Concerts, carnivals and cricket – here’s how to spend the season.
London comes alive in the summer. The streets are paved with arts, culture and carnivals – and you’re invited. From free festivals to world-class concerts and sporting events, it’s a time to make magical memories. With the longer days and sun shining, there are wonderful ways to beat the heat and have alfresco fun. Here are the best things to do in London in the summer.
BBC Proms
BBC Proms takes place annually in the Royal Albert Hall. Running from 14 July to 9 September, it’s bursting with local and international talent. Whether you’re a classical music connoisseur or classically curious, there are lots of exciting events. Contemporary highlights range from Everybody Dance! The Sound of Disco on 20 July, to Sam Smith on 2 August. Traditionalists should not miss Last Night of the Proms on 14 September. Happy Proms.
GO: Visit www.bbc.co.uk for more information.
BST Hyde Park
The major music festival BST Hyde Park knows how to put on a show. Over the years, the headline acts have included Celine Dion, Stevie Wonder and The Rolling Stones. Bruce Springsteen and Paul McCartney even performed at the festival together, and had the plug pulled on their set. This year’s line-up includes Stevie Nicks on 12 July, Kylie Minogue on 13 July and Stray Kids on 14 July
GO: Visit www.bst-hydepark.com for more information.
Greenwich+Docklands International Festival
Get ready to be wowed at the Greenwich+Docklands International Festival. Running from 23 August to 8 September, this year’s theme is all change and focuses on activism. Taking place across the City of London, Greenwich and Newham, it brings together live performances across dance, music and theatre. Highlights include the physical performance Legs on the Wall, which is a response to the 2019 bushfires in Australia. And, the festival is free.
GO: Visit www.visitgreenwich.org.uk for more information.
Formula E World Championships
On your marks, get set, race. Formula E World Championships races into town at ExCel London. Taking place on 20 and 21 July, the track weaves inside and outside of the centre. The thrilling event welcomes world-class racers and hosts family-friendly events, which include test-driving experiences.
GO: Visit www.fiaformulae.com for more information.
Notting Hill Carnival
London gets into the groove with Notting Hill Carnival, which takes place on 25 and 26 August. Starting in 1966, it’s a celebration of Caribbean culture. The streets are lined with parades, live music, sound systems and street stalls. The sounds of calypsos and steel bands fill the air. Over the years, it has welcomed big names, from Beyoncé to Sean Paul. Jerk chicken is optional, but dancing is mandatory.
GO: Visit https://nhcarnival.org for more information.
Somerset House Summer Series
Lights, camera, Somerset House. Every year, the legendary venue comes alive with alfresco fun. Somerset House Summer Series runs from 11 to 21 July, and takes place in its iconic courtyard. The concerts include Pip Millett on 11 July, DBN Gogo on 13 July, Corinne Bailey on 14 July and Patti Smith Quartet on 21 July.
GO: Visit www.somersethouse.org.uk for more information.
Summer Exhibition at the Royal Academy
London’s Royal Academy is home to the world-famous Summer Exhibition. Now in its 256th year, it is the world’s oldest open submission. The beauty of the show is that anyone can enter a work of art, and it may make its way up onto the gallery’s walls. Running from 18 June to 18 August, the exhibition explores the theme of making space. The event brings together 1,700 works from established to emerging artists.
GO: Visit www.royalacademy.org.uk for more information.
The Hundred at Kia Oval and Lord’s Cricket Ground
London is home to world-class cricket. The Hundred takes place at the iconic Kia Oval and Lord’s Cricket Ground. Running from 23 July to 18 August, it brings together men’s and women’s team. The competition’s format of cricket is easy: 100 balls for each team, and the most runs wins. Expect big name players, and a family-friendly atmosphere.
GO: Visit www.thehundred.com for more information.
Wimbledon
Wimbledon is one of the most prestigious tennis tournaments in the world. Taking place from 1 to 14 July, it is held at the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club. Over the years, the championship has welcomed sporting superstars including Billie Jean King, Boris Becker, John McEnroe and Serena Williams. This year, visitors can catch top players including Andy Murray, Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic. Strawberrys and Pimms are readily available, and eating grass (like Djokovic) is not recommended. Anyone for tennis?
GO: Visit www.wimbledon.com for more information.
Wireless Music Festival
Hands in the air if you love live music. Wireless Festival started life in London’s Hyde Park back in 2005 and has since taken place across the UK, and in Frankfurt, Germany and Abu Dhabi, UAE. Over the years, it has created memorable musical moments. Drake booed the rain away, Prince Harry was once spotted in the crowd, and Kanye West ranted for 20 minutes about creative freedom and Nike. This year’s line-up includes Ice Spice, Nicki Minaj and Sean Paul.
GO: Visit https://wirelessfestival.co.uk for more information.
