London crew, it’s time. The city’s shaking off its cold grey vibe, the parks are filling up, and basslines, sunny days, and memorable music moments are creeping back in—festival season is officially on. Whether chasing underground sounds in a hidden green space, throwing it down to house classics, or moshing in a pit, we’ve got your summer mapped out. The capital creates a lineup that hits every corner of music culture, from cult indie gems to full-blown raves to unmissable events. So, grab your mates, sort your fits, and dive into London’s best festivals—Broke style.
WHEN – 23RD MAY – 25TH MAY
WHERE – PECKHAM RYE PARK
LINE UP – FLOATING POINTS, CARIBOU, THEO PARRISH, MOODYMAN, HUDSON MOHAWKE, BEN UFO, FLOORPLAN, KINK, HUNEE, ANTAL & MORE
A Peckham institution with a cult following, GALA Festival turns 10 this year! What started as a super niche gathering in Brockwell Park has become one of London’s most prominent independent festivals, spreading over three days at Peckham Rye Park over the May Bank Holiday. But bigger doesn’t mean selling out—GALA still curates the most seamless blend of underground club culture, community energy, and pure summertime euphoria. At its core, this festival is built for music heads—a place where sun-drenched grooves meet deep, late-night rhythms, where a DJ set can feel as intimate as an afters in someone’s flat. Expect expertly curated sound systems, from smoky jazz-infused selectors to pumping disco and percussive house that keep feet moving from day to dusk. Notably, Detroit’s own Theo Parrish is playing a marathon 8-hour open-to-close set – spinning the first record of the weekend, while Moodymann is set to make his first London open-air appearance in three years.
WHEN – 23RD MAY
WHERE – BROCKWELL PARK
LINE UP – KNEECAP, CMAT, ENGLISH TEACHER, DANIEL AVERY, COBRAH & MORE
Another one to kick off the festival season: Wide Awake is back, bringing a lineup you Alt heads won’t want to miss. For one day only, Brockwell Park will become a breeding ground for the underground scene, showcasing the hottest independent and emerging talent to date. On May 23rd, transgressive artists dominate the scene, including Kneecap, CMAT, English Teacher and Peaches, who will be headlining the day. Plus, you can catch the likes of Daniel Avery performing live alongside Mannequin Pussy, Sega Bodega, Hello Mary and Erol Alkan playing B2B with Optimo (Espacio). Every year, Wide Awake smashes it when it comes to delivering the most genre-bending lineup—one that satisfies everyone’s cravings. This melting pot brings together communities united by their passion for music and connection—perfect for anyone looking to discover new sounds and experience something different from the usual festival circuit.
WHEN – 24TH MAY
WHERE – BROCKWELL PARK
LINE UP – AK SPORTS, DEMI RIQUÍSIMO, FOLAMOUR, GIRLS DON’T SYNC, JAY G, JUNGLE, MALL GRAB, PARTIBOI69, SKREAM, VTSS & MORE
Field Day 2025 is set to create a one day only sanctuary for electronic music lovers, drop diggers, and dance floor devotees. The lineup is filled to the brim with selectors who muddy the lines between underground grit and mainstage euphoria—Peggy Gou leads the charge, joined by Jayda G, Mall Grab, and a rare James Blake b2b Mala set, fusing deep bass with left-field experimentation. The Sisu x Dazed Club stage will showcase women and non-binary artists, while other stages cater to house, techno, and bass-heavy sonics. Whether you’re stomping to industrial beats, vibing to groove-laden disco edits, or immersing yourself in a more left-field soundscape, Field Day delivers intelligent, eclectic electronic music curation. The festival champions a stripped-back ethos—no gimmicks, just world-class sound systems, immersive visuals, and a crowd that actually gets it. It’s not a festival that panders to the mainstream—it’s a raver’s utopia, where music comes first, and the city’s club culture is intensely celebrated.
WHEN – 25TH MAY
WHERE – BROCKWELL PARK
LINE UP – MICHEAL KIWANUKA, JORDAN RAKEI, NALA SINEPHRO, BASHY, GILES PETERSON & MORE
Cross The Tracks is a cosy corner of the city’s festival calendar, a hazy haven in Brockwell Park serving jazz, funk, soul, and all things sexy. Known for its seamless mix of laid-back grooves and high-energy pockets of bass, this festival offers a rare balance—vibrant yet serene, an oasis in the capital’s hectic festival scene. 2025 brings an unmissable lineup, with the unparalleled jazz quartet Ezra Collective and the soulful Michael Kiwanuka headlining. If you haven’t caught these two live before… babe, you must! Ezra Collective emits pure sunshine in brass, while Kiwanuka’s honeyed vocals set the perfect mood for floating through the crowd with your best pals. Add the smooth sounds of Jordan Rakei, JGrrey, RUBII, and Nia Smith, and you’ve got a day soundtracked by pure joy. If you’re after some early ’70s revival, reggae-blending icons Cymande will provide alongside Anderson. Paak’s band, Free Nationals, brings their signature feel-good vibes. Expect perfect munch from a diverse mix of food vendors, fairground rides (for the big kids at heart), and effortlessly cool energy curated by festival legend Rob Da Bank.
WHEN – 26TH MAY
WHERE – BROCKWELL PARK
LINE UP – CHANNEL ONE, IZZY BOSSY, SPICE, TEEJAY & MORE
City Splash returns for 2025—the world’s largest one-day Caribbean and African music festival. Headlining this year’s edition is global dancehall superstar Popcaan, bringing his genre-defying energy to the stage. Joining him is an unstoppable lineup, including Ms Dynamite, Kybba, Qing Madi, Sasha Keable, Nia Smith, and SadBoi, alongside pioneers like Mad Professor, DJ Larni, English Fire, and King Tubby’s Sound System. City Splash continues its mission to champion emerging talent through its ‘Rise Up’ initiative, offering a platform for rising Caribbean artists like Jaz Elise, Nesta, Raebel, and Ras-I to shine. BBC Radio 1Xtra will also be on-site, capturing live sets and exclusive interviews. Beyond the boogying, City Splash is a complete cultural experience—from authentic Caribbean and African food to the dance, fashion, and vibes that make this festival a true home of culture. This festival is the pinnacle of celebrating Black music, heritage, and future icons.
WHEN – 31ST MAY & 1ST JUNE
WHERE – BROCKWELL PARK
LINE UP – CIARA, JADE, BLACK PEPPA, BOOTY LUV, CC:DISCO!, CRYSTAL MURRAY, JIMBO, THE ARTFUL DODGER, KESHA, ADORE DELANO, GRILS DON’T SYNC, JAYDA G, KATE NASH, QUEEN PRIYANKA, TAYCE, WICKED THE MUSICAL, VENGABOYS
Mighty Hoopla is one of London’s loudest, proudest, and most unapologetically camp/queer music celebration. This year, Brockwell Park will yet again transform into a delirious playground for the LGBTQ+ community and beyond enjoyment. It is packed with a mix of pop icons, drag royalty, newcomers, and dancefloor anthems. Ciara, Kesha, and Eurovision icon Loreen will headline alongside performances from queer clubland heroes like Big Freedia and G Flip. And what’s a queer festival without drag domination? Expect high-energy lip-syncs, runway-worthy looks, and plenty of camp comedy from stars like Drag Race alumni, underground club queens, and drag collectives bringing the house down. Whether it’s drag bingo, power ballads, or full-scale performances, the queens of Hoopla ensure every corner of the festival is dripping in charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent. Expect camp chaos across 10 stages, absurd performances, and the energy that makes Mighty Hoopla a cultural moment, not just a festival. Glitter, drama, and disco decadence? Standard.
WHEN – 7TH & 13TH JUNE
WHERE – VICTORIA PARK
LINE UP – CHARLI XCX, JAMIE XX, SAMPHA, ARCA, ROMY, SHY ONE, WOOKIE, ALEX G, DANNY BROWN, HAVE A NICE LIFE, FLESHWATER & MORE
East London, you’re in for a treat. Over two weekends, the first edition of Lido Festival will take over Vicky Park with a lineup that’s pure chaos in the best way. From June 6-15, the creators of APE are delivering massive headliners, fresh talent, and genre-spanning sounds while partnering with East London Arts & Music to spotlight rising artists. Kicking off on Friday, Massive Attack headlines with a 100% battery-powered set—their first London festival in nine years. Saturday keeps the energy high with Jamie XX, Arca, Wookie, and Romy. Then, on Saturday, it’s BRAT summer with Charli XCX alongside A.G. Cook, Kelly Lee Owens, The Dare, and 070 Shake, promising pure euphoria. To close out these stacked weekends, expect London Grammar, The Blessed Madonna, and Celeste to bring their magic to the stage. But Lido isn’t just about the music—it’s rooted in community, supporting local suppliers, food vendors, and young talent. One of the most anticipated new festivals, Lido is ready to shake up the scene. Will it live up to the hype? There is only one way to find out.
WHEN – 27TH JUNE – 13TH JULY
WHERE – HYDE PARK
LINE UP – RYAE, DOCCHI, JEFF LYNNE’S ELO, ZACH BRYAN, HUGH JACKMAN, NOAH KAHAN,
BST Hyde Park is where London’s summer peaks—an ultimate open-air concert experience spanning three weekends of world-class music in the city’s most iconic outdoor setting. The festival transforms the historic park into a stage for global superstars each year, and 2025 is no exception. Olivia Rodrigo brings her chart-topping anthems to the Great Oak Stage (27 June), while American country singing sensation Zach Bryan makes his long-awaited UK headline debut (28 & 29 June). Expect heartfelt singalongs from folk-pop favourite Noah Kahan, timeless rock from Jeff Lynne’s ELO, and a rare performance from the legendary Neil Young & The Chrome Hearts. But it’s not just about the music—BST’s Open House keeps the energy going midweek with free outdoor cinema, street food markets, and wellness sessions. Whether you’re here for the anthems and the atmosphere or to soak up London in full festival mode, BST Hyde Park is the place to be and is an unmissable summer highlight.
WHEN – 25TH – 27TH JULY
WHERE – BOSTON MANOR PARK
LINE UP – CHARLOTTE DE WITTE, DARIA KOLOSOVA B2B, DR RUBINSTEIN, DAX J B2B, HELENA HAUFF, DVS1, KETTAMA, NINA KRAVIZ, JOB JOBSE, MOUNT KIMBIE LIVE, MOXIE, OGAZÓN, PALMS TRAX, SOFIA KOURTESIS LIVE, SOULWAX LIVE & MORE
Junction 2 Festival returns to Boston Manor Park, expanding to a three-day format that dances deep into electronic music’s diverse domains. Each day offers something different: Friday embraces melodic house and techno with artists like Adam Beyer and ANNA; Saturday intensifies with heavy techno from the likes of Charlotte de Witte and Nina Kraviz; Sunday lightens the mood, blending disco and house with acts such as Mount Kimbie and Soulwax. Beyond the mega lineup, Junction 2 keeps us interested as it showcases a commitment to sustainability, aiming to achieve net-zero carbon emissions. Initiatives include a £1.75 climate levy on tickets and investments in ecosystem restoration. Set against the industrial backdrop of the M4 flyover and the natural beauty of Boston Manor Park, this festival offers a homely London festival experience that resonates with the city’s fervent electronic music scene.
WHEN – 3RD AUGUST
WHERE – BURGESS PARK
LINE UP – MASEGO, IZCO, JULS, DUBLON, GUTS, WESTSIDE GUNN & MORE
Initially founded in 1980, Jazz Café holds historical recognition for hosting the crème de la crème of musicians and live performances in their intimate Camden venue. In 2024, they decided to transfer this atmosphere to the great outdoors, dipping their toes in London’s festival pool for the first time. Based on the success of this debut, their return to Burgess Park for a second edition was inevitable – this time with a new date at the peak of the summer. Bringing a blissful balance of tranquillity and euphoria to the stunning Southwark location, we dubbed this day fest one of last season’s favourites. Four small-scale yet captivating stages showcase a cultured mixture of sounds and genres, from jazz (obviously) through hip-hop and R&B to variations of house and electronic.
WHEN – 22ND – 24TH AUGUST
WHERE – VICTORIA PARK
LINE UP – RAYE, DOECHII, THE MACCABEES, BARRY CAN’T SWIM & MORE
Victoria Park’s heavyweight weekend is back, and the lineup is stacked! All Points is set to curate a melting pot of sounds again, bringing together electronic innovators, indie royalty, the most significant industry acts, and genre-blurring icons. Chase & Status will kick things off with a bass-heavy takeover featuring Overmono and Nia Archives. Barry Can’t Swim and Confidence Man will keep the party moving with left-field electronic gems. RAYE, Tyla, and viral queen from the swamp Doechii are set to deliver pop, R&B and strong female rap, while The Maccabees’ long-awaited reunion headlines a Sunday built for indie nostalgia, joined by Bombay Bicycle Club and The Cribs. APE keeps it effortlessly cool—think high-quality music mixed with tasty street food, local craft brews, and a creative programme that cements it as more than just another festival.
WHEN – 24TH AUGUST
WHERE – SOUTHWARK PARK
LINE UP – MURA MASA, HAAI, PEACH, FAFF, I.JORDAN, CAKES DA KILLA, MICHELLE MANETTI, MIDLAND & MORE
Born in the sweat-drenched warehouses of Hackney Wick, Body Movements has evolved into one of the UK’s leading queer electronic music festivals. Now in its fifth year, the festival is stepping up, swapping industrial backstreet roots for the second year, hosting in the open-air expanse of Southwark Park. Expect the same relentless energy but bigger. Headliner Mura Masa and more soul-connecting acts promise a seamless blend of queer club culture, bass-heavy ecstasy, and unfiltered self-expression. London’s finest collectives – Pxssy Palace, Adonis, Fèmmme Fraîche – will also be on board, ensuring the party stays strictly underground, no matter how big the stage.
WHEN – 13TH SEPT
WHERE – GUNNERSBURY PARK
LINE UP – DR BANANA, LUKAS WIGFELX, MALIKA, MARCELINA, OCTO OCTA, PEACH, SWEELY, TASH LC & MORE
Waterworks Festival is back at Gunnersbury for its highly anticipated fifth edition, offering a raw, no-frills celebration of underground club culture. The lineup honours the festival’s reputation for showcasing pioneering and emerging talents. With over 60 artists across seven custom-built stages, expect an immersive 360-degree experience at Water Tower, intimate vibes at Pressure, the electrifying sounds of Two Shell, Chloé Caillet, and a back-to-back set from Eris Drew and Octo Octa. The festival’s energy is high, with techno legends like DJ Stingray 313 and DVS1, while progressive house icons such as Roza Terenzi, Peach, and Palms Trax keep the grooves rolling. From dark UK bass and 140 to breaks, this year’s lineup features top talents like Neffa T, Mala, Bakey, and Jay Carder. With severe sound systems and a no-frills vibe, Waterworks captures London’s vibrant dance scene’s gritty essence, making comparisons to the legendary Houghton Festival. It’s a small festival with massive energy, marking the perfect end to summer in London.