Ealing Summer Festivals are out to prove that west is best this summer.
The Elizabeth Line isn’t the only thing arriving in Ealing this year. In July, this charming corner of West London will play host to a series of excellent festivals, each aiming to draw the crowds to picturesque Walpole Park. So if you happen to be out west and desperately missing Glastonbury, maybe try one of the Ealing Summer Festivals on for size?
The west fest season kicks off with Ealing Comedy Festival, which is primed and ready for a good chortle. Somewhat confusingly, it runs in two parts, from July 19th-20th, and then for three days between the 25th and 27th. Still, there’s a quality lineup including the likes of Josh Widdicombe, Nish Kumar, Shappi Khorsandi, Reginald D. Hunter, Milton Jones, and Stephen K. Amos, so we won’t be complaining at all.
In between the two halves of the comedy festival, there’s just enough space for the Ealing Blues Festival, on July 21st & 22nd. Giants of music including The Rolling Stones and Eric Clapton rocked Ealing back in the day, and this festival has been singing the blues for 25 years now. Headlining in 2018 are bluegrass rock pioneers Hayseed Dixie, who are an absolute riot of a band. The Blues Festival will also attempt a Guinness World Record in aid of Brain Tumour Research, by endeavouring to host the world’s largest guitar ensemble.
The Ealing Summer Festivals conclude with something real smooth: Ealing Jazz Festival. Bringing together pioneering jazz musicians like Tony Allen, and the new wave of Zara McFarlane and Nérija, it’s the best place for jazz west of Ronnie Scott’s. Find it in Walpole Park on July 28th & 29th. Three festivals, and you don’t even have to leave Ealing – how convenient!
Find them at Walpole Park, 45 Disraeli Road, Ealing, W5 5HS. You can book the Comedy Festival here, the Blues Festival here, and the Jazz Festival here.