London boasts a jam-packed festival line-up all year round, but the summer months are when festival season really kicks off. There are a dizzying array of music festivals catering to every genre, with one taking place almost every weekend!
If you’re studying and living in London, it’s a great opportunity to see live music and enjoy the festival experience without having to worry about camping or booking accommodation.
Not sure where to start? Here are some of our favorites from London’s epic summer festival line-up.
British Summer Time Festival, Hyde Park
This 10-day extravaganza includes two show-stopping weekends, with the 2019 line-up including musical legends Stevie Wonder, Celine Dion and Florence + The Machine.
As if that’s not enough, there are heaps of free mid-week activities to keep you entertained, from open-air movie nights to circus performances and live screenings of Wimbledon.
With the sheer amount of entertainment on offer, this event is an amazing all-rounder with something for everyone.
Wireless Festival, Finsbury Park
If hip-hop, grime and garage are more to your taste, then you can’t miss out on Wireless, the UK’s biggest urban music event.
Taking place over one weekend, usually in July, the line-up is guaranteed to be packed with hip-hop heavyweights and the biggest names in rap. The huge 2019 line-up was headlined by Cardi B, Travis Scott and Migos.
Lovebox, Gunnersbury Park
London’s most loved summer dance music festival is a buzzing two-day event that happily doesn’t take itself too seriously.
Taking place in Gunnersbury Park in West London, it’s just a hop on the tube to Acton Town and a short walk before you’re in the middle of the action.
A mix of house, techno, hip-hop and R&B acts draw in an eclectic mix of friendly revelers who are all ready to dance the day away. Beyond the tunes, the park is also dotted with some great extras such as a vintage fair and roller disco.
Citadel, Gunnersbury Park
If Lovebox left you pumped and wanting more, fear not! Citadel takes place almost immediately after Lovebox wraps up and is a slightly more chilled way to finish off your weekend.
The one-day Sunday festival is packed with indie heavyweights such as Catfish and the Bottlemen, Bastille and Friendly Fires. Alongside the music there are workshops, talks and activities for all ages. Fancy a mass yoga class or space pub quiz? Citadel has it covered.
The Mighty Hoopla, Brockwell Park
The ultimate pop festival, The Mighty Hoopla is now in its third year and is quickly becoming known as London’s most fun, welcoming and glitter-filled festival.
The 2019 line up was packed with pop superstars, with Chaka Khan, All Saints and Artful Dodger all taking center stage over the one-day festival.
If your idea of the perfect festival includes a day packed with cheesy tunes, pop classics and extravagant outfits, then this is the event for you.
South West Four, Clapham Common
Now over 15 years old, this festival has established itself as one of London’s leading dance festivals and is well-known for its humungous and diverse line-ups, catering to EDM, techno, grime, house and drum and bass fans alike.
Taking place on Clapham Common, the event is very easily accessed from the tube’s Northern Line. Another bonus is that it’s always held on August bank holiday, meaning you get an extra day to recover!
All Points East, Victoria Park
Although only a few years old, All Points East has established itself as one of the biggest and best of London’s festivals.
Similar to British Summer Time, there are two headliner weekends with free activities taking place all week in between, but this Victoria Park festival has a slightly more alternative feel to it. The 2019 line-up included world-famous acts such as The Chemical Brothers, The Strokes, Bring Me The Horizon and Christine & The Queens.
