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 sunshine, there are wonderful ways to beat the heat and enjoy 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 18 July to 13 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 Arooj Aftab and Ibrahim Maalouf on 29 July, to Shostakovich’s ‘Lady Macbeth’ on 1 September. 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 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 Olivia Rodrigo on 27 June, Sabrina Carpenter on 5 July, Stevie Wonder on 12 July and more.
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 22 August to 6 September, this year’s theme is ‘celebrating 30 years of surprise and spectacle’. Taking place across the City of London, Greenwich, and Newham, it brings together live performances in dance, music, and theatre. Highlights include an all-female high-wire act, on-water physical theatre with a climate message, and a fusion of engineering and circus. 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 26 and 27 July, the track weaves inside and outside of the centre. The thrilling event welcomes world-class racers and hosts family-friendly activities, including 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 24 and 25 August. Starting in 1966, it has become 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 10 to 20 July, and takes place in its iconic courtyard. The concerts include Rizzle Kicks on 10 July, FLO on 19 July, and Giggs & Family on 20 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 257th 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 17 June to 17 August, the exhibition explores dialogue created by art and conversations about topics such as ecology, survival and cohabitation. 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 5 to 31 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 30 June to 13 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 Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu. Strawberries and Pimm’s are readily available, whilst 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, in Frankfurt, Germany and Abu Dhabi, UAE. Over the years, it has created memorable musical moments. 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 is curated by Drake and includes Burna Boy, PARTYNEXTDOOR and Summer Walker.
GO: Visit https://wirelessfestival.co.uk for more information.
