Last year saw our London festivals return completely back to normal after a very trying couple of years, and this year is certainly no different, with everyone from Lana Del Ray to Bruce Springsteen and Stormzy and Bonobo taking to our beloved parks to belt out the tunes.
And given that we’re experiencing a heatwave and are almost at the end of Summer, it’s time to crack open the cans of beer, slap on the suncream, lather yourself in glitter and prepare to let loose and show off your moves for the final London festivals of the year.
Note that we will be updating this London festivals roundup as and when we get further information on lineups and dates.
London Festivals that have been and gone
In The Round (April 14 – 25)
📍 Location: The Roundhouse, Camden.
🎶 Why In The Round: Firstly the venue is out of our favourites. Secondly, this is about so much more than just the music. Sure there’s that (and some bloody great acts on the bill too), but they’ve also got authors, songwriters, poets, playwrights, directors, screenwriters, illustrators, editors and podcasters here. Phew!
✨ 2022’s highlights: January 2022 saw esteemed acts like Goat Girl, Hak Baker, Emeli Sandé, Bina, The Kingdom Choir, Ballaké Sissoko and Vincent Ségal play.
👀 What we can expect in 2023: This year music comes in the form of Dave Okumu & The Seven Degrees, Guy Garvey’s Finest Hour, Sona Jobarteh, Laura Veirs, Leroy Hutson, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Yazmin Lacey and the UK’s first professional trans+ choir, Trans Vocalists. You’ve also got Stormzy’s #MERKY Books Literature Festival and talks from playwright Theresa Ikoko and poet Sophia Thakur among many others.
👉 Keep up to date: Here.
Queen’s Yard Summer Party (April 29)
📍 Location: Multiple venues across Hackney Wick.
🎶 Why Queen’s Yard Summer Party: Well, it’ll be one of the first Summer (yes, we’re calling April 29 Summer) parties you can attend in London this year, and is a must for any fan of House, Techno and Disco. One wristband will get you access to a whole array of venues – 16 in fact – dotted across Hackney Wick, and we’d advise you simply hop through them all. Last person standing and all that…
✨ 2022’s highlights: Mr West, Mr Mitch, Charles Green, DJ Culpa, ELEANOR ELLES, LARA, Madam X, Francesca Gaucho and a whole host of other smashing DJs too.
👀 What we can expect in 2023: A brilliant set of stage takeovers from the likes of CTRL SOUND, Gottwood, Earful of Wax, Disco Disco, Percolate and many more.
👉 Keep up to date: Here.
Brixton Disco Festival (April 29)
📍 Location: Brixton, South London.
🎶 Why Brixton Disco Festival: If you’re looking for a London festival that will make you dance, then this is the one for you. As the name suggests, this one is all about the Disco, and it all takes place in venues surrounding the famous Windrush Square. Last year was more of a night out vibe in the lively Prince of Wales, and it went so successfully that they’re expanding for the 2023 festival season. Crazy P, Dimitri From Paris and the House Gospel Choir are already confirmed.
✨ 2022’s highlights: Jocelyn Brown, Sophie Lloyd, Kon, Parviz, Kirollus and Natasha Diggs have all played their Disco tunes here throughout the 2022 season.
👀 What we can expect in 2023: You’ll get the chance to get down and groove to the House Gospel Choir (live!), Crazy P Soundsystem, Faith, Young Pulse, The Disco Express, Dimitri From Paris and Black and Gay, Back in the Day.
👉 Keep up to date: Here.
GALA (May 26, 27 & 28)
📍 Location: Peckham Rye Park, Peckham.
🎶 Why GALA: Returning to Peckham across the latter May Bank Holiday weekend, GALA are continuing to build on their sell-out events, 2021’s of which was one of the first festivals back post-lockdown. That year’s event seriously went off – which is why they extended the festival to three days last year. Thursday now is more about the live stuff, whereas Friday and Saturday will bring the DJs out in full swing. Expect a varied lineage spanning House, Jazz, Disco, Drum & Bass, Garage, Acid House and Afrobeats.
✨ 2022’s highlights: Dan Shake, DJ Harvey, Little Dragon, Josey Rebelle, Shy One, Horse Meat Disco, Gilles Peterson, Homoelectric, Mafalda, Secretsundaze and more.
👀 What we can expect in 2023: The lineup has just been announced for this one and includes Jordan Rakei, Kerri Chandler, Yung Singh, Big Dyke Energy, Saoirse, Riva, Romare, Congo Natty, Gideön, Heléna Star, Overmono, Hannah Holland and more.
👉 Keep up to date: Here.
Wide Awake (May 27)
📍 Location: Brockwell Park, Brixton.
🎶 Why Wide Awake: Back for its third year for 2023, the independent Wide Awake festival pride themselves in ‘highlighting some of the best established and up and coming artists in the world today’. Celebrated for their unmissable line-ups of leftfield indie, post-punk, electronica, techno, and jazz, this year sees the likes of Daniel Avery and Caroline Polachek on the bill. Sign us up!
✨ 2022’s highlights: BICEP, Primal Scream, Caribou, Floating Points, Leon Vynehall, Fat White Family, Overmono, Yard Act, Sofia Kourtesis and more.
👀 What we can expect in 2023: Caroline Polachek, Daniel Avery (Live), Shy Girl, Coucou Chloe, Enumclaw, Gilla Band, Jockstrap, Joy Orbison, Molchat Doma, Oneohtrix Point Never, The Bug Club, Optimo (Espacio), Arooj Aftab, Sunset Rollercoaster, The Underground Youth and VTSS.
👉 Keep up to date: Here.
Live at the Palace (May 27 & 28 & July 28, 29 & 30)
📍 Location: Fulham Palace, Putney Bridge.
🎶 Why Live at the Palace: Live At The Palace will arguably become the beating heart of the May Bank Holiday with an electrifying concert series featuring some of the most prominent and internationally acclaimed DJs in the electronic dance music scene. Groove Armada? Check. Seamus Haji? Check. The Shapeshifters? Check. This is going to be one hell of a weekend to remember right?!
✨ 2022’s highlights: 2023 is the first event at Fulham Palace, so you’re in for something really special with this one. Make sure you don’t miss out!
👀 What we can expect in 2023: May 27 sees Ministry of Sound Classical takeover complete with a 32-piece orchestra performing iconic dance classics, completely rearranged and reinterpreted for the 2020s that will have everyone on their feet. The following day, legendary electronic duo Groove Armada take over for one of their last shows ever – Seamus Haji, The Shapeshifters, Raw Silk and Ashley Beedle will be supporting these dance titans at various points over the weekend.
Add in OMD, Emeli Sandé, UB40 feat. Ali Campbell, Sinéad Harnett, Lady Blackbird, Blancmange and many more on the weekend of 28-30 July and you can see why we’re so excited for this one!
👉 Keep up to date: Here.
Cross The Tracks (May 28)
📍 Location: Brockwell Park, Brixton.
🎶 Why Cross The Tracks: This top-notch music and food-led festival made a stellar debut back in 2019, and bills itself as being ‘Brixton’s Soul, Jazz and Funk fest’. Alongside great music – Kelis, Gilles Peterson and Alfa Mist are all headlining this year – you’ve got over forty food stalls, craft beer aplenty, a vintage fair, a wellness tent, and even an independent creative market – all of which promises a ‘no-bad-vibes’ festival.
✨ 2022’s highlights: Sampa The Great, Joy Crookes, Gilles Peterson, Macy Gray, Khruangbin and Romare played everyone out on a sunny Sunday. Fingers crossed for this year too…
👀 What we can expect in 2023: Grammy winner Kelis, British MC Alfa Mist, Gilles Peterson, Channel One, Loose Ends, Nightmares On Wax, Ezra Collective, Sam Gellaitry and Roy Ayers on his final farewell tour.
👉 Keep up to date: Here.
City Splash (May 29)
📍 Location: Brockwell Park, Brixton.
🎶Why City Splash: This fantastic festival is a celebration of Reggae’s impact on London youth culture, with over 60 artists across seven different stages and a whole host of different Caribbean food stalls and workshops too. You’ll be able to enjoy a genre-spanning line-up, from Dancehall to Grime and Jungle to Afrobeats, all with a common thread: a Reggae influence.
✨ 2022’s highlights: Barrington Levy, Mr Eazi, Protoje, Sister Nancy, Congo Natty, Channel One and many more besides.
👀 What we can expect in 2023: A stacked lineup boasting the likes of Koffee, Chronixx, Shenseea, Max Romeo, Stylo G, Ayra Starr, Uncle Waffles and many more that are certain to make a splash in the capital.
👉 Keep up to date: Here.
Mighty Hoopla (June 3 & 4)
📍 Location: Brockwell Park, Brixton
🎶 Why Mighty Hoopla: Sashay away! A nice getaway from all the Electronic madness, with ‘a day of pop-tastic music, fun and games in the Summer sun’. It’s London’s biggest festival for pure pop, and is a real highlight of the LGBTQ+ London calendar. 2022 saw a storming lineup of pop trio the Sugababes (the original trio), Katy B, Anastacia, Sink The Pink, Little Gay Brother, Jayda G, and Jessie Ware – who brought all the hits from her critically-acclaimed LP ‘What’s Your Pleasure’. Definitely one to wear your loudest frock or jumpsuit and a hell of a lot of glitter at. You do you hun.
✨ 2022’s highlights: Steps, Foxes, Self Esteem, Macy Gray, the Sugababes, Basement Jaxx, Natalie Imbruglia, Jessie Ware, Jodie Harsh – one hell of a ‘hun’ party!
👀 What we can expect in 2023: ‘Motivation’ from Kelly Rowland, Kelis, Beverly Knight, Samantha Mumba, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Natasha Bedingfield and guy power from Jake Shears, Years and Years, Dan Beaumont, Louis III and The 2 Bears.
👉 Keep up to date: Here.
Hampton Court Palace Festival (June 6–17)
📍 Location: Hampton Court, duh.
🎶 Why Hampton Court Palace Festival: You can’t get a much more magical place for music festivals than in the Tudor Courtyard of a Grade I-listed, 16th century palace, which was once the home of Henry VIII and his six different wives! I mean… come on. Enjoy a picnic in the beautiful East Front Gardens before watching world-class acts perform in this stunning setting. Last year saw the likes of Elbow and Crowded House play, so they get some real classics playing here.
✨ 2022’s highlights: Fantastic performances from Elbow, McFly, Kacey Musgraves, The Human League, Michael Ball and Alfie Boe, Crowded House and Ministry of Sound Classical with Fat Tony and Seb Fontaine. Phew!
👀 What we can expect in 2023: Huge headliners include Grace Jones, the legend that is Tom Jones, the Kaiser Chiefs, Rick Astley, Soft Cell, Kool & The Gang and Björn Again have already been announced. Expect more in the pipeline very soon.
👉 Keep up to date: Here.
Meltdown (June 9–18)
📍 Location: Southbank Centre, Waterloo.
🎶 Why Meltdown: Not your typical cider-in-the-park festival, this annual series of London gigs — the longest-running artist-curated music festival in town — reaches its 28th festival in 2023. The legendary singer, songwriter and all around superstar that is Christine and the Queens (AKA Redcar) was recently announced as this iteration’s curator, following on from Grace Jone last year. The lineup hasn’t quite been announced yet, though given the roster of previous instalments, you’re in for a treat with this one.
✨ 2022’s highlights: Frontwoman of the Noisettes, Shingai, Sky Ferreira, The Love Unlimited Synth Orchestra, Dave Okumu, Peaches, Honey Dijon, Hercules & Love Affair and Grace Jones herself took to the stage at Royal Festival Hall in 2022. No biggie.
👀 What we can expect in 2023: The line-up includes Django Django, Kokoroko, Oxlade, Sigur Rós and the London Contemporary Orchestra, Warpaint, Moonchild Sanelly, Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs and many more. Let’s also hope that Christine himself performs…
👉 Keep up to date: Here.
Off The Rails (June 10)
📍 Location: Five different locations in Shepherd’s Bush.
🎶 Why Off The Rails: This festival is the brainchild of the minds behind Next Door Records, who are passionate about bringing together an eclectic mix of live and electronic music, visual art, talks, and more. With five venues and eight stages, their festival will showcase exciting emerging artists to established acts, showcasing a range of different genres, from contemporary jazz to alternative to electronic, broken beat, hip hop and dance. Add in a whole shedload of visual art and you can see why we love this one!
✨ 2022’s highlights: This one is completely new – we’re excited to see what it has in store!
👀 What we can expect in 2023: Lone, Ariane V, Ash Walker, Alexander Nut, Spill, GIYA, Febueder, White Flowers, Finn Foxell, Marcelina Wick and many, many more.
👉 Keep up to date: Here.
Wellnergy (June 17)
📍 Location: Barn Elms Sports Centre, Barnet
🎶 Why Wellnergy: New for 2023, Wellnergy has been co-founded by Dotun Omo and Nick Steiert, who both believe that ‘wellness is more than looking after your physical self’. It’s built upon five key pillars – fitness, mindfulness, laughter, nutrition and finally, music – and alongside performances, there’ll be workshops, lectures, talks and more. Sounds intriguing.
✨ 2022’s highlights: This one is also a brand spanking new festival – so 2023 is the first year it’s running! We’re all Wellnergy virgins…
👀 What we can expect in 2023: Music details are still under wraps for the time being, but you’ll be able to hear from wellness experts Dr Alex George a la Love Island, Sustainable Entrepreneur Grace Beverly, Meditation Writer Maude Hirst, Personal Trainer and best-selling Author Alice Liveing and TV Presenter and Author Dilly Carter.
👉 Keep up to date: Here.
BST Hyde Park (June 24–July 9)
📍 Location: Hyde Park, Central London.
🎶 Why BST Hyde Park: London’s largest Royal park hosts music royalty in six open-air concerts across two weekends (with free midweek entertainment) to make for an event like no other. They certainly haven’t held back with the lineup last year – Adele, Elton John and even the bloody Rolling Stones were on the bill – and this year has already seen iconic rock band Guns N’Roses jump on board the bill. Rock on.
Multiple brands will also be popping up at stalls around Hyde Park for the festival – we’ll be making a beeline for Miami Cocktail Co. and their ‘better for you’ canned drinks. Hello, bellinis, margaritas and mimosa spritzes in the summer sun…
✨ 2022’s highlights: It was a big’un. Adele, Elton John, The Eagles, Pear Jam, Duran Duran and even the bloody Rolling Stones!
👀 What we can expect in 2023: Pink, Bruce Springsteen, Guns N’Roses, Take That, Lana Del Ray and Blackpink are already confirmed – expect even more acts shortly.
👉 Keep up to date: Here.
Greenwich Summer Sounds (July 4–8)
📍 Location: Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich.
🎶 Why Greenwich Summer Sounds: This is a brand new festival for the 2023 season, *ahem* docking at Greenwich’s landmark Old Royal Naval College over the series of four different nights. Not only are there some bangin’ headliners – more on that later – and some great support acts too, but you’ve also got street food and drinks options galore. Just imagine a cold pint as the sun begins to set over this landmark UNESCO World Heritage Site. In a word – dreamy.
✨ 2022’s highlights:This is a brand spanking new festival for 2023, so we can’t wait to see what’s in store!
👀 What we can expect in 2023: The Black Eyed Peas and Nile Rodgers & CHIC have chosen this one to be their exclusive London festivals, with Tom Jones and the Kaiser Chiefs also on the bill. Support acts come in the shape of The View, Scouting for Girls, Ellie Sax and MistaJam. It’s gonna be a good’un.
👉 Keep up to date: Here.
Community Festival (July 7)
📍 Location: Crystal Palace Park, South London.
🎶 Why Community Festival: Founded back in 2015 by Festival Republic, Community Festival was, as the name suggests, designed to celebrate the ‘community feel’ of festivals. It’s seen the likes of Tom Grennan, You Me At Six, The Amazons and The Kooks perform previously, so it’s more of an indie ‘chilling in the sun’ vibe this one.
✨ 2019’s highlights: Due to the old pandemic (that old chestnut), the last show was back in 2019 and saw The Kooks, Blossoms, Don Broco, Kate Nash, The Hunna and more perform.
👀 What we can expect in 2023: The Wombats, Two Door Cinema Club, The Vaccines, Sea Girls and Babyqueen are all confirmed with no doubt more on the horizon.
👉 Keep up to date: Here.
Wireless (July 7, 8 & 9)
📍 Location: Finsbury Park, North London.
🎶 Why Wireless: Taking place across three days in July, this famous London festival offers the best of the best in Hip-Hop, Rap and Grime – and you best cop your tickets soon as it always sells out in a hot minute. They went all out last year, with lively performances from Tyler, The Creator, J.Cole, Nicki Minaj, Burna Boy, Doja Cat, A$AP Rocky, Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion featuring across the weekend. Us Londoners finally got to see a live performance of WAP, so what’s in store for you this year we wonder?!
✨ 2022’s highlights: Megan Thee Stallion, A$AP Rocky, Little Simz, Tyler, The Creator, Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion, Doja Cat, J. Cole, Kali Uchis and many more great artists doing their thing.
👀 What we can expect in 2023: The lineup has just been announced and includes 50 Cent, BRIT-winning girl group FLO, Travis Scott, Playboi Carti, Latto, Lil Uzi Vert, Headie One, Bryson Tiller, Popcaan, Mariah the Scientist, Lola Brooke, Dexta Daps, Ice Spice and Glorilla.
👉 Keep up to date: Here.
Somerset House Summer Series (July 6-16)
📍 Location: Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court, Somerset House.
🎶 Why Somerset House Summer Series: Like Hampton Court Palace, this is another bloomin’ beautiful venue, which last year hosted eleven different outdoor concerts right in the very heart of London Town. For their 2022 series, they brought everyone from Grime superstar Giggs to the multi-platinum, Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter John Legend along for the ride. Other acts playing the tunes included producer SG Lewis and pop-sensation Carly Rae Jepsen. Mark our words the 2023 instalment is going to be one for the books.
✨ 2022’s highlights: Tems, Squid, Arlo Parks, Bomba Estéreo, Carly Rae Jepsen, Ghetts, John Legend, SG Lewis, Yussef Dayes, Black Midi and Places+Faces.
👀 What we can expect in 2023: Alison Goldfrapp – one half of multi award-winning synth-pop duo Goldfrapp – superchic French rockers La Femme, indie legends Interpol, Olivia Dean, BEABADOOBEE, Grammy-award winners Tinariwen, cosmic jazz trio The Comet is Coming, Gabby and the multi-award-winning Young Fathers.
👉 Keep up to date: Here.
Kew The Music (July 11–16)
📍 Location: Kew Gardens, Kew.
🎶 Why Kew The Music: Well first off, let’s start with the bleedin’ obvious – the venue is bloody fantastic and was recently voted the ‘most Instagrammable’ botanical garden in the entire world. Add some pretty great live music to the mix, prime spots for a picnic and acts like Jack Savoretti and Jools Holland (plus his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra) and you’ve got the recipe for a great festival experience.
✨ 2022’s highlights: Gabrielle, 80’s pop group Bananarama, Will Young, James Morisson, Rebecca Ferguson and even Van bloody Morisson.
👀 What we can expect in 2023: Confirmed acts on the bill include The Human League, Jools Holland, Jack Savoretti and the fabled Haçienda Classiçal – with more no doubt being announced closer to the time.
👉 Keep up to date: Here.
Kaleidoscope (July 15)
📍 Location: Alexandra Palace, Wood Green.
🎶 Why Kaleidoscope: Ally Pally is known for its epic gigs, massive beer garden and panoramic views across the whole of London. Kaleidoscope certainly is one of the city’s chillest offerings – perfect for both kids and adults alike – and 2023 sees the ever popular Hot Chip headline. Other acts on the bill are yet to be confirmed, though last year David Rodigan MBE and Charlotte Church’s Pop Dungeon also played. But it’s not all about the music here. They’ve also usually got some great comedy acts from both upcoming and established acts, and DJs are usually spinning the tunes until the sun goes down over London Town.
✨ 2022’s highlights: Orbital and the Happy Mondays headlined for 2022, with Crazy P, The Cuban Brothers, Charlotte Church’s Pop Dungeon, The Magic Numbers, House Gospel Choir, Dom Joly and Zero 7 giving some excellent support throughout the day.
👀 What we can expect in 2023: Headliners for 2023 are Hot Chip, as are George Fitzgerald, Elvana, Girls of the Internet, Erol Alkan, Fabio & Grooverider, Heidi Wookie, Nina Conti, Rebel Bingo, Michael Akadiri, Tej Dhutia, Katie McLeod and many more. Are you ready for the floor?!
👉 Keep up to date: Here.
Junction 2 Festival (July 21 & 22)
📍 Location: Boston Manor Park, Brentford.
🎶 Why Junction 2: This award-winning festival is once again heading to the atmospheric Boston Manor Park – where summer fields meet stark, industrial structures – for the second year on the trot. This is the festival to come if you’re into your underground dance music, which will be delivered to ‘obsessively high standards’ – sounds pretty good to us. 2022 saw the likes of Nina Kraviz, Four Tet and Seth Troxler spin the decks, and this year sees Adam Beyer and Underworld headline.
✨ 2022’s highlights: Adam Beyer, Four Tet, Nina Kraviz, Dixon, Richie Hawtin, Seth Troxler, Saoirse all played over the weekend for one hell of a party.
👀 What we can expect in 2023: ION is the official music partner on the Friday, and you’ll see the likes of Underworld, Max Cooper, DJ Seinfeld, Kettama, NIKS, Dixon and OR:LA play with a B2B set from Ben UFO and Helena Hauff. FUSE take over on the Saturday with Adam Beyer, Batu, Chris Avantgarde, Ehua, Charlotte De Witte, Nick León and Dax J performing. It’s gonna be a good’un so don’t miss out!
👉 Keep up to date: Here.
Elrow Town (July 22)
📍 Location: Parloes Park, Dagenham.
🎶 Why Elrow Town: There’s nothing quite like an Elrow Town party. It’s something that has to be seen to be believed – think acrobatic performers, stilt walkers, confetti cannons, crazy games, inflatables that look like flamingos – and you’ll be on the right sort of track. Add in some world-class DJs, an array of immersive experiences, themed stages and more colour than you’ve probably seen in your life, and you’re in for one hell of an experience.
✨ 2022’s highlights: The festival took a break for obvious reasons during Covid, but 2022 saw Electronic giant Eats Everything, Danny Howard and Claptone spin the decks aboard an octopus-themed megaship, featuring ‘sandy beaches, swaying palm trees and twisted shipwrecks’. You’re in for a treat with this one.
👀 What we can expect in 2023: Promising their ‘biggest one yet’ with 20+ DJs, so you can expect all the usual Elrow Town shenanigans and complete fiesta vibes for 2023. It’s also their only UK show – so cop your tickets pronto if you don’t want to miss out! Acts confirmed include Patrick Topping, Gorgon City, Sam Divine, Arielle Free, Flight Facilities, Armand Van Helden, Melvo Baptiste and DJ Yoda.
👉 Keep up to date: Get your tickets to Elrow Town 2023 here.
Festival14 (July 26–30)
📍 Location: Multiple venues across Canary Wharf.
🎶 Why Festival14: Following the success of last year’s inaugural event, Festival14 will return with a bumper line-up of music, theatre, comedy, dance, and family activities to get involved with over five days. Even better – most of it is free to watch!
✨ 2022’s highlights: Acts includes Hip Hop pioneer Grandmaster Flash, disco powerhouse Jocelyn Brown, the electrifying House Gospel Choir and London Legends Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra as well as countless productions of Shakespearean plays and comedy from the likes of Reginal D Hunter and more.
👀 What we can expect in 2023: Soul II Soul will be headlining Friday of the five-day festival supported by a host of acts including the soulful Wayne Snow, afro-jazz band NubiyanTwist and rising star Cherise Roberts. Live singalong band Massaoke will be setting the precedent for a weekend full of summer fun, ending the opening night with the ultimate crowd-pleaser. There will also be sets from the likes of Craig Charles, jazz powerhouse Yazmin Lacey, and renowned DJ Norman Jay.
👉 Keep up to date: Here.
Body Movements (July 30)
📍 Location: Multiple venues across Hackney Wick.
🎶 Why Body Movements: This newcomer to the London festival scene caused quite the stir – of the good kind – when it burst onto the scene in 2021. Designed to celebrate LGBTQ+ people within dance music – or ‘queer bodies in electronic music’ – you’ll be able to get your rave on to acts from collectives including Adonis, Little Gay Brother, Jungle Kitty, Big Dyke Energy, Pxssy Palace, He.She.They and many, many more. Like the Queen’s Yard Summer Party, this one will take place across a whole host of venues – 16 in fact – in Hackney Wick, including The Yard, Number 90 and the Colour Factory.
✨ 2022’s highlights: Body Movements founders Clayton Wright (of Little Gay Brother) and Saoirse invited the likes of Adonis, Little Gay Brother, Jungle Kitty, Big Dyke Energy, Pxssy Palace, Queer House Party, Nite Dykez, Lezzer Quest, Let’s Have A Kiki and plenty more to play across the day last year.
👀 What we can expect in 2023: A hell of a good time of course! The Summer lineup is still currently under wraps, though their Winter edition is seeing the likes of Chapter 10, Big Dyke Energy, Queer House Party, Technomate, Herrensauna XXL and more on the roster.
👉 Keep up to date: Here.
RALLY (August 5)
📍 Location: Southwark Park, Rotherhithe.
🎶 Why RALLY: A collaborative project between the organisers of beloved South London festival GALA and renowned promoters and live music tastemakers, Bird On The Wire, RALLY promises a fresh take on London’s one-day festivals, ‘focusing on the connection between artist and fan above all else‘.
✨ 2022’s highlights: This is the first year that RALLY is running – we for one are pretty stoked about it!
👀 What we can expect in 2023: RALLY welcomes trailblazing New York rapper Princess Nokia for a European festival exclusive, the genre-defying afro-psychedelic artist Obongjayar – playing his only London festival date – as well as electronic powerhouses Leon Vynehall & Yu Su for what promises to be an epic B2B. Elsewhere on the bill there’s up-and-coming West London rapper Louis Culture, electronic pop trio PVA, Laura Misch and the dynamic DJ OK Williams too.
👉 Keep up to date: Here.
South Facing Festival (July 28–August 13)
📍 Location: Crystal Palace Bowl, Crystal Palace.
🎶Why South Facing Festival: First of all just like Body Movements, it’s still pretty shiny and new, having had its inception back in 2021! This London festival also brings music back to a venue that’s hosted musical icons such as Bob Marley, Pink Floyd, Elton John, The Beach Boys and The Pixies. Over the course of four weekends, you’ll hear the likes of Craig David, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds and Rudimental along with many other special guests.
✨ 2022’s highlights: London Grammar, Jungle, Becky Hill, George Fitzgerald, Richard Ashcroft… need we say more?
👀 What we can expect in 2023: A series of open-air concerts on July and August weekends, with David Rodigan and the Outlook Orchestra, Craig David, Rudimental, First Aid Kit, Flyte, CMAT and Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds. Phew.
👉 Keep up to date: Here.
So there we have it – a roundup of the best London festivals hitting town this Summer. So get ready to whack out the glow paint and let loose in the fields – go on, you deserve it.
Field Day (August 19)
📍 Location: Victoria Park, Hackney.
🎶 Why Field Day: Often labelled the ‘dancier version’ of All Points East, Field Day serves up some of the best names in electronic dance music the city has to offer. And boy does this year serve up the goods and then some. Headliners for 2023 are none other than the dance maestros Bonobo and Aphex Twin, with other support acts throughout the day including Jon Hopkins, Jayda G and SBTRKT.
✨ 2022’s highlights: 2022 saw a killer live set from The Chemical Brothers as well as George Fitzgerald, The Blessed Madonna, Ross From Friends, Prospa, Jaguar, Floating Points, Tourist, HAAi and Josey Rebelle play.
👀 What we can expect in 2023: Well, aside from Bonobo and Aphex Twin, you can also get down and dancey to SBTRKT, Kai Campos and Mount Kimbie, Giulia Tress, Actress, Jon Hopkins, Moderat and Jayda G. We told you it was gonna be a good’un.
👉 Keep up to date: Here.
Hospitality In The Woods (August 19)
📍 Location: Beckenham Place Park, Beckenham.
🎶 Why Hospitality in the Woods: This great event is quite possibly the best Drum & Bass festival that the UK has to offer. There are ten different arenas found here – including one from fabric and two from Hospitality – and each will bounce to non-stop bangers across the whole spectrum of Drum & Bass. 2021 was a real success, offering up never before seen B2Bs as well as a fine array of the tastiest street food South London has to offer. 2022 unfortunately was cancelled due to train strikes (sigh), but 2023 has for the go ahead! Get ready to get your rave on.
✨ 2021’s highlights: Metrik, Netsky, A.M.C., London Elektricity, Delta Heavy, Nu:Tone and more.
👀 What we can expect in 2023: Netsky, High Contrast, A.M.C, Calibre, Roni Size, DJ Marky, Camo & Krooked, Goddard, LTJ Bukem, Metrik are all confirmed with more we’re sure in the pipeline!
👉 Keep up to date: Here.
BONUS TRACK – Cala Mijas (August 31–September 2)
Okay, okay, so this one isn’t quite in London – but since the UK summer has shaped out to be pretty bleak, we thought you might be looking for ways to save it.
📍 Location: Sonora Mijas, Málaga
🎶 Why Cala Mijas: Sure, you’ve got to get yourself over to Málaga for this one, but with temperatures in the thirties, and the promise of a boogie on the beach, it’s surely far more tempting than another soggy Saturday spent in London. Flights are relatively cheap, and who really needs an excuse to catch some last minute sunshine? Plus, you don’t want to miss out on the gorgeous beaches and incrediblerestaurants that surround the festival.
✨ 2022’s highlights: Cala Mijas is only in its second year of life, but already boasts some of the biggest names in the biz on its lineup. Their debut last year saw the likes of Arctic Monkeys, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds and The Chemical Brothers headlining.
👀 What we can expect in 2023: This year, they’ve bagged The Strokes, Florence + The Machine and Arcade Fire, with Foals, IDLES, M83, Belle & Sebastian, Metronomy and José González making appearances across the festival’s four stages.
👉 Keep up to date: Get your tickets to Cala Mijas 2023 here.
All Points East (August 18, 25 & 28)
📍 Location: Victoria Park, Hackney.
🎶 Why All Points East: One of the most beloved of all London’s music festivals, All Points East returns to Hackney’s Victoria Park after a run of five sell-out shows last year. Expect a double bill of sunny days dancing in a field – well, we can hope it is August after all – and an eclectic range of music, from grime legend Stormzy to The Strokes and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. There’s also Field Day here which adds a sixth show into the mix. More on that in a bit…
✨ 2022’s highlights: Last year saw the likes of Disclosure (with guest Sam Smith), Gorillaz, Tame Impala, Fred Again, Pusha T, Idles, James Blake and Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds perform at some point over the festival’s five-day run.
👀 What we can expect in 2023: This year is a pretty killer line-up already. Stormzy takes over August 18 with his show entitled ‘This Is What We Mean Day’ with Kehlani, Sampha, Ms Banks and Lucky Dave in toe, and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs have been confirmed alongside The Strokes, Angel Olsen and Girl In Red for the following weekend. Dermot Kennedy then headlines the Sunday (August 27) with SG Lewis, Olivia Dean, James Vincent McMorrow and Aurora on the roster with him.
Then, beloved girl group Haim, Girl In Red, Tove Lo, Romy, Confidence Man, Lizzy McAlpine and Joesef take over Vicky Park on Bank Holiday Monday (August 28) – you can bloody sign us up for this one! Jungle are also playing their only UK show – alongside neo-soul legend Erykah Badu, in-demand French DJ Folamour, acclaimed jazz collective BADBADNOTGOOD, hot property Raye, Solomon, and 070 Shake – on Saturday August 26. Phew!
👉 Keep up to date: Here.
We Are FSTVL (August 25, 26 & 27)
📍 Location: Damyns Hall Aerodrome, Upminster.
🎶 Why We Are FSTVL: Big beats out East with some of the biggest and best names in electronic music right now at the UK’s largest independent dance festival. Now firmly established back in its original site at the Damyns Hall Aerodrome, you can expect to seriously be getting your dance on at this one, with House, Urban, Bass, Techno and Drum & Bass all on the agenda.
✨ 2022’s highlights: Last year saw some real giants of the dance world play, including Andy C, Armand Van Helden, The Blessed Madonna, Bru-C, Craig David’s TS5, Jamie Jones, High Contrast, Marco Carola, Michael Bibi, Rudimental, Shy FX, Sonny Fodera and KSI all playing.
👀 What we can expect in 2023: The lineup for this London festival is currently under wraps, but expect big things when it’s announced later in the year.
👉 Keep up to date: Here.
Eastern Electrics (August 26)
📍 Location: Lee Valley Showground, Waltham Cross.
🎶 Why Eastern Electrics: This is pretty much everything you could ever want from a classic House and Techno festival. Here world-class underground DJs, urban acts and more will step up to seven stages, hosted by renowned clubbing institutions such as Nightmares On Wax, SecretSundaze, Rinse and Defected.
✨ 2022’s highlights: Last year the Eastern Electrics team went all out and invited mega DJs Seth Troxler, Jaguar Skills, Horse Meat Disco, Debonair and Jasper James to spin the decks. Ellen Allien, RPR Soundsystem, Katie Goodman and Nicolas Lutz all worked their magic too.
👀 What we can expect in 2023: Another one that is keeping its lips shut for the time being – but you can expect them to go all out this year once more.
👉 Keep up to date: Here.
Battersea Park in Concert (August 26, 27 & 28)
📍 Location: Battersea Park, Battersea
🎶 Why Battersea Park in Concert: Battersea Park In Concert is set to host three days of stellar music in leafy Battersea Park, with some enchanting Classical, Soul and Jazz performances from the likes of Gabrielle, Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, and The Ronnie Scott’s All Stars. Unpack a picnic, pop the fizz and kick back and relax in style! It’s August bank holiday after all…
✨ 2022’s highlights: This is a brand new London festival so keep your eyes peeled on this one!
👀 What we can expect in 2023: This inaugural event will see the likes of Gabrielle, YolanDa Brown, the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, and The Ronnie Scott’s All Stars.
👉 Keep up to date: Here.
Maiden Voyage (August 27)
📍 Location: Lee Valley Showground, Waltham Cross.
🎶 Why Maiden Voyage: Another London festival that was established relatively recently, Maiden Voyage comes from the team behind Camden’s emblematic music venue the Jazz Café. The music on offer here is an eclectic mish-mash of Jazz, Electronic, and Alternative stuff, and it has been designed to be more affordable than other London festivals, with prices starting from just 20 quid. Yep, you read that right – 20 quid for a festival! There are now five stages, and acts on the bill this year include Richie Hawtin, Moxie, Juls and Logic 1000.
✨ 2022’s highlights: Live performances from acts like Ross From Friends and Underground Resistance, and DJ sets from Yung Singh – 2022’s ‘best British breakthrough DJ’ from the renowned publication DJ Mag – and Jayda G.
👀 What we can expect in 2023: The 2023 edition will see performances from Richie Hawtin, Herrensauna XXL, Moxie, Jules, CASISDEAD, VTSS and Soichi Terada and stage takeovers from esteemed nightclubs Phonox and Fold.
👉 Keep up to date: Here.
Pub In The Park (September 1, 2 & 3)
📍 Location: Chiswick House and Gardens, Chiswick.
🎶 Why Pub In The Park: Famous TV chef Tom Kerridge has followed in the footsteps of Jamie Oliver by setting up his own festival – this one in the charming neighbourhood of Chiswick. As well as some pretty epic food – duh, look who the festival is run by – the three-day event has got the likes of Ronan Keating, Judge Jules and McFly performing throughout. Even better? A whole host of pop-up restaurants – some even with Michelin stars – will be opening up for the event, so you can wine and dine your way through leafy Chiswick in between the music. We’ll cheers to that.
✨ 2022’s highlights: As well as Craig David, Faithless and Beverly Knight, 2022 saw The Sugar Hill Gang and the ‘Queen of Kitchen Disco’ herself, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, rustle up the goods.
👀 What we can expect in 2023: Headliners include McFly, Ronan Keating, Judge Jules and Squeeze, and chefs will include Andi Oliver, Si King from The Hairy Bikers and Tom Kerridge himself. Winner, winner.
👉 Keep up to date: Here.
Creekside Festival (September 2)
📍 Location: Multiple venues across Deptford.
🎶 Why Creekside Festival: Created in pure celebration for South East London’s much loved community radio station, record label and radio hub, AJAA, turning five years old – co-founders, Samuel Willott and Owen Howells have joined with local friends to create the brand spanking-new Creekside Festival. Taking place across ten independent venues in Deptford, it promises to be an event for the books. Even better – tickets are currently just 15 quid, so you don’t want to miss out on this one!
✨ 2022’s highlights: This is a completely new festival – we can’t wait to see what they’ve got in store.
👀 What we can expect in 2023: Headliners are still hush hush, but each venue will play host to a set of crews thoughtfully curated by AAJA, with Cheeky Soundsystem, Planet Wax, For The Record, Dancing Family and AAJA themselves all confirmed already.
👉 Keep up to date: Here.
Soul Town (September 2 & 3)
📍 Location: Croydon Road Recreation Ground, Beckenham.
🎶 Why Soul Town: Soul Town festival is back with a bang this year, offering a stunning line-up of the best Soul, Disco, Motown and Reggae in town. There’ll be more than 65 artists performing over the weekend, over 40 street food vendors keeping you well fed and watered, and dancers, rides, attractions, live steel bands, face painting, glitter stalls, hair braiding, fashion and craft stalls galore. Sounds like a party to us!
✨ 2022’s highlights: Last year saw Heather Small of M People fame, Shola Ama, Soul 2 Soul, Tony R MBE, Lewis Wright, and Gabrielle all perform. Altogether now – ‘sunshine through my window, that’s what you are… my shining star’. Ok, we’ll stop now.
👀 What we can expect in 2023: The first wave of names includes Sister Sledge ft. Kathy Sledge, UB40, Mica Paris, Eban Brown from the Stylistics, Odyssey, The Dualers, Dawn Penn, Tunde Baiyewu from the Lighthouse Family, Desmond Decker and The Aces, the Edwin Starr Band, Omar plus many more to be announced. Watch this space!
👉 Keep up to date: Here.
Boogietown (September 9 & 10)
📍 Location: Apps Court Farm, Walton-on-Thames.
🎶 Why Boogietown: Boogietown returns to Apps Court Farm on September 9 & 10 for its biggest ever weekend of funk, soul and disco across four stages – as well as new for 2023 camping options. This year’s epic headliners include a mix of 50+ red hot and pioneering DJs and live acts from across the ages such as Billy Ocean, Earth Wind & Fire, The Tramps, Fatback Band, Armand Van Helden and The Shapeshifters too.
✨ 2022’s highlights: Gloria Gaynor, Sister Sledge, Soul II Soul, Horse Meat Disco, Roger Sanchez, Fat Tony, The Real Thing and more all played at some point last September, as well as bucketloads of street food and drinks options too.
👀 What we can expect in 2023: As well as the big dogs listed above, you’ve also got Trevor Nelson, DJ Spoony, Jocelyn Brown, Jazzie B, Omar, Groove Armada, Artwork, Crazy P, Craig Charles, The Nextmen, Norman Jay MBE, Killa Kutz and more on the bill. Add in wellness areas, carefully-curated food and drinks offerings, a funfair, fireworks, disco yoga and VIP options too, and you can see why you’re in for a real good’un here!
👉 Keep up to date: Here.
One Out Festival (September 16)
📍 Location: Apps Court Farm, Walton-on-Thames.
🎶 Why One Out Festival: This relatively new Electronic festival is situated right by the Thames in leafy Walton-on-Thames in Surrey. Just a short bus ride away from Hampton Court, this newcomer has already made waves since it burst on the scene with their first sell-out event in 2021. Horse Meat Disco, Danny Howard, Monki and Sam Divine all came to the party in September 2021, and 2022 saw Eats Everything, Skream, Dusky and many more spin the decks across four stages. The lineup this year includes Franky Wah, Sam Divine and Danny Howard – some pretty big hitters then!
✨ 2022’s highlights: Eats Everything, Skream, Arielle Free, Dusky, Mele, Chloé Robinson and more.
👀 What we can expect in 2023: Playing at the beautifully green and secluded Apps Court Farm in Surrey will be Franky Wah, Sam Divine, Paul Woolford, A.M.C, Danny Howard, Metrik, Mike Skinner, Prospa, Interplanetary Criminal and many more.
👉 Keep up to date: Here.
Waterworks (September 16)
📍 Location: Gunnersbury Park, Acton.
🎶 Why Waterworks: Rounding off this list of confirmed London festivals is Waterworks, a one-day dance event designed to ‘celebrate independent electronic music culture’. There are actively no headliners here – just a plethora of world-class DJs spinning the tunes all day long. Last year was a banging success, and this year will no doubt be the same.
✨ 2022’s highlights: Saoirse, Hannah Holland, Jay Duncan, LUXE, LCY, Shy One, Stamina MC, Calibre, Craig Richards and more pumped out the tunes all day long.
👀 What we can expect in 2023: Another excellent day of music to round off the London festivals season that’s for sure. Charisse C, HAAi, Josey Rebelle, Palms Trax, Heléna Star, Nick León, SHERELLE, Elijah & Skilliam, Shanti Celeste, Saoirse and SUCHI are all confirmed.
👉 Keep up to date: Here.
London festivals still to be confirmed
Electric Woodlands (TBC)
📍 Location: Bygrave Woods, Newnham (30 minutes by train from London).
🎶 Why Electric Woodlands: Following its successful debut in 2021, the House and Drum & Bass-heavy Electric Woodlands expands to become a two day camping weekend for 2022. Legendary and long-running tastemaker Annie Mac brought her cross-genre selections to the woods last year, and Example, Hannah Wants, Shy FX, Wilkinson, Solardo and Hybrid Minds also spun the decks. This addition to this London festivals roundup also ensures that there’s a 50/50 split between men and women playing, so this is a really great one to support.
✨ 2022’s highlights: Highlights came in the shape of Annie Mac, along with Hannah Wants, Example, Hybrid Minds, Sub Focus, ID, Bklava, Girls Don’t Sync, Eliza Rose, David Rodigan, Wilkinson and Solardo.
👀 What we can expect in 2023: More immersive visuals and world-class music from the best DJs around. Keep your eyes peeled here for more updates.
👉 Keep up to date: Here.
Also published on Medium.