This season is set to be a summer of fun with these scorching hot festivals. Whether you’re after serious rock in Hyde Park or prefer picnicking at Kew Gardens with Elvis Costello, throwing it about during the dance-off at LoveBox, krooning with Kanye, or dining with the stars of MasterChef at Taste of London, there’s a festival for you this summer in London.
Lovebox
WHEN: 18-19 July, Victoria Park
WHAT: One of London’s favourite festivals, Lovebox returns to Victoria Park this summer with a fantastic selection of live music, top DJs and fun activities. Headliners M.I.A., Nas, Chase and Status and A$AP Rocky set the tone for gritty, cutting-edge rap and electro. Catch some hot moves from Breakin’ Convention, Continental Drift’s Circus Re-mix and East London Dance. Get in with a range of experiences on offer: sparkly makeovers at The Parlour or Miss Lippy Beauty, yoga classes and the legendary Dance-Off.
THE VIBE: Let the good times roll.
Taste of London
WHEN: 19-22 June, Regent’s Park
WHAT: The annual Taste of London festival is a foodie haven with four days of fabulous summer eating, drinking and more. As well as sampling the dishes and meeting the chefs from your favourite London restaurants including Michel Roux Jr and Monica Galleti from MasterChef, avant garde cupcake queen Lili Vanilli and Tom Kerridge from the Hand & Flowers, the festival serves up cooking demos, wine tastings, and innovative cookery how-tos such as sushi making and Champagne appreciation.
THE VIBE: Very tasty indeed.
Barclaycard British Summer Time
WHEN: 4-13 July, Hyde Park
WHAT: British Summer Time takes over Hyde Park in Central London for a big week of R.O.C.K. with something for everyone, depending on your taste. Catch metal gods Black Sabbath with Soundgarden and Faith No More on 4 July; The Libertines with the Pogues on 5 July; Neil Young and Crazy Horse on 12 July; and king of crooners Tom Jones with Boyzone and Little Mix on the 13th. Festival faves McBusted also take to the stage this year with the Backstreet Boys on 6 July.
THE VIBE: It’s all about the music.
Wireless
WHEN: 4-6 July, Finsbury Park
WHAT: This year, the popular Wireless Festival has a new home. Taking up residence in North London’s Finsbury Park, Wireless promises a cool lineup including Kanye West, Pharrell Williams, Drake, Rudimental, Bruno Mars and Outkast. With excellent transport links from Finsbury Park station and gates open from midday, Wireless promises three days of smooth tunes for your aural pleasure.
THE VIBE: Kool Kanye comes to North London.
Kew The Music
WHEN: 16-20 July, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
WHAT: Kew the Music offers up a summer bonanza of music and performance against the beautiful backdrop of Kew Gardens. This year you can catch a coveted solo performance from Elvis Costello, enjoy feel-good favourites Bjorn Again, crowd pleaser Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra, 80s megastars Simple Minds and the musical comic stylings of Bill Bailey.
THE VIBE: Laid-back listening in stunning surrounds.
What’s your pick of this summer’s festivals in London? Let us know in the comments below.
