London’s top music festivals

This slick new addition to the scene made its debut in 2018, with an epic, indie-leaning line-up (think Björk, Nick Cave and The xx). Set in Victoria Park, it’s strong on good-time vibes, with multiple stages, a laidback crowd, and street food curated by Sourced Market. Between two weekends of ticketed gigs, check out four days of free events, from movie screenings to kids’ theatre.

Field Day’s programming is always ahead of the curve, cannily spotting bands on the brink of mega-stardom. (In 2009, the soon-to-be-huge xx played a 500-capacity tent.) Originally based in Victoria Park, it’s now moved north to a sprawling former gasworks in Enfield. There’s more of a warehouse vibe, though the line-up’s still gleefully eclectic: grime, afrobeat, electronica and more.

Gigs don’t get much bigger than this; a vast stage in the centre of Hyde Park, with 65,000 fans. Doors open around lunchtime, while headliners hit the leafy Great Oak stage as the sun goes down. Think pop legends and rock gods (from Taylor Swift to the Rolling Stones). During the week, meanwhile, it’s free entry, with street food, al-fresco films and the latest from Wimbledon.

This club night-turned-festival attracts a lively, youthful crowd. Initially, the line-up was dance-focused (its co-founders were Groove Armada), but these days it’s more about rap, house and R&B. Don’t miss the Noisey Presents stage, a showcase for hyped new names, or the chance to wow the crowd with some hip-hop karaoke. Still going strong? Its after-parties are the stuff of legend.

Rap’s heavyweights turn out in force at this two-day event, from stateside superstars to scene-stealing Brits. Grime, drill and R&B also have a place on the bill, though there’s work to be done when it comes to showcasing female artists. Finally, look out for extra-special guests: in 2018, Madonna joined Migos on stage, while Drake closed the festival with a surprise, six-song set.