Our city plays host to some of the most electrifying and unforgettable festivals in the world. The best festivals in London include All Points East, Field Day, Love Box, Wireless Festival, and Notting Hill Carnival.
And even that’s only the beginning. If you want to learn more, put on your party hat and read on as we explore the very best festivals that the city has to offer!
All Points East
–Media from allpointseastuk
Location: Victoria Park, Grove Rd., London E3 5TB, United Kingdom
All Points East is an annual music festival that takes place every August. It’s been held in London’s Victoria Park since its debut in 2018.
All Points East has witnessed performances by renowned headliners such as The Strokes, Tame Impala, and Massive Attack, who have graced its stages with their musical prowess.
These iconic acts, along with a mix of emerging talent and established favourites, create an unforgettable tapestry of sounds that resonates with festival-goers long after the final encore.
Field Day
–Media from fielddayfestivals
Location: Victoria Park, Grove Rd., London E3 5TB, United Kingdom
Field Day is a music festival that takes place in Victoria Park every August. The festival offers a unique blend of established and emerging acts, creating an exciting and dynamic atmosphere for attendees.
From internationally renowned headliners like Arctic Monkeys, Florence + The Machine, and Disclosure, to breakthrough acts such as Loyle Carner, Jorja Smith, and Stormzy, the Field Day festival consistently brings together a melting pot of musical genres and talent.
Lovebox
–Media from loveboxfestival
Location: Gunnersbury Park, Popes Ln, London W3 8LQ, United Kingdom
Lovebox is an exhilarating music festival that takes place in Gunnersbury Park. This vibrant event unfolds in the heart of the city during the sun-soaked month of July.
The festival typically delivers an eclectic mix of talent that caters to a diverse range of musical preferences. Previous festivals have seen legendary acts such as Lizzo, Solange, Childish Gambino, and SZA grace the stage, alongside rising stars like Jorja Smith, and Brockhampton.
Wireless Festival
–Media from wirelessfest
Location: Finsbury Park, Endymion Road, Haringey, London, United Kingdom
Wireless Festival is a musical extravaganza that takes place in various iconic locations within the city. This highly anticipated event unfolds in the vibrant month of July at venues such as Hyde Park and Finsbury Park.
From iconic hip-hop and R&B acts like Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and Cardi B to popular pop sensations such as Taylor Swift and Ariana Grande, the Wireless Festival’s lineup consistently boasts some of the biggest names in the music industry.
Notting Hill Carnival
–Media from nhcarnivalldn
Location: Along the streets of Notting Hill, London, United Kingdom
Notting Hill Carnival is a world-famous event that takes place in Notting Hill. This exuberant celebration of Caribbean culture typically occurs throughout the August Bank Holiday weekend, which falls on the last weekend of August.
With its roots tracing back to the 1960s, the Notting Hill Carnival has evolved into a spectacular event that attracts millions of visitors each year. The streets come alive with pulsating rhythms of reggae, calypso, and soca music, creating an electrifying ambience.
Winter Wonderland
–Media from hydeparkwinterwonderland
Location: Hyde Park, London W2 2UH, United Kingdom
Winter Wonderland is a seasonal event that transforms Hyde Park in London into a winter wonderland. This celebration typically takes place from late November to early January, offering sparkling lights, towering Christmas trees, and the joyful melodies of carolers.
Plus, the festival’s centrepiece, the iconic ice rink, offers visitors the opportunity to glide gracefully on skates amidst a fairytale-like setting.
Lumiere London
–Media from jjaded101
Location: Various places in London, United Kingdom
Lumiere London is a spectacular light festival that illuminates the streets and landmarks of the city in January. It transforms iconic landmarks, hidden alleys, and bustling squares into works of art, using light as the medium to create an enchanting experience.
One of the key reasons why Lumiere London shines so brightly is its ability to seamlessly integrate art into the fabric of the city. From Trafalgar Square to King’s Cross, the festival takes you on a journey of illuminating discovery.
London Film Festival
–Media from britishfilminstitute
Location: BFI Southbank, 0 Belvedere Rd, London SE1 8XT, United Kingdom
The London Film Festival is a prestigious annual event that celebrates the art of cinema. This acclaimed film festival typically takes place in the month of October and showcases a diverse selection of films from around the world.
With over 300 films shown each year, ranging from international blockbusters to indie gems and captivating documentaries, there’s something to satiate every cinematic appetite. It has a reputation for unearthing hidden gems and propelling promising filmmakers into the spotlight.
London Design Festival
–Media from l_d_f_official
Location: Victoria and Albert Museum, Cromwell Rd, London SW7 2RL, United Kingdom
The London Design Festival is an annual event that celebrates the best of design in the city. This inspiring festival takes place in the month of September, attracting design enthusiasts, professionals, and creatives from around the world.
From September 13th to September 21st, this festival takes over various venues, parks, and cultural hubs, infusing the entire city with infectious creative energy. Note that it embraces a wide spectrum of design disciplines, including fashion, architecture, and digital innovation.
Diwali Festival
–Media from diwali_on_trafalgar_square
Location: Trafalgar Sq, London WC2N 5DS, United Kingdom
Diwali Festival, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a significant celebration in the Hindu calendar. This festival takes place in various locations across the city, particularly in areas with a large Indian community, such as Trafalgar Square and the borough of Brent.
First and foremost, Diwali is a feast for the senses. Imagine the glow of countless diyas (traditional oil lamps) adorning homes and public spaces. The warm, golden light creates a magical atmosphere that can transport you to the heart of India.
But beyond the enchanting visuals, Diwali is a celebration of unity and togetherness. The festival brings people from diverse backgrounds together!
London Craft Week
–Media from londoncraftweek
Location: Various places in London, United Kingdom
London Craft Week is an annual event that celebrates craftsmanship, creativity, and innovation in the city. This festival typically takes place in the month of May, spanning several days.
It’s a platform for over 1,000 artisans to show their skills and creativity. From traditional techniques to contemporary innovations, from historic workshops to modern ateliers, the festival brings together a diverse range of talent.
London International Mime Festival
–Media from londonmimefestival
Location: Barbican Centre, Silk St, Barbican, London EC2Y 8DS, United Kingdom
The London International Mime Festival is a celebration of visual and physical theatre, specifically mime, puppetry, and innovative performance art. It takes place in various venues across London during the month of March.
All experiences for this festival transport audiences into a world of non-verbal storytelling. It’s the perfect way to experience the magic of mime for yourself!
London Literature Festival
–Media from southbankcentre
Location: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX, United Kingdom
The London Literature Festival is a celebration of literature, storytelling, and the written word. It typically occurs during the month of October and often involves a lineup of literary luminaries like Zadie Smith, Ian McEwan, and Margaret Atwood in presentations and panels.
With its unique blend of renowned authors, engaging panel discussions, and a diverse range of literary experiences, London Literature Festival has secured its position as one of the finest celebrations of the written word in the United Kingdom.
Underbelly Festival London
–Media from underbellyfest
Location: Cavendish Square, London W1G 0AN and Earls Court Exhibition Centre
Exhibition Centre Warwick Road, London, SW5 9TG United Kingdom
Underbelly Festival London is an exciting summer event that combines live entertainment, comedy, circus performances, music, and more. This festival takes place in the heart of the city, on the South Bank of the River Thames, typically from April to September.
From awe-inspiring circus acts to side-splitting comedy shows and mind-blowing cabaret performances, Underbelly Festival London offers a diverse range of entertainment that caters to every taste.
Camden Fringe Festival
–Media from dangerosity101
Location: Camden Town, London NW1 8AH, United Kingdom
The Camden Fringe Festival is a performing arts festival that takes place in the vibrant borough of Camden. It typically occurs during the month of August, offering a platform for emerging artists, performers, and theatre companies to showcase their talent.
With over 200 comedy shows and mesmerising dance performances, Camden Fringe Festival truly captures the essence of London’s thriving arts and entertainment scene.
Carnaval del Pueblo
–Media from carnavaldelpueblo
Location: Burgees Park, Albany Rd, London SE5 0AL, United Kingdom
Carnaval del Pueblo is a colourful celebration of Latin American culture. This lively festival typically occurs in the month of August, transforming the streets of South London into a carnival extravaganza.
Drawing in crowds from all walks of life, Carnaval del Pueblo has become renowned for its infectious rhythm, dazzling costumes, and mouthwatering cuisine.
Dance plays a central role in the festival, with captivating performances that range from traditional folk dances to contemporary choreography. The vibrant costumes, adorned with intricate patterns and dazzling colours, add an extra layer of visual splendour to the festivities.
