An A to Z of London's Best Festivals

From culinary extravaganzas to classical music concerts, there’s an endless supply of fantastic festivals to enjoy in the UK capital. If you’re planning a visit to the city sometime soon, why not enhance your stay by securing yourself some tickets?

If you’re not sure exactly which event to go for, we’ve put together an essential A to Z list of the top London festivals below.


All Points East

This East London music festival first launched in 2018 and has since made waves for its diverse mix of pop, rock and indie artists. All Points East is held in Victoria Park over two weekends in early summer, plus there’s also various community activities during the week in between for all the family to enjoy.

BBC Proms

Whether you’re an avid fan of Bach or you just like listening to exquisite instrumental music, the BBC Proms is a great London music festival to get tickets for. It runs throughout the summer until mid-September, with most of the atmospheric events hosted in the Royal Albert Hall.

BFI London Film Festival

Film buffs will rejoice at this London film festival that’s been taking place since 1953. Hosted by the British Film Institute in October, it’s made up of screenings of over 300 feature films, documentaries and shorts from local and international talent.

British Summer Time Hyde Park

Held in London’s largest Royal Park over two weekends in July, British Summer Time Hyde Park (BST Hyde Park for short) is one of the most highly anticipated music festivals in the city. Previous headline acts include Florence + The Machine, Kylie Minogue and The Rolling Stones.

Camden Fringe

Can’t make it up to the Edinburgh Fringe this year? Why not book tickets for London’s next best thing instead? The Camden Fringe in August features all sorts of weird and wonderful comedy, drama and musical performances.

Greenwich Music Time

Few festival venues are more atmospheric than Greenwich’s regal Royal Naval College. That’s where you’ll find the London borough’s annual Greenwich Music Time festival in early July. There’s usually a real mix of musicians on its line-up, from contemporary girl bands through to 90s legends.

Hampton Court Palace Festival

Head to one of London’s most glorious Royal Palaces for this incredible summer music festival. It takes place in the grounds of Hampton Court where open air shows have been performed since the 16^th century. Music genres at the festival range from pop to rock, with top acts in past years including Elton John, Tom Jones and Jools Holland.

London Coffee Festival

Can’t resist a fresh cup of joe? Purchase tickets for the London Coffee Festival in early April to smell and savour artisan coffee from over 250 roasters. The festival is typically hosted at the cool Truman Brewery, just off Brick Lane.

London Craft Beer Festival

Craft ale lovers must put this London festival on their agenda. Taking place in modern event location Tobacco Dock every August, the London Craft Beer Festival showcases the best of British beer, from household brands to small batch microbreweries.

Lovebox

Another lively London music festival, Lovebox shines a light on the best new and upcoming talent in the hip hop, electronic, grime and techno music worlds. It was started by the DJs behind Groove Armada in 2002 and now attracts thousands of festival goers to its current base in Gunnersbury Park each July.

Notting Hill Carnival

Feathers, delicious food and plenty of fun are what’s in store if you attend the Notting Hill Carnival. Known for being the biggest street party in Europe, it’s brightened up the streets of Notting Hill every August Bank Holiday since 1966.

Somerset House Summer Series

Stroll over to gorgeous Somerset House in July for its popular Summer Series of night time gigs. They all take place in its magnificent courtyard, with an eclectic line up of ground-breaking, globally renowned artists.

Taste of London

Held twice a year in June and November, Taste of London is an unmissable festival for foodies. In the summer, it transforms Regent’s Park into a culinary paradise, while the winter edition takes place indoors at Tobacco Dock. You’ll spot stalls from some of the city’s top eateries at both events, plus cooking demonstrations from top chefs.

Underbelly Festival

This touring UK arts festival that celebrates all things comical and dramatic sets up shop along the River Thames for six months of the year.  As well as hilarious performances from some of the biggest names in comedy, Underbelly also has a programme of family-friendly circus events and live cabaret shows. Find it at Southbank between April and October.

Winter Wonderland

While more of a fair than a festival, London’s immense Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park is the ideal way to get into the festive spirit. It opens in late November and has something for all the family to enjoy, from craft stalls and exhilarating rides to delicious street food and warming Christmas drinks.

Wireless

Describing itself as the ‘ultimate summer festival’, Wireless takes place in Finsbury Park every July. It’s a must for fans of hip hop and R&B, with past years including major global talent such as Stormzy, Rihanna and Jay-Z.

Where should I stay in London for a festival?

Whether you’re dancing the night away to your favourite band or tasting your way through some sensational cuisine, you’ll find plenty of places to bed down before or after a festival in the Big Smoke.

Book a room in the heart of the city at our NYX Hotel London Holborn that’s just a short tube ride away from key event locations like Hyde Park, Southbank and Tobacco Dock. If you’d rather stay on the fringes of the city, our Leonardo Hotel London Watford and Leonardo Hotel London Croydon hotels offer supreme comfort and easy access on the train or tube into the centre of London.