Hitmakers including Chase & Status, RAYE, and The Maccabees will take over Victoria Park this August as All Points East 2025 returns for another genre-blending, crowd-dazzling season. With five days of performances spread across two weekends, the festival continues to be a barometer of what’s cool now and what’s next. Think: curated chaos, era-defining headliners, and one very stylish crowd. In between the ticketed shows, the midweek programme — known as In the Neighbourhood — offers four days of free entry from Sunday 17 to Wednesday 20 August, featuring community-focused workshops, DJ sets, street food, and open-air cinema. Here’s everything you need to know before heading East. When is All Points East 2025? All Points East 2025 runs across two weekends , beginning on Friday 15 August and concluding on Sunday 24 August . Whether you're into soul, jungle, R&B or a bit of everything, there's a day for every kind of taste and tempo. Who’s Performing? Friday 15 August – Provenance Cleo Sol (L), Nao (R) Opening night sets the tone with ‘Provenance’ , a one-off showcase led by the luminous Cleo Sol , reggae icon Chronixx , and the elusive and experimental collective SAULT . This world-exclusive performance is more than a headline—it’s a statement. The evening is rounded out by live performances from analogue-soul trio Gotts Street Park , tastemaker DJ and Soulection co-founder Joe Kay , and genre-defying R&B talents like Nao , Ms. Dynamite , and Sasha Keable . Club culture gets its moment too, with a back-to-back set from Jordss and the “Goddess of Rhythm” Karen Nyame KG , while Kirk Franklin brings gospel energy to a night already steeped in soul, spirituality and sonic storytelling. The No Signal collective curates the North Arena, offering a deeper dive into the global Black music canon. Saturday 16 August – RTRN II DANCE curated by Chase & Status Chase & Status (L), Overmono (R) The tempo shifts dramatically as Chase & Status bring their RTRN II DANCE concept to Victoria Park for the first time. It’s a full-throttle homage to the UK’s rich dance music heritage, featuring some of the most legendary names in drum & bass, garage, jungle and more. Alongside their own headline set, expect electrifying performances from Overmono , Sammy Virji , Nia Archives , and Dimension . DJ royalty SHY FX returns with his iconic cuts, while SHERELLE b2b CLIPZ , Jyoty b2b Ahadadream , BAMBII , Arthi , and Hamdi keep the energy high and the basslines rolling. Expect dancing, sweating, and the sort of collective euphoria that only a Chase & Status rave can bring. Friday 22 August – Barry Can’t Swim Scottish producer and electronic darling Barry Can’t Swim headlines this Friday with a blissed-out blend of house, jazz, and club-ready grooves. He’s joined by the legendary Orbital , whose futuristic synths and '90s rave nostalgia remain as vital as ever, plus underground favourites like Avalon Emerson , The Blessed Madonna , and Prospa . Live sets from Confidence Man , SHYGIRL , Interplanetary Criminal , Leon Vynehall , and DJ HEARTSTRING bring genre-hopping brilliance to the fore, while French DJ Myd and rising stars like Sam Alfred , Saint Ludo , and Pretty Girl add international flavour to a night that blends joy, experimentation, and pure dancefloor escape. Saturday 23 August – RAYE Raye (L), Tyla (R) After becoming the first artist to win six BRIT Awards in one night, RAYE returns to the stage with a headline show that promises both power and vulnerability in equal measure. Her genre-bending storytelling—equal parts ballad, banger, and soul confession—takes centre stage in what’s likely to be one of the festival’s most emotionally charged moments. She’ll be joined by rising global acts Tyla , the South African pop-R&B star behind viral hit "Water", as well as genre-defying performers Doechii and Jade , all contributing to a day of fierce female artistry and creative fearlessness. Sunday 24 August – The Maccabees The Maccabees (L), The Cribs (R) Closing the festival with indie nostalgia and heart, The Maccabees reunite for their first show in eight years. It’s a major moment for fans of early 2000s British indie—and a rare chance to hear favourites like “Toothpaste Kisses” and “Pelican” live once again. Supporting acts include festival mainstays Bombay Bicycle Club , post-punk favourites Dry Cleaning , and cult-loved The Cribs , making for a Sunday that feels both familiar and exhilarating. Expect plenty of sing-alongs, stylishly dishevelled denim, and probably a few emotional tears in the crowd. In the Neighbourhood (Free Entry) 17th Aug - 20th Aug Between the weekend headliners, All Points East’s In the Neighbourhood returns from Sunday 17 to Wednesday 20 August , offering four days of free-entry community programming in collaboration with Tower Hamlets Council. Set within the heart of Victoria Park, the daytime sessions are open to all and packed with live music, open-air cinema, workshops, sport, and family theatre. Kids can take part in football sessions with West Ham FC Foundation, cricket hosted by Lord’s, and high-energy boxing, hockey and multi-sport classes with local organisations like Limehouse Boxing and Girls Allowed. Over on the theatre lawn, Whitechapel’s Half Moon Presents brings inclusive stage productions for children of all ages, while The Big Draw invites families to flex their art skills in a celebration of creativity and mental wellbeing. Elsewhere, live performances range from DJ Yoda’s 50 Years of Hip-Hop AV show and riotous comedy from The Cuban Brothers, to the iconic Daft Funk Live tribute set . Expect soulful music, cabaret, high-energy dance, and even a cheeky Shakespeare moment, as East London Shakespeare stages a joyfully modern version of As You Like It . Fitness fans can join free yoga sessions and movement classes from Tower Hamlets-based instructors, while little ones are treated to sensory storytelling and baby raves courtesy of Hackney Baby Sensory and Adventure Babies. Add in film screenings of Inside Out 2 , Captain America: Brave New World , and a Wicked singalong, and In the Neighbourhood continues to prove why it’s one of London’s best open-access cultural offerings. Event Timings Most festival days : Gates open at 2pm , with early entry at 1pm for VIP and Primary Entry ticket holders. Friday 22 August : Gates open at 3pm , early entry at 2pm . Last entry : 8:30pm Box Office closes : 8pm All Points East 2025 Tickets Tickets are available now at www.allpointseast.com . Ticket options include: General Admission Primary Entry VIP Garden VIP Garden + VIP Pit Early booking is advised—particularly for Friday 15 August and Saturday 23 August, both of which are expected to sell out. How to Get There Underground stations near Victoria Park: Mile End Station – Central, District, and Hammersmith & City lines (10–15 mins walk) Bethnal Green Station – Central line (also around 10–15 mins walk) Night Tube services operate on the Central line Friday and Saturday nights only . Overground stations nearby: Cambridge Heath Station – 10 mins walk Bethnal Green Overground – 10 mins walk Bus routes serving the area: 8, 277, 309, 339, 388, D3, D6. Some may be diverted at night due to road closures.

If there’s one thing London knows how to do, it’s throw a party in the name of queer joy. Pride 2025 is shaping up to be more than just a parade — it’s a citywide celebration of identity, culture, and glittering subversion, spanning immersive musicals, underground raves, and sharp, funny theatre that might just make you cry into your Pride-themed martini. And unlike the corporate-sponsored rainbow gloss you’ll find plastered across billboards come June, this year’s events go deeper: they’re fierce, funny, and unapologetically intimate — the kind of experiences you’ll still be talking about come winter, ideally over a bottle of orange wine in Dalston. From sweaty East London basements packed with techno and moustachioed go-gos, to bunker-set musicals reimagining Oscar Wilde as a pop prophet of the future, to emotionally raw one-man shows about bisexuality and masculinity, the capital is once again proving that Pride is not just a party — it’s political, poetic, and deeply personal. Whether you're looking to dance until sunrise, cry in a fringe theatre, or just flirt your way through Soho, here are the events actually worth your time this season. Pride in London 2025 July 5 · Parade starts midday · Free (ticketed grandstands available) The cornerstone of queer summer in the capital, Pride in London turns the city into one giant runway of resistance. The main event? A 35,000-strong Parade weaving from Hyde Park Corner to Whitehall Place, flanked by DJs, drag, and grandstands (if you're allergic to standing). It's the finale to a month-long festival of theatre, art, parties and protest — and yes, the Mayor usually leads the charge. Homostash Pride Rave July 5 · 9:30pm–3:30am · Colours Hoxton · £12–£30 If you like your Pride nights sweaty, unfiltered, and soundtracked by proper techno, Homostash is non-negotiable. Back for its 11th anniversary, the moustache-loving rave takes over Colours Hoxton with a two-room blowout: one for dark, industrial beats, the other for disco highs. Expect go-gos, wild performance art, and a crowd that looks like a queer Berlin afterparty — in the best way. OSCAR at The Crown Now showing · Tottenham Court Road This isn’t a musical — it’s a glitter-drenched, queer fever dream. OSCAR at the Crown reimagines Oscar Wilde as the ultimate pop prophet inside a post-apocalyptic nightclub. Set in a custom-built bunker with scorched tube cars and dystopian disco bathrooms, this immersive show turns high camp into cultural critique, with plenty of vodka cranberries along the way. BI-TOPIA June 17–22 · Seven Dials Playhouse Sam Danson’s one-man show about bisexuality, masculinity and identity hits that sweet spot between laugh-out-loud and quietly devastating. A Fringe favourite, BI-TOPIA explores what happens when the gay thoughts outpace the military fantasies — and why being Ben Affleck in Pearl Harbor isn’t as simple as it sounds. Pride Celebrations at Home House Throughout June If you’re looking to celebrate Pride in velvet-draped splendour, Home House – one of London’s most opulent private members’ clubs – is throwing a month-long programme of events. Every Friday becomes Pride Friday, spotlighting queer DJs for inclusive, high-energy sets. The club is also debuting a short film series titled As I Am: The Spectrum of Self , profiling LGBTQIA+ members and staff. Expect a riotous Pride Closing Party on Friday 27 June, where all the month’s featured DJs unite for one final blowout. Omnibus Theatre’s 96 Festival 17 June – 12 July Dysbiosis WIP This independent theatre in Clapham is beloved for its bold programming and support for underrepresented voices. Its annual 96 Festival – named for the 1996 Pride party on Clapham Common – is now in its 10th year. The 2025 edition promises an especially glittering line-up of cabaret, comedy, music, art and activism, with a strong focus on new writing and queer storytelling. Celebrating Queer Voices at The Common Press 15 June Bethnal Green Road’s The Common Press is more than just London’s first queer intersectional bookshop – it’s a vital community hub. On 15 June, the shop is hosting an evening of readings and conversations exploring queer love, longing and intimacy through the lens of debut fiction, with authors José Daniel Alvior ( Seven Days in Tokyo ), Zahra Barri ( Daughters of the Nile ) and Iqbal Hussain ( Northern Boy ). Queer 70s: LGBTQ+ Cinema in the Decade after Stonewall at the Barbican 11 June – 16 July The Barbican’s latest film season rewinds to the 1970s, a transformative decade in queer history, with 11 screenings of groundbreaking international films that reshaped queer representation on screen. The series opens with a retrospective of experimental filmmaker Barbara Hammer, featuring shorts like Dyketactics and Women I Love , and continues with cult classics, activist documentaries, and rarely seen gems. Desire, Love, Identity: LGBTQ Histories at the British Museum Ongoing The British Museum might not be the first place you think of for queer culture, but its “Desire, Love, Identity” trail connects LGBTQIA+ history with objects from across its eight-million-strong collection. There’s a 15-object route for those with time to explore, or a shorter three-object trail if you’re on the move – featuring ancient same-sex art, 18th-century love tokens, and even a bust of Antinous, the famously beautiful lover of Emperor Hadrian. Pride of the National Gallery 28 June – 4 July Hidden in the brushstrokes of European masterpieces are coded symbols, glances and stories that have long belonged to the queer community. Rebel Tours will guide you through the National Gallery’s queer narratives – from Renaissance muses to modernist rebels – in a series of Pride-themed walk-throughs. It's part art history lesson, part act of reclamation. Aesop Queer Library 3 – 5 July Your favourite skincare sanctuary gets literary this Pride Month. Across its London stores, Aesop will be giving away books by LGBTQIA+ authors – no purchase necessary. The Aesop Queer Library installation celebrates storytelling, visibility and the written word, letting visitors discover new voices while browsing serums. Ministry of Pride 5 July If you’re in it for the party, this is the night for you. Ministry of Sound is throwing its biggest Pride event yet, with DJs and performers from across the LGBTQIA+ spectrum taking over the iconic venue. Expect sets from Fat Tony, Catz 'N Dogz, FAFF, Princess Julia, Reenie, Tete Bang, and many more – plus plenty of glitter, dancing and unapologetic queer energy. Classical Pride 27 June – 4 July Think Pride is all pop bangers and voguing? Think again. Classical Pride is a music festival spotlighting LGBTQIA+ composers and performers through a series of concerts at venues including the Barbican and Southbank Centre. Highlights include Queer Cosmos , a choral celebration of queer mysticism; Voices from the Edge , giving voice to overlooked queer pioneers; and a recital by trumpeter Aaron Azunda Akugbo.

In the verdant heart of London, where the city's pulse softens to the rhythm of rustling leaves and distant melodies, BST Hyde Park 2025 emerges as the season's most anticipated cultural rendezvous. This year's festival is not merely a sequence of concerts; it's a curated tapestry of musical narratives, each day unfolding a new chapter in the ever-evolving story of contemporary soundscapes. From the introspective ballads of indie prodigies to the electrifying anthems of seasoned legends, BST Hyde Park promises an auditory journey as diverse and dynamic as its audience. For 2025, the headliners read like the For You Page of a Gen Z fever dream, crossed with your dad’s vintage vinyl shelf. Think Olivia Rodrigo, Neil Young, Stevie Wonder, and Sabrina Carpenter—each commanding a day in Hyde Park as if Buckingham Palace weren’t just a ten-minute walk away. Below, we break down the line-up day by day. (Pro tip: plan your outfits now. Yes, all of them.) As the summer sun casts its golden hue over the iconic Great Oak Stage, attendees will find themselves immersed in performances that transcend mere entertainment. This festival is a celebration of artistry, a confluence of genres and generations, where every note played resonates with the collective heartbeat of thousands. In the spirit of Amy Odell's keen eye for cultural zeitgeists, let's delve into the daily line-up that positions BST Hyde Park 2025 as the epitome of musical sophistication. Friday, June 27: Olivia Rodrigo Kicking off the festival with a fervent blend of vulnerability and vigor, Olivia Rodrigo takes the stage, marking her most significant UK performance to date. Her meteoric rise from Disney ingénue to Grammy-winning artist is a testament to her authentic storytelling and resonant melodies. With tracks from Guts and SOUR , expect a setlist that traverses the emotional landscapes of youth, heartbreak, and self-discovery, delivered with the raw intensity that has become Rodrigo's hallmark. Supporting acts have yet to be revealed, but given Rodrigo’s high-fashion-meets-heartache appeal, this night is poised to be a generational touchstone—equal parts tearjerker and scream-along. Saturday & Sunday, June 28–29: Zach Bryan Zach Bryan brings his stripped-back Americana to the Great Oak Stage for two consecutive nights—a feat that signals just how firmly he’s rooted himself in the UK’s collective consciousness. Hailing from Oklahoma and shaped by his years in the U.S. Navy, Bryan’s storytelling unspools with rare vulnerability and restraint, more handwritten letter than TikTok snippet. On Saturday , he’s joined by Mt. Joy —whose sun-soaked indie-rock will warm the early crowd—and Gabrielle Aplin , who offers a homegrown dose of lyrical sincerity. On Sunday , the lineup pivots slightly more country: Turnpike Troubadours bring their swaggering, fiddle-laced sound, while Dermot Kennedy (appearing both nights) ensures the emotional tempo never dips below full-body goosebumps. Friday, July 4: Noah Kahan On the Fourth of July, Hyde Park welcomes Vermont’s finest export: Noah Kahan. Dubbed the “folk Malone” for his blend of earnest lyrics and meme-friendly relatability, Kahan’s 2025 BST set feels like a long-awaited communion with his British fanbase. His debut at Hyde Park promises soul-baring renditions of Stick Season , wrapped in the kind of vocal ache that turns a crowd into a choir. Also on the bill is Gracie Abrams , whose gauzy, confessional pop reads like pages torn from a diary. It’s a night for introspection and Instagram captions alike. Saturday & Sunday, July 5–6: Sabrina Carpenter If last summer belonged to Taylor, this one might be Sabrina’s. Following a viral year marked by global chart domination and a Met Gala entrance that launched a thousand think pieces, Sabrina Carpenter is no longer just a pop princess—she’s the pop provocateur of the moment. On Saturday , the mood leans indie-chic with Clairo , whose hushed vocals and diaristic lyrics lend a dreamy counterpoint to Carpenter’s glossy theatrics. Beabadoobee , a Gen Z guitar heroine, adds a grungier edge with her ‘90s Britpop aesthetic. By Sunday , the vibe shifts subtly more soulful, with Olivia Dean joining the bill alongside the return of Clairo . Expect sequins, synchronised dancing, and, yes, a crowd full of very online fashion moments. Friday, July 11: Neil Young and the Chrome Hearts The penultimate evening at BST Hyde Park delivers a masterclass in musical legacy, courtesy of Neil Young and his new band, the Chrome Hearts. As part of his Love Earth World Tour , Young promises a set that reaches deep into his colossal catalogue—think “Heart of Gold,” “Harvest Moon,” and “Rockin’ in the Free World”—while also embracing new material written as recently as last winter. With Spooner Oldham on Farfisa organ and Micah Nelson (Willie’s son) lending his guitar and vocals, the Chrome Hearts lineup is an homage to Young’s enduring knack for finding the right collaborators at the right time. Saturday, July 12: Stevie Wonder The incomparable Stevie Wonder headlines a Saturday that already feels historic. His "Love, Light & Song" tour lands in Hyde Park like a spiritual revival—expect joy, expect dancing, expect tears. While support acts remain under wraps, the mere presence of Wonder is enough to guarantee a soulful spectacle. From "Superstition" to "Isn't She Lovely," this is the set where generations will dance side by side under the London sky. Sunday, July 13: Jeff Lynne’s ELO BST 2025 closes on a high—and final—note with Jeff Lynne’s Electric Light Orchestra , marking their last-ever UK show. For decades, Lynne has fused orchestral flourishes with classic rock in a way that still feels futuristic. Sunday’s lineup reads like a tribute to that legacy. The Doobie Brothers bring California cool, Steve Winwood offers a masterclass in genre-bending grooves, and Dhani Harrison (yes, George’s son) injects the evening with a reverent nod to rock ‘n’ roll lineage. A night of light shows, strings, and singalongs—it’s less a concert, more a curtain call for an era.

There are doughnuts, and then there’s Bread Ahead’s Crème Brûlée doughnut—the sugar-dusted, custard-filled legend that sells over 4,000 a day and still manages to trend harder than your oat latte. Now, in a move that’s both generous and highly Instagrammable, the cult Borough Market bakery is launching a new one-hour Crème Brûlée Doughnut Making Experience in honour of National Doughnut Week (10–18 May). You get to make them. You get to eat them. You get to say you brûléed something other than your weekend plans. But here’s the part that really matters: 10% of all bookings made during National Doughnut Week will go directly to The Children’s Trust , the UK’s leading charity for children with brain injuries and neurodisabilities. It’s an experience that tastes good—and does good. The workshop, held at Bread Ahead’s shiny new Doughnut Studio in Borough Market, runs five days a week and lasts just an hour—ideal if your calendar is already packed with gallery openings, launch parties, or just a very committed skincare routine. For £50, you’ll roll dough, fill it with the good stuff, take home four freshly made Crème Brûlée doughnuts, and sip coffee while trying not to eat them all before you leave. And for the truly sweet-toothed (and deal-hungry), Bread Ahead is offering a 2-for-1 special during the launch weekend, from 2nd to 4th May. Bring a friend or a date—this is the kind of baking that doesn’t require matching aprons, just a mutual appreciation for torched sugar. The Children’s Trust, which supports thousands of children each year through specialist rehabilitation and education services, is one of the most vital charities of its kind in the UK. Bread Ahead’s contribution during National Doughnut Week adds a powerful purpose to the pleasure of a perfectly brûléed bite. “There’s something magical about the Crème Brûlée doughnut—our customers can’t get enough of it,” said Bread Ahead founder Matthew Jones. “Launching this experience during National Doughnut Week and being able to give back while we do it makes it even more meaningful.” So yes, you can now tick “brûlée a doughnut” off your bucket list. But more importantly, you can do it while supporting children and families across the UK. Honestly, what better excuse to cancel your Saturday plans and head to Borough Market? Bookings open Monday 28th April at breadahead.com . Spots are limited, and sugar waits for no one.

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.

The days are longer, the sun is out (allegedly), and London is once again the place to be. Whether you’re looking for a chic new exhibition, a playful take on a classic pastime, or just an excuse to spend all day eating, here’s your guide to the best of the city this weekend. Naomi In Fashion If you’ve ever wanted a front-row seat to the world of Naomi Campbell, the Naomi In Fashion exhibition at the V&A is your best bet. A retrospective of her era-defining career, this show celebrates her most iconic collaborations with designers and photographers. It’s the kind of exhibition that sells out fast, so book ahead. London Games Festival For those who take their entertainment with a side of interactivity, the London Games Festival is the world’s largest celebration of video games and interactive media. It’s happening at Cadogan Hall in Chelsea, bringing together gaming enthusiasts, developers, and those who just want to be part of the digital revolution. Ramadan Lights The Ramadan lights on Coventry Street are now shining bright with a celebratory ‘Happy Eid’ message, set against intricate Islamic geometric patterns and celestial symbols. A must-see, whether you’re marking the occasion or just appreciate a dazzling light display. The Bach Choir For something a little more serene, the Bach Choir’s annual performance of St Matthew Passion takes place at Southbank Centre. Sung in English, it’s split into two parts—Part I at 11am, a two-hour break (perfect for a cultured lunch), and Part II at 2.15pm. The Play That Goes Wrong For those who like their theatre with a side of chaos (the good kind), The Play That Goes Wrong at the Duchess Theatre is a guaranteed laugh. Watch as the accident-prone Cornley Drama Society attempts to stage a serious murder mystery—emphasis on “attempts.” Verdict? This weekend is serving up a little bit of everything: high fashion, low-effort sports, feline nostalgia, and a perfectly curated mix of culture and comedy. Choose wisely—or just do it all.