Bring. On. The. Sunshine.
Nothing beats a crystal clear summer's day in London. The city really comes alive - though that's also down to the amazing events calendar that kicks in over the summer months, which includes some of the best music festivals, exhibits and quirky parties in the country. Whether you're a jaded local looking to keep things interesting or visiting the English capital, here's some of the best things to do in London this summer 2019 below.
London Summer Events
Cinderella at the Royal Albert Hall
Tony-award winning choreographer Christopher Wheeldon returns to the Royal Albert Hall this June with a re-staging of Cinderella. The timeless Brothers Grimm fairy tale will be brought to life by dancers from the English National Ballet Philharmonic, along with a live orchestra and a plethora of delightful surprises. This inventive production is certainly not one to be missed.
When: 6-16th June
How much: Tickets start from £25.21
House of Togetherness
The House of Togetherness is a unique, revolutionary pop up in the heart of London. Its aim is to explore questions of intimacy and human connection, allowing attendees to connect with each other in some rather unusual ways. Through an exciting range of immersive workshops, talks, events and experiences House of Togetherness encourages participants to de-armour themselves through forms of adult play. Designed to guide us out of our comfort zone, chipping away at insecurities until a braver, more compassionate, empowered self emerges. Events include Rage Club, Mass Spooning circles, Self-Love Clinics, Intimacy Safari, ‘How Not To F**k Up Your Kids’ classes and Erotic Cupcake Class – House of Togetherness invite you to explore your sovereignty and break down taboo’s surrounding interpersonal experience. Go on, push your boundaries this summer!
When: Open from now until October, House of Togetherness will be running a wide range of events all summer long. Check out www.togetherness.com for more details.
How much: Tickets start from £15.00
At Your Beat
At Your Beat is the UK’s number one, inclusive dance and fitness company. In just 2 years AYB have opened in London & New York and become THE classes of choice VIPs and fitness enthusiasts. Want your work out to feel more like a party? Then this is for you. At Your Beat believe EVERYONE can dance, you just need to find your own beat. They offer a huge range of classes and workshops, catering to all ages and abilities. Whether you choose to get sassy and sexy in signature heels class StrutBEAT, or wind your waist in their authentic Jamaican dancehall class, BashmentBEAT (a favourite with dancehall legend, Sean Paul – seriously!) AYB have a dance style to suit you. AYB’s professional instructors are selected for their ability to teach ALL levels whilst serving hype, lol’s and signature AYB sauce!
How much: Prices start from £14.00 - find out more about the classes here
Levi’s x Queer Britain
A continuation of its ongoing partnership with Queer Britain (the national LGBTQ+ museum), Levi’s has announced an exhibition titled ‘Chosen Family’, showcasing the work of four artists; Alia Romagnoli, Bex Day, Kuba Ryniewicz and Robert Taylor.
The exhibition will take place during Pride 2019 and will be a collection of community stories, exploring the idea of having a ‘Chosen Family’, surrounding yourself with and building a network of people that support you and is an important part of the lives of the LGBTQ+ community.
The exhibition will run from 25th June to 1st July.
Night Tales Bohemia Place
Our favourite London pop up since 2013 has finally found a permanent home in Hackney this Summer under two railway arches and we couldn't be more buzzy about it. Open from 4pm on a Saturday, we are into the vibe, think sun terrace decked out with insta-worthy greenery galore and day beds that you can sink into while chilling out to super cool DJ's. They have even brought a little bit of Japan to East London with the hole-in-the-wall style grill by Fat Baby, try the Yakitori ( chargrilled skewers of chicken ) you won't be disappointed, more like obsessed! But if thats not your thing there is pizza too from South London finest Sons of Slice. When the Sun goes down the party continues inside, with everyone from Rudimental to Seb Chew having done their DJ thing for Night Tales in the past you'll be in good company. Follow @NightTalesLDN for more details .
Mini Keepers at ZSL London Zoo
Have you done the zoo a million times? This April, ZSL are turning the go-to Easter activity up a notch. Your youngster is set to be the zoo's newest recruit. Kitted out in a zookeeper's uniform, they'll become a Mini Keeper for the day. An immersive experience takes your animal lover behind the scenes, from feeding squirrel monkeys to mucking out, it's a hands-on opportunity to test out life as a zookeeper. It doesn’t stop at the kids, throughout the holidays the ZSL team are hosting a packed schedule of demonstrations and activities that the whole family can enjoy.
When: From April 6 - April 21
Where: ZSL London Zoo
How much: The experience is included in entry price, £26.59 (Adult), £17.28 (Child), book online
Secret Cinema Presents Casino Royale
This is the longest running Secret Cinema project to date and they’ve picked an iconic film to do it ... With an amazing 5000 capacity. Become immersed in the world of Bond as you sip martinis and scope out the casino for the 5 hour open-air festival and immersive film. You'll be allocated a character as soon as you get tickets, giving you a lot of time to plan for dressing up to-the-nines - this is the summer event you do not want to miss.
When: From June 5 - September 22, with show nights running from Wednesday to Sunday
Where: Secret location
How much: £69.50 - £125 depending on ticket tier and the day, book online
London Festivals
Q-Divas
Throughout March, Bury Street's Quaglino's hosts an awesome, month-long-lineup of live music from singers Michelle John, Berget Lewis and more. Performing renditions of Beyoncé, Aretha Franklin and Bonnie Raitt the inspiring vocalists will provide their audience with a memorable music experience that highlights the most iconic women in music.
When: Dates between March 8 - March 31
Where: Quaglino's
How much: £23 - £55 depending on ticket tier and chosen date, book online
SW4 FESTIVAL
The capital's longest running electronic festival returns to Clapham Common for a 16th year with two-day party over the biggest weekend of the summer - August Bank holiday weekend. SW4 will deliver another stellar line-up from the world’s hottest artists, DJs and producers, with the likes of Tinie Tempah, Craig David, Martin Garrix, Mabel, Chase & Status, Idris Elba, Sigma, Disciples and drum & base maestro Wilkinson. The organisers behind one of the most eagerly anticipated music weekends in the festival calendar have hand-picked only the best in the game to come entertain you in Clapham Common this summer. The carefully curated stages, which will feature live and DJ performances from international talent spanning pop, hip hop, grime, house, techno, reggae and jungle, promise another unmissable weekend for EDM and house lovers alike. Hurry up, tickets selling fast!
When: Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th August 2019
Where: Clapham Common
Who: Tinie Tempah, Craig David, Martin Garrix, Mabel, Chase & Status, Idris Elba, Sigma, Disciples, Drum & Base maestro Wilkinson
Elrow Town
This lesser known festival packs a real punch and is set to be one of the most exciting events in London's calendar. With out of this world stages, vibrant performers and a killer line-up for fans in the electro scene, the festival will welcome it's crowds for it's 3rd year in a new North London venue. The first theme announcement promises psychedelic, underwater, hippy communes as London gets its 'first and last seaside town'.
When: August 17
Where: Trent Park, London
How much: £49.50+ , book online
Notting Hill Carnival
It's back! This gigantic Caribbean street party takes over the streets of Notting Hill, transforming it into a spectacle of colourful costumes, amazing live music and piles of delicious food that'll put the spice back into your life. The parade is undoubtedly the main event when humongous trucks peel through the streets with huge ten foot speakers strapped to the back of them, blasting music as performers decked out in traditional vibrant costumes cut a rug through the streets. It tends to get quite crowded and can be daunting if you've never been before, check out our Notting Hill Carnival guide for our best tips.
When: 26-27 August
Where: Notting Hill
Lovebox Festival
The coolest festival on the block is back with a better lineup than ever. Solange is riding the wave of her When I Get Home release and headlining alongside Chance The Rapper, Loyle Carner, Annie Mac, Brockhampton, and Kaytranda. If those names didn't excite you, the endless string of indie food stalls, intimate stages and quirky pop-ups like a very-Lovebox wedding chapel where you can marry your best friend. Lovebox is also without a shadow of a doubt the most fashionable festival in London - get ready for some major style inspo to upgrade your festival fashion wardrobe.
When: 12-13 July
Where: Gunnersbury Park, London
How much: £58.50+, book online
London Food Events
Mary Poppins Afternoon Tea
Our favourite nanny might not make her return to the big screen for another five months, but the Mary Poppins madness has begun. HarperCollins is relaunching the five original P. L. Travers books and sky-high restaurant Aqua at The Shard is now organising a unique Mary Poppins-themed afternoon tea. Think gilt gold framed menus, speciality tea, champagne and a delicious selection of finger sandwiches served on umbrella topped tea stands. That's not to mention the exquisite cakes and scones selection delivered in an iconic Mary Poppins' carpet bag – all while overlooking some of London's finest views. Currently our fave afternoon tea in town.
When: now until November 2019
Where: aqua shard, The Shard
How much: from £49 per person, book online
London Exhibitions
Martin Parr's, Only Human
Unseen photographs from Parr's collection are being displayed in the city's National Portrait Gallery until the end of May. Through his depiction of people that push the boundaries of British identity, Parr's candid portraits reveal the photographer's commentary on the social climate in the aftermath of the EU referendum. As well as feasting your eyes on his famous shots of Grayson Perry and Vivienne Westwood, you can dig in to quintessential British cakes and slurp on a cup of tea in the pop-up Parr-inspired cafe...not café, cafe.
When: now until May 27
Where: The National Portrait Gallery
How much: £18 per person, £16.50 for concessions, book online
London Pride
London's Pride celebrations are some of the biggest and longest in the country, starting June 5 and running for nearly an entire month. Besides the famous parade on July 6, there's a whole range of events going on all over the city including nude life drawing classes, no end of theatre, speed dating. film festivals and parties galore.
When: June 5 - July 8
Where: All across London