The best festivals in London: 14 summer events to bookmark
Festivals in London see some of the biggest names in music pull out all the stops – some to mesmerise the biggest crowds of their career. Pop icons glitter up for headline slots in settings such as Hyde Park and Somerset House, each transforming into musical wonderlands for a short while each summer. Come rain or shine (hopefully the latter), you'll find us raising our hands to the heavens as the energy shifts from day party to hedonistic, head-shaking sets under the stars. This summer sees the likes of Olivia Rodrigo perform at BST Hyde Park before her career-defining Glastonbury set – arguably the best festival in the UK – and Drake take a three-day residence in Finsbury Park. Elsewhere, the likes of The Human League and UB40 perform to families laid across picnic blankets in the capital's prettiest botanical gardens, and Charli XCX bring big Brat energy to East London's LIDO. Whether you're seeking a fun day out for all the family or something niché for an unforgettable day out, these are the best festivals in London to book for 2025.
BST Hyde Park (British Summer Time)
Headliners: Olivia Rodrigo, Sabrina Carpenter, ELO
American Express presents British Summertime for another star-studded year, welcoming acts suited to all ages once again. Olivia Rodrigo plays her biggest UK show to date on Friday 27 June before she entertains the crowds at Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage, followed by two evenings headlined by Zach Bryan due to phenomenal demand. Noah Kahan also plays his biggest UK date so far, followed by Sabrina Carpenter, Neil Young and Stevie Wonder later in July. In addition to general entry, a host of VIP and hospitality packages turn a musical day in the park into an unforgettable experience. Escape the crowds between sets in the VIP HydeAway area and the Ultimate HydeAway Bar, where frozen palomas and food stalls without the lengthy queues await.
Address: Hyde Park, London
Website: bst-hydepark.com
Dates: Friday 27 June - Sunday 13 July
Pub in the Park
Headliners: Chris Moyles, Ministry of Sound Classical, Jack Savoretti
Tom Kerridge and friends land in London’s Gunnersbury Park for a jam-packed weekend of lip-smacking dishes, tasty demonstrations and plenty of dancing. Expect demonstrations and talks from some of the biggest names in food and drinks, including Michel Roux Jr, Ben Tish and Simon Rimmer, all pulling out the stops for fire pit masterclasses and exclusive Q&As. Raise a pint of craft cider or local ale as acts get the party started on the main stage – radio DJ Chris Moyles takes to the decks on Friday evening before Soul II Soul, Ministry of Sound Classical and Jack Savoretti headline over three days.
Address: Gunnersbury Park, Popes Lane, London W3 8LQ
Website: pubintheparkuk.com
Dates: Friday 30 May - Sunday 1 June
Wireless
Headliners: Drake, PartyNextDoor, Burna Boy
Not content with 170 million global record sales, five Grammy awards and dozens of superstar collaborations under his belt, Canadian rapper and singer Drake is set on UK domination with three unique shows as part of Wireless in Finsbury Park. He’s joined by PartyNextDoor and supported by acts including Summer Walker on Friday 11 July, before a Saturday Drake & The Mandem show is followed by a Sunday blowout featuring Burna Boy and Vybz Cartel. Access exclusive DJ sets, gourmet food trucks and plush facilities with a VIP Village Ticket.
Address: Finsbury Park, London
Website: wirelessfestival.co.uk
Dates: Friday 11 - Sunday 13 July
Kew The Music
Headliners: Craig David, The Human League, UB40, Alison Moyet
Suburban London’s resplendent web of botanical gardens, Victorian glasshouses and quaint cafés hosts some of the biggest names in music for a six-day festival in the second week of July. Shake off the picnic blanket and shimmy it onto the lawn in front of the stage for an evening in front of UB40, Craig David or Alison Moyet, among other names, feasting on picnic treats or picking up goodies from the street food stalls and bars around the perimeter. Alternatively, let the team sort the supper prep for you and tuck into a range of pre-ordered hampers curated by London’s Pique, with charcuterie spreads, crisps and dip, freshly-baked bread and an assortment of other treats inside.
Address: Kew Gardens, Richmond
Website: kewthemusic.org
Dates: Tuesday 8 July - Sunday 13 July
Kaleidoscope
Headliners: Faithless, Goldie, Eats Everything, Sara Cox
Roam Alexandra Palace’s historic parkland at one of the best festivals in London for a colourful, eclectic day out as Kaleidoscope returns in July. Faithless, Goldie and Sara Cox are among the talent taking to the Hilltop stage against panoramic views of the capital, while stand-up comics and quirky acts shake things up on the Fringe Stage. Best of all, it’s a day out for all the family, with circus antics, acrobatics and craft workshops in a dedicated area.
Address: Alexandra Palace Park, Alexandra Palace Way, London N22 7AY
Website: kaleidoscope-festival.com
Dates: Saturday 12 July
Maiden Voyage
Headliners: Azealia Banks, Adonis, Bree Runway, Shanti Celeste
Maiden Voyage has developed into one of London’s buzziest celebrations of alt- and queer-culture, with Britain’s Bree Runway and America’s Azealia Banks headlining in Burgess Park this summer. The festival’s Instagram delivers where its website doesn’t – curate your outfit after some time flicking through the grid.
Address: Burgess Park, Albany Road, London SE5 0AL
Website: maiden-voyage.co.uk
Dates: Saturday 9 August
Mighty Hoopla
Headliners: Ciara, Jade, Kesha, Loreen
London’s most inclusive festival returns with kaleidoscopic glory to south London’s Brockwell Park this May for a two-day spectacular. Ciara and Jojo hop across the pond to headline on Saturday alongside Little Mix alumnus Jade as she belts out her latest solo material. It’s Kesha’s turn on Sunday, supported by Loreen, Erika Jane and Lulu. Besides the superstar performers on the main stage, there’s plenty to keep you entertained throughout the day, and no shortage of surprise appearances. Get involved in a raucous session of Bongo’s Bingo, witness a Kinky Kabaret spectacle, or see RuPaul’s Drag Race stars strut their stuff in hilarious, glamorous performances.
Address: Brockwell Park, Brockwell Park Gardens, London SE24 0NG
Website: mightyhoopla.com
Dates: Saturday 31 May - Sunday 1 June
Somerset House Summer Series
Headliners: Rizzle Kicks, Freya Ridings, The Snuts, FLO
See established artists and the hottest emerging talent in one of London’s most magical live music venues as the Somerset House Summer Series with American Express returns for 11 nights of al-fresco fun. Hip-hop duo Rizzle Kicks kick things off on Thursday 10 July before Freya Riding’s ethereal vocals ricochet off the historic courtyard’s walls the following evening. Singer-songwriters Jacob Banks and Joy Oladokun and glam R&B trio FLO take to the stage over subsequent nights before 2025’s edition comes to an end with an explosive performance from Giggs and his special guests. Ready yourself for an unforgettable evening with cocktails and small plates at Somerset House’s Setlist – the buzziest new outdoor bar in the capital.
Address: Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 1LA
Website: somersethouse.org.uk
Dates: Thursday 10 - Sunday 20 July
LIDO Festival
Headliners: Jamie XX, Massive Attack, Charli XCX, London Grammar
LIDO Festival makes its two-weekend debut this summer in what’s set to be the most exciting London festival launch for some time. Taking its name from Victoria Park’s historic Lido Field – no al-fresco dips here – the festival sees a series of thrilling curated musical line-ups start with Massive Attack on Friday 6 June. Jamie XX follows with support from Arca, Sampha and Romy on the first Saturday of June, while Charli XCX plays her Brat bops in one of the most highly anticipated festival dates in the 2025 calendar alongside 070 Shake and A.G. Cook.
Address: Victoria Park, Grove Road, London E3 5TB
Website: lidofestival.co.uk
Dates: Friday 6 June - Sunday 15 June
South Facing Festival
Headliners: Skepta, Busta Rhymes, Basement Jaxx, Nile Rodgers & Chic
South Facing Festival sees a series of themed events and a host of music’s biggest names make a splash in the depths of East London this summer. Scottish post-rock legends Mogwai join folk group Lankum for the opening night before Flackstock celebrates the life of late presenter Caroline Flack through comedy, dance and music the next day, raising critical funds for mental health charities in the process. Other highlights include two nights of Basement Jaxx and a disco, soul, and electronic extravaganza finale from Nile Rodgers & Chic.
Address: Crystal Palace Bowl, London SE19 2BA
Website: southfacingfestival.com
Dates: Thursday 7 August - Sunday 24 August
Piano People in the Park
Headliners: Kabza de Small, DBN Gogo, Kelvin Momo, Shamiso
Piano People In The Park follows on from its smash-hit debut with a bigger and better line-up in Southwark this summer. The king of Amapiano, Kabza De Small, headlines with an extended two-hour set supported by some of the finest talents promoting the genre, from DBN Gogo to pioneer Luudadeejay.
Address: Southwark Park, Gomm Road, London SE16 2TX
Website: pianopeople.club
Dates: Friday 22 August
As One In The Park Festival
Headliners: Fat Tony, Bimini, Anne Louise, Danny Beard
As One In The Park Festival returns to Ealing's Walpole Park for a fabulous summer shindig headlined by DJ Fat Tony and Drag Race icon Bimini this July. The fabulously flamboyant LGBTQ+ festival sees legendary DJs, drag performers, queer collectives and cracking comedians claim the park for a balmy afternoon, inviting everyone and anyone to join in the fun. Watch circus performances, sip on cocktails from pop-up bars and tuck into gourmet street food before the sun makes its descent and the strobe lights claim the night.
Address: Walpole Park, Mattock Lane, London W5 5EQ
Website: asoneinthepark.co.uk
Dates: Saturday 19 July
All Points East
Headliners: Chase and Status, Raye, Tyla, Barry Can’t Swim
All Points East welcomes some of the UK’s most remarkable talents to Victoria Park for its 2025 edition, supported by a string of global superstars. Chase and Status get the party started on Saturday 16 August with support from Overmono and Nia Archives, before Barry Can’t Swim, Confidence Man and Shygirl, Raye and Tyla play across the following weekend. Roam the site in search of vibey brand pop-ups, from three-story tequila palaces to surprise DJ appearances in beer tents.
Address: Victoria Park, Grove Road, London E3 5TB
Website: allpointseastfestival.com
Dates: Saturday 16 August - Sunday 24 August
Waterworks
Headliners: Calibre, Felix Dickinson, Lukas Wigflex, Palms Trax
Cutting-edge electronic sounds ring through state-of-the-art sound systems in Gunnersbury Park this September, in one of the final London festival dates of the season. DJs and artists, including Jay Carder, Introspect, Nicola Cruz and Skee Mask, play seven unique stages in an 11-hour dance marathon.
Address: Gunnersbury Park, London W3 8LQ, UK
Website: waterworksfestival.co.uk
Dates: Saturday 13 September