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The Best Music Festivals in London
Get your festival fix in the city
Looking for music events in London for summer 2019? There are plenty of great festivals to choose from, taking place in green spaces all over the capital – from Peckham to Upminster. Whether you’re into hip-hop, indie or pop, all music tastes are catered for in the eclectic London festival scene…
Field Day
Taking place this year in The Drumsheds, Field Day is a two-day festival with a hot line up featuring artists Diplo, Skepta and Jorja Smith. The music experience is backed by a varied food and drink selection, featuring BULLDOG Gin’s brunch experience to kick off your day with the classic english favourite, gin.
Where? Meridian Water
When? 7-8 June
British Summer Time
Tom Hancock
Hyde Park will be hearing some serious belters this summer, with performances from Celine Dion, Barbra Streisand, Robbie Williams and Florence + The Machine on the cards. Held across two weekends, British Summer Time has been running for six years since kicking off back in 2013 with The Rolling Stones. It’s seen performances from numerous legendary names over the years, including Bon Jovi, Jennifer Lopez and Lionel Richie – who will be returning this year for a special guest performance with none other than Stevie Wonder.
Where? Hyde Park
When? 5-14 July
Community Festival
Michelle Roberts
An indie-focused one-dayer, Community Festival will be taking over leafy Finsbury Park for the third year running. Everyone’s favourite pop-rock band The Kooks are top of the bill for 2019, alongside Kate Nash, Blossoms and Don Broco.
Where? Finsbury Park
When? 30 June
Lovebox
Since being founded by DJ Groove Armada 16 years ago, Lovebox has established itself as the dance music event of the summer. It’s back at its new west London location for the second year running, with Chance The Rapper, Solange, Giggs and J Hus all due to feature.
Where? Gunnersbury Park
When? 12-13 July
All Points East
Tom Hancock
It made its debut just last year, but All Points East has already established itself as one of the coolest festivals in the capital. Everyone will find a favourite among the eclectic mix of headliners, which include The Strokes, Mumford & Sons, Christine and The Queens, and Bon Iver.
Where? Victoria Park
When? 24 May-2 June
Wireless
One of the most well-known festivals on the London calendar, Wireless is a celebration of the newest and best in hip hop, grime and R&B. This year it’s all about the big American names, which include Cardi B, ASAP Rocky, Migos and Travis Scott. But this doesn’t mean the homegrown acts should be overlooked: the likes of Ella Mai, Not3s and Bugzy Malone are all set to draw in big crowds too.
Where? Finsbury Festival
When? 5-7 July
We Are FSTVL
Andrew Whitton
Unlike most city festivals, We Are FSTVL offers camping facilities, allowing guests to settle into party mode for a full three days. This is thanks to its far-out location in Upminster – which might be right at the end of the District line, but it’s still in London. Music-wise, expect some of the biggest names in electronic dance music alongside leading club brands, with Chase & Status, Mike Skinner and Danny Howard set to perform this year.
Where? Upminster
When? 24-26 May
Hampton Court Palace Festival
Hampton Court Palace Festival
Arguably the most upmarket music event of the summer, Hampton Court Festival takes place in the grounds of the stately home, providing a majestic backdrop for performances. Luckily the acts match up to the stellar settings: Kylie Minogue, Nile Rogers, and – most importantly – Busted, are all playing. Watch in style from one of the waterside gazebos, where you can pre-order Fortnum & Mason picnics for you and the gang, taking festival chic to new heights.
Where? Hampton Court Festival
When? 7-21 June
hamptoncourtpalacefestival.com
South West Four
What began as a dance party for Clapham locals is now a mega music festival, drawing in big names like Tinie Tempah and Craig David. Taking place over the August bank holiday weekend, the line-up features a wide range of music genres, from electronic to pop – so it’s a good compromise for groups with differing tastes.
Where? Clapham Common
When? 24-25 August
Somerset House Summer Series
Catch acts like Gossip, Nao, Doves and Parcels amid the neoclassical courtyard of Somerset House, an 18th century building sitting on the bank of the Thames. The annual Summer Series offers a mixed bag of acts, with a line-up straddling soul, hip-hop, and funk music. Expect cool crowds in elegant settings.
Where? Somerset House
When? 11-21 July
GALA Festival
‘Good food, good music, good people’ is the tagline for intimate house and dance festival GALA, returning to Peckham Rye Park for its fourth year. With Honey Dijon, Horse Meat Disco and Palms Trax headlining alongside food from the likes of Made of Dough and Other Side Fried, it’s set to deliver on the first two. The third part is up to you…
Where? Peckham Rye Park
When? 26 May
