If there’s one thing London doesn’t do quietly, it’s summer. Once the temperature creeps above 18 degrees, the city transforms into a catwalk of linen shirts, SPF-slicked limbs, and people pretending they don’t secretly love a plastic cup of lukewarm rosé. But this year, the capital’s cultural pulse is going nuclear, thanks to a line-up of music festivals that reads more like a fantasy draft than real life. From the unapologetically glitter-drenched Mighty Hoopla to the always-epic BST Hyde Park (hello, global headliners and picnic rugs that cost more than your rent), London’s festival circuit in 2025 is less about mud and more about mood.
Wireless is back with bass you’ll feel in your bones and a crowd you’ll see again on TikTok. All Points East continues to lure the too-cool-to-try crowd with its curated chaos. And Lido Festival, the new darling on the scene, is already whispering in the ears of those who book their nail appointments six weeks in advance and consider “early access” a personality trait.
Here’s your cheat sheet to the festivals everyone will pretend they discovered first—and the reasons why you’ll want to be there in a pair of sunglasses you definitely can’t dance in.
BST Hyde Park
There’s festival season, and then there’s BST Hyde Park—a curated blend of chart-toppers, artisan tacos, and wristbands that grant access to VIP decks more exclusive than your best friend's wedding guest list. Since 2013, BST has been the capital’s crown jewel of live music, and in 2025, it’s flexing harder than ever.
Let’s talk Sabrina Carpenter. The global pop sensation who once opened for Blackpink is now officially headlining—twice. Her two back-to-back shows in July sold out faster than a Bottega sale on Farfetch. With Clairo and Beabadoobee supporting on night one, and Olivia Dean joining Clairo on night two, expect a Gen Z pilgrimage of oversized bows, ballet flats, and iPhones locked on cinematic mode.
But it’s not just about her. Olivia Rodrigo is set to deliver heartbreak anthems with laser precision on June 27, alongside The Last Dinner Party and Girl in Red. Zach Bryan brings his alt-country charm across two sold-out nights (June 28–29), while Noah Kahan—everyone’s favorite folk-pop oversharer—takes the stage on July 4. Also making appearances: Neil Young with the Chrome Dreams band, and the one and only Stevie Wonder. Oh, and Jeff Lynne’s ELO will close the entire thing with their final ever live show on July 13, in case you needed one more reason to dramatically weep in the park.
This isn’t your standard bring-a-tent-and-pray affair. Think more: cashmere co-ords, pre-booked car services, and oat milk iced lattes in biodegradable cups. BST Hyde Park is what happens when London decides festivals should come with a guest list.
Wireless Festival
In a move that screams both audacity and genius, Wireless Festival is handing over the keys to Finsbury Park to none other than Drake for its 20th anniversary. From July 11 to 13, the 6 God will headline all three nights, each with a distinct setlist—because why settle for one show when you can have a trilogy?
Friday kicks off with Drake sharing the stage with OVO Sound's own PARTYNEXTDOOR and the sultry vocals of Summer Walker. Saturday remains shrouded in mystery, teasing a performance with "The Mandem," leaving fans speculating and salivating in equal measure. Sunday promises a grand finale featuring Afrobeats titan Burna Boy and dancehall legend Vybz Kartel, marking one of Kartel's first UK performances since his release .
This isn't just a festival; it's a statement. Wireless is redefining what it means to celebrate a milestone, turning its 20th edition into a curated experience of hip-hop royalty. So, if your summer plans didn't include witnessing Drake's unprecedented three-night reign, it's time to reconsider.
Mighty Hoopla
Forget everything you know about music festivals. Mighty Hoopla isn't just an event—it's a glitter-drenched, joy-fuelled celebration of pop culture, queerness, and unabashed fun. Set in Brockwell Park on May 31 and June 1, 2025, this festival is where sequins meet synths, and every performance feels like the finale of a drag race.
Photo: Luke Dyson
Saturday's line-up is headlined by the ever-iconic Ciara, promising a dance party that could rival any club in the city. Joining her are pop powerhouse JoJo, R&B queen Jamelia, and the nostalgic beats of Daniel Bedingfield. Expect surprise appearances and collaborations that will have everyone talking.
Sunday doesn't let up, with Kesha leading the charge, bringing her unique blend of glitter and grit to the stage. Eurovision winner Loreen adds international flair, while Erika Jayne, Lulu, and Kate Nash ensure the energy never dips. From the infectious tunes of Vengaboys to the soulful sounds of G Flip, it's a line-up that celebrates diversity in every sense.
Tickets are flying faster than a confetti cannon at the main stage. Saturday's general admission is sold out, but early birds can still snag pre-2pm entry for £74.50. Sunday offers more flexibility, with general admission at £79.50 and pre-1pm tickets at £64.50.
All Points East
If London's festival scene were a fashion week, All Points East would be its avant-garde show—unexpected, trendsetting, and unapologetically cool. From August 16 to 24, Victoria Park transforms into a sonic runway, showcasing a lineup that's as diverse as the city's own style.
Kicking off on August 16, Chase & Status bring their 'RTRN II DANCE' takeover, featuring Overmono, Sammy Virji, Nia Archives, and Shy FX. It's a nod to the UK's rich electronic heritage, reimagined for today's dance floors.
After a midweek interlude of community events dubbed 'In The NBHD'—think outdoor cinema, street food, and wellness activities—the festival resumes with Barry Can't Swim headlining on August 22. He's joined by Confidence Man, Shygirl, and Marlon Hoffstadt, promising a night of genre-blending performances.
August 23 sees RAYE take centre stage, with support from Tyla, Doechii, and JADE, highlighting the festival's commitment to showcasing powerful female talent. Closing the festivities on August 24, The Maccabees reunite for a highly anticipated performance, marking a nostalgic yet fresh finale to this eclectic festival.
All Points East isn't just a festival; it's a curated experience that mirrors East London's dynamic spirit. So, grab your most eclectic outfit, and prepare for a week where music and culture collide in the most stylish way possible.
LIDO Festival
Introducing LIDO Festival, the freshest addition to London's summer line-up, taking over Victoria Park across two weekends in June. This isn't just another festival—it's a curated experience blending iconic acts with avant-garde artistry.
Weekend One: June 6–7
Friday sees trip-hop pioneers Massive Attack headlining, accompanied by the ethereal sounds of Air, the collaborative project FORENSICS (Yasiin Bey & The Alchemist), and the soulful melodies of Tirzah .
Saturday transforms into a clubber's paradise with Jamie xx's 'The Floor' residency. Expect a lineup featuring Arca, Sampha, Romy, Panda Bear, DJ Harvey, John Glacier, DJ Gigola, Shy One, Wookie, and livwutang .
Weekend Two: June 13–15
Friday is commandeered by Outbreak Fest, showcasing hardcore and alternative acts like Turnstile, Alex G, Danny Brown, Drug Church, and Knocked Loose .
Saturday brings 'Partygirl,' curated by Charli XCX, featuring performances from 070 Shake, A.G. Cook, Bladee, Gesaffelstein, Jodie Harsh, Kelly Lee Owens, Magdalena Bay, The Dare, The Japanese House, and Yseult .
Sunday concludes with the ethereal sounds of London Grammar, supported by Celeste, Róisín Murphy, Pip Millett, The Blessed Madonna, Wasia Project, Maverick Sabre, Neil Frances, Dan Whitlam, Holly Walker, and Clementine Douglas .
LIDO Festival isn't just about music; it's a statement of London's ever-evolving cultural tapestry. So, mark your calendars and prepare for an immersive experience that redefines the festival scene.
Hampton Court Palace Festival
If there’s one festival where the ticket price is practically part of the performance, it’s Hampton Court Palace. You’re not just watching Chaka Khan or Elbow belt out hits; you’re doing it in Henry VIII’s courtyard, under a summer sky that feels suspiciously designed by a Netflix location scout. For 11 nights between 11 and 21 June, the historic Tudor setting swaps velvet robes for velvet vocals, bringing a lineup that’s heavy on nostalgia with a side of prestige.
The week opens with indie band James (June 11) and the grit-meets-soul vocals of Rag’n’Bone Man (June 12), followed by a dose of playful pop courtesy of Bananarama (June 14). There’s even a night called The Good, The Bad & The Rugby (June 15), which we’re told is a sort of variety show for people who love sport, banter, and likely own a Barbour jacket. Later in the week, it’s funk queen Chaka Khan (June 18), before Elbow take over for a back-to-back, emotionally-charged, wine-glass-in-hand finale (June 20 & 21).
Prices? Think more Glyndebourne than Glasto. Expect to pay £110–£137.50 for a standard seat at Rag’n’Bone Man, or splash out over £550 for a VIP experience that includes champagne, canapés, and frankly, bragging rights. But for those who like their festivals seated, scented, and lit by fairy lights strung through 16th-century stonework, it’s practically priceless.
Labyrinth on the Thames
Every summer needs a wildcard festival, and this year it’s Labyrinth on the Thames—a fresh contender with serious pedigree, set in the grand courtyards of the Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich. This one’s less glitter and porta-loos, more Georgian architecture and disco at dusk. From 31 July to 10 August, the new series unfolds across two weekends, promising five curated shows that straddle high-concept dance and end-of-summer hedonism, but in a way that says “I brunch at Chiltern” rather than “I forgot to pack tissues.”
Opening night kicks off with Grammy-winning South African producer Black Coffee, followed by the cinematic camp of Empire of the Sun (August 2) and a five-hour (!) set from Solomun (August 8) that practically begs for a second espresso martini. The final weekend belongs to two giants of the genre—FISHER (August 9), known for his riotous energy, and Anjunadeep (August 10), the label beloved by those who describe house music as a lifestyle choice. The 5,000-cap venue promises just enough exclusivity to feel like you’ve discovered something, even though you’re surrounded by 4,999 other people doing the same.
Polygon Live LDN
If your idea of a festival involves walking into a massive sound dome with 200 speakers, synchronised lighting, and the sensation that you’re starring in your own sci-fi ballet—Polygon Live LDN is your move. From 2 to 4 May, Crystal Palace Park will play host to the UK’s first spatial audio music festival, and no, that’s not a Black Mirror plot. Think of it as Tomorrowland meets Tate Modern.
Inside these 360-degree covered domes—two, to be exact—electronic music’s most immersive artists take the reins. There’s Tinariwen, the Grammy-winning Tuareg blues band whose music feels like a mirage in the desert, and Max Cooper, known for transforming maths into melody. Kiasmos brings the moodiness, Jon Hopkins brings the transcendence, and Arooj Aftab brings the vocals that will probably make someone you don’t know cry. Polygon isn’t about crowd-surfing or main stages; it’s about sound wrapping around your skull like a cashmere hood, and lights that pulse in time with your heartbeat. Just go—it's the closest you’ll come to floating without leaving the ground.
