The Best Summer Events In London
Sun’s out, fun’s out. That’s how the saying I just made up goes. And what better place to enjoy all of England’s summer delights than its fair capital. Grab your factor 50 (don’t pretend you don’t need it). Pack an umbrella and put on your finest shorts? Whether you’re visiting or just getting out of the house, this list should do you good. Here are some of the best summer events in London.
Festive Fun
If music in your ears is music to your ears, you probably appreciate a good music festival. Luckily, London is absolutely full of the things. If classic and contemporary pop hits are your thing, then Hyde Park’s British Summer Time should be top of your list. This year, pop juggernauts like Florence and the Machine and Barbara Streisand are headlining, alongside a wealth of worldwide talent. If you prefer your beats a little fresher, Finsbury Park’s Wireless festival boasts hip-hop stars Cardi B, Future, and A$AP Rocky. If you’re seeking an eclectic mix of genres, Lovebox has you covered. Solange, Cypress Hill, and Four Tet are some of the many varied acts gracing Victoria Park this July.
A Carnival Of Colour
Fancy your good times with a little less structure? Why not celebrate diversity and equality at the Pride in London Parade? On 6th July, join thousands of people as they march through the streets of London for the year’s most colourful event! There’s plenty of places to eat and drink throughout the day, and as the sun sets, expect the party to pick up in Trafalgar Square. Don’t forget to pack your rainbow flag. Alternatively, see our the summer at one of the world’s biggest street parties at Notting Hill Carnival. The two-day celebration of Caribbean culture kicks off on 25th August, and you can expect a wealth of street food, music performances, and of course, the parade. Definitely one of the best summer events in London.
Rooftop Bars For A Few Jars
Fancy a tipple or two while basking in the erratic magnificence – or malevolence - of Britain’s summertime? Take a trip up to any number of rooftop bars across the capital. Bussey Building in Peckham has a delightful rooftop bar with cocktails, food, and a ’90s themed bottomless brunch to let you relive the glory days of the Spice Girls and middle partings.
If you prefer a little sand with your sun, Brixton Beach has an entirely fabricated beach to roll around in. Maybe don’t roll around though; instead, pick from a decent range of pop up foodie joints, as well as craft beer stalls and cocktail ‘bars’. Or if you’re looking for the best view around, take a trip up to the top of The Shard. Look down on all the little people rushing around central London, and take in the magnificence of the city skyline atop your ivory tower, maybe with a cocktail or two.
A Summer Of Sport
Know your ace’s from your deuce’s? I don’t, but if you do, there’s plenty of sporty fun to be had in London this summer. The world-famous Wimbledon tennis tournament is currently in full swing, but you’ve still got a few more weeks to grab tickets. Who knows, you could be rubbing shoulders with the elite, eating strawberries, and watching some of the earth’s most exciting athletes battle it out for the trophy. Or if you’d rather take a trip back in time to the tournaments most exciting moments, you can visit the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum. Alternatively, if you’re itching for the football season to kick off, try a stadium tour around Stamford Bridge or The Emirates.
Cinema Under The Stars
If you want to relive the glory days of drive-in cinema then the next best thing is open-air entertainment! You’ve got plenty to choose from too. Rooftop Film Club in Stratford will be playing a sing-a-long viewing of Freddie Mercury biopic ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ if you wanna flex your lungs and/or embarrass yourself because you are tone-deaf. You could also check out Film4’s ‘Summer Screen Festival’ at Somerset House for an eclectic mix of cult classics, new releases and lesser-known indie hits. Or if you’re feeling particularly brave, why not take to the sea with Timeout’s ‘Movies on the River’, and cruise through some cinematic greats like ‘The Shape of Water’. Those are just some of the best summer events in London. But there are so many to choose from, so did we miss any you’re looking forward to? Let us know in the comments right down there.