City of London Festival, beginning in June, brings jazz and classical music, dance, street performance, history and architecture events to the City. Events take place over eight weeks, many of them free.
Greenwich + Docklands International Festival in late June features stunning theatrical and music performances around the local area. Highlights include Dancing City, when international dancers turn Canary Wharf into their stage - performing around the waterfront, squares and stairs.
Dagenham Town Show in mid July is a great day out, attracting huge crowds to see live music on three stages (usually with some famous names on the bill). There’s a traditional parade and family-friendly attractions - and entrants are always needed for the talent competition.
Shoreditch Festival in mid July includes community events, alongside performances by top musicians, dancers and singers. Activity is mainly around Shoreditch Park – and usually includes a fireworks show.
Brick Lane Festival in early September has become a must-see event. Crowd pleasers such as stiltwalkers, rickshaw rides, a funfair and leading Bangla bands transform the streets around Brick Lane and Allen Gardens. Restaurants usually lay on special feasts.
Thames Festival is a fabulous end-of-summer party in mid September. Activity centres on the stretch of river from Tower Bridge through to Westminster. The carnival, street food, exhibitions, river races, films and live acts transform the Thames and its riverbanks and bridges into one giant playground.
Best of the Rest
Pride London in early July is a parade and celebration by London’s gay community, and everyone is welcome to join the party. Events take place for two weeks around the big day and include events at London’s major arts venues.
Ealing Summer is a month-long party beginning in mid July. Food, top-class comedy, music and literature are on the programme. Highlight is London Mela in August a giant South Asian meet in Gunnersbury Park, with urban, classical and experimental music, plus variety and circus.
Barrio Fiesta sa London in mid July is a long trek west, but offers a free day out in South East Asia. Once a traditional ‘fiesta’ in Hounslow, it’s become the biggest get-together of Philippinos in Europe, with performances, parades, handicrafts and irresistible street food.
Lambeth Country Show takes place in mid July in Brockwell Park, Herne Hill. The event brings the country to the city, with funfair, flower show, farm animals and acts such as Medieval battle re-enactments and parachute teams.
Notting Hill Carnival is the biggest street party in Europe and attracts huge crowds over Bank Holiday Weekend for live music, atmosphere and a fabulous parade. A must if you’ve never experienced it before - but do some background reading before you go for tips on how to beat the crowds.
10 more unmissable London Events
Chinese New Year in and around Chinatown includes a parade, entertainment in Trafalgar Square and fireworks in Leicester Square.
The Great Spitalfields Pancake Race in February is a celebration of Shrove Tuesday and involves frying pan-wielding runners dashing up Dray Walk to raise money for charity.
St Patrick’s Day in mid March spawns a whole host of celebrations of all things Irish – many of them involving Guinness. But the official cultural event happens in Trafalgar Square.
Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race is the televised annual Derby in late March/early April between university rowers. Running from Putney to Chiswick, it’s free to watch from the banks of the Thames and pubs and local parks also lay on entertainment.
The Scoop at More London runs from June to September in an amphitheatre close to City Hall. With free film, opera and theatre on the menu, there’s something for everyone.
Liberty in late August/early September celebrates the contribution of disabled and deaf people to London culture. It is London’s most accessible gathering, with free parking for Blue Badge Holders, BSL interpretation and audio description and induction loops at information points.
Great River Race in early September is possibly the wackiest race you’ll ever see. Around 300 crews race the 22 miles from Docklands to Ham in a wonderful assortment of craft, including Viking longboats and Chinese dragon boats.
London Open House in mid September is a celebration of architecture and many private buildings (including offices and stunning architect-designed houses) open their doors to the public. Public buildings also join in with behind-the-scenes tours. An unmissable event for architecture buffs - just as enjoyable if you’re nosy!
Lord Mayor’s Show in November is a giant pageant that winds its way from Guildhall through the City, then back along Embankment to Mansion House. There are guided walks of the City after the parade, followed by a spectacular fireworks display on the Thames.
Christmas in Trafalgar Square is a magical fortnight when a touch of peace and goodwill comes to manic central London. The giant spruce tree donated by the people of Norway, is erected in early December and becomes a focus for carol singers in the run up to the holidays.
For a general description of these pages and an explanation of how they should work with screenreading equipment please follow this link: Link to general description
