July 2010

In July, Hyde Park hosts three massive Wireless gigs while further East, Victoria Park boasts the Lovebox Weekender, the new heavy metal High Voltage festival and an alternative Village fete-style music shindig in Field Day. On top of that there are the usual outdoor summer schedules at Somerset House and Kew Gardens, plus a couple of outings celebrating Shoreditch.

London Literature Festival

Southbank Centre, London, SE1 8XX
1st - 15th July 2010

Words, stories and author events are all part of the London Literature Festival, as you'd expect. Comedy, music and documentaries are some of the less obvious offerings that are crammed into the busy schedule of the capital's largest book event, held annually at the Southbank Centre. This year's festival themes include Science - to tie in with the Royal Society's 350th anniversary - with academic and author Marcus du Sautoy (named by The Independent on Sunday as one of the UK's leading scientists) giving a lecture on The Maths of Music on 3rd July. There's a huge diversity of topics and formats from performances to screenings, spoken word to short stories, in short, the festival focuses on words in every format.

More info: London Literature Festival Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Epsom Live

Epsom Downs Racecourse, London, KT18 5LQ
1st - 29th July 2010

Every Thursday evening in July Epsom Downs Racecourse will follow a day's racing with a special live outdoor concert. Getting the season off to a flying start on 1st July is Mick Hucknall's ever-popular Simply Red, followed by singer-songwriter James Morrison (8th July) and throwback pop-rockers The Feeling (15th July). X-Factor finalists JLS perform on the world renowned Derby course for the penultimate concert (22nd July) before Suggs' veteran British ska outfit Madness bring things to a thrilling finale (29th July). The Queen's Stand and Duchess's Stand are open as one large enclosure for Epsom Live with tickets including the both the racing and the evening concert. For more information go to www.epsomdowns.co.uk.

More info: Epsom Live Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

The iTunes Festival 2010

Roundhouse, London, NW1 8EH
1st July 2010 - 31st July 2010

The iTunes Festival takes over the Roundhouse this summer with a free gig every night throughout the whole of July. So far only a handful of artists have been announced, including disco glam rock darlings Scissor Sisters, American crooner Tony Bennett, sleepless dance troupe Faithless and ageing shock rocker Ozzy Osbourne, making his debut at the Roundhouse. New kids on the block Ellie Goulding and The XX also feature in a festival which will welcome 62 bands over 31 days in the iconic Camden venue. To apply for tickets you must go to the festival's official website or special facebook page page but if you miss any of it don't fret because each performance will be recorded and sold exclusively on iTunes after the event. It's worth keeping tabs on the Roundhouse website because last year's festival included many impromptu splinter events, such as a controversial copyright talk by everyone's favourite erudite bent-nosed giant, Stephen Fry.

More info: The iTunes Festival 2010 Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Wireless Festival 2010

Hyde Park, London, W2 2UH
2nd - 4th July 2010

For the first time in its six year history, the Wireless Festival's opening night in Hyde Park will be headlined by a girl, and that girl is chart-topping global superstar Pink, who will be getting the party started with an opening night performance in the ilk of her record-breaking Funhouse Tour. P!nk will be joined by festival favourites The Ting Tings, Beth Ditto's Gossip and Aussie rockers The Temper Trap on Friday. Saturday's headline act is US hip-hop artist Missy Elliot, with support from LCD Soundsystem, 2manydjs, DJ Shadow and U.N.C.L.E. Sunday welcomes rapper Jay-Z, Lily Allen, Chase & Status, Friendly Fires and Mr Hudson. Keep checking www.wirelessfestival.co.uk for the latest line-up additions.

Sponsored by Barclaycard, the Wireless Festival has firmly established itself as a major live music event, attracting crowds of over 20,000 for each of the three days to Hyde Park. You don't have to commit yourself in quite the same way as a traditional festival - just dip in when you want, buy a ticket for the days you like and go home to your own bed. The downside is that it definitely lacks the atmosphere of a camping festival - the weirdoes in costumes, stalls, tepees, organic cafes and strange entertainments have been replaced by blandly corporate fare, drenched in giant logos; there's definitely less of a community feel, and music licensing laws can restrict the volume. Gripes aside, the line-ups are consistently excellent.

Friday 2nd July: Pink
Saturday 3rd July: Missy Elliot
Sunday 4th July: Jay-Z

Pride London

Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DS
Saturday 3rd July 2010

For the past few years London's Pride Parade has been growing in scale and ambition. Now they've got something even bigger to aim for with London chosen as the city to host WorldPride in 2012. While this year's details have yet to be confirmed you can expect a huge turnout for the street party one of Britain's biggest street parties. Gay or straight, you can join in the heady mix of fun, fabulous costumes, live concerts and politics. Around half a million gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered and straight people are expected to fill the streets, making their way down Oxford Street and Regent Street for the parade. Entertainment is provided by floats and costume groups and walking bands. The serious stuff takes place in Trafalgar Square, where community stalls and music support a rally, with major speakers celebrating a year of successes for the Gay Rights movement. Soho and Leicester Square usually host more frivolous activities, with DJs, cabaret and bands in the square. There's usually an official afterparty but there are also hundreds of lesbian and gay bars and clubs in the area who'll be keeping the celebrations going all night long.

More info: Pride London Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Summer Swing at Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens (Royal Botanic Gardens), London, TW9 3AB
6th - 10th July 2010

The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew hosts the annual Summer Swing as revellers gather for a series of five evening concerts of jazz, rock and pop in front of the Temperate House, the largest surviving Victorian glass structure in the world. Weather permitting, it's a breathtaking setting - especially when the fireworks go off for a thrilling finale at the end of each concert. Much like the summer evening picnic and champagne concerts at Kenwood House in Hampstead Heath, these shows in Kew attract the whole family - toddlers, twenty-somethings, parents and grandparents - sharing the same picnic rug (although you might struggle to get your teenagers excited about this year's line-up). The inimitable Jools Holland kicks off with his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra plus special guest Alison Moyet on Tuesday 6th July. Abba tribute band Bjorn Again share a slot with The Original Bucks Fizz (7th July), while there's some Motown magic a day later with Dancing on the Streets (8th July). The Bootleg Beatles return to perform alongside The UK Beach Boys (9th July) before the week is concluded by the very best Queen hits with Another Kind of Magic Queen: A Symphonic Rock Spectacular on Saturday 10th July. Guests are urged to being their own picnics, blankets and folding chairs to the event, which raises money for Kew's vital plant science and conservation work around the world. For more information go to www.kew.org/swing.

More info: Summer Swing at Kew Gardens Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Somerset House Summer Series

Somerset House, WC2R 1LA
8th - 18th July 2010

Some of the best current live acts drop into the central courtyard of Somerset House for 11 consecutive nights for this year's Summer Series. It's an idyllic, intimate, calming, escapist location for a concert on a summer's evening and as a breeze drifts in off the Thames you'll forget the city bustle outside and tune into some great music, surrounded by one of eighteenth century London's most spectacular buildings. Unless it rains, of course, in which case it can be miserable (but after such a cold and wet winter, we're banking on a hot summer here in the LondonTown office). So far, all but two of the 11 acts have been confirmed and it's shaping up to be quite a spectacle. London indie five-piece Mystery Jets kick off the season on Thursday 8th July followed by contrasting weekend gigs by French duo Air, modern day folk heroes Noah and the Whale and teeny grime trio N-Dubz. The second week welcomes Aussie soul rockers The Temper Trap, south London trio The xx, flame-haired temptress Florence and the Machine (the pick of the bunch, for many), jazzy singer Corinne Bailey Rae and reformed RnB/dance group Soul II Soul.

Programme:
Thursday 8 July    Mystery Jets
Friday 9 Jets        Air
Saturday 10 July    Noah and the Whale
Sunday 11 July    N-Dubz
Monday 12 July    The xx
Tuesday 12 July    The Temper Trap
Wednesday 13 July    Gil Scott-Heron
Thursday 14 July    Florence and the Machine
Friday 16 July        Corinne Bailey Rae
Saturday 17 July    The Divine Comedy
Sunday 18 July    Soul II Soul

Keep checking www.somersethouse.org.uk/music for the latest line-up additions and for ticket information.

More info: Somerset House Summer Series Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Bastille Day London Garden Party

Battersea Park, London, SW11 4NJ
Sunday 11th July 2010

Ooh la la! This summer, on Sunday 11th July, London will have its very own Bastille Day in Battersea Park for one of the largest Bastille Day celebrations outside of France. The free festival sees all sorts of French-themed goings on from a petanque tournament and open-air picnic with gourmet food for sale to big-name DJs from across the Channel. Top chefs including Raymond Blanc, cooking classes and samples from Relais & Chateaux are mixed in with French celebrities, and performances by Parisian revue troupe the Bluebell girls. Live music will be played on the main stage throughout the day including accordian backed appearances from retro band les Appaches, while DJs hosted by London French Wednesday take the tempo upbeat. Dress code: Canotiers (boater straw hats) and marinieres (stripey jumpers).

More info: Bastille Day London Garden Party Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Lovebox Weekender 2010

Victoria Park, London, E3 5SN
16th - 18th July 2010

Grime rapper Dizzee Rascal, retro art rockers Roxy Music and the revolutionary Grace Jones will headline respective nights of the new-look Lovebox Weekender this year. For the first time in the event's seven-year history, Lovebox - billed as the biggest and most ambitious to date - will take place over three full days in mid-July in East London's Victoria Park. Set up by Groove Armada and inspired by Glastonbury, Lovebox is the park party that comes closest to capturing the vibe of a proper festival, with a huge range of musical styles across multiple stages, and a friendly, music-loving crowd. Victoria Park is a great festival venue, with loads of space and a sympathetic council who let them turn the music up really loud. Running from Friday afternoon through until Sunday evening, each day will have its own distinct musical identity. Following Dizzee Rascal's opening day antics alongside Chase and Status, Ellie Goulding and Noisettes, Saturday will boast an eclectic line-up (Mark Ronson, Empire of the Sun, Wild Beasts) before the closing Sunday will feature the very best in dance music (Hot Chip, Peaches, Hercules & Love Affair). Book your early bird tickets while you can for a dream festival, Twenty-Ten style. Go to www.lovebox.net for more information.

Friday confirmed acts: Dizzee Rascal, Chase and Status, Ellie Goulding, Noisettes, The Maccabees, Crookers, Brodinski & Sinden, Riva Starr, NYC Download, Zinc & Dynamite MC, Toddla T, MJ Cole, Joy Orbison

Saturday confirmed acts: Roxy Music, Mark Ronson & the Business, Empire of the Sun, Wild Beasts, Bookashade, Jesse Rose, Henrik Schwarz, Dixon, Work It Vs Yo Yo

Sunday confirmed acts: Grace Jones, Hot Chip, Peaches, Hercules & Love Affair, Chromeo, Cut Copy, Hurts, Silver Columns, Horse Meat Disco, Trailer Trash, Wet Yourself, Johnny Woo, Dr Noki

More info: Lovebox Weekender 2010 Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Shoreditch Festival

Shoreditch Park, London, N1 6TA
16th - 18th July 2010

One of the annual highlights of the East London cultural calendar, the Shoreditch Festival takes place over one July weekend in Shoreditch Park bringing together a host of entertainment, music, theatre and dance - for free. This year's gets off to a classic start with Friday night's Proms in the Park with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and a spectacular firework finale (Friday 7.30pm-9.30pm). Saturday's Festival Day (1pm-7pm) includes an eclectic musical line-up on the main stage, big screen films, the ever-popular Shoreditch Bark dog show, a literature and spoken word tent, and a dance stage together with an array of food, drink and craft stalls. Sunday's World in Motion Day (1pm-7pm) features music, fashion, dance and film brought to you by local youngsters with the help of the Shoreditch Trust, the Barbican Centre and Guildhall School of Music & Drama. For more information go to www.shoreditchfestival.org.uk.

More info: Shoreditch Festival Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

The Proms 2010

Royal Albert Hall, London, SW7 2AP
16th July 2010 - 11th September 2010

All eyes return to the Royal Albert Hall for the 2010 Proms as the most popular season of classical music in England continues to go from strength to strength. A varied but accessible programme regularly draws huge audiences, concluding on the last night with seas of Union Jack-waving Brits belting out their national anthem. The aim, for the past 100 years, has been to mix the popular and familiar with the surprising and innovative, so if you go to a concert to hear some favourite piece, you may leave having discovered a whole new composer. Five hundred standing tickets for each concert are available on the door for just five pounds, so top international orchestras and soloists, programmes that mix the adventurous and the accessible, and a real sense of fun can all be had for half the price of a central London cinema ticket. There are also chamber music concerts in Cadogan Hall and outdoor events throughout the country. You should turn up early for the biggest stars - and queue overnight if you want to get into the Last Night.

This year's Proms gets off to an emphatic start on Friday 16th July with Mahler's massive choral Symphony No.8, performed by the BBC Symphony Orchestra and conducted by Jiri Belohlavek. Valery Gergiev conducts the World Orchestra for Peace performing Mahler's 4th and 5th symphonies in Prom 26 (Tuesday 5th August) while Sir Simon Rattle conducts the Berlin Philharmonic in a programme of Beethoven and more Mahler (the Austrian late-Romantic composer is approaching his centenary year) in Prom 65 (Friday 3rd September). Placido Domingo stars in Verdi's opera Simon Boccanegra (Sunday 18th July) while more quirky highlights include a Doctor Who-themed Prom (Saturday 24th July) and a Sondheim evening (Saturday 31st July). For more information go to the Royal Albert Hall website.

More info: The Proms 2010 Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Lambeth Country Show

Brockwell Park, London, SE24 0PA
17th & 18th July 2010

The countryside comes to South London for a weekend, cows and all, as the leafy expanse of Brockwell Park welcomes herds of hairy visitors, accompanied by brilliant live music. The annual Lambeth Country Show is a weird and very entertaining mixture: city kids get to soak up a taste of rural England - falconry shows, jousting, sheep dog displays, a fruit and veg competition, steam engines and the like - then restore their urban cool with two days of top ska, soul and reggae with music from some of Brixton's finest soundsystems. Local acts feature on the main stage while over on the Village Green stage you'll find acoustic and folk music followed by some jazz and classical groups. A fantastic free family festival and a tribute to the enduring spirit of London's liveliest borough.

More info: Lambeth Country Show Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

LolliBop Festival

Clissold Park, London, N4 2EY
17th & 18th July 2010

A festival especially for the under-10s, LolliBop - "the big bash for little people" - comes to Clissold Park this summer. There's a whole heap of entertainment from the bandstand to the Big Top, and plenty where you can get involved - what with workshops on hula hooping, bodypopping and creating a carnival costume. In fact, dressing up is positively encouraged - you're advised to come in your best fancy dress. On arrival you can take part in a treasure hunt - but look out for walkabout performers and firebreathing dragons on your way - take part in the sandcastle competition, and meet Dr Doo and his sheep, chickens, pigs, rabbits, goats, and donkeys. Music and comedy takes place on the main bandstand stage with everything from Phil Kaye to Cut a Shine's bonkers hoe down. There's something for all the family including fairground rides for the kids and a dedicated baby change tent for parents. If that's not enough you can always run away to the LolliBop circus and be entertained by the talented troupe of performers. Brilliant family summer fun. Go to www.lollibopfestival.com for full details.

More info: LolliBop Festival Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Greenwich Summer Sessions

Old Royal Naval College, London, SE10 9LW
21st - 25th July 2010

The inaugural Greenwich Summer Sessions takes place over four days in July at the spectacular Old Royal Naval College and includes a diverse line-up of music split into distinct themes celebrating Greenwich's unique history. Four open-air music events - entitled Rebels, Royals, Rivers and Runners - will help celebrate Greenwich's role as a host borough for London 2012. British folk star Seth Lakeman and Celtic indie veterans The Levellers get the festival off on a Wednesday night before the mood changes completely with a second night performance by the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra plus soprano Natasha Marsh and tenor Nicky Spence. Friday night's third concert features the inimitable Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra alongside Gilson Lavis, Alison Moyet, Ruby Turner and Louise Marshall. There's no action on Saturday night, but the festival resumes on Sunday with an Olympic-themed finale which includes a set from local boys Athlete. It will be interesting to see how this new addition to the London summer festival calendar fares - it's certainly an interesting concept and the line-up is varied, while the splendid setting is second to none.

More info: Greenwich Summer Sessions Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

The 1-2-3-4 Shoreditch

Shoreditch Park, London, N1 6TA
Saturday 24th July 2010

The 1-2-3-4 Shoreditch music festival in Shoreditch Park returns for a third outing this July, bringing you the best new underground music alongside inspirational international acts. Given the fashionable East London location, it's no surprise that this whippersnapper of a festival is branded as one for "stylish bands, stylish fans and stylish sounds". Perhaps the least corporate music festival you'll get all summer, the 1-2-3-4 will no doubt throw up a bevy of "heard-them-here-first" bands alongside (in equal measure) many "will-never-hear-of-again" offerings. The first flurry of acts have been announced and they include These New Puritans, Egyptian Hip Hop, We Have Band, S.C.U.M, Autokratz, Todla T & MC Serocee, Vivian Girls, Veronica Falls, The Lovely Jonjo, A Grave With No Name, Is Tropical, Maria and the Mirrors, The Ruling Class and Zombie-Zombie. Last year the avant-garde, androgynous singer Patrick Wolf was the headline act, cutting "a defiantly flamboyant figure in the grey rain" (The Independent). He was joined by East End indie/art punk/fashion rockers The Rakes with support coming from a whole cluster of new genre-defying bands and DJs who performed on three stages. The curfew was 9pm for live music in the park but the fun continued at different venues around the area, including Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen, Electricity Showrooms, Bar Music Hall, Queen Of Hoxton, Old Blue Last, Catch, Cocomo, The Joiners Arms and Mother. Considering all this cost a mere £15 and your festival wristband got you into all the after parties for free, it worked out as a damn good deal. We're looking forward to another a night of summer mayhem. For more information go to www.the1234shoreditch.com.

More info: The 1-2-3-4 Shoreditch Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

High Voltage Festival 2010: ZZ Top & Emerson, Lake And Palmer

Victoria Park, London, E3 5SN
24th & 25th July 2010

The inaugural High Voltage Festival launches at Victoria Park this July with a weekend of classic rock, progressive rock and metal from 40 acts handpicked by the UK's fastest-growing music magazine, Classic Rock. Topping the bill are the legendary prog-rock trio Emerson, Lake & Palmer (Sunday), who have reunited specially for the festival, and bearded rock kings ZZ Top (Saturday). Dubbed "the festival all true rock fans have been waiting for," High Voltage will feature three stages and a brilliant support cast, including the likes of Asia, Clutch, Marillion, Heaven & Hell, Orange Goblin, Foreigner and Black Label Society. Home to the Lovebox Weekender, Victoria Park has a proven track record of hosting excellent summer music festivals and this should prove a welcome addition for the capital's rock fans - even if prices seem a little dear. For full line-up details and ticket information go to www.highvoltagefestival.com.

More info: High Voltage Festival 2010: ZZ Top & Emerson, Lake And Palmer Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Ben & Jerry's Sundae Festival

Clapham Common, London, SW4 9DE
24th & 25th July 2010

Leaving aside the obvious dangers of combining free ice cream with high-speed rides, the return of Ben & Jerry's Sundae Festival is great news. This sweet little kids-and-grown-ups party on Clapham Common has a city farm, traditional fairground and live music. The Saturday line-up includes Indie band Scouting For Girls, Scottish rockers Idlewild, Folksters Slow Club, Kitty Daisy & Lewis, Pearl and the Puppets, Little Fish and Alice Gold. On Sunday you can see Doves, Billy Bragg and Frightened Rabbit among the bands on the main stage. This family festival has a far more chilled out atsmophere than the other summer events on Clapham Common and this coupled with the very reasonably priced tickets (and quite possibly the whiff of free ice cream) mean that this popular event usually sells out pretty quick so keep an eye on their website www.benjerry.co.uk for announcements about ticket details.

More info: Ben & Jerry's Sundae Festival Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

The Apple Cart Festival

Shoreditch Park, London, N1 6TA
Sunday 25th July 2010

Bringing together music, comedy, art, literature, magic, food, fun and games, the Apple Cart Festival is a new summer family-friendly all-dayer in Shoreditch Park. Headlining the music stage are indie dance pioneers Saint Etienne (pictured), making their only UK performance this summer, supported by world grooves maestro Gilles Peterson, Liverpool psychedelic rockers Clinic and Edwyn Collins, former front man of post punk outfit Orange Juice. Stand-up comes from Shappi Khorsandi, Kevin Bridges and Josie Lang, while there's magic endorsed by the Magic Circle, a literary and poetry programme put on by the London Word Festival, and children's events from The House of Fairy Tales, plus high-end catering from hand-picked traders from London's best food markets will keep hunger at bay. The Apple Cart promises to be a vibrant new addition to the London festival scene, designed to bring out the child in us all. For more information go to www.theapplecartfestival.com.

More info: The Apple Cart Festival Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Tiesto & Pendulum Live in Victoria Park

Victoria Park, London, E3 5SN
Friday 30th July 2010

Fresh from his Kaleidoscope world tour, the world's premier trance DJ returns to the East End for another live festival set of Balearic euphoria in front of 25,000 people in Victoria Park. The Dutch decks master is renowned for his electric live shows and last year's open-air four-hour set, which featured his production team's trademark stunning visuals, was a worldwide first for an electronic act. Tiesto will be joined by Australian electro-rockers Pendulum (performing material from their new album Immersion) for one of the capital's biggest live music events this summer.

More info: Tiesto & Pendulum Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Field Day Festival 2010

Victoria Park, London, E3 5SN
Saturday 31st July 2010

After the mayhem of Lovebox, the madness of Madstock and the metal of High Voltage, comes the relative calm of Field Day. July's final festival in Victoria Park is an altogether more laid-back affair, seeking to capture the relaxed sunshine-and-cider vibe or a small, rural festival. To that effect, around 5,000 visitors flock to the East End park for what could be described as a psychedelic village fete, complete with a Village Green area boasting coconut shies, tombola, sack races, bowling for bacon, old fashioned tug-o'-war bouts and enough hay bales for an impromptu (but good-natured) fight. Music is, of course, the centre piece of Field Day with an array of bands and folksy electronica playing aural delights across five stages all day until the doors close on the rustic merrymaking at 10.30pm. This year's headline act are the catchy French synthpop outfit, the Grammy Award-winning Phoenix, who will be joined by a cluster of top acts including Caribou, Gold Panda, Andrew Weatherall, The Fall, These New Puritans, Moderat and much, much more. The organisers of Field Day haven't been lucky: poor sound and inadequate facilities marred the inaugural event in 2007 while heavy rain made the last two events a bit of a washout. But surely lightning can't strike a fourth time in Victoria Park? If anyone can save them, Phoenix can.

More info: Field Day Festival 2010 Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube