The Best Festivals Taking Place in London This August
Glastonbury may be a distant and slightly blurry memory for some, but there’s still plenty of summer festivals to enjoy before the nights start drawing in. Best of all, you don’t even need to leave London for them! So if you’re determined to soak up every last moment of the summer as it was intended — sunburnt, half-full plastic container of warm flat beer in hand, furiously scanning the lineup — then we’ve got the perfect blog post for you.
Today we’re casting our eye over the very best London festivals taking place this August, and suggesting some of our favourites. As you’d expect, there’s something for every taste, so read on and start planning those big weekends before it’s too late!
Nile Rogers’ Meltdown — Southbank Centre
3–11 AUG
Chic guitarist and legendary producer Nile Rogers is the latest superstar to take over the Southbank Centre for their annual music and arts festival, Meltdown. The mastermind behind everything from ‘Get Lucky’ to ‘Let’s Dance’ to ‘I’m Coming Out’ offers up an expertly curated, fearlessly eclectic lineup. Surreal bass genius Thundercat, Mali’s desert blues icons Songhoy Blues, former-Smiths guitar god Johnny Marr and hyperkinetic pop producer SOPHIE are all taking part, as well as a performance from Chic and a faithful recreation of the Studio 54 nightclub. Not a bad Meltdown, all things considered.
Manor Fest — The Castle, North Acton
AUGUST 2
Looking for a way to see London’s hottest up and coming bands in one place? North Acton’s very first music festival, Manor Fest, has you covered. The brainchild of promoters In The Pipeline, the lineup features exciting new acts like Stunflower, Katie MF, Antlerz, Refuge and Mike Wagner performing at The Castle. With an outdoor stage, BBQ, and craft beers from not one, but TWO London breweries, Signature Brew and Weird Beard, it’s the perfect environment to discover your new favourite band. And if that weren’t enough, entry is absolutely free!
Eastern Electrics — Morden Park
AUGUST 3–4
MK, Claptone, Goldie and Ocean Wisdom are among the names on the lineup for Eastern Electrics at Morden Park this weekend. Since starting out in 2007, Eastern Electrics has sought to celebrate London’s warehouse culture with some of the very best in underground dance artists. This year’s festival is no exception, with big names alongside up-and-comers as well as extensive food and drink options, chill-out areas and more.
80s In The Park — Three Mills Island
AUGUST 26
Thanks to Stranger Things, we’re in the middle of a pretty heavy 80s craze with countless entertainment properties harkening back to the classic movies, TV shows, adverts and video games of the era. But if you’re itching for your 80s music fix, 80s In The Park is ready to send you hurtling back to the age of the Walkman with the ultimate 80s party hosted by Sara Cox and Spandau Ballet’s Martin Kemp. Time to dust off the leg warmers and Deely Boppers — or possibly just google what leg warmers and Deely Boppers are — and get ready to slip into a nostalgia coma from which you may never truly emerge.
South West 4 — Clapham Common
AUGUST 24–25
The August bank holiday offers a handy buffer to get over any festival related hangovers one might accrue at this year’s South West 4. The annual festival teams up with some of electronic music’s most loved brands across different stages to deliver a dance festival that’s brimming with diverse talent. This year sees Martin Garrix, Craig David, Chase & Status, Tinie Tempah, Plan B, Idris Elba and Wiley taking the stage in a lineup that covers House, Grime, Techno and more.
One Day At The Disco — Three Mills Island
AUGUST 24
Another one for your bank holiday weekend, One Day At The Disco transforms Three Mills Island into one gigantic dance floor for a day of thumping house and infectious disco hits. Todd Terje, Derrick Carter, Detroit Swindle and a bunch of other exciting names are manning the decks. Add to that some summer cocktails and a plethora of food options, and you’ve got yourself a pretty solid day out.
Art’s House — Three Mills Island
AUGUST 10
From its humble beginnings as a rave in a stranger’s front room, it’s fair to say that Art’s House: A Lovely London Festival has come a long way. Art’s House has gone on to become one of London’s most fun-filled parties. Masterminded by London artists, Artwork and DJ Harvey, this outdoor sound system may have grown in size, but it’s maintained the living room vibe with quirky home-inspired sets and props. Thoughtful folks that they are, they even launched a £5 ticket ballot for people who “haven’t got the cash but still want to rave.” Isn’t that lovely?
Are you going to any festivals in London this August? Did we miss any good ones? Let us know in the comments. For more on the best places to find live music in London, make sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Until next time!
