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London hosts fantastic music events year-round. But it’s this time of year in particular that reminds us just how great we have it. Now that the sun’s out and the days are longer, months and months of glorious gigs and festivals are about to begin. From enormous stadiums to intimate dance floors, London is truly world-class live music destination, if we say so ourselves. And now, a new study has confirmed it.
Travel booking site Omio looked at city’s across Europe to find out which one is the continent’s live music capital. With 75 nightclubs, 26 concert halls and 25 music festivals (more than any other European city) London topped the list. It was awarded a perfect score of 100.
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We won’t argue with that. The city is packed full of outstanding arenas, stadiums, jazz bars and clubs that make it an essential stop for the planet’s biggest artists (Beyonce, Kendrick Lamar, Oasis and Lady Gaga are all playing here this year) and an excellent stomping ground for up-and-comers.
Kicking off festival season, there’s Brick Lane Jazz Festival and Roundhouse Three Sixty (featuring Corinne Bailey Rae and Katy B) to look forward to in April and the likes of GALA, Field Day and Wide Awake will get Londoners dancing in May. There’ll be plenty more to follow.
In Time Out’s ranking of the world’s best cities, London editor Joe Mackertich said: ‘London’s nightlife scene has seen some serious investment in the last year or so, meaning now is exactly the right time to come if you want fun.
‘Hoxton’s flat-roof-pub-turned-serious-club Lion and Lamb, the way-better-than-it-should-be Here at Outernet, Hackney Wick’s thriving Colour Factory, the grassroots-tastic Cause and the already legendary Fold in Canning Town.’
Our city’s only shortfall? The prices, of course. According to Omio, average tickets for a concert here are upwards of £100. There are plenty of more budget-friendly shows going on, though. You can find loads of them over on our guide to the best gigs and concerts in April.
See Omio’s full list of Europe’s best music cities here.
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The best music venues in London.
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