Summer in London is unlike few other places in the world. As the temperatures rise, Londoners are treated to some truly world-class events ranging from music to fairs.
Every summer London plays host to numerous musical festivals around the city. Here are some of the highlights.
In the month of July the annual iTunes Festival comes to the Roundhouse in Camden. The venue is small, making for a chance to see a band in a much smaller venue then they’d usually play. So far performers like Paul Simon, Duran Duran, Foo Fighters, Linkin Park, and Adele have been announced, with more to come. Tickets are all free but hard to come.
Hard Rock Calling is held in Hyde Park every summer, and it returns this year June 24-26. It’ll be headlined by Bon Jovi, The Killers, Rod Stewart, and Stevie Nicks with more of the lineup announced soon. Tickets are around £60 for each night.
The Wireless Festival takes place July 1-3 in Hyde Park. This year features the Black Eyed Peas, Bruno Mars, The Chemical Brothers, and Janelle Monae. Tickets can be purchased for about £55 for each day.
If you are up for a more classical experience, BP opera and ballet screenings are held June 1, July 4 and July 13 in Trafalgar Square and Canada Square in Canary Wharf. Crowds gather outside for these free screenings of a live feed from the Royal Opera House of ballet and opera, originally located in Bloomsbury.
London is also host to a number of summer fairs. The Marylebone Summer Fayre takes places June 19th from on Marylebone High Street, one of the overlooked gems of London. The street is shut down to allow only pedestrian traffic. The Fayre is spilt up into different sections, one for children, an area for music, and another where you can eat outdoors at one of the many restaurants and buy food from farmer’s markets.
For those who can’t get enough of the Royal Family, the only time to visit Buckingham Palace is during the summer. This year, the Westminster marvel tours start July 23 and run until October 3. With buzz still swirling from the Royal Wedding, this is a great chance to see where the newlyweds will someday live. The tour takes you though the state rooms where the Royal Family entertains its guests.
And for movie fans, the final Harry Potter film is coming out this summer and the London premier is being held July 7 in Trafalgar Square. You can line up along the red carpet to watch the stars enter and they’ll usually stop and sign autographs and pose for pictures with the fans. But be prepared to stake out a spot a few hours in advance, as the final Harry Potter movie, this will be one of the biggest premiers in London movie history.
We have plenty of flat rentals for you all over London, whether you’re looking for a cozy apartment in Camden or a luxurious vacation rental in Westminster. Here is a selection to get you started:
Nearby the Roundhouse is this huge four bedroom vacation rental in Camden, London (LN-927). Up to seven people an stay at this two story apartment. Located in the heart of Camden near the must-see Camden Market and the gorgeous Primrose Hill, it’s within walking distance to the iTunes Festival.
This studio vacation rental in Marylebone, London (LN-832) is just off of Sherlock Holmes’ famed Baker Street and not far from the Sherlock Holmes museum. The studio is in the heart of Marylebone and a short walk to Marylebone High Street for the Marylebone Summer Fayre. Walking through the Victorian-era architecture in the neighborhood is enjoyable on it’s own.
Share your favorite London summer events in the comments section below.
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