palpable. Previous pop-ups include; Eggslut, Blondies Kitchen, Flesh & Buns, Dominique Ansel Bakery and Baurbon London. Register for the newsletter to keep updated of who’s confirmed for this year.
Dates: 7-11, 14-18 July
Price: Start at £23
Tickets and newsletter sign-up: https://london.tastefestivals.com/newsletter/
Image: london.tastefestivals.co.uk
Hoping to score a ticket for one of these? We’d love to hear where you’re booking in the comments below. If you like our blog, you’ll love our Instagram.