English level: B1-C2
London is the best place to be for live music over the summer. There are plenty of opportunities to see world-class acts without having to travel far. There is a gig to suit everyone’s taste from electronic DJs to rock bands, pop acts and much more! We have selected some of the best to get you dancing in the sunshine (fingers crossed!)
- BST Hyde Park, 24th June – 9th July, https://www.bst-hydepark.com/
Can you guess what BST stands for? It is of course – British Summer Time! And as we all know, the best time of year to hear live music in Hyde Park is in the summer. There are several different shows happening across June and July including The Rolling Stones, Elton John and Duran Duran. If you fancy an education in British rock history this festival is for you.
- Wireless, Crystal Palace 1-3rd July and Finsbury Park 8-10th July, https://wirelessfestival.co.uk
Wireless festival is definitely an event for R&B, hip hop and grime fans and features an array of stars from the UK and US. Standout acts include Nicki Minaj, Cardi B, Little Simz and Tyler the Creator. Not bad, eh? The festival takes place in two locations (Crystal Palace and Finsbury Park) so make sure you check the website carefully to see where your favourite group is playing before you buy your ticket.
- All Points East, Victoria Park, Various dates in August, https://www.allpointseastfestival.com/
All Points East takes in Victoria Park over the month of August with some big, big names to draw in the crowds. This will be a popular festival for both electronic and rock fans alike as big acts like Disclosure, The Chemical Brothers, Gorillaz, The National and Tame Impala take to the stage. With lots of British bands on the line up, this will be a good musical education for anyone who wants to know what the ‘hipster’ Brits are into.
- Somerset House Summer Series, Central London, 7 – 17th July, https://www.somersethouse.org.uk/whats-on/somerset-house-summer-series
Somerset House is just a short walk from International House and usually a popular destination for art lovers. In the summer however, the courtyard is transformed into a live music venue, with a cool festival feel. The line up is a mixed bag of well-known artists and some fresh London-based talent you may not have heard of yet. Popular acts such as Arlo Parks and John Legend are sold out but there are plenty of tickets available for newcomers like Tems, Squid and SG Lewis.
- Kaleidoscope, Alexandra Palace, 23rd July, https://kaleidoscope-festival.com/
If you live in North London, you have probably visited Alexandra Palace and enjoyed the incredible city views. In July, there is another reason to visit as Alexandra Palace (aka Ally Pally) will become an exciting festival venue with music, comedy and plenty for children to do. The musical line-up includes British electronic duo Orbital and 80s/90s band The Happy Mondays. Elsewhere, you can dance to funky DJs or laugh your socks off in the comedy tent.
Which festival will you go to? Which one sounds the best?
Glossary:
An array of – a range of
Not bad eh? – an informal way of saying ‘This is good, don’t you agree?’
Standout – most important
Draw in – attract
Acts – another word for artist, band, group or musicians
Hipster – someone who follows the latest cool trends and fashions
Line up – a list of performers
Mixed bag – a blend, a mixture
Laugh your socks off – laugh a lot