I don't know about you, but I think we're pretty damn lucky to have world-class festivals just a tube ride away. Before you know it, you're catching your most listened-to artists in a field, tinny to hand and while contemplating afterparties or a hot shower and bowl of cereal before bed (just me?).
We're a city that loves live music, we all know that. And so we're absolutely spoilt for choice when summer rolls around. You've got festivals devoted to hip-hop, jazz, leftfield pop and heavy rock ‘n’ roll. Whatever your taste may be, my god does London have a day festival for you. Have a scroll through some of our recommendations and get planning. But be warned, these events are selling out fast. So get your tickets right now – you've been warned
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The Brick Lane Jazz Festival may be in its early iterations, but it sums up just how exciting our city's musicians are. In prevous years, the festival hosted pioneering talent such as Moses Boyd and Ezra Collective. Definitely one for finding new talent.
Line-up includes: Laraaji, Adi Oasis, Ragz Originale.
Truman Brewery and nearby venues, E1. April 25-27.
Join London’s clubbing elite at this Peckham Rye three-dayer, which showcases the finest in electronic music. Last year's iteration drifted from a bass-heavy Friday night courtesy of the legendary DJ EZ, into an energetic Saturday with headliner Job Jobse before wrapping up with Folamour and soulful Sunday celebrations. The line-up is still TBC but we can expect nothing other than world-class DJs offering a weekend of genre-fluid grooves.
Line-up includes: TBC.
Peckham Rye Park, SE15 4HA. May 23-25.
Wide Awake bills itself as a ‘musical melting pot’, offering up leftfield indie, post-punk, electronica, techno and more. This year, Irish-speaking rap sensations Kneecap are headlining. When they aren't tearing up the stage with their club-ready raps, there's the Mercury-winning indie band English Teacher, DJ extraordinaire Daniel Avery and country star CMAT, alongside many more.
Line-up includes: Kneecap, CMAT, English Teacher, Daniel Avery, Mannequin Pussy, Psychedelic Porn Crumpets.
Brockwell Park, SE24 9BJ. May 23.
Cross the Tracks is known for its tasteful, groove-heavy curation across soul, funk and jazz, as well as loads of decent street food and craft beer. The festival has a laid-back, open-arms appeal, meaning you’ll find people of all sorts of ages having a boogie. This year, you've got everyone from Michael Kiwanuka to Jordan Rakei and Baby Rose to get excited about.
Line-up includes: Michael Kiwanuka, Jordan Rakei, Nala Sinephro, Cymande.
Brockwell Park, SE24 9BJ. May 25.
Sometimes you need to embrace the cheesiness, you know? Mighty Hoopla has firmly established itself as a festival promoting the very finest of pop, as well as platforming established and emerging LGBTQ+ performers. The result of this is a weekend of feel-good fun where the crowd are just as dazzling at the entertainment.
Line-up includes: Kesha, Ciara, Kate Nash, Pixie Lott, Jojo, Loreen, Vengaboys.
Brockwell Park, SE24 9BJ. May 31- Jun 1.
Is it just us or does Field Day feel way younger than 17 years old? Time flies, eh? Back in Brockwell Park after a stint in east London, the electronic-heavy festival is welcoming Peggy Gou, Jungle, Bubble Love, Jayda G and Mall Grab alongside other globe-trotting selectors for a full day of non-stop dancing.
Line-up includes: Peggy Gou, Jungle (DJ set), Bubble Love (Ross From Friends), Fatima Yamaha, Girls Don't Sync, Midland.
Brockwell Park, SE24 9BJ. May 24.
Scheduled for two consecutive weekends in June, Lido festival will take place in the Tower Hamlets park’s 5000-capacity Lido Field. Details of the line-up for Saturday June 7 were announced at the same time as the festival. Having released his accaimed second album in September, Jamie xx is set to headline as he brings his club residency The Floor to the festival; his bandmate Romy, plus collaborators Sampha and John Glacier feature on the line-up.
Line-up includes: Jamie xx, Arca, Sampha, Romy, Panda Bear, DJ Harvey.
Victoria Park, E3 5SN. Jun 7.
It’s been an exciting fixture in London’s musical calendar since 2013, and it’s back with a line-up of some of the biggest stars on the planet. Taking place across weekends in June and July, Hyde Park will host an upmarket festival vibe complete with food, drink and a posh VIP area. Catch Gen Z pop hero Olivia Rodrigo, US country singer-songwriter Zach Bryan and folk-pop artist Noah Kahan. Plus, Hugh Jackman performing musical hits and finally, Jeff Lynne’s Electric Light Orchestra doing the band’s final ever live show.
Line-up includes: Olivia Rodrigo, Zach Bryan, Noah Kahan, Jeff Lynne’s Electric Light Orchestra, Hugh Jackman plus more.
Hyde Park, W2 2UH. Various, Jul.
All Points East returns to Vicky Park for its seventh edition in 2025. Its headliners are often indie or dance-focused big-hitters, and this year is no exception with Scottish DJ Barry Can't Swim, pop superstar RAYE and indie legends The Maccabees. As well as the ticketed weekend events, look out for All Points East In the Neighbourhood, the festival’s free midweek programme of community activities including film screenings, live sports, theatre, family fun and more.
Line-up includes: Barry Can't Swim, RAYE, The Maccabees.
Victoria Park, E3 5SN. Aug 22-24.
Looking to travel further afield? Pack your bags and head to some of the best festivals across the UK.
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