Come summer and the arrival of glorious sunshine and warm weather, Londoners flood the streets and flock to the many festivals, carnivals and events bringing the city to life in summertime. With summer around the corner, here are 10 exciting events to look out for this summer to really immerse yourself in London life:
1. Watch Shakespeare at the Globe (June-August)
Summer is the perfect time to catch a Shakespeare performance at the Globe Theatre. This summer, you can watch Shakespeare classics such as The Taming of the Shrew, Richard III, Much Ado About Nothing and more for only £10! Check out the upcoming schedule at the Globe and get £10 standing tickets here:
Did you know…
Shakespeare’s Globe theatre is a world-renowned performing arts venue and cultural attraction on the bank of the River Thames. The Globe Theatre you see today is actually the third version of the Globe. Built in 1599, the original Globe sadly burned down in 1613 after an accident during a performance Shakespeare’s Henry VIII. The company rebuilt the Globe in a year, but it was closed down by parliamentary decree in 1642. After decades of campaigning, the current Globe theatre was re-constructed in 1997 and accurately resembles the 16th century original version.
2. Taste Food Festival (12th – 16th June)
Every summer, the Taste Food Festival takes over Regent’s Park with 55,000 hungry Londoners sampling the best food and drinks in the UK, including esteemed London restaurants, famous chefs and culinary innovators. Festival goers can always take part in cooking workshops and watch live music while they enjoying some delicious food.
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3. European Football Championships (14 June – 14 July)
The 2024 European Championship (commonly referred to as the ‘Euros’) kick off in a couple of weeks, and England football fans are feeling confident about winning the tournament. Throughout June and July, lots of pubs and bars will be showing all the games, and the atmosphere is always brilliant. We suggest going to the BoxPark arena in Shoredicth, Croydon or Wembley to watch the games on a massive outdoor screen and enjoy some beers with your friends and fellow football fans. You have to pay for entry for these arenas, but it’ll be hard to find a better atmosphere in all of London (particularly for England games).
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4. West End LIVE (22nd & 23rd June)
Around the corner from the school, you can watch FREE performances of West End productions in Trafalgar Square on Saturday 22nd June and Sunday 23rd June. Rather than paying over £40 to watch a West End production in the theatre, you can catch 50 live performances from London’s most celebrated West End musicals over the weekend. Entry to West End LIVE is free and no ticket is required. However, it’s on a first come first serve basis so make sure to turn up early to get a good spot. The schedule will be announced one week before, so watch this space!
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5. BST Hyde Park Music Festival (28th June – 14th July)
If you want more open air performances, you can enjoy amazing music in London’s most famous park with the BST Hyde Park music festival with a star-studded line up of musicians. Big names include pop icons like Robbie Williams (6th July), Stevie Nicks from Fleetwood Mac (12th July) and Kylie Minogue (13th July).
6. Pride Parade (June)
Pride Month celebrates and promotes greater inclusivity of the LGBTQIA+ community. Throughout the month of June, Pride in London organises daily events, fundraisers, workshops and a massive parade on the 29th June to raise awareness of LGBTQIA+ issues and showcase the amazing diversity of this community. Find out more about the upcoming Pride events here:
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7. Wimbledon Tennis Championships (1st – 14th July)
Arguably the most historic tennis championship in the world, Wimbledon, is back again for two weeks this July. The championships have seen iconic battles between Federer, Nadal, Djokovic and Andy Murray over the years, and there’s bound to be just as much sporting drama this time round. Unsurprisingly, it’s very difficult to get tickets but Wimbledon remains one of the very few major sporting events where you can buy tickets on the day of play. Be warned however that the queue often starts the evening before or very early in the morning so we suggest getting there as early as you can!
8. Hampton Court Garden Festival (2nd – 7th July)
Explore the beautiful gardens and maze at the historic Hampton Court Palace in South West London. Meander through the spectacular floral displays and learn all about the history of the palace from the public dramas of the Tudor Court to the private lives of Henry VIII and his wives. Tickets for the Hampton Court Garden Festival are around £30, but it’s well-worth the price for a tour of the grounds and palace.
Did you know…
During the 1530s, Henry VIII’s Hampton Court was a palace, hotel, theatre and court for esteemed guests and all of his wives. The King used it to demonstrate magnificence and power in every possible way, through lavish banquets, extravagant court life and fabulously expensive art.
9. London Craft Beer Festival (9th & 10th August)
Do you like beer? You’re in for a treat this August! The London Craft Beer Festival is coming back to Tobacco Dock on the 9th and 10th of August, where you can sample 800+ beers from 100+ breweries from across the UK. Tickets are £59, but all the beer is included in the price. What a bargain!
10. Notting Hill Carnival (25th & 26th August)
Last but not least, we can’t talk about London in summer without mentioning Europe’s largest street party and the second largest carnival in the world behind Carnaval in Rio de Janeiro. Taking place over the late August Bank Holiday weekend, the Notting Hill Carnival celebrates the large Afro-Carribean community of London with a colourful parade, live music and out-of-this-world Caribbean food. Entry to the carnival is free and every year about 2 million people attend.
What’s the best way to discover London this summer? Join our English Experience 30+ course where you can take 15 hours of lessons per week to progress your English and enjoy two free afternoon excursions around the city with the Social Programme. Find out more here: