Last year, the return of festivals after ‘Freedom Day’ (remember that?) was just the tonic but, all going well, London’s festival calendar will be back to its full and stacked best. From around May–September-time, it’s all about London festivals. So crack open the cans of beer, slap on the suncream, get the glitter out and prepare to dance the summer away. Here’s our guide to the London festivals running throughout summer 2022.

London festivals in May

1. Queen’s Yard Summer Party (May 1)

 Location: Multiple venues across Hackney Wick.
 Why Queen’s Yard Summer Party: Well, it’ll be one of the first summer (yes, we’re calling May 1 summer) parties you can attend in London this year, and is a must for any fan of house, techno and disco. One wristband will get you access to a whole array of venues – 16 in fact – dotted across Hackney, and we’d advise you simply hop through them all. Last person standing and all that…
2021’s highlights: As well as DJs like DEBONAIR, 96 Back, Jamie Bull, LUXE and Madam X, last year also saw partnerships with the likes of Adonis, High Hoops, Rhythm Sister and Percolate. 
👀 What we can expect in 2022: A brilliant set of stage takeovers from the likes of CTRL SOUND, Gottwood, Percolate and many more.
Keep up to date: Here.

2. Wide Awake (May 27 & 28)

 Location: Brockwell Park, Brixton.
 Why Wide Awake: Back for its second year, Wide Awake festival promises ‘left-field Indie, Post Punk, Electronica, Techno, Jazz and more from an array of artists you won’t find anywhere else at a festival in London’. Intriguing – and a great addition to our roundup of London festivals we say.
2021’s highlights: IDLES, Erol Alkan, KOKOROKO, Daniel Avery, Songhoy Blues, and more were on the inaugural line-up.
👀 What we can expect in 2022: BICEP, Primal Scream, Caribou, Floating Points, Leon Vynehall, Fat White Family, Overmono, Yard Act, Sofia Kourtesis and more.
Keep up to date: Here.

3. City Splash (May 29)

 Location: Brockwell Park, Brixton.
Why City Splash: This fantastic festival is a celebration of Reggae’s impact on London youth culture, with over 40 artists across four different stages and a host of different Caribbean food stalls and workshops. Guests will enjoy a genre-spanning line-up, from Dancehall to Grime to Dub to Jungle to Roots to Hip Hop, all with a common thread: a reggae influence.
2021’s highlights: Lila Ike, Channel One, General Levy, Ras Kwame, Shola Ama, Heartless Crew, Seani B and many more besides.
👀 What we can expect in 2022: A stacked lineup boasting the likes of Barrington Levy, Mr Eazi, Protoje, Sister Nancy, Congo Natty and many more that are certain to make a splash in the capital.
Keep up to date: Here.

London festivals in June

4. GALA (June 2, 3 & 4)

 Location: Peckham Rye Park, Peckham.
 Why GALA: Returning to Peckham across the new Jubilee Bank Holiday weekend, GALA will build on the success of 2021’s sell-out event, which was one of the first festivals back post-lockdown. Last year’s event seriously went off – so much so in fact that the team behind it have extended the festival this year to three days. Thursday now is more about the live stuff, whereas Friday and Saturday will bring the DJs out in full swing. Expect a varied lineage spanning House, Jazz, Disco, Drum & Bass, Garage, Acid House and Afrobeats.
2021’s highlights: Joy Orbison, Jayda G, Mr Scruff & MC Kwasi, Moxie, DEBONAIR, Luke Solomon B2B Gideön and many more.
👀 What we can expect in 2022: Dan Shake, DJ Harvey, Little Dragon, Josey Rebelle, Shy One, Horse Meat Disco, Gilles Peterson, Homoelectric, Mafalda, Secretsundaze and more.
Keep up to date: Here. 

5. Mighty Hoopla (June 3 & 4)

 Location: Brockwell Park, Brixton
Why Mighty Hoopla: A nice getaway from the electronic madness, with ‘a day of pop-tastic music, fun and games in the summer sun’. It’s London’s biggest festival for pure pop, and is a real highlight of the LGBTQ+ summer calendar. 2021 saw Cheryl, Becky Hill, En Vogue, and Gabrielle all take to the stage, and this year the original line-up of the Sugababes – or ‘MKS’ as they are otherwise known – is bound to be a highlight. Definitely one to wear your loudest frock and a hell of a lot of glitter at.
2021’s highlights: Gabrielle, RAYE, Eve, Gabrielle, Jodie Harsh, Horse Meat Disco, Becky Hill, Sonique, Sink The Pink and En Vogue.
👀 What we can expect in 2022: Girl power from Jessie Ware, Anastacia, Jayda G, Katy B, Sugababes and Booty Luv, as well as Five, Steps, Sink The Pink and Little Gay Brother.
Keep up to date: Here.

6. Junction 2 Festival (June 3 & 4)

 Location: Boston Manor Park, Brentford.
 Why Junction 2: This award-winning festival switches back to Boston Manor Park – where summer fields meet stark, industrial structures – after a year in Tobacco Dock. This is the festival to come if you’re into your underground dance music, which will be delivered to ‘obsessively high standards’ – sounds pretty good to us. Last year saw the likes of Maribou State and Maceo Plex spin the decks – 2022 sees Nina Kraviz, Four Tet, Seth Troxler and many more get the party started.
2021’s highlights: Maribou State (DJ set), Dixon, Maceo Plex, Jon Hopkins (DJ set), Charlotte de Witte and Laurent Garnier.
👀 What we can expect in 2022: Adam Beyer, Four Tet, Nina Kraviz, Dixon, Richie Hawtin, Seth Troxler, Saoirse and many more.
Keep up to date: Here.

7. Cross The Tracks (June 5)

 Location: Brockwell Park, Brixton.
 Why Cross The Tracks: This top-notch music and food-led festival made a stellar debut in 2019, and bills itself as being ‘Brixton’s Soul, Jazz and Funk Fest’. Alongside great music – Sampa The Great, Khruangbin and Joy Crookes are all headlining this year – you’ve got over forty food stalls, craft beer aplenty, a vintage fair, a wellness tent, and an independent creative market – all of which promises a ‘no-bad-vibes’ festival.
2021’s highlights: Jordan Rakei, Sister Sledge, The Cinematic Orchestra, Norman Jay MBE, London African Gospel Choir and Gilles Peterson.
👀 What we can expect in 2022: This year you’ve got Sampa The Great, Joy Crookes, Gilles Peterson, Macy Gray, Khruangbin and Romare playing you out on hopefully a sunny Sunday!
Keep up to date: Here.

8. Meltdown (June 10–19)

 Location: Southbank Centre, Waterloo.
 Why Meltdown: Not like your typical cider-in-the-park kind of London festivals, this annual series of London gigs — the longest-running artist-curated music festival in town — reaches its 27th festival in 2022. The legend that is Grace Jones was announced at this iteration’s curator back in November 2019, so she’s had plenty of time to plan ahead of summer 2022 after a two-year hiatus. Acts on the bill include Honey Dijon, Skunk Anansie, Baaba Mal and Grace Jones herself.
2019’s highlights: Disco funk legend Nile Rodgers was in charge, inviting acts such as Thundercat, KOKOROKO and Alfa Mist to take part in the festival.
👀 What we can expect in 2022: The lineup has now been released, though expect some surprises too. Frontwoman of the Noisettes, Shingai, Sky Ferreira, The Love Unlimited Synth Orchestra, Dave Okumu, Peaches, Honey Dijon and Hercules & Love Affair will all be playing the Royal Festival Hall throughout the duration of the festival.
Keep up to date: Here.

9. Hampton Court Palace Festival (June 10–25)

 Location: Hampton Court, duh.
 Why Hampton Court Palace Festival: You can’t get a much more magical place for London festivals than in the Tudor Courtyard of a Grade I-listed, 16th century palace, which was once the home of Henry VIII and his many wives. Enjoy a picnic in the beautiful East Front Gardens before watching world-class acts perform in this stunning setting. Last year saw Tom Jones and Van Morrison perform, and this year there’s a pretty exciting line-up in the pipeline.
2021’s highlights: Fantastic performances from Van Morrison, Keane, Tom Jones, Bastille and Björn Again.
👀 What we can expect in 2022: Huge headliners include Elbow, McFly, Kacey Musgraves, The Human League, Michael Ball and Alfie Boe, Crowded House and Ministry of Sound Classical with Fat Tony and Seb Fontaine.
Keep up to date: Here.

10. One Out Festival (June 18)

 Location: Apps Court Farm, Walton-on-Thames.
 Why One Out Festival: This new electronic festival is situated right by the Thames in leafy Walton-on-Thames in Surrey. Just a short bus ride away from Hampton Court, this newcomer has already made waves since it burst on the scene with a sell-out event last year. Horse Meat Disco, Danny Howard, Monki and Sam Divine all came to the party in September 2021, and 2022 sees Eats Everything, Skream and many more spin the decks.
2021’s highlights: Danny Howard, Philip George, Low Steppa, Horse Meat Disco, Weiss, Tensnake, The Menendez Brothers, Monki and the Mambo Brothers.
👀 What we can expect in 2022: Eats Everything, Skream, Arielle Free, Dusky, Mele and Chloé Robinson. 
Keep up to date: Here.

11.BST Hyde Park (June 24–July 10)

 Location: Hyde Park, Central London.
 Why BST Hyde Park: London’s largest royal park hosts music royalty in six open-air concerts across two weekends (with free midweek entertainment) to make for an event like no other. 2020 and 2021’s events were sadly cancelled due to the old pandemic, so expect a real celebratory vibe when the festival returns this year. They certainly haven’t held back with the lineup – Adele, Elton John and even the bloody Rolling Stones are all on the bill. Get ready to get your sing-a-long on.
2019’s highlights: Stevie Wonder, Black Eyed Peas, Robbie Williams and Florence and The Machine.
👀 What we can expect in 2022: Pearl Jam and Duran Duran were both scheduled to play last year, so they’ve rolled over to 2022. The Eagles, Adele, Elton John and The Rolling Stones – who are celebrating their 60th anniversary – are the other headliners.
Keep up to date: Here.

London festivals in July

12. Wireless (July 1, 2 & 3 and 8, 9 & 10)

 Location: July 1, 2 & 3 at Crystal Palace Bowl and 8, 9 & 10 in Finsbury Park.
 Why Wireless: Taking place across the first two weekends in July, this famous London festival offers the best of the best in hip-hop, rap and grime – and you best cop your tickets soon as it always sells out in a hot minute. They’ve gone all out this year, with planned performances from Tyler, The Creator, J.Cole, Nicki Minaj, Burna Boy, Doja Cat, A$AP Rocky, Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion – will us Londoners finally get down to a live performance of WAP we wonder?!
2021’s highlights: Future, Skepta, Migos, Rick Ross, Young Thug, Megan Thee Stallion, Meek Mill, Swae Lee and Digga D.
👀 What we can expect in 2022: You’ll be able to see A$AP Rocky, Little Simz, Tyler, The Creator, Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion, Doja Cat, J. Cole. Playboi Carti, Kali Uchis and many more great artists do their thing.
Keep up to date: Here.

13. Electric Woodlands (July 1 & 2)

 Location: Bygrave Woods, Newnham (30 minutes by train from London).
 Why Electric Woodlands: Following its successful debut last summer, the House and Drum & Bass-heavy Electric Woodlands expands to become a two day camping weekend for 2022. Legendary and long-running tastemaker Annie Mac will be bringing her cross-genre selections to the woods, and Example, Hannah Wants, Shy FX, Wilkinson, Solardo and Hybrid Minds are also confirmed to attend. Sounds pretty good to us. They’ve also ensured that there’s ​​a 50/50 split between men and women playing this year, so this is a really great one to support.
2021’s highlights: Highlights for their debut came in the shape of Chase & Status, Flava D, Hybrid Minds, Dimension, John Summit, Window Kid and Alisha.
👀 What we can expect in 2022: The legend that is Annie Mac, along with Hannah Wants, Example, Hybrid Minds, Sub Focus, David Rodigan, Wilkinson and Solardo.
Keep up to date: Here.

14. Kew The Music (July 5–10)

 Location: Kew Gardens, Kew.
 Why Kew The Music: Well first off, let’s start with the bleedin’ obvious – the venue is bloody fantastic and was recently voted the ‘most Instagrammable’ botanical garden in the entire world. Add some pretty great live music to the mix and acts like Gabrielle, Will Young, James Morisson, Rebecca Ferguson and Van bloody Morisson and you’ve got the recipe for a great festival experience.
2021’s highlights: Unfortunately due to COVID-19, the festival was cancelled last year. All the more reason to party harder this year we say.
👀 What we can expect in 2022: 80’s pop group Bananarama, Will Young, Van Morrison, Gipsy Kings, DJ Spoony, James Blunt and everyone’s favourite Gabrielle. Fingers crossed for some ‘sunshine through my windowwww’ at this one. You know the rest.
Keep up to date: Here.

15. Somerset House Summer Series (July 7–17)

 Location: Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court, Somerset House.
Why Somerset House Summer Series: Like Hampton Court Palace, this is another bloomin’ beautiful venue, which this year is hosting eleven different outdoor concerts right in the very heart of London Town. For their 2022 series, they’ve got everyone from Grime superstar Giggs to the multi-platinum, Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter John Legend on the bill. Other acts playing the tunes will include producer SG Lewis and pop-sensation Carly Rae Jepsen. A fair few of them have already sold out, but keep your eyes peeled on the website below to see if some come available closer to the time.
2019’s highlights: There’s been a two-year break due to… well, we all know the answer to that one. Back in 2019, Nao, Sons of Kemet, Jacob Banks, Rosalía, Gossip and The Internet were all on the lineup.
👀 What we can expect in 2022: Tems, Squid, Arlo Parks, Bomba Estéreo, Carly Rae Jepsen, Ghetts, John Legend, SG Lewis, Yussef Dayes, Black Midi and Places+Faces.
Keep up to date: Here.

16. Lovebox (July 16)

 Location: Finsbury Park.
 Why Lovebox: What started as a club night on Tottenham Court Road all the way back in 2002, has grown to take over Clapham Common, Victoria Park, Gunnersbury Park and now for 2022, Finsbury Park! It was co-founded by electronic dance duo Groove Armada, so it’s pretty much guaranteed your Lovebox experience will be a solid 10/10. There’s no confirmed lineup for this star of the London festivals scene yet, but given past years’ offerings (e.g. M.I.A., Major Lazer, Frank Ocean, LCD Soundsystem, Skepta, Disclosure, Solange etc.), it’s practically guaranteed that it’ll be a real banger.
2019’s highlights: Chance the Rapper, Solange, Giggs, Four Tet, Brockhampton, Loyle Carner, Action Bronson… is it still a highlight if we list the entire line-up?
👀 What we can expect in 2022: More epic headliners at one of London’s favourite music festivals after a two-year hiatus.
Keep up to date: Here.

17. Kaleidoscope (July 23)

 Location: Alexandra Palace, Wood Green.
 Why Kaleidoscope: Ally Pally is known for its epic gigs, massive beer garden and panoramic views across the whole of London. Add a festival into the mix and you really are onto a winner. Kaleidoscope is one of the city’s chillest offerings – perfect for both kids and adults alike – and 2022 sees Orbital and the Happy Mondays headline. Other acts on the bill include David Rodigan MBE and Charlotte Church’s Pop Dungeon, but it’s not all about the music here. Comedy comes in the form of Dom Joly and rising star Sindhu Vee, and DJs Crazy P will be spinning the tunes as the sun goes down.
2021’s highlights: Groove Armada were pretty banging headliners in 2021, with support provided by The Coral, Norman Jay MBE, The Staves and Ibibio Sound Machine. Words and comedy were in the form of Reginald D. Hunter and Irvine Walsh.
👀 What we can expect in 2022: Orbital and the Happy Mondays headline for 2022, with Crazy P, The Cuban Brothers, Charlotte Church’s Pop Dungeon, The Magic Numbers, House Gospel Choir, Dom Joly and Zero 7 giving some excellent support.
Keep up to date: Here.

18. Higher Ground Festival (July 24)

 Location: Alexandra Palace, Wood Green.
 Why Higher Ground Festival: It’s all in a name – Patti Smith – need we say any more?! The legendary punk-poet genius headlines this new and boutique London festival, right on the slopes of Ally Pally Park. Other performances on the day come from the Mercury-nominated Nadine Shah, Connie Constance and Joviale. In addition to powerful live sets from all of the above, the event will also feature DJ sets, workshops, talks and readings, food trucks, bars, and plenty of other fun bits and bobs. 
2021’s highlights: This is a brand-spanking-new festival for 2022, so you’re in for a first time experience with this one.
👀 What we can expect in 2022: Alongside the icon that is Patti Smith, you’ll also get to hear Nadine Shah, Spellling, Connie Constance, Nabihah Iqbal, Joviale and a whole host of other acts.
Keep up to date: Here.

19. Body Movements (July 30)

 Location: Multiple venues across Hackney Wick.
 Why Body Movements: This newcomer to the London festivals scene caused quite the stir – of the good kind – when it burst onto the scene last year. Designed to celebrate LGBTQ+ people within dance music – or ‘queer bodies in electronic music’ – you’ll be able to get your rave on to acts from collectives including Adonis, Little Gay Brother, Jungle Kitty, Big Dyke Energy, Pxssy Palace, He.She.They and many more. Like the Queen’s Yard Summer Party, this one will take place across a whole host of venues – 16 in fact – in Hackney Wick, including The Yard and the Colour Factory.
2021’s highlights: Body Movements founders Clayton Wright (of Little Gay Brother) and Saoirse invited the likes of Eris Drew, DJ Paulette, CCL, Aurora Halal, Juliana Huxtable, Jasmine Infiniti, Tama Sumo and Lakuti to play across the day last year.
👀 What we can expect in 2022: A hell of a good time of course! Helped by the likes of Adonis, Little Gay Brother, Jungle Kitty, Big Dyke Energy, Pxssy Palace, Queer House Party, Nite Dykez, Lezzer Quest, Let’s Have A Kiki and plenty more where that came from.
Keep up to date: Here.

20. South Facing Festival (July 29–August 21)

 Location:  Crystal Palace Bowl, Crystal Palace.
Why South Facing Festival: First of all, it’s still pretty shiny and new, having had its inception just last year! It also brings music back to a venue that’s hosted musical icons such as Bob Marley, Pink Floyd, Elton John, The Beach Boys and The Pixies. Over the course of four weekends, you’ll hear the likes of London Grammar, Jungle and Richard Ashcroft perform, along with many other special guests.
2021’s highlights: Dizzee Rascal, The Streets, Max Richter… need we say more?
👀 What we can expect in 2022: A series of open-air concerts on July and August weekends, with a quadruple-bill of London Grammar, George Fitzgerald, Tora–I and Oklou kicking it off, followed by Jungle, Bombay Bicycle Club, Richard Ashcroft, Kamasi Washington and Ezra Collective, Becky Hill and the ENO. Phew.
Keep up to date: Here.

London festivals in August

21. We Are FSTVL (August 6–7)

 Location: Damyns Hall Aerodrome, Upminster.
 Why We Are FSTVL: Big beats out East with some of the biggest and best names in electronic music right now at the UK’s largest independent dance festival. Moving from Dagenham back to its original site at the Damyns Hall Aerodrome, you can expect to seriously be getting your dance on at this one, with House, Urban, Bass, Techno and Drum & Bass all on the agenda. 
2021’s highlights: Last year saw some real giants of the dance world play, including Gorgon City, CamelPhat, Claptone, Patrick Topping, Carl Cox and Purple Disco Machine.
👀 What we can expect in 2022: Andy C, Armand Van Helden, The Blessed Madonna, Bru-C, Craig David’s TS5, Jamie Jones, High Contrast, Marco Carola, Michael Bibi, Rudimental DJ, Shy FX, Sonny Fodera, KSI and more.
Keep up to date: Here.

22. All Points East (August 19–28)

 Location: Victoria Park, Hackney.
Why All Points East: One of the beloved of London’s music festivals, All Points East returns to full capacity after last year’s trimmed-down show. Expect five sunny days – well, we can hope it is August after all – of an eclectic range of music, from dance behemoths Disclosure to Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds. There’s also Field Day here which adds a sixth show into the mix. More on that in a bit…
2021’s highlights: Last year saw the likes of Jorja Smith, London Grammar, Loyle Carner, Mura Masa, Jamie XX, SlowThai, Foals, Bombay Bicycle Club and Celeste perform to the 25,000-strong crowd. 
👀 What we can expect in 2022: This year is a pretty killer line-up. Gorillaz, Tame Impala, Disclosure, James Blake, Fred Again, Koffee, Idles, Pusha T, Fleet Foxes and Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds all take to the stage at some point during the festival’s five days.
Keep up to date: Here.

23. Field Day (August 20)

 Location: Victoria Park, Hackney.
Why Field Day: Often labelled the ‘dancier version’ of All Points East, Field Day serves up some of the best names in electronic dance music the city has to offer. And boy does this year serve up the goods and then some. Headliners for 2022 are none other than the dance legends themselves The Chemical Brothers, with other support acts throughout the day including a back-to-back set with Carl Craig and Moodymann, Floating Points, Erol Alkan, Tourist, Peggy Gou and more.
2021’s highlights: 2021 saw a live set from BICEP as well as Mount Kimbie, George Fitzgerald, The Blessed Madonna, Ross From Friends, Prospa, Jaguar and Josey Rebelle play.
👀 What we can expect in 2022: Well, aside from The Chemical Brothers, you can also get down and dancey to Kraftwerk 3D, Peggy Gou, Tourist, Floating Points, HAAi, Heléna Star and Logic 1000. We told you it was gonna be a good’un.
Keep up to date: Here.

24. Elrow Town (August 20)

 Location: Trent Park, Enfield.
 Why Elrow Town: There’s nothing quite like an Elrow Town party. It’s something that has to be seen to be believed – think acrobatic performers, stilt walkers, confetti cannons, crazy games, inflatables that look like flamingos – and you’ll be on the right sort of track. Add in some world-class DJs, an array of immersive experiences, themed stages and more colour than you’ve probably seen in your life, and you’re in for one hell of an experience.
2019’s highlights: The festival has taken a break over the past couple of years, but 2019 saw House giant Jamie Jones spin the decks and a themed megaship, featuring ‘sandy beaches, swaying palm trees and twisted shipwrecks’. You’re in for a treat with this one.
👀 What we can expect in 2022: Well, details are fairly tight-lipped with this one, but they’re promising their ‘biggest one yet’, so you can expect all the usual Elrow Town shenanigans and complete fiesta vibes.
Keep up to date: Here.

25. SW4 (August 26, 27 & 28)

 Location: Clapham Common, Clapham.
 Why SW4: Another groovy one here, SW4 (or South West Four – which may give a clue as to which borough it’s in) is all about the dance music, with past performers including Chase & Status, Andy C, Solomun, Eric Prydz, Dizzee Rascal, Carl Cox and Fatboy Slim to name but a few. They’ve also had plenty of B2B sets over the years. Party on.
2019’s highlights: The last SW4 saw the likes of Martin Garrix, Craig David, Chase & Status, Tinie Tempah, Plan B, Andy C and Wiley take to the decks.
👀 What we can expect in 2022: An absolutely banging August bank holiday – we hope. It’s all gone a bit quiet from SW4 recently, though they promise that a 2022 show is going ahead.
Keep up to date: Here.

26. Yam Carnival (August 27)

 Location: Clapham Common, Clapham.
 Why Yam Carnival: This next addition to our roundup of incredible London festivals describes itself as an ‘immersive experience of black culture, food, music and more’. Also in Clapham Common, it was created by the team behind Portugal’s famous ‘Afro Nation’ festival, and 2022  is only its second instalment. Expect some incredible food – the organisers have already promised three different food areas – as well as some pretty damn great tunes.
2021’s highlights: Last year saw Beenie Man, Kehlani, Ms Banks, Koffee, Nao, Princess Nokia, Honey Dijon, Pa Salieu and Richy Ahmed perform – pretty damn good if you ask us.
👀 What we can expect in 2022: So far for the 2022 season the team at Yam have brought Wizkid, Naira Marley, DJ Maphorisa, Black Sherif and Young Stunna on the bill. Keep your eyes on the website as more acts will be announced closer to the time.
Keep up to date: Here.

27. Eastern Electrics (August 27)

 Location: Lee Valley Showground, Waltham Cross.
 Why Eastern Electrics: This is pretty much everything you could ever want from a classic House and Techno festival. Here world-class underground DJs, urban acts and more will step up to seven stages, hosted by renowned clubbing institutions such as Nightmares On Wax, SecretSundaze, Rinse and Defected.
2021’s highlights: Dance legends Jamie Jones, Maya Jane Coles, Loco Dice, Denis Sulta and Folamour all played in 2021’s festival, while plenty of other DJs also worked their magic too.
👀 What we can expect in 2022: This year the Eastern Electrics team have gone all out and have invited mega DJs Seth Troxler, Jaguar, Horse Meat Disco, Debonair and Jasper James to spin the decks. Other acts on the bill include Ellen Allien, RPR Soundsystem, Katie Goodman and Nicolas Lutz.
Keep up to date: Here.

28. Maiden Voyage (August 28)

 Location: Lee Valley Showground, Waltham Cross.
 Why Maiden Voyage: Another of our London festivals that was only established recently, Maiden Voyage comes from the team behind Camden’s emblematic music venue the Jazz Café. The music on offer here is an eclectic mish-mash of Jazz, Electronic, and Alternative, and it has been designed to be more affordable than other London festivals, with prices starting from just a tenner. Yep, you read that right – a tenner! There are now five stages, and acts on the bill include Jayda G, Jay Electronica, Ross From Friends and Shanti Celeste.
2021’s highlights: A B2B set of Mr Scruff and Mafalda, Gilles Peterson, Habibi Funk, JME, Alfa Mist, Tash LC, DJ Harvey and Moses Boyd.
👀 What we can expect in 2022: The 2022 edition will see live performances from acts like Ross From Friends and Underground Resistance, with DJ sets from Yung Singh – the newly-crowned ‘best British breakthrough DJ’ from the renowned publication DJ Mag – and Jayda G.
Keep up to date: Here.

London festivals in September

29. Pub In The Park (September 2, 3 & 4)

 Location: Chiswick House and Gardens, Chiswick.
 Why Pub In The Park: Famous TV chef Tom Kerridge has followed in the footsteps of Jamie Oliver by setting up his own festival – this one in the charming neighbourhood of Chiswick. As well as some pretty epic food – duh, look who the festival is run by – the three-day event has got Craig David’s TS5, Faithless, Beverley Knight and the queen of the kitchen disco herself, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, performing throughout. Even better? A whole host of pop-up restaurants – some even with Michelin stars – will be opening up for the event, so you can wine and dine your way through leafy Chiswick in between the music. We’ll cheers to that.
2021’s highlights: As well as the Kaiser Chiefs, The Feeling, Marc Almond, Reef and Basement Jaxx, 2021 saw chefs Chantelle Nicholson, Atul Kochar, Marcus Wareing and Andrew Pern rustle up the goods.
👀 What we can expect in 2022: Headliners include Craig David, Faithless, Beverley Knight and the Lightning Seeds, with support from Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Huey Morgan and The Sugar Hill Gang.
Keep up to date: Here.

30. Beautiful People (September 3)

 Location: Morden Park, Morden.
 Why Beautiful People: Billed as ‘the world’s friendliest party’, Beautiful People is all about bringing people together under a shared love of music and the (fingers crossed) summer sun. Held in Morden at the end of the Northern Line, this London music festival showcases an eclectic mix of music to make you feel good – including House, Soul, R&B, Garage and Disco. And if the name is anything to go by, you’ll be dancing alongside a hell of a lot of fitties. Win, win.
2021’s highlights: Basement Jaxx, David Rodigan, Grandmaster Flash, Todd Edwards, Inner City, Omotosho… need we say more?
👀 What we can expect in 2022: The lineup is still under wraps at the moment, but you can expect some pretty epic music on the bill if last year is anything to go by.
Keep up to date: Here.

31. Defected (September 3 & 4)

 Location: Royal Docks TBC.
 Why Defected: London’s biggest disco party returns to an undisclosed location this September for two jam-packed days of feel-good music. Last year’s dance-tastic event saw the Defected crew take over The Drumsheds, bringing disco legends Glitterbox, the Classic Music Company, Sondela, 4 To The Floor and Faith with them. Purple Disco Machine, Horse Meat Disco, Eats Everything, Sam Divine, John Summit brought the party with them last year, and 2022 promises to be even better.
2021’s highlights:  Purple Disco Machine playing to drag queens sashaying down a catwalk was a real highlight – this writer was there – and Horse Meat Disco Machine, Spiller ft. Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Basement Jaxx, Honey Dijon, Monki, John Summit and Louie Vega were also spinning the tunes.
👀 What we can expect in 2022:  A brand-spanking-new location and even more banging tunes at one of the most ‘feel-good’ London festivals. Stay tuned for updates.
Keep up to date: Here.

32. Naked City Festival (September 10)

 Location: Beckenham Place Park, Beckenham.
Why Naked City Festival: Brought to you from the team behind Krankbrother, this next addition on our London festivals roundup has been designed to draw on ‘the city’s central nervous system of musical influences to create a day-long festival with a truly London soul’. There’s a wide roster of talent on show here, blending genres of music together, and there’s also some great street food and craft beer on tap too. 2022 sees The Blessed Madonna, Joy Orbison, Kojey Radical and more take to the stage.
2021’s highlights: September 2021 saw Romare, Moodyman, Kode9, Mungo’s Hi Fi and SHERELLE all played last year.
👀 What we can expect in 2022: As well as Krankbrother themselves, you can expect Heléna Star, The Blessed Madonna, Children of Zeus, Joy Orbison, Kojey Radical and more on the bill.
Keep up to date: Here.

33. Hospitality Weekend In The Woods (September 17 & 18)

 Location: Beckenham Place Park, Beckenham.
 Why Hospitality Weekend In The Woods: This great spot is quite possibly the best Drum & Bass festival that the UK has to offer. There are ten different arenas found here – including one from fabric and two from Hospitality – and each will bounce to non-stop bangers across the whole spectrum of Drum & Bass. Last year was a real success, offering up never before seen B2Bs as well as a fine array of the tastiest street food South London has to offer. 2022 promises to be even bigger and better.
2021’s highlights: Metrik, Netsky, A.M.C., London Elektricity, Delta Heavy, Nu:Tone and more.
👀 What we can expect in 2022: High Contrast, S.P.Y. B2B Randall, Kings of the Rollers & INJA, DJ Marky & GQ, Roni Size B2B Bryan Gee and General Levy among countless others.
Keep up to date: Here.

34. Waterworks (September 19)

 Location: Gunnersbury Park, Acton.
 Why Hospitality Waterworks: Rounding off this list of London festivals is Waterworks, a one-day dance event designed to ‘celebrate independent electronic music culture’. There are actively no headliners here – just a plethora of world-class DJs spinning the tunes all day long. Last year was a banging success, and this year will no doubt be the same. Moxie, Saoirse, Shy One, Batu, Gigi FM, Stamina MC and Dave Harvey are all at the top of their game and on the bill.
2021’s highlights: Shanti Celeste, Tim Reaper, Pangaea, Leon Vyenhall, Gideön, LUXE, Josey Rebelle and Leon Vynehall all brought their best game to Gunnersbury Park last year.
👀 What we can expect in 2022: Another excellent day of music to round off the London festivals season, with Saoirse, Hannah Holland, Jay Duncan, LUXE, LCY, Shy One, Stamina MC, Calibre, Craig Richards and more pumping out the tunes.
Keep up to date: Here.

Also published on Medium.