Cultural Festivals – Summer in London 2009

The days are longer, the weather is getting better and it’s time to enjoy days out in London at free cultural festivals! Click each festival names to visit the official website.

June

Charlotte Street Festival (6 Jun)

Head to Charlotte Street in Fitzrovia for a day of live music and plenty of delicious food. Plenty of fun will be in store for kids and family, and everyone who loves their world cuisine will be in for a real treat, as the restaurants around the area lay on a specially created feast.

Coin Street Festival (14 Jun & 19 July)

A series of free festival events and street parties will be taking place in the Coin Street Festival during the summer, with a variety of activities and attractions along South Bank. This year’s themes are ‘Celebrating Sanctuary’ (global artistic performances) and ‘Colombianamente’ (Colombian cultural showcase). Check out the official website for further details.

City of London Festival (19 Jun- 7 Aug)

Londoners can sample music and culture in historic settings at the City of London Festival, with a series of live performances in London. Highlights include performances from the steps of St Paul’s Cathedral and Liverpool Street Station, which range from jazz, world music, street theatre and dance. The City of London Festival takes place from Friday 19th June – Friday 7th August 2009.

West End Live (20 & 21 Jun)

Kids and adults can enjoy free West End theatre in London in West End Live, showcasing live performances from a string of hit musicals and theatre productions. Last year’s festival featured special performances from shows including Chicago and The Lion King, and similiar high profile prodictions are expected to take part again in 2009. West End Live takes place from 11am-6pm, Saturday 20th June 200p, and 12pm-6pm, Sunday 21st June 2009.

Story of London (1-30 Jun)

Taking place in June 2009, the series of events taking place as part of the Story of London include a Tudor river pageant, walking tours and live music across the city, and plenty of special events at the Museum of London.

July

Pride London (4 Jul)

Taking over Oxford Street, Regent Street, Trafalgar Square and Soho with a massive parade and street party, 2009 Pride London event on Saturday 4th July is a great opportunity the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and straight communities to come together and celebrate their identities with pride. Dress up in your most outlandish costume, cheer the floats as they go by and prepare to embrace this year’s theme of Come Out and Play.

Rhythm of London Festival (10 & 11 July)

Taking place for the first time in July 2009, free live music festivals don’t come much better than this, as public performances, instrument tuition and much more comes to London. Organised by the Greater London Authority, the Rhythm of London festival aims to get kids and young people involved in music of all genres.

August

Notting Hill Carnival (30 & 31 Aug)

One of the biggest street parties you will ever have seen, the Notting Hill Carnival is like no other event in London over the summer. The highlight of the August Bank Holiday weekend, there is so much colour, music, food and entertainment going on that you won’t know where to start. The 2009 carnival runs from 9am-7pm, Sunday 30th August – Monday 31st August 2009.

September

Thames Festival (12 & 13 Sep)

Enjoy live music, street theatre, arts, cultural performances and illuminations with the Mayor’s Thames Festival in September. Full of vibrant performances, the Thames Festival takes place on Saturday and Sunday 12th and 13th September 2009.

Link: more things to do in the summer in London

Summer in London 1 – Parks

Summer in London 3 – Music Festivals