With the summer months in the UK comes festival season. Festivals large and small are all kicking off around the country and will continue to do so until the days begin to shorten and the temperature starts to drop. However, you don’t have to trek to the middle of a field in the deepest darkest countryside to get a great festival experience. For your extended stay in London, there are great city festivals to explore and enjoy from the base of your serviced apartment.
Southbank Summer
This is an ongoing programme throughout the Summer. You will find a festival vibe daily along the stretch of London’s South bank around the Royal Festival Hall. With a sandy beach area, fairground rides and a huge swathe of family theatre on offer, there’s something for everyone at the drop of a hat!
Meltdown Festival
Another offering from the Southbank Centre, Meltdown is an annual nine day long festival of music. It’s curated by a different icon of the music industry every year: this year being Nile Rodgers. Alongside the series of evening acts that have been handpicked by Rodgers, is an enticing series of daytime parties. Check out the lunchtime Mardi Gras on Friday 4th August and free outside ‘Disco Wonderland’ events on the afternoons of the 3rd and 4th August.
Walthamstow Garden Party
From 13th to 14th July, head East for a relaxed and artsy festival. Here you’ll find a mix of live music, poetry, circus acts, street food and a pop-up cinema. Not forgetting the ‘Mini Garden Party’ for the under 5’s. This is a laid back and friendly event so the whole family can enjoy a festival experience without feeling overwhelmed! There’s so much to squeeze in that you’ll look forward to the comfort of your luxury serviced apartment come evening time!
On Blackheath Festival
The same weekend of 13th – 14th July sees a more mainstream offering from Blackheath in SE3. With Jamiroquai, James Morrison and Soul II Soul on the bill there’s a decent offering for the grown ups. However this is a dedicated family friendly event. So you can elect to dance along to Andy and the Odd Socks or Boppin’ Bunnies! The Science Museum and Maynard’s Mini Zoo both have a presence while the family workshop programme is extensive. Just a taxi ride back to your serviced apartment in Kensington and you can enjoy making your memories in comfort!
Notting Hill Carnival
The August Bank Holiday weekend (24th – 26th August in 2019) sees one of central London’s most established street events. It’s free and attracts around 2 million revellers. The streets are awash with colourful carnival floats, sound systems, steel pans, costumes, dancers, street food and multicultural merriment. If you are in town with the family, stick to the Sunday, which is traditionally Children’s Day. It’s less hectic and gives you a chance to watch costumed little ones steal the limelight!
Totally Thames Festival
The month of September will see a series of events taking place along the River Thames, from Kew to the South Bank and on to the Isle of Dogs. There will be races, theatre, films, music and fireworks in a programme that will be announced in July. Presented by the Thames Festival Trust and supported by the Arts Council England and the Mayor of London, the events promise to be both creative and educational.
The best thing about heading to a city festival with your family this Summer is that you have the comfort of your luxury serviced apartment to return to. So you know that both you and the children can enjoy a great nights sleep ready to enjoy the rest of your stay!
