Best music festivals in London this summer 2023
Discover our guide to 20 music festivals to attend in London this summer, featuring a diverse range of genres from electronic, indie, jazz, classical music to hip hop, afrobeats and reggae.
London is set to become the ultimate destination for music lovers in the summer of 2023. With an abundance of music festivals happening throughout the city, there is something for everyone's musical taste, from electronic to indie, jazz to soul, classical music to hip hop, afrobeats, and reggae. The capital city is all geared up to entertain you with some of the most incredible music festivals of the year. Some of the festivals making their mark in London include celebrations of their 20th and 10th anniversaries, along with the launch of new festivals in Greenwich and Battersea. So, put on your festival wear and get ready for an unforgettable summer full of music and fun in London!
British Summer Time Festival
Image: British Summer Time, @bsthydepark
#FLODown: The American Express presents British Summer Time (BST) Hyde Park festival is making a comeback for its 9th edition in 2023, after a triumphant 2022 with Adele, Elton John and the Rolling Stones. The festival is going to be a star-studded event, featuring performances by Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, P!NK, Guns N' Roses, BLACKPINK (the first K-pop act to headline a major UK festival), Billy Joel's only European show of 2023, and a return by Take That. But the excitement doesn't end there. BST is also welcoming back the popular summer event Open House, which is free for all attendees. The event offers a wide range of activities, including family-friendly events, sports and wellness programs, as well as music and entertainment for everyone to enjoy.
Confirmed line-up 2023: P!NK, Guns N’Roses, Take That, Bruce Springsteen, BLACKPINK, The Script, Gwen Stefani, Billy Joel and more.
Date: 24 June 24 2023 - 8 July 2023. Price: from £92.95 Location: Hyde Park, W2 2UH. Book now.
Greenwich Summer Sounds 2023
Image: @greenwichsummersounds
#FLODown: Greenwich Summer Sounds is a new music festival taking place at the Old Royal Naval College in London from 4-8 July 2023. The festival will feature performances from world-renowned artists, including Nile Rodgers & Chic, Tom Jones, Black Eyed Peas, Kaiser Chiefs, Scouting for Girls, and Ellie Sax performing in front of the stunning backdrop of London's skyline at sunset. In addition to the music, guests will have access to a range of delicious street food and first-class banquet dining in the stunning Painted Hall.
Click here for our review of Greenwich Summer Sounds 2023.
Confirmed line-up 2023: Nile Rodgers & Chic, Tom Jones, Black Eyed Peas, Kaiser Chiefs, Scouting for Girls, and Ellie Sax.
Date: 4- 8 July 2023. Price: from £60.50. Location: Old Royal Naval College, King William Walk, Greenwich, London , SE10 9NN. Book now.
Queen’s Yard Summer Party
Image: @queensyardsummerparty
#FLODown: The Queen's Yard Summer Party is back for another year in Hackney Wick, offering new dancing spaces and inviting the best DJs and party crews from across the UK to join the musical bash. With 16 venues across Hackney Wick, one wristband provides access to a unique summer experience on April 29. Don't miss out on this must-attend event for any fan of House, Techno and Disco.
Confirmed line-up 2023: Dr Banana, Jay Carder, Surusinghe, Calm Stiege,Anja Ngozi, Don’t Call Me Tako, Anko, Anna Wall, Apricot Ballroom, Ariane V, ATRIP, auratekh, Bklava, Blasha & Allatt, Blixa, Bobby., Calaida, CChantz n Lish, Chapel Walk, Charles Green, Charleze, CHERI, Connor Jatter, Creole Cuts, Customer Service, Aletha B.Love Becca
Date: 29 April 2023. Price: from £50. Location: Various locations in Hackney Wick. Book now.
Elrow Town London
Image: @elrowofficial
#FLODown: Elrow Town blends music, art, and theatrical performance to provide an immersive experience. It is celebrated for its stunning stage designs, mind-bending performances, and the hottest music acts. The festival boasts over 200 performers, including world-class DJs, dancers, acrobats, gymnasts, and stand-alone performers, all dressed in stunning costumes and vibrant colours. This year's lineup includes Fisher, Gorgon City, Patrick Topping, Armand Van Helden, and others.
Confirmed line-up 2023: Patrick Topping, Gorgon City, Fisher, Gorgon City, Armand Van Helden, The Brothers Macklovitch (A-Trak & Chromeo’s Dave 1), DJ Yoda (funk & soul set), Raw Silk, DJ Paulette, Toni Varga, Bastian Bux, Nicolas Caprile, Ben Hemsley, Oh My God Its The Church (live) Bamboleo (live), Alisha and Florentia.
Date: 22 July 2023. Price: from £ 59.95. Location: Parloes Park, Dagenham. Book now.
Somerset House Summer Series with American Express
Image: Somerset House Summer Series © James Bryant
#FLODown: Get ready for an electrifying summer as the Somerset House Summer Series returns in grand style to celebrate its 20th anniversary! This year, the iconic London location will come alive with eleven nights of unforgettable music performances from a diverse range of genres and talented artists including the likes of La Femme, Gabriels, Greentea Peng, Alison Goldfrapp, Interpol, Olivia Dean, Beabadoobee, Tinariwen, and The Comet is Coming. The stunning courtyard of Somerset House will serve as the perfect intimate setting for top-notch music.
Confirmed line-up 2023: La Femme, Gabriels, Greentea Peng, Alison Goldfrapp, Interpol, Olivia Dean, Beabadoobee, Tinariwen, and The Comet is Coming.
Date: 6 – 16 July 2023. Price: from £28.50. Location: Somerset House, Strand, WC2R 1LA. Book now.
Battersea Park in Concert
Image: @batterseaparklondon
#FLODown: Battersea Park In Concert is a three-day music festival taking place over the August bank holiday weekend in Battersea Park. The festival offers a diverse line-up of classical, soul and jazz music and guests are encouraged to bring picnics to enjoy while listening to the music. The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra will perform A Night at the Musicals and Proms in the Park on Saturday and Sunday respectively. The festival will conclude on Monday with performances from Gabrielle, YolanDa Brown, and The Ronnie Scott’s All Stars.
Confirmed line-up 2023: This inaugural event will see the likes of Gabrielle, YolanDa Brown, the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, and The Ronnie Scott’s All Stars.
Date: 26 – 28 August 2023. Price: from £37.71. Location: Battersea Park, London, SW11 4NJ. Book now.
City Splash Festival
Image: City Splash Festival
#FLODown: City Splash is a huge one day spectacular at Brockwell Park. Reggae, Dancehall and Afrobeats will all be represented across seven stages with a wealth of black-owned food, drinks and creative markets all making it an unmissable celebration of Caribbean and African culture. The influence of reggae and all things Caribbean and African on the UK's culture is undeniable. It has helped enrich the music scene for over 50 years and all of that is reflected at the annual festival.
Click here for our review of City Splash 2023.
Confirmed line-up 2023: Chronixx, Koffee, Shenseea, Skillibeng, Ayra Starr, Gyakie, Stylo G, Jah9 and more.
Date: 29 May 2023. Price: from £29.50. Location: Brockwell Park, Herne Hill, London. SE24 9BJ. Book now.
Kaleidoscope Festival 2023
Image: @kaleidoscope_festival
#FLODown: The fourth edition of the Kaleidoscope Festival will take place on 15 July 2023, at the iconic Ally Pally in London. The festival will feature British electronic pop legends Hot Chip, Gaz Coombes, and Joe Lycett, among others, providing live music, DJs, and comedy for attendees. The event offers not only a fantastic entertainment lineup but also the chance to experience an epic Ally Pally gig with stunning panoramic views of North London from Alexandra Palace's historic Palace and 196-acre park. Moreover, the festival features unique and quirky performances like Elvana, Barrioke, and Girls of The Internet.
Confirmed line-up 2023: Hot Chip, Gaz Coombes, Joe Lycett, Elvana, Girls of The Internet, George Fitzgerald, Erol Alkan, Fabio & Grooverider, Heidi Wookie, Nina Conti, Michael Akadiri, Tej Dhutia, and Katie McLeod.
Date: 15 July 2023. Price: from £59.15 Location: Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, London N22 7AY. Book now.
Wireless Festival
Image: @wirelessfest
#FLODown: Experience the ultimate urban music festival at Wireless, the largest and most popular music event in England! What began as a rock and pop festival has now evolved into a hip-hop, rap, and grime extravaganza that you won't want to miss. Taking place over three days from July 7th-9th at Finsbury Park, this year's lineup boasts an impressive roster of top-tier performers, including Travis Scott, Playboi Carti, and D-Block Europe, with a special guest appearance by 50 Cent. Other exciting acts on the bill include Lil Uzi Vert, Headie One, and Joey Bada$$, while Glorilla will make her exclusive UK debut at Wireless.
Confirmed line-up 2023: Travis Scott, Playboi Carti, D-Block Europe, 50 Cent, Lil Uzi Vert, Headie One, Joey Bada$$, Lil Durk, Popcaan, Lola Brooke and Glorilla.
Date: 7-9 July 2023. Price: from £90. Location: Finsbury Park, London N4. Book now.
Kew the Music
Image: @kewthemusic
#FLODown: Get ready for a week-long festival of delightful picnic concerts at the world-renowned Royal Botanic Gardens because Kew the Music is back! This year's event promises to be bigger and better than ever before, with the highly acclaimed English pop rock band, Bastille, set to headline the festival as part of their Bad Blood X Tour. Kew the Music has earned a reputation as one of the most popular summer concert venues in the UK, drawing music lovers of all ages with its sensational performances and relaxing ambiance. Guests can indulge in open-air bars and street food stalls or bring their own food and drink to enjoy a picnic under the stars. The festival series will also feature other well-known artists, including Jools Holland, The Haçienda Classiçal, The Human League, and Jack Savoretti.
Confirmed line-up 2023: Bastille, Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, The Haçienda Classiçal, The Human League and Jack Savoretti.
Date: 13-16 July 2023. Price: from £61.25. Locaton: Kew Gardens, Kew, TW9 3AB. Book now.
Wide Awake Festival
Image: @wideawakeldn
#FLODown: Wide Awake Festival will return to Brockwell Park on May 27, 2023. The festival is known for its diverse range of music genres, including leftfield indie, post-punk, electronica, techno, and jazz, curated by some of London's top promoters. This year they have Caroline Polachek headlining, alongside the likes of Alex G, Osees, Oneohtrix Point Never, and Shygirl.
Confirmed line-up 2023: Caroline Polachek Alex G, Osees, Oneohtrix Point Never, Daniel Avery, Shygirl.
Date: 27 May 2023. Price: from £49.50. Location: Brockwell Park, Brixton. Book now.
Hampton Court Palace Festival
Image: @hcpfestival
#FLODown: The 2023 Hampton Court Palace Festival will feature a lineup of music legends, including Gladys Knight, Sir Tom Jones, Soft Cell, Kool and The Gang, Grace Jones, Kaiser Chiefs, Bjorn Again, and Rick Astley. The concerts will take place in an intimate 3,000-seat auditorium in Base Court, set against the backdrop of Henry VIII's Tudor Palace. Attendees can enjoy picnics, drinks, and street food in the Palace Gardens, and waterside gazebos are available for those who want to relax in luxury. Gladys Knight will perform on June 6 as part of her ‘The Empress of Soul Farewell Tour', making it a London exclusive.
Confimed line-up 2023: Grace Jones, Gladys Knight, Sir Tom Jones, Soft Cell, Kool and The Gang, Kaiser Chiefs, Bjorn Again, and Rick Astley.
Date: 6- 10 June 2023, 14 -17 June 2023. Price: from £38.50. Location: Hampton Court Palace,Hampton Ct Way, Molesey, East Molesey, KT8 9AU. Book now.
All Points East
Image: @allpointseastuk
#FLODown: The much-loved East London festival, All Points East, is set to return in 2023 with a line-up that promises to be epic! The festival's highlights include Stormzy, who will curate and headline This Is What We Mean Day on 18 August 2023. This day, named after Stormzy's upcoming third album, will showcase the very best of his work, featuring a full live band and a hand-picked selection of artists from up-and-comers to superstars.This performance is highly anticipated and is expected to surpass all of his previous live shows. But that's not all - All Points East festival will also see headliners Dermot Kennedy, The Strokes and Yeah Yeah Yeahs take to the stage, along with an exciting supporting bill featuring Haim, Girl in Red, Tove Lo, Errykah Badu, and many more. The festival spans over two weekends.
Confimed line up 2023: Stormzy, Dermot Kennedy,The Strokes, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Haim, Girl in Red, Tove Lo, and Errykah Badu.
Date: 18-19 August 2023, 26 -28 August 2023. Price: from £85.25. Location: Victoria Park, Hackney, E9 7DE. Book now.
Beautiful People Festival
Image: @beautiful_people_festival
#FLODown: Get ready for the music event of the year as The Beautiful People Festival descends upon Stratford with a diverse and world-renowned lineup of artists across multiple genres, including house, garage, soul, hip-hop, drum and bass, reggae, and more. Since its inception in the mid-1980s, this festival has become an iconic celebration of house music.This year's event features exceptional artists, including Moodymann, DJ Spinna, Anane, Easy Mo Be, DJ Jazzy Jeff, David Rodigan, DJ Hype, Shortee Blitz, Ronnie Herel, Bigger, Abi Clarke, Ryan Peake, Deep Into Soul, and Funkbase.
Confirmed line-up 2023: Moodymann, DJ Spinna, Anane, Easy Mo Be, DJ Jazzy Jeff, David Rodigan, DJ Hype, Shortee Blitz, Ronnie Herel, Bigger, Abi Clarke, Ryan Peake, Deep Into Soul, and Funkbase.
Date: 3 September 2023. Price: TBC. Location: Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford, London. More Information.
Waterworks Festival
Image: @waterworksldn
#FLODown: Get ready for an unforgettable experience as Waterworks, the one-day electronic music festival, returns to Gunnersbury Park on 16 September 2023. With an impressive line-up of 70 artists across seven stages, including Anz, Elijah & Skilliam, Josey Rebelle, Flowdan, Bored Lord, Special Request, Palms Trax, Surusinghe, and HAAi, this year's event is not to be missed.
Confirmed line-up 2023: Anz, Elijah & Skilliam, Josey Rebelle, Flowdan, Bored Lord, Special Request, Tash LC, Roza Terenzi, Eliza Rose, Eris Drew, Pearson Sound, Bakey, Palms Trax, Surusinghe and HAAi.
Date: 16 September 2023. Price: from £35. Location: Gunnersbury Park, Acton, W3 8LQ. Book now.
Hideaway Festival
Image: @hideawayfestuk
#FLODown: *THIS FESTIVAL HAS BEEN CANCELLED* Hideaway Festival is a new boutique festival taking place in 2023 at The Crix in Chelmsford, Essex. The festival features headliners Clean Bandit and Bastille, as well as special guests Texas and other impressive acts such as James Bay, Ella Henderson, Lucy Spraggan, Freya Ridings, and Jake Bugg. The festival promises to offer not only amazing music, but also family fun and additional cool elements such as a vintage funfair, street food, DJ sets, art installations, and glamping facilities.
Confirmed line-up 2023: Clean Bandit, Bastille, James Bay, Ella Henderson, Jake Bugg, Freya Ridings.
Date: 5-6 August 2023. Price: from £60. Location: Crix, London Road, Hatfield Peverel, Chelmsford, CM3 2EU. Book now.
Soul Town Festival
Image: @soultownfestival
#FLODown: The much-anticipated Soul Town Festival is returning with a spectacular line-up of the finest Soul, Sisco, Motown and Reggae on 2 and 3 September 2023. This year's event is taking place at Croydon Recreation Ground in Beckenham and promises to be bigger and better than ever before, following the massive success of last year's festival. The first wave of names includes iconic acts such as Sister Sledge ft Kathy Sledge, UB40, Tunde Baiyewu of Lighthouse Family, Desmond Decker & The Aces, Edwin Starr Band, and the soulful Omar. With over 65 talented artists, 40 mouth-watering food vendors, live steel bands, dancers, glittering stalls for face painting, hair braiding, thrilling rides, and exciting attractions, Soul Town Festival guarantees an memorable experience.
Confirmed line-up 2023: Sister Sledge ft Kathy Sledge, UB40, Tunde Baiyewu of the Lighthouse Family, Desmond Decker & The Aces,Edwin Starr Band and Omar.
Date: 2-3 September 2023. Price: from £35 Location: Croydon Road Recreation Ground, Beckenham, BR3 3NR. Book now.
RALLY
Image: @rally.rally.rally
#FLODown: RALLY is a new day event that will debut late in the 2023 festival season in South London's Southwark Park. The festival is a collaboration between organisers of the GALA festival and acclaimed promoters, Bird On The Wire. It aims to bring together some of the capital's most esteemed music and art communities, creating a space for the city's fundamentals in the musical landscape. The festival offers an accessible experience with a diverse genre line-up including Princess Nokia, Obongjayar, Squid, PVA, Kelly Lee Owens, John Talabot, Charlotte Adigery, Bolis Popul, and Wu-Lu.
Confirmed line-up: Anja Ngozi & co (Síbín) Anthony Naples & DJ Python, Charlotte Adigery & Bolis Pupul. Dave Okumu & The 7 Generations, Leon Vynehall, b2b, Yu Su, Loraine James, Louis Culture, Lucinda Chua, Obongjayar, OK Williams, Princess Nokia, PVA.
Date: 5 August 2023. Price: Pre-sale starts at £20. Location: Southwark Park, SE16. Book now.
Field Day 2023
Image: @fielddayfestivals
#FLODown: Get ready for the return of London's Field Day festival, set to take place at Victoria Park for its 16th edition this summer! With electronic music icon Aphex Twin headlining the event alongside Bonobo, who will co-headline, this promises to be an unforgettable experience. It's been four years since Aphex Twin last performed live! Other support acts for the day include Jon Hopkins, Jayda G, and SBTRKT.
Confirmed line-up 2023: Bonobo and Aphex Twin, with other support acts throughout the day including Jon Hopkins, Jayda G, Kai Campos and Mount Kimbie, Giulia Tress, Actress, Jon Hopkins, SBTRKT.
Date: 19 August 2023. Price: from £75. Location: Victoria Park Hackney, E3 5TB. Book now.
Hospitality In The Woods
Image: Hospitality In The Woods, Jake Davis
#FLODown: Hospitality In The Woods, a huge Drum & Bass festival, is set to return on 19 August 2023 for a one-day celebration of the genre at Beckenham Place Park. The festival will feature five stages with headliners like Netsky, High Contrast, A.M.C Calibre, Roni Size, DJ Marky, Camo & Krooked, Goddard, LTJ Bukem, Metrik, and many more. The festival promises to be packed with musical goodness, friendly faces, and family vibes, capturing the essence of the Drum & Bass community. Stage hosts include Let It Roll, Run x Invicta Audio, Hospitality Friends & Family, and 30 years of V, each showcasing different aspects of Drum & Bass.
Confirmed line-up 2023: Netsky, High Contrast, A.M.C Calibre, Roni Size, DJ Marky, Camo & Krooked, Goddard, LTJ Bukem, Metrik labels like Shogun Audio and Soulvent.
Date: 19 August 2023. Price: from £33.25. Location: Beckenham Place Park, Beckenham, BR3 1SY. Book now.
