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Guide to what’s on in London in July 2021
There’s a host of events on, including Taste of London, RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival, Cocktails in the City and London Wonderground.

Taste of London returns to Regent’s Park
Lockdown appears to be largely relaxing this month so London’s seasonal events are starting to return. A host of festivals, exhibitions and more are bringing life back to the capital. With the school holidays kicking off later this month, expect lots of attractions for families. Many events will be offering limited numbers compared to previous years to provide social distancing, so are likely to sell out fast.
Look out for the 🐻 for family-friendly activities.
- 1 July : Meet Me in Marylebone Shopping and Dining Day
One-day shopping event in Marylebone Village, featuring local shops and restaurants offering activations, promotions, offers, freebies and special menus. Event takes place all day. Marylebone Village is a short walk from Marble Arch and Oxford Street. Nearest stations: Baker Street, Regent’s Park and Great Portland Street. For more information, visit the Marylebone Village website.
- 1 July – 31 August 2021 : Louis Roederer pop-up @ The Savoy
Champagne house Louis Roederer is hosting a chic pop-up at London’s iconic Savoy this summer. Along with a boutique selling Louis Roederer champagnes, including rare vintages, there will also be a Suite Dining Experience, offering a three-course private dinner accompanied by Champagne in a riverview suite. Find out more on The Savoy website.
- 1 July – 26 September 2021 : London in the Sky
Take the phrase ‘dine with a view’ to a whole new level as you are suspended 100ft in the air while dining. Enjoy breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, afternoon tea or cocktails while safely strapped to a hovering platform above the O2 in Greenwich. Diners must be at 1.4metres tall. Times vary. Tickets: £89-£199. The O2, Peninsula Square, Greenwich Peninsula, SE10 0DX. Nearest station: North Greenwich. For more information and booking, visit the London in the Sky website.
- 5 – 11 July 2021 : London Cocktail Week Warm-Up Festival
A one-off reopening celebration to support our favourite bars returning to their glory after a difficult time, ahead of the official LCW in October. Thirty bars across the capital will be offering special £7 signature cocktails to those with a participating wristband. Tickets £15. At participating bars only. For more information, visit the LCW website.
- 6 – 11 July 2021 : RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival 2021
The world’s largest garden show returns to the grounds of the historical Hampton Court. Attractions include show gardens, floral marquee, plant village, shopping, Festival of Roses, and celebrity talks, demonstrations and workshops. Open Tues-Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 10am-5pm. Tickets: £28.75-£43.75 (cheaper for RHS members). Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, Surrey KT8 9AU. Nearest station: Hampton Court. For tickets, visit the RHS website.
- 7 – 11 and 14 – 18 July 2021 : Taste of London
Following a hiatus due to the pandemic, Taste of London is back with a bang, taking place over two consecutive weekends so Londoners can get reacquainted with London’s restaurant scene after a challenging time for the industry. Expect pop-ups, tasting menus, workshops, demos, talks and plenty of opportunities to eat and drink to your heart’s content. Tickets start from £23 (choose a timeslot). Regent’s Park, NW1 4NR. Nearest station: Regent’s Park or Great Portland Street. For more information and tickets, visit the Taste Of London website.
- 7 July – late August 2021 : The Summer of 1321 @ Leadenhall Market
The City of London market celebrates 700 years of history with a series of free events. From live music to art exhibitions to guided and self-guided history tours. Leadenhall Market (access from Gracechurch Street, Lime Street and Whittington Avenue), City of London, EC3V 1LT. Nearest stations: Monument or Fenchurch Street. For more information, visit the Leadenhall Market website.
- 13 July 2021 : The Comedy Store @ Skylight Rooftop
Rooftop destination Skylight are teaming up with The Comedy Store for a night of alfresco laughs. Acts include Jarred Christmas (MC), Dane Baptiste and Jo Caulfield, among others. Doors: 5.30pm, First act: 7.30pm. Tickets: £15. Skylight, Tobacco Quay, Wapping, E1CW 2SF. Nearest station: Shadwell or Wapping. For more information or tickets, visit Design My Night.
- 13 – 31 July 2021 : Sommergäste: Jean Dubuffet exhibition
A new summer series of single work spotlight exhibitions launches at the BASTIAN gallery. For three weeks in July, it will showcase French artist Jean Dubuffet’s Site avec 5 personnages (Site with 5 characters). Open Tues-Sat 10am-6pm. Free entry. BASTIAN, 8 Davies Street, Mayfair, W1K 3DW. Nearest station: Green Park or Bond Street. For more information, visit the BASTIAN website.
- 14 – 17 July 2021 : Vauxhall Pride
Celebrate Pride with four days of entertainment at Vauxhall Food & Beer Garden. Including bingo, live music, drag and cabaret performances and a closing party. Times and ticket prices vary. Vauxhall Food & Beer Garden, 6A South Lambeth Place, Vauxhall, SW8 1SP. Nearest station: Vauxhall. For more information, visit the Be In Vauxhall website.
- 15 July – 22 August 2021 : Dodge @ Somerset House
The iconic courtyard of Somerset House is transformed into an open-air fun palace, featuring dodgems, art installations and drinking and dining options, as well as late-night DJ events. Times vary. Dodgem tickets: £5pp. Somerset House, Strand, Aldwych, WC2R 1LA. Nearest station: Temple. For more information and booking, visit the Somerset House website.
- 15 July – 25 September 2021 : London Wonderground
Summer culture extravaganza has moved from the South Bank to Earls Court. Expect the best in comedy, circus, music and family entertainment in the big top and upside cow Udderbelly. As well as performances, there will also be outdoor bars, street food, musical bandstand performances, vintage fairground rides, family activities and a ‘beach’. Tickets: free entry to site, but shows are ticketed. London Wonderground, Empress Place, Earls Court, SW6 1TT. Nearest station: West Brompton. For more information and tickets, visit the London Wonderground website. 🐻
- 17 July 2021 : Crouch End Festival Chorus
Enjoy some big band jazz and works for an unaccompanied choir at the concert hall of Ally Pally. Doors 6pm, Curtains: 7.30pm. Tickets: £10-£20. Alexandra Palace Theatre, Alexandra Palace Way, N22 7AY. Nearest stations: Alexandra Palace or Wood Green. For more information, visit the Alexandra Palace website.
- 17 July 2021 : Nocturnal Creatures
A late-night art festival, featuring new installations, films, live performances, music and food experiences. 6pm-11pm. Free. Aldgate Square, Aldgate High Street, Aldgate, EC3N 1AF. Nearest station: Aldgate or Fenchurch Street. For more information, visit the Whitechapel Art Gallery website.
- 17 July – 30 August 2021 : Summer Showtime on The Coaling Jetty
Enjoy open-air theatre and cinema against the backdrop of the River Thames and the iconic Battersea Power Station. The theatre will features many family-friendly productions. Times vary. Cinema tickets: Two seats £35, Four seats £60. Theatre tickets vary. The Coaling Jetty, Battersea Power Station Pier, SW8 4NR. Nearest stations: Battersea Park or Queenstown Road Battersea. For more information, visit the Battersea Power Station website. 🐻
- 18 July 2021 : Independent Label Market
As part of Soho Music Month, a one-day vinyl market comes to Carnaby Street. Expect to see a host of independent labels for sale across many stalls. 12pm-6pm. Free entry. Carnaby Street, Soho, W1F. Nearest stations: Oxford Circus or Piccadilly Circus. For more information, visit the Carnaby website.
Open-air cinema, EURO 2020 football, live music and art as Summer of Play launches at Wembley Park
A host of free events will be taking place this summer in Wembley Park.

Head to Wembley Park for a season of events
Enjoy 13 weeks of seasonal fun and entertainment as Wembley Park launches its Summer of Play season this week. After over a year of COVID-19 restrictions, Londoners are ready to have fun again and sample some of the many cultural offerings from our fair city. Covering a huge site, Wembley Park is a perfect venue to offer an array of open-air entertainment, from film and football to live music.
As a world-famous home of football, Wembley Stadium will be hosting eight matches of the UEFA EURO 2020 games, including three of England’s initial group D games, along with the semi-final and final in July.
However, there’s much more to Wembley besides the ‘Beautiful Game’. The popular open-air cinema screenings are back, along with live music performances, public art trails, and sporting and exercise opportunities – all free.
Among the events taking place are:
- 4 June – 27 August : Wembley Park Live
Pop-up live music performances will be taking place at the new Bandstand. Expect an array of talent, from the local Brent musicians to soloists and duos from the Busk in London roster and musicians from the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
– Performances every Fri (3pm-5pm, 5pm-7pm); Sat (12pm-2pm, 2pm-4pm, 4pm-6pm) and Sun (12pm-2pm, 2pm-4pm, 4pm-6pm). At The Bandstand, Olympic Way and Wembley Park Boulevard.
- June – 30 September : Wembley Park Public Art Trail
Three more commissions are being added to Wembley Park’s burgeoning outdoor public art collection. The new pieces include Meadows of Change (HagenHinderdael in partnership with Quintain and Artistic Statements) and Against The Odds (Micah Purnell)
– At various locations. For more information, visit the digital art map.
- 25 July : International Busking Day
Back at Wembley Park for a third year, International Busking Day will be celebrated with pop-up music and street performances from both local and international talent.
– Performances between 2pm-8pm. At various locations across Wembley Park.
- 1 June – 1 September : Inside Out exhibition
French artist JR is bringing his ‘Inside Out’ project to London to coincide with the UEFA EUROs. Wembley Park will feature portraits of 16 Brent residents.
– Various locations across Wembley Park.
- 29 July – 5 September : Summer on Screen
A free outdoor cinema will pop-up over five weeks, with a mix of Hollywood, British and Bollywood classics and newer favourites. Guests can sit on a deckchair or bean bag, accompanied by refreshments and snacks, and check out the action on the big screen. First come, first served.
– Screenings on Thursday-Sunday evenings. Events Pad, Wembley Park Boulevard. For more information and listings, visit the Wembley Park website.
- Summer of Play takes place from 4 June – 30 September 2021. At locations in and around Wembley Park, HA9. Nearest stations: Wembley Park or Wembley Stadium. For more information, visit the Wembley Park website.
Find out what else is on in London this August.
What else is on in London this summer?
Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich reopens for summer 2020
Visitors can safely check out the grounds, Painted Hall, and other buildings of the iconic Greenwich attraction.

The grounds of the Old Royal Naval College is Greenwich are reopening to the public following lockdown
The historic heart of Greenwich, the Old Royal Naval College, is reopening to the public this month following lockdown. Implementing safety measures in line with government guidance, the iconic 17th century complex will be opening its doors to its building and grounds from 13 July 2020. Londoners and tourists alike will be able to safely visit the stunning Painted Hall, King William Undercroft and interpretation gallery. The safety of visitors and staff will be prioritised with people advised to book in advance, with limited tickets available daily to ensure social distancing. As well being able to check out some of the college’s famous sights, there will also be special events and entertainment for the remainder of the summer season.

The Painted Hall is re-opening to visitors
The Old Royal Naval College’s buildings were designed by Sir Christopher Wren and date back to the 17th century and early 18th century. Its glorious Painted Hall, painted by James Thornhill, re-opened late last year following several years of restoration. (Read about Metro Girl’s visit to see the ceiling up close during the project).
Visitors to the Old Royal Naval College can learn about its centuries of history with a new smartphone tour, free on the Smartify app. Families will enjoy the Building Detectives treasure trail tour for children aged 5-12 years.
Kicking off on 28 August – 12 September is the Greenwich + Docklands International Festival, with plenty of events taking place within the grounds. This year’s festival will celebrate the heroes of the Covid-19 pandemic – the NHS, along with the strength of community spirit and the environment. Roaming film club Luna Cinema will also be pitching up for alfresco cinema screenings in August. Meanwhile, Amber Markets are also planning to return later this year with global street food.
To mark Black History Month in October, the ORNC will launch a new exhibition exploring the history of the black sailors in the British Navy in the 18th and 19th centuries, curated by black British historian S.I. Martin.
- Old Royal Naval College, King William Walk, Greenwich, SE10 9NN. Nearest stations: Greenwich, Cutty Sark or Maze Hill. For more information, visit the ORNC website.
- The grounds will be open daily 7am-7pm. The Painted Hall, King William Undercroft, Visitor Centre Shop and Ticket Desk will be open daily from 10am–5pm. The Chapel will be open from 10am–2pm for private prayer. (The Victorian Skittle Alley remains closed). Spaces must be booked in advance for tours and the ORNC recommends visitors bring their own headphones for use with the multimedia guides. Guided tours will be limited to a maximum of five people. Groups larger than 25 will not be permitted to visit the site. No cash payments will be accept: Card and mobile payments preferred.
London’s outdoor and drive-in cinemas | Summer Autumn 2020 guide
Details of outdoor and drive-in cinemas in and around London, including ticket prices, locations and more
This summer, our social lives have been changed beyond all recognition due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Although the lockdown is gradually easing in stages, going to the cinema is a more complex activity as we practice social distancing. However, film fans missing their big screen experience can now book a ticket for one of London’s outdoor or drive-in cinemas, there’s even a floating film experience for those interested in hiring a boat. For those with a car and don’t mind travelling a bit further, there are also drive-ins appearing outside the capital in the home counties. Some cinemas are even extending their usual summer season until late October.
Key: 🧘 Seated viewings only (you may need to bring a blanket/cushion)
🚗 Can only attend in a car
- 3 – 19 July : Celestial Drive-In Cinema
Boasting London’s largest LED screen, Celestial Cinema are screening classic and modern favourites for drive-in audiences. Food and drink available. Daytime and evening screenings available. Tickets start from £29.50 for one car with two people. Flamingo Park, Sidcup By-Pass Road, Chislehurst, Kent BR7 6HL. For more information, visit the Celestial Cinema website. 🚗
- 4 July – 23 September : The Drive In
A new drive-in cinema offers film screenings and live experiences (e.g. musical performances, theatre, etc) in Enfield. With refreshments available, social distancing guidelines and the audio beamed in through your car stereo. Tickets: One car £35. The Drive In, Troubadour Meridian Water Harbet Road, Enfield, N18 3QQ. For tickets and more information, visit The Drive In website. 🚗
- 4 July – 31 October : Rooftop Film Club presents Drive In Film Club
This summer, the Rooftop Film Club are launching a drive-in experience for those with cars while their usual rooftop experience is on hold. Food and drink will be available, delivered to your car by roller-skating servers. Daytime and evening screenings available. Tickets: One vehicle £27.50-£29 (depending on screening time). Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, N22 7AY. For more information, visit the Rooftop Film Club website. 🚗
- 5 July – 20 September : Sunset Cinema
Enjoy a US-style, vintage drive-in experience. Food and drink available to pre-order, as well as on the night. Movies include Rocketman, Dirty Dancing, La La Land, Mamma Mia!, Grease, Knives Out, Back To The Future, and more. Tickets: £50 (1 car and 2 passengers), £15 for each additional passenger. Twyford Avenue Sports Ground, Twyford Avenue, Acton, W3 9QA. For more information, visit the Sunset Cinema website. 🚗
- 5 July – 31 August : The Drive-In (from Secret Cinema and Goodwood)
Enjoy a drive in experience in Chichester, West Sussex (80 miles from London). The famous Goodwood Motor Circuit is teaming up with Secret Cinema and Häagen-Dazs to host screenings of classics and family favourites, such as Toy Story, Pretty Woman, Dirty Dancing, The Incredibles and more. Tickets: £50-£57.50 (1 car and up to 5 passengers). Discounts available for NHS workers. Goodwood Motor Circuit, Chichester, West Sussex, PO18 0PX. For more information, visit the Secret Cinema website. 🚗
- 6 – 12 July and 16 – 21 September : @TheDriveIn
Suzuki presents @TheDriveIn is a new experience offering film screenings, as well as stand-up comedy, bingo and silent car discos. The experience will be travelling around UK cities, but will be making stops in London at Circus Field in Blackheath (6-12 July) and Pudding Mill Lane car park in Stratford (16-21 September). Tickets: £38.50 (per car). For more information, visit the @TheDriveIn website. 🚗
- 21 July – 10 October : Luna Cinema
Luna Cinema are hosting their usual outdoor summer screens, as well as drive-in experiences for those Londoners who are fortunate enough to have a car. Among the venues for their pop-up alfresco screenings include Morden Hall Park, Hampton Court Palace, Tooting Bec Common, Dulwich Park, Brockwell Lido, Marble Hill, Wimbledon Park, Wandsworth Park, Chiswick House & Gardens, Gunnersby Park, Walpole Park, Holland Park, Kensington Park, Regents Park, Kenwood House, Alexandra Palace, Old Royal Naval College (Greenwich), Danson House, Swanley Park, Royal Hospital Chelsea, Victoria Tower Gardens, Victoria Embankment Gardens. Meanwhile, the Luna Drive in Cinema will be popping up at Allianz Park in Hendon and Printworks in Rotherhithe. Films include a mix of classic and newer releases. Tickets: Adults £16-£18, Children £13.50. Drive-in tickets: £29.50-£39.50 (depending on car size, capacity and position to screen). For more information on the Luna’s outdoor cinema, visit their website, or for the drive-in cinema, click here. 🚗🧘
- 21 August – 20 September : Summer Showtime on the Coaling Jetty @ Battersea Power Station
Arclight Cinema and The Turbine Theatre are teaming up to present film screenings (and other entertainment) on its Coaling Jetty by Battersea Power Station. Screening a range of classic and more recent releases. Tickets range from £27-£45 for pallets and pitches. The Coaling Jetty, Battersea Power Station, SW11 8AB. Nearest stations: Battersea Park, Queenstown Road Battersea or Sloane Square. For booking, visit the Arclight Cinema website. 🧘
- 2 – 27 September : Openaire Float-In Cinema
A pop-up cinema with a difference! Enjoy a classic or recent popular film while sitting in a boat or a deckchair by the canal. You can pick up a GoBoat from Little Venice and enjoy a trip down the canal to Paddington, or grab a waterside deckchair. Tickets: Boat hire + up to 6 people £215 or deckchair £16.50pp. Paddington Basin Canal (by Merchant Square), Paddington, W2 1AS. Nearest station: Edgware Road or Paddington. For booking and more information, visit the Openaire website. 🧘⛵️
29 July – 30 August : Free Range Film ClubCANCELLED
Roaming outdoor cinema travels to three (and more to come) alfresco spaces around the capital, showcasing new and classic films. Bring a blanket (no furniture) and you will be given an allocated space, socially distanced from others for your safety. Street food and licensed bar available. Tickets: £20 (+ booking fee). For more information on the Free Range Film Club, visit their website.
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More articles to entertain you during lockdown
Guide to what’s on in London in August 2019
Find out what events, festivals and exhibitions are on in the capital this summer.
Summer is here! The schools are out, the tourists are in town and (hopefully) the weather is glorious. As you would expect, there’s more events and festivals than ever taking place in the great outdoors. If you’re a parent or grandparent looking to entertain the kids during the school holidays, there’s plenty going on – with many events even free! There’s also plenty on around the August Bank Holiday, including the famous Notting Hill Carnival.
Here’s a round-up of the best events on in the London this August.
For a guide to London’s outdoor and pop-up cinemas this summer, click here.
- 3 August : International Scottish Gin Day @ Mr Fogg’s
Mr Fogg’s Gin Parlour will be serving a special cocktail menu celebrating Scottish gin for one-day only. Expect concoctions such as a Scots Seaside Martini, Scottish Spice and a Hendricks in the Highlands. 1pm-12am. 1 New Row, Covent Garden, WC2N 4EA. Nearest station: Leicester Square. For more information, visit the Mr Fogg’s website.
- 3 – 4 August : London Halal Food Festival
The UK’s only food festival dedicated to Halal. Featuring over 150 food & drink stalls, cookery theatre, The Souq market, kids zone, Halal Eat Offs, chill out lounge, live music and more. N.B. All vendors will be cash only and there are no cash machines are venue. Tickets: Adults £10-£30, Under 10s free. Tobacco Dock, 50 Porters Walk, Wapping, E1W 2SF. Nearest station: Shadwell or Wapping. For tickets, visit the London Halal Food Festival website.
- 3 – 4 August : Prudential RideLondon
The annual cycling festival returns to London. Eight miles of road in central London will be closed to cars so people can experience cycling on safe and clear roads. Anyone is welcome to take part in the FreeCycle on Saturday 3, while more serious cyclists will be passing through London on the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100 on Sunday 4. Other events for spectators include the Brompton World Championship and RideLondon Classique. To register, visit the Ride London website.
- 3 – 11 August : Nile Rodgers’ Meltdown Festival
This year’s Meltdown Festival is curated by Nile Rodgers. Acts include Jungle, Johnny Marr, Kero Kero Bonito, Thundercat, Yael Naim, CHIC, anais, Durand Jones & The Indications, and more. Ticket prices vary. Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, South Bank, SE1 8XX. Nearest station: Waterloo or Embankment. For booking, visit the Southbank Centre website.
- 4 August : Island Love Brunch @ Skylight
Celebrate the end of another red hot summer with an alfresco brunch with views of the city. Expect food and drink from Skylight, Yiro and Flipside along with summer club anthem hits, live performances and games inspired by the hit show Love Island. Over 18s only. 12pm-3pm. Tickets: £10-£45. Skylight, Tobacco Quay (Pennington Street entrance), Wapping, E1CW 2SF. Nearest station: Shadwell or Wapping. For tickets, visit DesignMyNight.
- 6 August : Taste of Puglia Supper Club
The second of Bottles wine bar ‘Taste of…’ supper club, this month exploring the Italian region of Puglia. Guests can enjoy three courses alongside wine tastings from Puglia. 7.30pm-9.30pm. Tickets: £35. Bottles, 67 Brushfield Street, Spitalfields, E1 6AA. Neatest station: Liverpool Street. For more information, visit DesignMyNight.
- 6 – 10 August : Great British Beer Festival
Over 1,000 of British and international real ales, ciders, perries and beers with be available to try, along with the new wine and gin bar. Also including live entertainment and street food. Tickets £9-£11 (advance), £14 (on the door). Olympia, Hammersmith Road, Kensington, W14 8UX. Nearest station: Kensington Olympia. For more information and tickets, visit the Great British Beer Festival website.
- 7 – 11 August : Mr Black Espresso Martini Fest
Fans of the Espresso Martini will love this three-day festival, from Drink Up London (London Cocktail Week, London Beer Week, London Wine Week). Over 50 bars across London will be offering £6 Espresso Martinis and other Mr Black cocktails. Wristbands: £10 (includes access to £6 cocktails, entry to Mr Black’s Church of Coffee pop-up (@ Truman Brewery) and access to 1,000 free Espresso Martinis on 16 Aug). For more information, visit the DrinkUpLondon website.
- 7 – 30 August : Fentimans Secret Spritz Garden
Pop-up cocktail garden in leafy Clerkwenwell, featuring refreshing cocktails and workshops in a secret garden. Opening hours: Wed-Fri 5pm-11pm, Sat 12pm-11pm and Bank Holiday Sunday 12pm-11pm. Nearest station: Farringdon (5 min walk). For the location, visit the Secret Spritz Garden website. See Metro Girl’s blog post for more information.
- 7 August – 2 September : Summer By The River – Outdoor Theatre
Watch a live outdoor performance of The Sea Queen or Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night by the Thames. Performances from Wed-Sat at 6pm, Sun at 4pm. Free entry. The Scoop, Queen’s Walk, London Bridge, SE1 2DB. Nearest station: London Bridge. For more information, visit the London Bridge City website.
- Now until 7 August : Banquet of Hoshena
Dinner Time Story brings their new immersive dining experience to London. Diners will be treated to a projector-lead dining concept using 3D visual technology, image mapping and experiential props. Tickets: £85/£95/£110. Westfield, Ariel Way, White City, W12 7GF. Nearest station: White City. Pre-booking requests: info@dinnertimestory.com or tel: 07510 204 003. Visit Banquet of Hoshena on Instagram. See Metro Girl’s blog post for more information.
- 9 – 11 August : London Craft Beer Festival
Over 100 breweries from London, the UK, Europe and USA will be showing off 100s of beers. Also including food stalls, live music and DJs from Friendly Fires, Zombie Disco Squad, Kaiser Chiefs, Jack Stevens, Alexis Taylor (Hot Chip) and more. Times vary. Tickets: £40-£79.96 (includes all your beer, tasting glass and programme. Tobacco Dock, 50 Porters Walk, Wapping, E1W 2SF. Nearest station: Wapping or Shadwell. For more information, visit the London Craft Beer Festival.
Guide to London’s outdoor and pop-up cinemas in summer 2019
Find out where the capital’s roaming cinemas will be located this summer.

Enjoy great views of the capital with Rooftop Cinema’s sky-high venues
With the evenings getting lighter and warmer, the thought of watching a film in the open-air or an unusual venue probably sounds quite appealing right now. If you’re looking for a difference experience than your local Odeon or Vue, why not pay a visit to one of London’s roaming cinemas. From rooftops to stunning royal backdrops to immersive experiences, you’ll be spoiled for choice this summer.
- 1 May – 31 August : Rooftop Film Club
Pop-up cinema returns to rooftops across the capital, screening new and classic films. At Roof East (Stratford), Bussey Building (Peckham) and Queen of Hoxton (Shoreditch). Expect a mix of classics and new releases, such as Dirty Dancing, The Breakfast Club, Us, Love Simon, Aquaman, Clueless and many more. Screenings @ 9pm. Tickets from £14.95. For more information and tickets, visit the Rooftop Film Club website.
- 21 May – 9 July : Beach Club Cinema @ Fulham Beach
Riverside beach club hosts a film night every Tuesday throughout the summer. Movies include The Beach, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Top Gun, Eat Pray Love, The Notebook, There’s Something About Mary, Grease and Dirty Dancing. Also on site in bars, dining, shuffleboard, table tennis, minigolf and more. Tickets: £10-£30. Fulham Beach, 364 Wandsworth Bridge Road, Fulham, SW6 2TY. Nearest station: Wandsworth Town. For more information, visit the Neverland London website.
- 31 May – 9 July : Summer on Screen @ Wembley Park
Enjoy classics, latest blockbusters, live opera and Bollywood hits at open-air screenings in Wembley Park. Films include A Star Is Born, Hamid, Sister Act, Moulin Rouge!, The Greatest Showman and more. 7pm. Free, but first come first served for seating. Arena Square, Engineers Way, Wembley Park, Wembley, HA9 0AA. Nearest station: Wembley Park or Wembley Stadium. For more information, visit the Wembley Park website.
- 31 May – 26 September : Luna Cinema
Luna Cinema will be popping up at various venues across the capital this summer. Venues include Danson House (Bexleyheath), Morden Hall Park, Marylebone, Fulham Palace, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, Brockwell Lido (Herne Hill), Battersea Park, Old Royal Naval College (Greenwich), Victoria Tower Gardens, Westminster Abbey, Hampton Court Palace, Opera Holland Park, Victoria Embankment Gardens, Dulwich Park, Kensington Palace, Chiswick House and Gardens, Kenwood House, Wandsworth Park, Alexandra Palace, Crystal Palace Park, Tooting Common, Wimbledon Park and Marble Hill. Tickets: Adults from £15.50, Children from £10.50. For booking, visit the Luna Cinema website.
- 4 June – 3 August : Movies On The River
Watch a movie while cruising down the River Thames. Films include Bohemian Rhapsody. Grease, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Top Gun, La La Land, Black Panther and many more. Departures @ 8pm. Tickets from £29. Departures from Tower Millennium Pier, Tower Hill, City of London, EC3N 4DT. Nearest station: Tower Hill, Tower Gateway or Fenchurch Street. For tickets, visit Time Out London. Read the rest of this entry
Guide to London’s music festivals this summer 2016

Lovebox returns to Victoria Park in East London
This summer sees some of the biggest music acts and DJs in the world converging on London – and the Home Counties – for the festival season. Here’s a one-stop guide to what’s on and where to get tickets. However, be aware that most will sell out in advance so I would recommend getting your tickets asap.
- 4 June : Camden Rocks
Hard rock and metal festival featuring over 200 bands (big names and underground talent) to 20 venues around NW1. This year’s line-up includes The Cribs, Sikth, Escape The Fate, Billy Bragg, We Are The Ocean, Carl Barât & The Jackals and Jim Jones & The Righteous Mind. Tickets: £35. For tickets, visit the Camden Rocks website.
- 4 – 5 June : Born & Bred
Celebration of UK and international bass culture, with acts including ILoveMakonnen, Wiley and Slimzee and Novelist. Tickets start from £20. Haggerston Park, Hoxton, E2. Nearest station: Hoxton or Cambridge Heath. For tickets, visit the Born & Bred website.
- 8 – 23 June : Hampton Court Palace Festival
Big names perform against the backdrop of the historic palace. Acts include Tom Jones, Van Morrison, Katherine Jenkins, Art Garfunkel, George Benson, Caro Emerald, Jools Holland & his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, Anastacia and the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra. Tickets range from £45 to £95 depending on act. Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, Surrey, KT8 9AU. Nearest station: Hampton Court (trains from Waterloo). For more information and tickets, visit the Hampton Court Palace Festival website.
- 10 – 19 June : Guy Garvey’s Meltdown
This year’s Meltdown festival on London’s Southbank is curated by Guy Garvey, frontman of Elbow, TV presenter and DJ. Featuring gigs by Femi Kuti, The Staves, Richard Hawley, Laura Marling, among others. Tickets range from free to £45. Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX. Nearest station: Waterloo. For booking and more information, visit the Soutbank Centre website.
- 11 June : Found Festival
Six stages of house, techno, disco and more. Acts include Kerri Chandler, Derrick May, Dyed Soundorom, Trade (Blawan & Surgeon), Rødhåd, Legowelt, Theo Parrish, Ron Trent, Marcellus Pitman, Petre Inspirescu (RPR), Mara Trax (Maayan Nidam & Vera), Binh, Mood II Swing, Wamdue Kids, Dream 2 Science, 808, Abandon Silence and Cubed. 11am-9pm. Tickets from £30. Brockwell Park, Dulwich Road, Herne Hill, SE24 0PA. Nearest station: Herne Hill. For more information, visit the Found Festival website.
- 11 – 12 June : Field Day
Two day festival returns to East London, featuring performances from James Blake, PJ Harvey, Air, The Avanlanches, Formation, Goat, Hattie Whitehead, Mystery Jets, Tourist, Mabel and many more. Tickets: £49.50-£54.50. Victoria Park, Victoria Park Road, Hackney, E3 5SN. Nearest station: Bethnal Green or Mile End. For more information, visit the Field Day website. Read the rest of this entry
88 miles-per-hour: Watching Back To The Future at Morden Hall Park

Watch classic films, such as Back To The Future, which was shown by Pop Up Screen at Morden Hall Park
Watching films in the open air has long been a fantasy of mine since I watched Danny and Sandy go the drive-in in the classic film Grease. On previous holidays to visit my family in Canada, I have been to the drive-in a few times and absolutely loved it. However, when it comes to London, not many of us have cars, and with traffic and parking a bit of a nightmare, drive-ins aren’t such a good idea for the capital.

Drum & Kernel popcorn and a pint of cider
In recent years, the ideas of pop-up open air cinemas in London has been growing steadily in popularity. The great thing about these pop-ups is the possibilities for locations are endless – parks, rooftops, museums, cemeteries… They screen a mix of new and classic films and appear in venues across the city so there is always something on near you during the summer.
Two weeks ago, a friend and I booked tickets for the Pop Up Screens’ screening of Back To The Future. The 1985 film is a classic and has been a favourite of mine since childhood. While the film has long been a part of my DVD collection, I have always wanted to watch it on the big screen as I never had this opportunity when it was first released. The venue for this particular screening was Morden Hall Park in South West London. Located 10 minutes walk from Morden tube station, or with ample on-site parking for drivers, the park is a lovely large space run by the National Trust, with streams, lots of woodland and the historic Morden Hall and Cottage. Parked outside the 18th century buildings was a DeLorean replica time machine, complete with flux capacitor, which excited the BTTF geek inside me!

Time travel: A DeLorean time machine replica was parked outside the 18th century Morden Hall
We had booked our tickets online – £8 per person – and I was pleased to see the company encourages you not to print out the tickets, but showed your email with reference number at the date on your smartphone in a bid to save paper. Armed with our deckchairs and hoodies for when it got colder later, we pitched up a good spot in front of the screen. Also on site were toilets, a licensed bar selling wine, cider and beer, a Drum & Kernel Popcorn stand and a food stand serving burgers, etc. The prices were reasonable for both and the popcorn serving was very generous and a tasty fusion of sweet and salty flavouring. As always, the film was brilliant, but is special to watch it in a large group. There was a wide range of ages in attendance, including families. When (SPOILER ALERT!) George McFly knocks out bully Biff in one of the film’s pivotal scenes, there was a cheer from the audience, and when the movie ended, there was a round of applause – not what you get in a normal cinema. Overall, it was a great opportunity to watch a classic film on a big screen, be introduced to a part of London I hadn’t seen before and share the cinematic experience with a group of people I didn’t know. Highly recommended.
- Pop-Up Screens host screenings at locations across London during the summer and early autumn, including Fulham, Shepherd’s Bush, Lewisham, Hammersmith, Parson’s Green, Holborn and Greenwich. For more information and tickets, visit their website Pop Up Screens.
For a full list of pop-up cinemas companies, read Cinema under the stars: Guide to open air cinemas in London.

Pop Up Screens also make sure customers are fed and watered thanks to the food and bar stands
Guide to open air cinemas in London in summer 2013

Watch classic films… or something new at a pop-up cinema this summer
There’s something a bit romantic about watching a film outside. Although for most of the year it’s too darn cold, over the past few summers, open air cinemas have been steadily growing in popularity. The chance to grab your favourite cushion or deckchair, grab a bottle of wine and some plastic picnic glasses and head to a rooftop, park or other venue is a great way to spend a warm summer evening. Here’s a guide to open-air cinema venues and companies in London this summer.
- The Nomad Cinema
Travelling cinema company returns this summer with a new roll call of venues. Locations include Brompton Cemetery (!), Bushy Park, Coram Secret Garden, Ealing Summer Screenings, Fulham Palace, Homelanz Festival (10 August), Horniman Museum, Hyde Park Lido, Queen’s Park, Roundwood Park and Willesden Sports Centre. To find out about screenings, visit the Nomad Cinema website.
- The Luna Cinema
Locations include Battersea Park, Brockwell Lido, Dulwich Park, Hampton Court Palace, Kensington Palace, Kew Gardens (Kew The Movies), One New Change, Opera Holland Park, Regent’s Park. For more information, visit the Luna Cinema website.
- Backyard Cinema
Locations include Beach Blanket Babylon, London Fields Brewery and Camden Market. For more information, visit the Backyard Cinema website.

Watch classic films, such as Back To The Future, which was shown by Pop Up Screen at Morden Hall Park
- Pop Up Screens
Locations include Fulham, Shepherd’s Bush, Morden, Lewisham, Hammersmith, Parson’s Green, Holborn and Greenwich. To find out about screenings, visit the Pop Up Screens website. For Metro Girl’s review of a recent Pop Up Screen screening, click here.
- Rooftop Film Club
The Rooftop Film Club is for rooftops only (obviously). Venues include the Queen of Hoxton in Shoreditch, Bussey Building in Peckham Rye, Roof Gardens at Kensington and Netil House in London Fields. To find out more, visit the Rooftop Film Club website.
- Hot Tub Cinema
Unlike the other pop-up cinemas, this company in winter too because cinemagoers sit in hot tubs while watching the films. Also features a BBQ and licensed bar. This summer, the cinema will be on the rooftop of Rockwell House in Shoreditch. Single tickets £30 or an entire hot tub for up to six people £180. To find out more, visit the Hot Tub Cinema website.
- BP Big Screens
Not quite films, but Royal Opera House productions will be broadcast live on big screens in Trafalgar Square, Canary Wharf and Victoria Park on select dates over the summer. For more information, visit the ROH’s BP Big Screen page.
- Floating Cinema
An intimate cinema on a specially-kitted out barge, which will travel around East London over the summer. As well as screenings, will also include workshops and themed nights. For more information, visit the Floating Cinema website.
- More London Free Festival
From 11-27 September, there will be free screenings of films in The Scoop, near Potter’s Field Park. Nearest tube: London Bridge. For more information, visit the More London website.
- Trinity Summer Series Cinema
The gardens of the Trinity Hospice in Clapham will be open to the public for screenings over three nights (21-24 August) with screenings of Dirty Dancing, Breakfast At Tiffany’s and Top Gun. Tickets £15 with sales going to the Hospice. 30 Clapham Common North Side, SW4 ORN. Nearest tube: Clapham Common. For more information, visit the Trinity Hospice website.
To find out what else is on in London this summer, read Guide to what’s on in London in September 2013
or Guide to music festivals and open-air concerts in London this summer.