The London summer music festival scene has evolved to bring headlining acts across many musical genres to some of the beloved parks of the city. There is a stunning array of different musical opportunities to factor into the halcyon twilight city evenings. Gone are the days of having to camp to get the best lineup, you may just have to trek the city on a tube before availing yourself of all the glamping facilities of your own home. From Hampton Court and Kew to Brockwell and Victoria Park here are 8 of the best to tune into and get tickets for before they sell out.
CITY SPLASH
Evolved from the original Brixton Splash, the massive South London reggae and dub free parties of the early days, City Splash incorporates the original reggae roots, but now with Grime, Dancehall, Jungle, and Afrobeats. Exploring and celebrating the impact of reggae on London youth culture, this festival has seven different stages amidst Caribbean food stalls and a whole host of workshops. Chronix, Koffee, Shenseea, Max Romeo, Uncle Waffles, and way more. Totally at home in Brockwell Park, the way it should be.
Monday May 29th 2023 Tickets
GALA FESTIVAL – PECKHAM RYE
Afrobeat, soul, jazz, and electronic music at their best in this Bank holiday London Gala of all things good. Expect to sample all that’s on offer amongst the similarly eclectic crowd, all perusing the great music and rare acts. Friday has funky, afrobeat, and jazzy notes, while the techno and house deepen as the weekend progresses. Browse the lineup to take in the quality acts, and to learn more about each of the artists Gala will sort you out. Three blissful days in Peckham guaranteed, and in good company.
May 27th -29th 2023 Tickets
MIGHTY HOOPLA
For Pop, drag, and some serious dress-up, Mighty Hoopla in Brockwell Park is a fiesta nexus for the LGTBTQ+ community and beyond. Kelly Rowland, Natasha Beddingford, Kelis, and Rachel Stevens are headlining this year plus many more. With plenty of exciting food and full carnivalesque performances, plus mass karaoke, expect to party and play all weekend. Last year the Sugababes, Basement Jaxx, and Natalie Imbruglia rocked the park, and this year is set to go beyond the box.
June 3-4th 2023 Tickets
HAMPTON COURT PALACE FESTIVAL
Admittedly, it is hard to anticipate what factors would bring Rick Astley together with a 16th-century Tudor Palace, but luckily you have the chance to contemplate this in real time this summer. If Rick is not your cup of tea, then the Kaiser Chiefs may get the royal roost blazing for you, or perhaps Bjorn Again or Grace Jones? Hampton Court Palace Festival offers various picnic options and champagne welcomes for those that want to buy into the full experience.
6th – 17th June 2023 Tickets
KEW THE MUSIC – ROYAL BOTANICAL GARDEN OF KEW
Kew the music continues this year in July with picnic music concerts to rival those of Hampton Court. With the signature Jools Holland and his rhythm and blues orchestra show, plus many more acts including Jack Savoretti, the Human League, Bastille, and stunning Hacienda Classical. Evenings to remember in the fragrant gardens of this botanical paradise with excellent food, drink, and more than memorable music in the air.
July 11th -16th July Tickets
KALAIDOSCOPE – ALEXANDRA PALACE
Panoramic city views from the hill of Ally Pally within 196 acres of parkland give Kalaidascope a city festival the perfect setting. Previous headliners for this festival have been Orbital, The Flaming Lips, and Groove Armada. This year Hot Chip are set to rock the stage, with George Fitz Gerald, Gaz Coombes, and Elvana. Fabio and Grooverider on the Cloud 10 DJ Stage will be providing a smooth unmissable classic London set. Comedy and exceptional children’s areas, plus who could refuse the opportunity to adventure in the Victorian basements?
Saturday 15th July 2023 Tickets
EALING BLUES FESTIVAL
For a London cultural event, on a local level check out the annual Ealing Blues Festival in west London’s Walpole Park. As London’s longest-running Blues festival, this annual fest celebrates the founding of the Ealing Blues Club in 1962 for which Ealing is known as the cradle of British Rock Music. Laid back and local, this festival is a low-key event where you can witness surprisingly excellent music in the field. Walpole Park is home to Pitzhanger Manor where there are exhibitions and activities throughout the summer, plus has a great playground for kids.
July 22nd and 23rd 2023 Tickets
FIELD DAY – VICTORIA PARK
As part of the All Points East festival bringing loads of other headliners to East London, Field Day has the grand maestro of electronic music, Aphex Twin top of the list. Bonobo, Arca, Kelea, Fever Ray, and Jon Hopkins, plus way more add to the eclectic sonic feast. Check out the other days of the All Points East festival for other such bangers like Stormzy and The Strokes.
Saturday August 19th 2023 Tickets
HOSPITALITY IN THE WOODS- BECKENHAM PLACE PARK
If it’s drum and bass that gets you grooving, you can have a whole summer’s day of it in Beckenham Place Park. Hospitality in the Woods are providing the conditions for an all-day summer rave, better than back in the day. Getting down with many others in the leafy midsummer, you can rave until late, but not dawn. All-time faves like Roni Size, LTJ Bukem, plus Netsky, High Contrast, and A.M.C Calibre. The full lineup is chunky. Tickets are nearly sold out, so if you want to be there, you better act fast.
Saturday 19th August 12 -10pm Tickets
REMOVALS AND STORAGE IN LONDON THIS SUMMER
Gentleman & a Van will be headlining London this summer, with a mixed genre of leading-edge removals and storage. Having expanded our storage facilities into Battersea we are ahead of the curve in what we can offer our customers, whether it is for their business, enterprise, or home move. If you want to take your business up a gear this summer, bear in mind we have many ways in which we could help. If you are planning a home move, we always have the smooth house set down. Our professional team works with designers, landlords, and property managers, and our ethos is to keep customer service our priority. If you need Man and Van services for a swift move or changeover, we can help. Our storage solutions can be tailored to your needs. If a move is on the cards for you this summer, let us take the stage, leaving you to celebrate on the other side. Contact us for a quote, to talk it over, and read our reviews here.
