From the grime Gods of Wireless, to the hidden gems of Field Day - these are the best festivals hitting London this summer.
Even though summer might feel like a distant dream, festival lineups are pouring in with some of the biggest artists in the world set to appear. So here is a quick guide to the festival's that might take your fancy this year.
Wireless Festival
This years Wireless lineup feels like a celebration of all things hip hop and grime. For the revellers at Finsbury Park this will no doubt feel like the biggest party of this year. Join J Cole, Stormzy and DJ Khaled as they headline, alongside the likes of rising stars J Hus and Post Malone. With DJ Khaled promising to bring some friends this year, you could well be in for a number of surprise guest appearances too.
Where? Finsbury Park
When? 6 - 8 July
How much? Tickets are all sold out, but will likely be available on resale
Key acts? Post Malone, Stormzy, Mabel, J Hus, Cardi B
British Summer Time
Taking over Hyde Park for two weekends in July, a whole host of international artists will be taking to the stage. This year's lineup includes The Cure, Michael Buble and recent Grammy recipient Bruno Mars. The second Sunday will play host to Paul Simon for his last ever tour date. The singer is retiring from live shows, but not before playing to the crowds of London one more time.
Where? Hyde Park
When? First two weekends of July
How much? General admission from around £70 per date
Key acts? Roger Waters, The Cure, Eric Clapton, Michael Buble, Bruno Mars, Paul Simon
Lovebox
Making up for this year's relocation, Lovebox have only gone and booked Childish Gambino to headline Saturday. Say what you will, but everyone should be excited about welcoming Donald Glover's alter ego to the stage. With Glover's promise of retiring the act soon, this could be one of the last chances to see Gambino live. Also on the bill are a variety of established and new hip hop and grime artists.
Where? Gunnersbury Park
When? 13 & 14 July
How much? Earlybird day tickets from £40, from £65 for Friday and Saturday
Key acts? Childish Gambino, Skepta, N.E.R.D, SZA
Field Day Festival
It sometimes feels like Field Day can be overlooked in comparison to other London festivals. But with a solid lineup, this years instalment promises to bring the beats back to South London. Alongside headliners Erykah Badu and AJ Tracey are the likes of The Comet is Coming and Loyle Carner, who is not to be missed. He's back for one show only this year in his native South London.
Where? Brockwell Park
When? 1 & 2 June
How much? Day tickets from £40, weekend tickets from £70.
Key acts? Erykah Badu, Loyle Carner, AJ Tracey, Jordan Rakei
All Points East
All Point East is another festival that tends to get overlooked. Perhaps this is because the three day music event only encompasses a small part of the mammoth ten day festival that takes over Victoria Park. While there are lots of community based midweek events, the music portion promises the likes of LCD Soundsystem, The XX and Lorde. Many London festivals are primarily hip hop and grime based, so All Points East does offer something alternative for those seeking it.
But that's not all. APE Presents also put on three headline shows at the end of the festival. This year they'll be welcoming the likes of Catfish and the Bottlemen, The National and Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds.
It's safe to say that the east end is going to be alive with music come the end of May.
Where? Victoria Park.
When? 25-27 May, 1-3 June
How much? Day tickets from £60, Weekend tickets from £170.
Key acts? Bjork, The XX, Lorde, LCD Soundsystem, Sampha, Glass Animals
South West Four
If you're a fan of electronic music, South West Four is for you. Taking over Clapham Common, this years lineup boasts Marshmello, Dizzee Rascal, Hannah Wants and Jax Jones. Also joining are the likes of Jonas Blue and Nadia Rose who will satisfy the weekend ravers.
Where? Clapham Common
When? 25-26 August
How much? Day ticket from £60, weekend ticket from £100
Key acts? Marshemello, Dizzee Rascal, Sigma, Armand van Helden
Meltdown Festival
Hearing the name Meltdown might conjure images of people losing their minds at a heavy metal festival. In reality, it's a rather civilised affair. The Southbank Centre hosts a period of arts and cultural events. The Cure's Robert Smith is curating the festivals 25th year with an as yet unannounced lineup.
Where? Southbank Centre
When? 15-24 June
How much? TBA
Key acts? TBA
Kaleidoscope Festival
Kaleidoscope is a festival with a view. Set a top Muswell Hill at Ally Pally, the festival promises a host of music and arts events to get creative juices flowing. This years musical acts include The Mystery Jets, Ghostpoet and Xylaroo. So if you fancy venturing up to North London for a taste of music, art and theatrical performances Kaleidoscope will be for you.
Where? Alexandra Palace
When? 21 July
How much? Early bird from £45
Key acts? Mystery Jets, Xylaroo, Beth Orton, Beans on Toast.
There's no denying that the music scene in London at the moment is exciting. As well as hosting big international acts, these festivals will also be hosting many local London artists that are worthy of an audience. Make sure not to overlook the best by checking out our guide to the best London artists at this years festivals.
Words by Alex Goldsmith
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