Welcome to the ultimate summer planner’s paradise – the 2024 UK Festivals Guide for all you cool London Mums and the most incredible teenagers around! Get ready to jump head first into a whirlwind of music, vibes, and unforgettable summer family fun moments as we take you on a wild ride through Britain’s hottest festival scene.
Solstice on the Mount at Wasing Estate 20th June 2024
Wasing Estate is set to host Solstice On The Mount on June 20th, 2024, featuring headliners Nick Mulvey and Rodrigo y Gabriela, alongside Fireside Sessions with AWARË and Ajeet. Located in the heart of Berkshire, this event promises an enchanting celebration on the longest day of the year, blending exceptional music, culinary delights, and mindfulness practices against the backdrop of the estate’s stunning natural landscape.
As one of England’s most diverse rural estates, Wasing offers a unique setting with a focus on wellbeing. Alongside the solstice celebrations, Wasing Estate will present the On The Mount At Wasing concert series throughout the month, featuring an array of artists including Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Paolo Nutini, Crowded House, Jungle, and Underworld.
In line with its commitment to offering rejuvenating experiences, Wasing provides opportunities for wild swimming and sauna sessions, as well as revitalizing workshops and retreats aimed at restoring balance and connection with nature. Guests can indulge in a refreshing dip in Wasing’s secluded woodland lake followed by a rejuvenating session in their Scandinavian sauna, offering panoramic lakeside views.
Tickets available from https://www.wasing.co.uk
Pub In The Park Chiswick from 28th to 30th June, 2024
Pub In The Park returns to Chiswick from June 28th to 30th, 2024, combining gastronomic delights with live music from top talents. Hosted by renowned chef Tom Kerridge, this culinary extravaganza promises a weekend filled with sensational food, refreshing drinks, and captivating performances.
Headlining the musical lineup are acclaimed artists and bands, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event. Attendees can expect to groove to the sounds of chart-topping hits and timeless classics performed by some of the UK’s most talented musicians.
In addition to the live music, Pub In The Park offers a diverse range of gourmet food and drink offerings, showcasing the culinary prowess of top chefs, pubs, and restaurants from across the country.
With activities for all ages, including cooking demonstrations, pop-up pubs, and interactive workshops, Pub In The Park – Chiswick is the perfect destination for foodies, music lovers, and families alike.
Tickets are available for purchase online, offering options for single-day or weekend passes. Don’t miss your chance to indulge in a weekend of culinary delights and live entertainment at this must-attend event in Chiswick.
Tickets from https://chiswickhouseandgardens.org.uk/event/pub-in-the-park-3/
American Express presents BST Hyde Park (30June to 14 July 2024)
Headliners: Kylie, Stevie Nicks, Shania Twain, Robbie Williams, Kings of Leon, Andrea Bocelli, SZA, Stray Kids, Morgan Wallen
BST Hyde Park returns for 2024 with more superstars and unique shows. It has become THE place to be in the London summer, a date in the diary for hundreds of thousands of fans every year. This June and July will see more legendary artists take to the stage over three weekends including SZA (29 June), Kings of Leon (30 June), Morgan Wallen (4 July), Andrea Bocelli (5 July), Robbie Williams (6 July), Shania Twain(7 July), Stevie Nicks (12 July), Kylie (13 July) and Stray Kids (14 July), with more special guests to be announced.
Tickets available from http://www.bst-hydepark.com/
Folk by the Oak, Hatfield, Hertfordshire on Sunday, 21st July
Folk roots and acoustic festival Folk by the Oak, returns to its stunning parkland setting in Hatfield, Hertfordshire on Sunday 21 July, headlined by iconic band Levellers with a high energy set packed with their most loved tracks, plus lots of free family activities and all the joy of a 3-day festival packed into one glorious day of music, fun and bunting!
Thanks to the Folk by the Oak’s unique layout of two stages in one tree-lined arena families can catch every single set in one uplifting summer day of music. Folk by the Oak also has a fun packed family area in sight and sound of the Main Stage, an inspiring array of arts and crafts plus real ale bar and tempting street food.
Most of the family and craft activities are free of charge and, though rarely permitted in the festival world, at Folk by the Oak you are welcome to bring your own picnics and drinks into the arena, making the event excellent value for money for music lovers and families alike!
Car-parking is also free of charge, but the organisers encourage everyone to consider car-sharing or coming by train. The festival entrance is just a 10-minute walk from Hatfield Station which is served by regular Great Northern trains from King’s Cross and Moorgate.
Book direct (where there’s no hidden booking fees!) and view the full line-up at folkbytheoak.com.
Y Not Festival (2 – 4 August)
Headliners: Snow Patrol, Jamie T, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Kaiser Chiefs
Y Not reveal huge headliners for 2024: Snow Patrol (Fri 2nd Aug), Jamie T (Sat 3rd Aug), Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds (Sun 4th Aug) and Kaiser Chiefs starting the party early on Thurs 1st Aug. Across the weekend they will be joined by an incredible line-up: including The Kooks, Declan McKenna, The Vaccines, Holly Humberstone, Jake Bugg, The Snuts, Frank Turner, Soft Play, Yard Act, Pale Waves, Katy B and many more.
Tickets available from www.ynotfestival.com
All Points East in Victoria Park (August Bank Holiday)
Headliners: Loyle Carner, LCD Soundsystem, The Postal Service/Death Cab for Cutie, Kaytranada, Mitski
After taking over the August Bank Holiday for the last two years, one of the UK’s best festivals, All Points East, will return to Victoria Park in August 2024. Shows announced include Kaytranada (16 Aug), Loyle Carner (17 Aug), LCD Soundsystem (23 Aug). APE also presents Field Day (24 August)and The Postal Service / Death Cab For Cutie (25 August).
Tickets available from https://www.allpointseastfestival.com/
Notting Hill Carnival (August Bank Holiday)
The world’s second biggest carnival and Europe’s largest street event, Notting Hill Carnival, will return in 2024. The UK’s largest and most important celebration of culture, diversity and inclusivity will once again be full of vibrant colours, incredible music, dancing and delicious food. Dates and info TBA.
FREE street parties https://nhcarnival.org/
FREE LONDON: Green spaces and parks in London
Looking for cheap things to do with the children this half term? We have the perfect locations just south of the river, with fun, cheap and FREE activities to keep your little ones entertained that doesn’t involve starring at the TV screen all week!!
Explore some of London’s most picturesque nature spots, see some beautiful wildlife and play in an award-winning park, all of which can be found within Greenwich and Elephant and Castle.
See below for our top picks:
Discover the delights of Greenwich Peninsula’s Ecology Park via the IFS Cloud Cable Car with the best views of London
Kick off the day by jumping on the IFS Cloud Cable Car to see the spectacular sights of our capital city. Jump on at Royal Docks and you will arrive at Greenwich Peninsula in style. Soaring 90 metres above the Thames with unrivalled skyline views of London, the O2’s unmistakable dome, the London 2012 Olympic Park and Canary Wharf skyscrapers – the Cable Car ride is a truly magical experience to share with the family.
Price:
Adult: £6 one way
Child (aged 5-15): £3 one way
Make your way over to Greenwich Peninsula Ecology Park to see the four acres of freshwater habitats and 80 different species of birds which can be found in the birdwatching book. Grab a colouring pen and go wild on all the amazing animal stencils available to use in the hub.
- Open from 10am to 5pm: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday
- FREE to visit!
Feast your eyes on some amazing artwork along the riverside art trail
See the colourful candy rainbow stairs and outdoor sculptors with the stunning backdrop of the River Thames and Canary Wharf. Take the 1km walk along the river Thames and see possibly the largest collection of Damien Hirst’s work in the world.
- Open every day for FREE
Grab a bite to eat in a cloud!
Canteen Food Hall & Bar is home to five incredible global street food vendors set within a stunning cloud-like structure. From Mexican to Vietnamese dishes, watch your little ones be amazed with the stunning flavours from around the world.
Why not jump on a bus and travel to award-winning Cator Park in Kidbrooke Village
The 20-acre Cator Park sits within 86 acres of green space at Kidbrooke Village which is equivalent to 45 football pitches! Having won the Sir David Attenborough Award for Enhancing Biodiversity, the park is known to be a haven for trees, plants and wildlife with an abundance of grassland, meadow and rich wetland.
Play in the adventure playground and games facilities!
Cator Park also features an adventure park and play area, created by Apes Adventure Playground Engineers, the designers behind the Olympic Park Playground. There are slides and climbing frames and even an outdoor sports and games facility with a bookable basketball court, football field and tennis court.
- Playground is open every day, all day and is completely FREE
Explore the water fountains at Elephant Park
Elephant Park is a two-acre area in the heart of Elephant and Castle and features expansive nature, from colourful rain gardens and walkways to naturalistic planting and a water playscape known as Elephant Springs.
Take the kids on a train or tube and they can play splash around in the springs whilst you can grab a coffee in the brand-new café on the roof terrace and watch your little ones play. Parents need a treat too, especially during half term! This area is a real oasis, crafted from water, rock and sand for visitors to bask in and enjoy a slice of the natural world. From play-on-way trails to immersive nature experiences, Elephant Park has something for all the family.
- The Elephant Springs boast as FREE childcare so you only have to pay for a Havana coffee
International Festivals 2024
Rock en Seine (21 – 25 August)
Headliners: Lana Del Rey, Fred again.., LCD Soundsystem, Måneskin + many more
Paris’ most anticipated music festival Rock en Seine returns for summer 2024 from August 22 to 25 at Domaine national de Saint-Cloud. In this stunning setting on the edges of Paris, five stages will host an unmissable line-up across 4 days with headliners Lana Del Rey, Fred again., LCD Soundsystem, Måneskin, Massive Attack, PJ Harvey, The Offspring and The Smile.
www.rockenseine.com/en/
UK Tours 2024
Alice Cooper – Too Close For Comfort tour (14 – 21 October) – UK
Icon, pioneer and Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame inductee Alice Cooper is returning to the UK this October, heading to arenas in Glasgow, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds and, for the first time in many years, more up close and in your face shows at London’s Eventim Apollo. The Too Close For Comfort tour brings fans closer than ever to Alice with giant video screens blending the live action with pre-recorded scenes to delve deeper into Alice’s world.
https://alicecooper.com/
The Damned (4 – 19 Dec) – UK
Music pioneers The Damned embark on a huge 12-date UK tour in December 2024, bringing their 80’s line-up back together with the return of Rat Scabies. David Vanian, Captain Sensible, Rat Scabies and Paul Gray will play shows across the UK next year, the first time this line-up has played together in 35 years, since 1989. The band will open in Newcastle and finish up at London’s Roundhouse, a significant venue in their long standing career. Tickets on sale now HERE.
www.officialdamned.com/
Exclusive discounts for London Mums:
Make the most of the latest Spring sales for toys and games and use exclusive code LONDON20 for 20% off everything at Hippychick.
The Mill Gym and Studio have kindly offered us a special code LDNMUMS24 for 5% off on all their fitness services.
