Summer Events in London

By Rachel Rowland ( ABC School’s Academic Coordinator ) Summer is finally here and, despite the changeable weather, it is still the best time of the year! A whole new season brings lots of new and fun things to do in and around London. With so many events, it isn’t easy to choose how to spend your free time. Hopefully, this article will help you make up your mind! Open-air cinema How about spending an evening beneath the stars in one of the many outdoor cinemas in London? One of my favourites is open-air cinema with Luna cinemas. Luna outdoor cinemas in London take place in various locations, from the beautiful gardens of Alexandra Palace to the royal surroundings of Westminster Abbey. There is even a pool-side open air cinema in Brockwell Park where you can watch classic films and new releases whilst floating on a dinghy (an inflatable boat) in the swimming pool! Prices start at around £15 per ticket. If you are cash poor, there are also free events taking place in Hyde Park. Daytime films are free of charge and provide the perfect excuse to get your friends together for a picnic in the lovely surroundings of this gorgeous park. Open-air theatre For those more interested in theatre, the Regent’s Park Open Air theatre is a fantastic way to spend an afternoon or evening. With lush green natural surroundings, this is one of the best ways to see theatre. Productions taking place this summer include Hansel and Gretel, Evita, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. This open- air theatre in London will run through a number of productions until late September. Ticket prices start from around £30 per ticket. British Summer Time Open House This summer, you can experience 10 days of live music and entertainment in Hyde park, from 5^th-14^th July. Artists performing this year include the Black-Eyed Peas, Keane, Florence and The Machine and Stevie Wonder! Tickets are a bit pricey and start at around £73. Free music at Regent’s park Regent’s park music festival will take place on the bandstand on Sunday 4^th August. Local bands and musicians, from all over London, including the South London Jazz Orchestra and the Fulham Brass band will play for free to all who want to listen! Entrance is completely free of charge. Pop-up urban beaches If sandy beaches are more your cup of tea, a range of pop-up beaches are springing up all over London this summer. Neverland at Fulham Beach Club is a sandy beach next to the river Thames. General entry is free from 12pm -18.00. Food and drinks packages are also available. Also, London’s Royal Docks Beach is a great day out with family and friends. From 27^th July- 30^th August, you can lounge for free on a stretch of sandy beach, or hire a deckchair, eat street food, build a sandcastle or eat a delicious ice-cream! Notting Hill Carnival This year, the festival takes place from 24^th-26^th August. It is an annual event that has taken place in Notting Hill since 1966. It is one of the world’s largest street carnivals and celebrates Caribbean heritage. The streets of Notting Hill are brought to life with live music, street performances, an eclectic mix of street food vendors and colourful carnival floats! Admission is free but be warned, it gets extremely busy. Whatever you like to do during the summer months, there is something to suit everyone in London. In this article, I have mentioned just a few of the hundreds of interesting places to visit and amazing events to attend in our amazing capital city. Just make sure that you stay safe whilst enjoying all that London has to offer. Have fun!