13 Cool Events To Book For The Rest Of The Year
RORY BARNES
Naomi In Fashion
When you think of fashion icons, Naomi Campbell is a name that instantly springs to mind. The V&A’s big summer show documents the career of the supermodel and businesswomen through the work of world-class designers and photographers. Booking is open now – so snap up tickets while you can.
On until April 2025
Visit VAM.ac.uk
The Vinyl Factory: Reverb
The worlds of music and art have long been intertwined and this summer, 180 Studios is hosting a special exhibition with The Vinyl Factory to bring together the best of both worlds. Expect site-specific audio-visual installations and sonic experiences from big artists including Off-White’s Virgil Abloh, Es Devlin, Theaster Gates, Caterina Barbieri, Jeremy Deller, Hito Steyerl and many more. Expect big beats and blaring bass.
Until 28th September
Visit 180Studios.com
Fangirls
After multiple sellout runs across Australia, this pop musical has landed at indie theatre Lyric Hammersmith. The story focuses on 14-year-old Edna, who is in love with Harry. Only problem is Harry is in the world’s biggest boy band and has no idea she exists. A coming-of-age tale, Fangirls illustrates the power of friendship and the danger that comes with underestimating teenage girls.
13th July-24th August
Visit Lyric.co.uk
British Summer Time
Hyde Park’s British Summer Time festival is one of the biggest events on the music calendar. The line-up this year includes fresh-from-Glasto Shania Twain, as well as Kylie, Robbie Williams, and the legendary Stevie Nicks. Plus, there are plenty of free activities to get involved in, including a free open-air cinema, pop-up bars, discussion panels and cricket, football and tennis. And, if you can’t make it this weekend, there are big names hitting the stage all throughout June and July.
Various dates across July
Visit BST-HydePark.com
Big Smoke
Big Smoke is one of the newest one-day festivals on the block and, with grime legend Skepta in the organiser’s seat, it's set to be one of the coolest in the capital. He’s curated a cross-genre line-up of artists that reads like a great Spotify playlist. Expect to see The Streets, Mahalia, JME and some pretty mega DJ sets.
6th July
Visit BigSmokeFest.london
Somerset House Summer Series
Somerset House is one of the most impressive buildings in London, and its Summer Series offers attendees a one-off chance to see some great live music in the impressive Fountain Court. This year’s line-up has something for everyone: London-born R&B singer Pip Millet; soulful Corinne Bailey Rae; lyrical rapper Hak Baker; and indie cool-girl band The Big moon.
11th-21st July
Visit SomersetHouse.org.uk
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All Points East
All Points East is spread across two weekends in August, and this year’s line-up is killer, with Kaytranada, Loyle Carner, and LCD Soundsystem all headlining. An honourable mention should go to Field Day, which is part of the All Points East family and has also got a line-up worth knowing about – Pink Pantheress is on this year’s slate.
16th August-25th August
Boiler Room Festival
If you’re into dance music, you’ll have heard about Boiler Room. This summer, the music streaming platform is hosting its biggest party yet, and the line-up is looking good. As well as full-stage takeovers from the likes of Club Heartbroken, Mr Scruff, Optimo and Giggs, Marlon Hoffstadt will also be in attendance, with a secret stage announcement still to come.
25th August
Visit BoilerRoom.tv
Reading & Leeds
The year’s Reading & Leeds line-up is definitely worth spending a weekend in a tent. Festival veterans Blink 182 are headlining, as is dream girl Lana Del Rey, dance music prodigy Fred Again… and a indie band Catfish & The Bottlemen.
21st-25th August
Visit ReadingFestival.com
@BOILERROOMTV
Body Movements
LGBTQ+ festival Body Movements has now outgrown its Hackney Wick home and made the move to Southwark Park for this year’s event. Party organisers like Adonis, Big Dyke Energy, Queer House Party and Little Gay Brother are at the helm, and the line-up includes cool acts like Manuka Honey, Shanti Celeste, Cobrah and many more.
25th August
Visit BodyMovements.co.uk
Jazz Cafe Festival
Camden’s Jazz Cafe has been a staple fixture on the night-life scene for the past 35 years. But, for the first time, the venue is spreading its wings and hosting its inaugural festival in Burgess Park. Staying true to its roots, the line-up is full of familiar faces and new names, including Earll Sweatshirt, Giles Peterson, Eliza, Baby Rose, Crazy P Soundsystem and more.
15th September
Visit TheJazzCafeLondon.com
The Other Place
You can always trust The National Theatre to put on some the best shows and The Other Place is no exception. Starring two Game of Thrones alumni – Emma D’Arcy and Tobias Menzies – as well as Love Actually’s Nina Sosanya, the story follows two sisters who reunite on the anniversary of the death of their father. In the midst of their grief, and the remodelling of their family home by their uncle, the family are forced to confront their feelings.
27th September - 9th November 2024
Visit NationalTheatre.org.uk
Charli XCX
Fresh off the release of her new studio album, Brat, Charli XCX will be touring this autumn. She’s bringing her club-rat, electro-pop sound to London’s O2 this November, alongside support from cooler-than-cool Shy Girl. Act fast – we imagine the tickets will sell out fast.
From 28th November
Visit AXS.com
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