It may not feel like spring yet, but we already have the summer party season on our minds. London is no stranger to festivals, grabbing some of the hottest acts from all over the world for its bass-bumping, singing-so-loud-you-lose-your-voice shenanigans. With so many festivals to choose from, here's our pick for the 5 best small festivals in London this summer.
Gala - Brockwell Park, 28 May
Kick off your summer right and your bank holiday Sunday at Gala, a place where disco, funk and soul meet in Brixton. Street food stands from Kricket, Made of Dough, Oh My Dog, Honest Burgers, Fatties Bakery and more with drinks from the Soulshakers, Brixton and Brick Breweries and Canopy Beer Co establish Gala as a South London foodie heaven. Sets include the Paradise Garage ft. Joey Lanos, Nicky Siano of Studio 54, a stage takeover by Horse Meat Disco and many more. For all of you Bowie Fans out there, Late Nite Tuff Guy will be doing a Bowie tribute set.
Gala serves up good food and better vibes. (Photo by Daddy's Got Sweets).
Southport Weekender - Finsbury Park, 10 June
Twenty eight years of fun came to a screeching halt in 2015, but the Southport Weekender is back and better than ever! For its 29th festival, the Finsbury Park staple boasts a lineup to suit any music taste, featuring soul, R&B, British garage, techno, US house and disco acts. Kerry Chandler is headlining a setlist that includes DJ Jazzy Jeff, David Morales, Roger Sanchez and more. This welcome back festival is not to be missed.
Southport Weekender's welcome back festival is a must see.
Junction 2 - Boston Manor Park, 10 June
Techno purists will love this festival that's 100% committed to the music. No tents, no VIP, just 5 industrial stages juxtaposed in nature. Nearly thirty acts are on deck for Junction's second installment, including live sets by Recondite and Systems and performances by Chris Liebling, Tale of Us, Ben Klock and Adam Beyer. The party doesn't stop after the last act, though. Head over to East London with thousands of your newest friends to the afterparty that goes all night long.
Nature meets industrial London at Junction 2.
Citadel - Victoria Park, 16 July
Claiming to be the "ultimate summer Sunday", Citadel brings a new meaning to Sunday Funday in East London. Last year's festival boasted local artisans' crafts for sale, fashion, street food, comedic acts and even a roller disco... was that for the kids or so you could relive your childhood? Either way, this year is set to be a smash with Foals and Bonobo headlining, food by Bubbledogs, Ravi Ollie, festival staple Texas Smoker, and more, and drinks by Smirnoff and Sharp's Brewery.
Enjoy the July bank holiday at Citadel. (Photo by Jenna Foxton).
South West Four - Clapham Common, 26-27 August
End the summer with a two day dance party unlike any else in Clapham Common. South West Four boasts big name headliners like Deadmau5, Marco Carola Knife Party, Eric Prydz, Loco Dice, Sven Vath and Solomun with live sets by Pendulum and Sigma. This is a must attend for London's EDM, electro and house music lovers looking to spend their August bank holiday at an electronic music festival in their backyard.
Bank holidays and bass go hand in hand at South West Four.
