Is there no better way to while away one’s free moments; minutes so furiously wrenched away from the boring rigmarole of everyday life; than putting on pairs of shades and shorts and heading on down to a summer festival. Baking sun, guitar twangs percolating through the breeze, and a frosty pint of lager; we wouldn’t have festivals any other way!
In London however, the festival scene is entirely different. London’s residents lead a fast paced, double shot, overtime lifestyle, where they’d sooner get their kicks playing online games like flying circus slots than traipse around in the mud. So it beggars the question: where in the capital are these festival nooks to be found? Here’s a roundup of the most interesting festivals, carnivals, fetes and fests the big smoke has to offer.
Lovebox– Fri Jul 18- Sat Jul 19
With a line up boasting Nas, Bonobo, Madlib, Submotion Orchestra, Mount Kimbie and The Horrors, Lovebox caters for lovers of the indie side of electronic and hip-hop. A boutique affair brought forth by the production team behind Secret Garden Party, Lovebox is a two day bash aimed at the lovers of all things after party; electro hedonists take heed!
Wireless Festival– Fri Jul 4- Sun Jul 6
Moving this year from the former Olympic Park to the more idyllic environs of Finsbury Park, Wireless Festival aims more towards the mainstream, but don’t let that throw you! Featuring Kanye West, Drake, Pharrell Williams and eternal boogiemakers, Basement Jaxx, Wireless has a star studded bill lined up for the 20,000 or so festival-goers expected at this major three day weekender.
Somerset House Summer Series– 10 Jul- 20 Jul
Bucking the rural field festival mode that fest-goers across the country have come to expect and revere, the Somerset House Summer Series, set in the titular eighteenth century house located right on the banks of the Thames, is set to be a rather wonderful eleven nights. With Chvrches, Bastille, Franz Ferdinand, Daughter and Little Dragon heading the bill, this one is not to be missed, and with a deliciously central London location, a trip to some of London’s AAA casinos could put the shine on your visit.
Kew the Music– 16 Jul- 20 Jul
Picnics, trees and tracks await those who venture to Kew this July. Catering for the generation less likely to record its entirety on their iPhone, this year’s six day festival boasts Jools Holland, Elvis Costello, Simple Minds, Blondie, James Morrison and Gipsy Kings. For those that hanker for a more VIP experience there’s always the ultimate package, with picnic hampers, BBQ dinners and reserved seating for punters.
Are you planning on going to any of the above, or any other, festivals in London this summer? Let us know which ones in the comments below…
