It’s safe to say that all our London festivals have returned completely back to normal after a very trying couple of years, and this year is certainly no different, with everyone from Erykah Badu to Kim Petras and Loyle Carner to Charlotte De Witte taking to our beloved parks to belt out the tunes.
And given that we’re nearing wonderful sunny times, it means that its time to crack open the cans of beer, slap on the suncream, lather yourself in glitter and prepare to let loose and show off your moves for all the best music festivals in London this year!
Note that we will be updating this London festivals roundup as and when we get further information on lineups and dates.
London Music Festivals that are coming up
Dialled In (September 7)
📍 Location: The Cause, Docklands.
🎶 Why Dialled In: Dialled In Festival is a vibrant celebration of South Asian culture, music, and art. Launched in 2021, the festival is known for its focus on amplifying the voices of South Asian artists and communities, often marginalised in mainstream music and art scenes. The festival is led by South Asian icons daytimers, No ID, and Chalo, who are dedicated to creating spaces that represent the diversity and richness of South Asian heritage.
✨ 2023’s highlights: Ahadadream, Goldtooth, Aisha Mirza, Lyla, DAR DISKU, My Panda Shall Fly and SANASESH X RISHY MALIK, and more.
👀 What we can expect in 2024: Gracie T, Bengal Sound, Paul Purgas, Mighty Zaf, Skeptic and more.
Maiden Voyage (September 14)
📍 Location: Burgess Park.
🎶 Why Maiden Voyage: Another London festival that was established relatively recently, Maiden Voyage comes from the team behind Camden’s emblematic music venue the Jazz Café. The music on offer here is an eclectic mish-mash of Jazz, Electronic, and Alternative stuff. Some of the new stage hosts include London Queer club Adonis and Berlin-based collective Live From Earth, with main stages curated by PXSSY PALACE.
✨ 2023’s highlights: Richie Hawtin, Herrensauna XXL, Moxie, Jules, CASISDEAD, VTSS and Soichi Terada and stage takeovers from esteemed nightclubs Phonox and Fold.
👀 What we can expect in 2024: Arca, Jayda G, Jeff Mills, Mall Grab, Young Marco, Palms Trax, Erika De Casier and more.
👉 Keep up to date: Here.
Waterworks (September 14)
📍 Location: Gunnersbury Park, Acton.
🎶 Why Waterworks: A one-day dance event designed to ‘celebrate independent electronic music culture’. There are actively no headliners here – just a plethora of world-class DJs spinning the tunes all day long. Last year was a banging success, and this year will no doubt be the same.
✨ 2023’s highlights: Charisse C, HAAi, Josey Rebelle, Palms Trax, Heléna Star, Nick León, SHERELLE, Elijah & Skilliam, Shanti Celeste, Saoirse and SUCHI.
👀 What we can expect in 2024: Kode9, Amaliah, Tim Reaper, Midland, Moxie, Erol Alkan, Niks, Shanti Celeste, Tash LC, Mia Koden, Mixtress, Conducta, Leon Vynehall, Mantra, Jamz Supernova
👉 Keep up to date: Here.
Jazz Cafe Festival (September 15)
📍 Location: Gunnersbury Park, Acton.
🎶 Why Jazz Cafe Festival: The first of its kind, Jazz Cafe debuts its festival this year away from its home in Camden. Spanning over three decades, four unique stages with host some of Jazz Cafe’s most cherished artists.
👀 What we can expect in 2024: ELIZA, Earl Sweatshirt, Alchemist, Nils Frahm, Crazy P, Gilles Peterson, Buena Vista All Starts, Rapsody, Moonchild Sanelly, Omar Souleyman, Habibi Funk and more.
👉 Keep up to date: Here.
London Festivals that have been and gone
In The Round (April 18 – 27)
📍 Location: The Roundhouse, Camden.
🎶 Why In The Round: Firstly the venue is out of our favourites. Secondly, this is about so much more than just the music. Sure there’s that (and some bloody great acts on the bill too), but they’ve also got authors, songwriters, poets, playwrights, directors, screenwriters, illustrators, editors and podcasters here. Phew!
✨ 2023’s highlights: Last year’s music came in the form of Dave Okumu & The Seven Degrees, Guy Garvey’s Finest Hour, Sona Jobarteh, Laura Veirs, Leroy Hutson, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Yazmin Lacey and the UK’s first professional trans+ choir, Trans Vocalists. Not to forget Stormzy’s #MERKY Books Literature Festival and talks from playwright Theresa Ikoko and poet Sophia Thakur among many others.
👀 What we can expect in 2024: This year’s programme includes Tirzah, Lucy Rose, Samara Joy and The Songs of Joni Mitchell featuring Emeli Sandé, Eska, Kate Stables (This Is The Kit), Lail Arad, Sam Amidon, and Vashti Bunyan, hosted by Cerys Matthew.
👉 Keep up to date: Here.
Brick Lane Jazz Festival (April 26 – 28)
📍 Location: Truman Brewery in Shoreditch and other venues.
🎶 Why Brick Lane Jazz: Firstly, we all know that London’s Jazz scene is some of the best. With a wealth of artists repping the capital, Brick Lane Jazz Festival is a stunning culmination of sound and culture and what better location to do it? With three new live stages this year, you can expect performances across multiple music venues such as Village Underground, Rich Mix and Rough Trade East. Alongside the main three stages, you can explore other stunning venues and locations in Brick Lane with things on in 93 Feet East, Juju’s Bar & Stage, Cafe 1001, Ninety One Living Room, Brick Lane Tap Room, The Common Counter and Big Chill.
✨ 2023’s highlights: Last year’s music came in the form Ashley Henry, Bel Cobain, Reuben James, Steam Down Presents, Tenderlonious, Camilla George, Seed., Nu Civilisation Orchestra, Goya Gumbani, Colectiva, CubAfrobeat, Vula, Jas Kayser, Kay Young, Chelsea Carmichael, Jasmine Myra.
👀 What we can expect in 2024: This year’s programme includes Oscar Jermone, Ojerime, The Silhouettes Project, Ego Ella May, Tara Lily, anaiis, Zeitgeist Freedom Energy Exchange.
👉 Keep up to date: Here.
Queen’s Yard Summer Party (May 4)
📍 Location: Multiple venues across Hackney Wick.
🎶 Why Queen’s Yard Summer Party: Well, it’ll be one of the first Summer (yes, we’re calling May Summer) parties you can attend in London this year, and is a must for any fan of House, Techno and Disco. One wristband will get you access to a whole array of venues – 16 in fact – dotted across Hackney Wick, and we’d advise you simply hop through them all. Last person standing and all that…
✨ 2023’s highlights: A brilliant set of stage takeovers from the likes of CTRL SOUND, Gottwood, Earful of Wax, Disco Disco, Percolate and many more.
👀 What we can expect in 2024: Voices Radio, Terra Obscura, Saturn Sisters, Omni, Jive Talk, Earthly Measures, Glass Talk, Cabin Fever, Better Days, Abantu and many many more.
👉 Keep up to date: Here.
Brixton Disco Festival (May 4)
📍 Location: Brixton, South London.
🎶 Why Brixton Disco Festival: If you’re looking for a London festival that will make you dance, then this is the one for you. As the name suggests, this one is all about the Disco, and it all takes place in venues surrounding the famous Windrush Square. Last year was more of a night out vibe in the lively Prince of Wales, and it went so successfully that they’re expanding for the 2023 festival season. Crazy P, Dimitri From Paris and the House Gospel Choir are already confirmed.
✨ 2023’s highlights: House Gospel Choir (live!), Crazy P Soundsystem, Faith, Young Pulse, The Disco Express, Dimitri From Paris and Black and Gay, Back in the Day have all played their Disco tunes here throughout the 2023 season.
👀 What we can expect in 2024: Artwork, Jocelyn Brown, Dave Lee JN, Norman Jay MBE, Michael Gray, Aroop Roy, Marcia Carr, Ella Knight, Yasmin and many more.
👉 Keep up to date: Here.
GALA (May 24 – 26)
📍 Location: Peckham Rye Park, Peckham.
🎶 Why GALA: Returning to Peckham across the latter May Bank Holiday weekend, GALA are continuing to build on their sell-out events, 2021’s of which was one of the first festivals back post-lockdown. That year’s event seriously went off – which is why they extended the festival to three days last year. Thursday now is more about the live stuff, whereas Friday and Saturday will bring the DJs out in full swing. Expect a varied lineage spanning House, Jazz, Disco, Drum & Bass, Garage, Acid House and Afrobeats.
✨ 2023’s highlights: Jordan Rakei, Kerri Chandler, Yung Singh, Big Dyke Energy, Saoirse, Riva, Romare, Congo Natty, Gideön, Heléna Star, Overmono, Hannah Holland and more.
👀 What we can expect in 2024: The lineup has just been announced for this one and includes DJ EZ, Folamour, Job Jobse, Girls Don’t Sync, Novelist, Sherelle, Loraine James, Horse Meat Disco and more.
👉 Keep up to date: Here.
Project 6 (May 24)
📍 Location: Brockwell Park, Brixton.
🎶 Why Project 6: While Project 6 is a relatively new festival, it’s definitely build its reputation of hosting heavyweight lineup of innovative, game-changing artists and labels. You can expect the best in drum & bass, techno, hip hop, and grime and everything in between featuring huge live performances and DJ sets. This year’s edition is even more special with a stunning showcase lined up to celebrate 30 Years of Rinse FM. We all know Rinse FM has been essential in shaping the electronic music landscape so this is definitely a collaboration of dreams!
✨ 2023’s highlights: Ghetts, Shy FX: SPECIALS Fabio & Grooverider, Ojerime, Pip Millett, Lex Amor · Saiming · Shae Universe, Channel Tres, Frankie Stew & Harvey Gunn, Ocean Wisdom, Bawo, BXKS, Calibre, Children Of Zeus, Dréya Mac, Finn Foxell, Jeshi, Kofi Stone, Nix Northwest and more!
👀 What we can expect in 2024: The lineup has just been announced for this one and includes CASISDEAD, Katy B, Freddie Gibbs + Madlib, Mala, Benga, Juls, Taylah Elaine, Shy FX, sim0ne, Steam Down (plus special guests) and Vigro Deep, Nines, Pusha T, Chip, DJ Boring, DJ Seinfeld, Eliza Rose, Katy B, Mozey, P-rallel, SBTRKT, Serum, Taylah Elaine, Teki Latex, Todd Edwards, Unknown T.
👉 Keep up to date: Here.
Wide Awake (May 25)
📍 Location: Brockwell Park, Brixton.
🎶 Why Wide Awake: Back for its third year for 2023, the independent Wide Awake festival pride themselves in ‘highlighting some of the best established and up and coming artists in the world today’. Celebrated for their unmissable line-ups of leftfield indie, post-punk, electronica, techno, and jazz, this year sees the likes of Daniel Avery and Caroline Polachek on the bill. Sign us up!
✨ 2023’s highlights: Caroline Polachek, Daniel Avery (Live), Shy Girl, Coucou Chloe, Enumclaw, Gilla Band, Jockstrap, Joy Orbison, Molchat Doma, Oneohtrix Point Never, The Bug Club, Optimo (Espacio), Arooj Aftab, Sunset Rollercoaster, The Underground Youth and VTSS and more.
👀 What we can expect in 2024: King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, Slowdive, Young Fathers, Squid, Hannah Diamond, Dry Cleaning, Ben UFO, Eartheater, OK Williams and more.
👉 Keep up to date: Here.
Cross The Tracks (May 26)
📍 Location: Brockwell Park, Brixton.
🎶 Why Cross The Tracks: This top-notch music and food-led festival made a stellar debut back in 2019, and bills itself as being ‘Brixton’s Soul, Jazz and Funk fest’. Alongside great music – Kelis, Gilles Peterson and Alfa Mist are all headlining this year – you’ve got over forty food stalls, craft beer aplenty, a vintage fair, a wellness tent, and even an independent creative market – all of which promises a ‘no-bad-vibes’ festival.
✨ 2023’s highlights: Grammy winner Kelis, British MC Alfa Mist, Gilles Peterson, Channel One, Loose Ends, Nightmares On Wax, Ezra Collective, Sam Gellaitry and Roy Ayers on his final farewell tour.
👀 What we can expect in 2024: Erykah Badu, BADBADNOTGOOD, Eve, Madlib, El Michels Affair, Thee Sacred Souls, Ama Lou, Orion Sun, Channel One and more.
👉 Keep up to date: Here.
City Splash (May 27)
📍 Location: Brockwell Park, Brixton.
🎶Why City Splash: This fantastic festival is a celebration of Reggae’s impact on London youth culture, with over 60 artists across seven different stages and a whole host of different Caribbean food stalls and workshops too. You’ll be able to enjoy a genre-spanning line-up, from Dancehall to Grime and Jungle to Afrobeats, all with a common thread: a Reggae influence.
✨ 2023’s highlights: Koffee, Chronixx, Shenseea, Max Romeo, Stylo G, Ayra Starr, Uncle Waffles
👀 What we can expect in 2024: A stacked lineup boasting the likes of Capleton, Beenie Man, Shenseea, Busy Signal, Anthony B, Black Sherif, Ding Dong, Libianca, Lojay, Queen Omega, WSTRN, Rage MC, Shy FX, Dubwise Jamaica, Ayanna Heaven, Kalia Goddess, Sisters In Dub and many more that are certain to make a splash in the capital.
👉 Keep up to date: Here.
Mighty Hoopla (June 1 & 2)
📍 Location: Brockwell Park, Brixton.
🎶 Why Mighty Hoopla: Sashay away! A nice getaway from all the Electronic madness, with ‘a day of pop-tastic music, fun and games in the Summer sun’. It’s London’s biggest festival for pure pop, and is a real highlight of the LGBTQ+ London calendar. 2022 saw a storming lineup of pop trio the Sugababes (the original trio), Katy B, Anastacia, Sink The Pink, Little Gay Brother, Jayda G, and Jessie Ware – who brought all the hits from her critically-acclaimed LP ‘What’s Your Pleasure’. Definitely one to wear your loudest frock or jumpsuit and a hell of a lot of glitter at. You do you hun.
✨ 2023’s highlights: ‘Motivation’ from Kelly Rowland, Kelis, Beverly Knight, Samantha Mumba, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Natasha Bedingfield and guy power from Jake Shears, Years and Years, Dan Beaumont, Louis III and The 2 Bears – one hell of a ‘hun’ party!
👀 What we can expect in 2024: Nelly Furtado, Kim Petras, En Vogue, Bananarama, Eve, Countess Luann, Cher Lloyd, Jessie Ware, Rita Ora and more!
👉 Keep up to date: Here.
Hampton Court Palace Festival (June 11–22)
📍 Location: Hampton Court, duh.
🎶 Why Hampton Court Palace Festival: You can’t get a much more magical place for music festivals than in the Tudor Courtyard of a Grade I-listed, 16th century palace, which was once the home of Henry VIII and his six different wives! I mean… come on. Enjoy a picnic in the beautiful East Front Gardens before watching world-class acts perform in this stunning setting. Last year saw the likes of Elbow and Crowded House play, so they get some real classics playing here.
✨ 2023’s highlights: Fantastic performances from Grace Jones, the legend that is Tom Jones, the Kaiser Chiefs, Rick Astley, Soft Cell, Kool & The Gang and Björn Again. Phew!
👀 What we can expect in 2024: Nile Rodgers & Chic, Sam Ryder, Sheryl Crow, Deacon Blue, Paloma Faith and more to be announced.
👉 Keep up to date: Here.
Meltdown (June 14–23)
📍 Location: Southbank Centre, Waterloo.
🎶 Why Meltdown: Not your typical cider-in-the-park festival, this annual series of London gigs — the longest-running artist-curated music festival in London — reaches its 28th festival in 2024. The legendary singer, songwriter and all around superstar that is Chaka Khan was recently announced as this iteration’s curator, following on from Christine and the Queens (AKA Redcar) and Grace Jones from the previous years.
✨ 2023’s highlights: Django Django, Kokoroko, Oxlade, Sigur Rós and the London Contemporary Orchestra, Warpaint, Moonchild Sanelly, Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs and many more.
👀 What we can expect in 2024: Lineup yet to be announced!
👉 Keep up to date: Here.
Off The Rails (June 10)
📍 Location: Five different locations in Shepherd’s Bush.
🎶 Why Off The Rails: This festival is the brainchild of the minds behind Next Door Records, who are passionate about bringing together an eclectic mix of live and electronic music, visual art, talks, and more. With five venues and eight stages, their festival will showcase exciting emerging artists to established acts, showcasing a range of different genres, from contemporary jazz to alternative to electronic, broken beat, hip hop and dance. Add in a whole shedload of visual art and you can see why we love this one!
✨ 2023’s highlights: Lone, Ariane V, Ash Walker, Alexander Nut, Spill, GIYA, Febueder, White Flowers, Finn Foxell, Marcelina Wick and many, many more.
👀 What we can expect in 2024: Guava Jamz, Chris Tindall, Ash Walker, Finn Foxell, White Flowersm Jelani Blackman, Tash LC and many more.
👉 Keep up to date: Here.
BST Hyde Park (July 5–July 14)
📍 Location: Hyde Park, Central London.
🎶 Why BST Hyde Park: London’s largest Royal park hosts music royalty in six open-air concerts across two weekends (with free midweek entertainment) to make for an event like no other. They certainly haven’t held back with the lineup last year – Adele, Elton John and even the bloody Rolling Stones were on the bill – and this year has already seen iconic rock band Guns N’Roses jump on board the bill. Rock on.
Multiple brands will also be popping up at stalls around Hyde Park for the festival – we’ll be making a beeline for Miami Cocktail Co. and their ‘better for you’ canned drinks. Hello, bellinis, margaritas and mimosa spritzes in the summer sun…
✨ 2023’s highlights: Pink, Bruce Springsteen, Guns N’Roses, Take That, Lana Del Ray and Blackpink!
👀 What we can expect in 2024: Queen Kylie Minogue, Shania Twain, Robbie Williams, Andrea Bocelli, Stevie Nicks, Stray KidsSZA, Kings Of Leon, Morgan Wallen – need I say more?
👉 Keep up to date: Here.
Big Smoke (July 6)
📍 Location: Crystal Palace Park.
🎶 Why Big Smoke: There is no doubt that Skepta is a man of many talents and now he can add festival curator to the list. With two stages personally curated by Skepta, you can expect a star-studded line-up encompassing all genres for a stunning celebration of music.
✨ 2023’s highlights: 2024 is the first of its edition!
👀 What we can expect in 2024: Skepta the man himself, The Streets, Mahalia, JME, Lancey, K-Trap, Odumodublvck, The Den featuring Frisco, Flowdan, Sir Spyro, Infamousizak, Manga, Thafirst, Loco Dice, Uncle Waffles, Syreeta and Kitty Amor.
👉 Keep up to date: Here.
Wireless (July 12 – 14)
📍 Location: Finsbury Park, North London.
🎶 Why Wireless: Taking place across three days in July, this famous London festival offers the best of the best in Hip-Hop, Rap and Grime – and you best cop your tickets soon as it always sells out in a hot minute. They went all out last year, with lively performances from Tyler, The Creator, J.Cole, Nicki Minaj, Burna Boy, Doja Cat, A$AP Rocky, Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion featuring across the weekend. Us Londoners finally got to see a live performance of WAP, so what’s in store for you this year we wonder?!
✨ 2023’s highlights: 50 Cent, BRIT-winning girl group FLO, Travis Scott, Playboi Carti, Latto, Lil Uzi Vert, Headie One, Bryson Tiller, Popcaan, Mariah the Scientist, Lola Brooke, Dexta Daps, Ice Spice and Glorilla and many more great artists doing their thing.
👀 What we can expect in 2024: The lineup has just been announced and includes Nicki Minaj, Doja Cat, 21 Savage, J Hus and Future, Ice Spice, Digga D and many more.
👉 Keep up to date: Here.
Kew The Music (July 9–12)
📍 Location: Kew Gardens, Kew.
🎶 Why Kew The Music: Well first off, let’s start with the bleedin’ obvious – the venue is bloody fantastic and was recently voted the ‘most Instagrammable’ botanical garden in the entire world. Add some pretty great live music to the mix, prime spots for a picnic and acts like Ronan Keating, Mika, JLS, and more, and you’ve got the recipe for a great festival experience.
✨ 2023’s highlights: The Human League, Jools Holland, Jack Savoretti and the fabled Haçienda Classiçal.
👀 What we can expect in 2024: Acts on the bill include the likes of Mika, Ronan Keating, Passenger, JLS, Beverley Knight, and more
👉 Keep up to date: Here.
Somerset House Summer Series (July 11 – 21)
📍 Location: Somerset House’s Fountain Court.
🎶 Why Somerset House Summer Series: The Summer Series has been one of London’s most popular festivals set in the heart of the city, in a frankly drop-dead gorgeous setting, since its launch in 2023. Somerset House Summer Series with American Express year after year delivers an eclectic line-up featuring emerging artists along with some of the industry’s most influential acts and this year is no different.
✨ 2023’s highlights: Alison Goldfrapp, La Femme, Interpol, Olivia Dean, BEABADOOBEE, Tinariwen, The Comet is Coming, Gabby and Young Fathers.
👀 What we can expect in 2024: Pip Millett, Corrinne Bailey Rae, Smino, The Amazons Hania Rani, The Big Moon, Cory Henry, Hak Baker, Patti Smith Quartet.
👉 Keep up to date: Here.
Kaleidoscope (July 13)
📍 Location: Alexandra Palace, Wood Green.
🎶 Why Kaleidoscope: Ally Pally is known for its epic gigs, massive beer garden and panoramic views across the whole of London. Kaleidoscope certainly is one of the city’s chillest offerings – perfect for both kids and adults alike – and 2023 sees the ever popular Hot Chip headline. Other acts on the bill are yet to be confirmed, though last year David Rodigan MBE and Charlotte Church’s Pop Dungeon also played. But it’s not all about the music here. They’ve also usually got some great comedy acts from both upcoming and established acts, and DJs are usually spinning the tunes until the sun goes down over London Town.
✨ 2023’s highlights:Hot Chip, as are George Fitzgerald, Elvana, Girls of the Internet, Erol Alkan, Fabio & Grooverider, Heidi Wookie, Nina Conti, Rebel Bingo, Michael Akadiri, Tej Dhutia, Katie McLeod and many more.
👀 What we can expect in 2024: Headliners for 2023 are Ministry of Sound Classical, Soul II Soul, The Go! Team, Are you ready for the floor?!
👉 Keep up to date: Here.
Junction 2 Festival (July 26-28)
📍 Location: Boston Manor Park, Brentford.
🎶 Why Junction 2: This award-winning festival is once again heading to the atmospheric Boston Manor Park – where summer fields meet stark, industrial structures – for the second year on the trot. This is the festival to come if you’re into your underground dance music, which will be delivered to ‘obsessively high standards’ – sounds pretty good to us. 2022 saw the likes of Nina Kraviz, Four Tet and Seth Troxler spin the decks, and this year sees Adam Beyer and Underworld headline.
✨ 2023’s highlights: Underworld, Max Cooper, DJ Seinfeld, Kettama, NIKS, Dixon and OR:LA play with a B2B set from Ben UFO and Helena Hauff. FUSE take over on the Saturday with Adam Beyer, Batu, Chris Avantgarde, Ehua, Charlotte De Witte, Nick León and Dax J!
👀 What we can expect in 2024: Richie Hawtin, LSDXOXO, Hot Since 82, Barry Can’t Swim, The Blessed Madonna, Artbat CamelPhat, Joris Voorn (Live), Adam Beyer b2b Amelie Lens, Avalon Emerson, Daniel Avery b2b Sama’ Abdulhadi, HAAi and so many more!
👉 Keep up to date: Here.
South Facing Festival (July 26–August 10)
📍 Location: Crystal Palace Bowl, Crystal Palace.
🎶Why South Facing Festival: First of all just like Body Movements, it’s still pretty shiny and new, having had its inception back in 2021! This London festival also brings music back to a venue that’s hosted musical icons such as Bob Marley, Pink Floyd, Elton John, The Beach Boys and The Pixies. Over the course of four weekends, you’ll hear the likes of Craig David, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds and Rudimental along with many other special guests.
✨ 2023’s highlights: David Rodigan and the Outlook Orchestra, Craig David, Rudimental, First Aid Kit, Flyte, CMAT and Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds. Phew.
👀 What we can expect in 2024: Grace Jones, Roísín Murphy, Future Islands, Dizzee Rascal, Jess Glynne, Damian Marley and many more.
👉 Keep up to date: Here.
Body Movements (August 25)
📍 Location: Multiple venues across Hackney Wick.
🎶 Why Body Movements: This newcomer to the London festival scene caused quite the stir – of the good kind – when it burst onto the scene in 2021. Designed to celebrate LGBTQ+ people within dance music – or ‘queer bodies in electronic music’ – you’ll be able to get your rave on to acts from collectives including Adonis, Little Gay Brother, Jungle Kitty, Big Dyke Energy, Pxssy Palace, He.She.They and many, many more. Like the Queen’s Yard Summer Party, this one will take place across a whole host of venues – 16 in fact – in Hackney Wick, including The Yard, Number 90 and the Colour Factory.
✨ 2023’s highlights:Animistic Beliefs, Avalon Emerson, BADSISTA, BEIGE, BIIANCO, Blasha & Allatt, Boys’ Shorts, Deena Abdelwahed, Desire, Dj Saliva, Faux Naif, Fiyahdred, GIDEÖN, Goh Well, HAAi and many many more!
👀 What we can expect in 2024: A hell of a good time of course! Plus music from Faff, Taahliah, Aurora Halal (live), Confidence Man (DJ set), Cobrah (live), Patrick Mason, Shanti Celeste b2b Peach, Saoirse, and many more.
👉 Keep up to date: Here.
RALLY (August 24)
📍 Location: Southwark Park, Rotherhithe.
🎶 Why RALLY: A collaborative project between the organisers of beloved South London festival GALA and renowned promoters and live music tastemakers, Bird On The Wire, RALLY promises a fresh take on London’s one-day festivals, ‘focusing on the connection between artist and fan above all else‘.
✨ 2023’s highlights: New York rapper Princess Nokia, Obongjayar, Leon Vynehall & Yu Su, Louis Culture, electronic pop trio PVA, Laura Misch and the dynamic DJ OK Williams too.
👀 What we can expect in 2024: Expect some upbeat performances from bar italia, Move D, Mount Kimbie (live), HiTech, James Holden (live), Armand Hammer, Fabiana Palladino, and many more.
👉 Keep up to date: Here.
Field Day (August 24)
📍 Location: Victoria Park, Hackney.
🎶 Why Field Day: Often labelled the ‘dancier version’ of All Points East, Field Day serves up some of the best names in electronic dance music the city has to offer. And boy does this year serve up the goods and then some. Headliners for 2023 are none other than the dance maestros Bonobo and Aphex Twin, with other support acts throughout the day including Jon Hopkins, Jayda G and SBTRKT.
✨ 2023’s highlights: Bonobo, Aphex Twin, SBTRKT, Kai Campos and Mount Kimbie, Giulia Tress, Actress, Jon Hopkins, Moderat and Jayda G.
👀 What we can expect in 2024: Justice, Charlotte DeWitte, 2manydjs, Bambii, Brutalismus 3000, Club Shy presented by Shygirl, George Riley, HorsegirrL, Hudson Mohawke, Tiga, I.Jordan Live, John Glacier, Mura Masa, Romy, Sega Bodega, Skin on Skin, KETTAMA, Vegyn, Yaeji, and Yves Tumor.
👉 Keep up to date: Here.
All Points East (August 17-25)
📍 Location: Victoria Park, Hackney.
🎶 Why All Points East: One of the most beloved of all London’s music festivals, All Points East returns to Hackney’s Victoria Park after a run of five sell-out shows last year. Expect a double bill of sunny days dancing in a field – well, we can hope it is August after all – and an eclectic range of music, from grime legend Stormzy to The Strokes and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. There’s also Field Day here which adds a sixth show into the mix. More on that in a bit…
✨ 2023’s highlights: Stormzy, Kehlani, Sampha, Ms Banks and Lucky Dave, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, The Strokes, Angel Olsen, Girl In Red, Dermot Kennedy, SG Lewis, Olivia Dean, James Vincent McMorrow, Aurora, Haim, Girl In Red, Tove Lo, Romy, Confidence Man, Lizzy McAlpine, Joesef, Erykah Badu, Folamour, BADBADNOTGOOD, Raye, Solomon, and 070 Shake.
👀 What we can expect in 2024: The lineup includes Kaytranada, Victoria Monét, Thundercat, Lancey Foux, Channel Tres, Amaarae, Jyoty, Loyle Carner, LCD Soundsystem, dual-headline spot from Death Cab For Cutie & The Postal Service, Nas, Ezra Collective, Sainté, Pixies, Jai Paul, Floating Points, Jockstrap, The Decemberists, Phoenix, Gossip, Sleater-Kinney, Yo La Tengo, Teenage Fanclub, Wednesday, Soft Launch, Mitski, Beabadobee, Ethal Cain and many, many more.
👉 Keep up to date: Here.