London is set to come out of a long hibernation just in time for summer – and with that, comes the Great British music festival season. Music was a faithful companion throughout 2020, but we definitely can't wait to trade a pair of headphones and a daily walk for cider, sunshine, and hefty speakers. Plus, picking up some festival tickets is a great way to support the artists who held our hands through the pandemic. (It also gives you an opportunity to finally show off your newest garments, and with our reopening on the 12th, there's much dressing to be done!)
Staying close to home might be the name of the game for now, but there's no shortage of quality events in our neighbourhood to enjoy. Here's a rundown of five of our favourites...are you ready for the Great Escape?
Where: Beckenham Place Park
When: 11th September 2021
First up is Naked City; we can barely contain our excitement for this one. Situated on the leafy Beckenham Place Park, Naked City is set to be a raucous display of South London’s finest talent. KOKOKO! are a frequent fixture on the Boat Floaters Playlist, and from the homegrown talents of Tertia May and Nubya Garcia to the gritty, Detroit house veteran Moodymann, Naked City will set South London on fire. We can’t wait.
Where: Brockwell Park
When: Sunday 5th September
Cross the Tracks is rooted in jazz, funk and soul. Whilst a slightly more laid-back festival, Cross the Tracks will still be a certified knees up. Meet Bernard highlights include Greentea Peng, Khruangbin and Biig Piig. No festival celebrates the thriving London Jazz scene better than Cross the Tracks. We’ll see you there.
Where: Brockwell Park
When: Saturday 4th September 2021
The Mighty Hoopla is one big party, and we're more than happy to be invited. With pure pop staples like Atomic Kitten, Eve and Cheryl, as well as providing a focus on emerging and established LGBTQ+ artists, the Mighty Hoopla is set to be a South London ripper (and creates a welcoming space for the diverse audience SEL has to offer – something always needed in the festival calendar). Perfect for your most extravagant outfits and your loudest group of friends.
Big Fish Little Fish x Camp Bestival family rave
Where: The Bedford, 88 Bedford Hill
When: 13 June 2021
Adults shouldn't get to have all the fun. Brought to us by the team behind Camp Bestival, Big Fish Little Fish events are a staple in the young raver’s diary, and we're sure that it's just as much fun for their parents and guardians. Expect crafts, games and parachute dances at this inter-generational discotheque: the little ones deserve to enjoy the great British summertime too, after all.
Greenwich + Docklands International Festival
Where: Greenwich and the Docklands
When: 27 August 2021 to 11 September 2021
At a first glance, there’s two things we already love about this festival. 1; it’s in our stomping ground of Greenwich. 2; it’s free! Part of Royal Greenwich Festivals, the annual festival of outdoor theatre and performing arts presents an extensive line-up of art installations, street theatre, circus, dance acts and music events, produced by UK and international artists. And we're just down the road. What better way to see Greenwich?
That concludes our whistle-stop tour of our South London festival itinerary. Like the rest of the nation, we can hardly wait to break out onto the streets this summer. We’ll see you on the dance floor (or in the fields)!
Love,
The MB family x