27 best London music festivals in 2023

Absorb the good vibes and iconic sounds at Live at the Palace, with headline acts including UB40, Emeli Sande and Groove Armada paired with historic surroundings that make it one that can't be missed. 27-28 May and 28-30 Jul

Celebrate an early summer start with music from NxWorries, Masego and more, plus craft beer and street food, at Cross The Tracks Festival. This one-day event brings the sounds of soul, funk and jazz to south London's Brockwell Park. 28 May

Sing your heart out at Mighty Hoopla, an unashamedly pop-loving festival in Brockwell Park. Popular with London’s LGBTQ+ community, this festival encourages all to have fun without judgement. Enjoy glitter makeovers, lip-sync battles and performances by Kelly Rowland, Kelis and the Vengaboys in 2023. 3-4 Jun

Savour the historic atmosphere during a summer night of music at Hampton Court Palace Festival. Enjoy a picnic in the palace gardens and grab a glass of champagne, before seeing the Kaiser Chiefs, Rick Astley and other performers in 2023. 6-17 Jun

Get ready for two days of new and legendary rock and indie acts as they play across dozens of venues for Camden Rocks Festival. Catch your breath between gigs and check out famous Camden Market, filled with stalls selling band tees and tasty food. 16 Jun-30 Sep

Head to Southbank Centre to enjoy a celebration of art and music alongside the river Thames. Every year, a different top artist curates the lineup for Meltdown, and Christine and the Queens is on duty for 2023. 9-18 Jun

Get a taste of rural fun as the Lambeth Country Show returns to Brockwell Park. Catch sheepdog and owl displays, homegrown flower and vegetable competitions, and cool craft stalls. You can also tuck into delicious organic food while the best live afrobeat, ska, reggae and folk music performers keep you entertained. 10-11 Jun

Check out the stellar international artists on stage during British Summer Time, taking place in Hyde Park over three summer weekends. The lineup for 2023 includes Guns N' Roses, Pink, Lana Del Ray, Bruce Springsteen and Billy Joel.

During the weekdays between performances, visit Hyde Park for Open House, a programme of street food, pop-up bars, free open-air film screenings, daytime DJs and entertainment. 24 Jun-8 Jul

Enjoy massive headline acts including Nile Rodgers & CHIC, Tom Jones, Black Eyed Peas and Kaiser Chefs in the historical surroundings of Greenwich's Old Royal Naval College during Greenwich Summer Sounds. 4-8 Jul

Jam to live tunes in the centre of the city during the Summer Series Somerset House in the building's elegant courtyard. See an exciting lineup of emerging and established musical artists which has previously included Amy Winehouse, Adele, Sam Smith and Everything Everything. 6-16 Jul

Join partiers at Wireless in Finsbury Park for a weekend of big music hits from a unique mix of hot newcomers and music legends in rap and hip-hop music. The top-notch lineup for 2023 brings out 50 Cent, Travis Scott and Yeat. 7-9 Jul

Enter the haven of Kew Gardens as Kew the Music brings international indie, pop and even flamenco music artists to the open-air stage over several summer evenings. Enjoy the music of Jack Savoretti, Jools Holland and more from your own picnic blanket in 2023. 11-16 Jul

Head to the leafy suburb for the annual Ealing Blues Festival. This community-run event attracts international stars on the blues circuit, alongside the best local talent. In between sets, browse stalls selling crafts and incredible food. 22-23 Jul

Be dazzled by the greatest classical music festival in the world as the BBC Proms bring amazing concerts to Royal Albert Hall and other venues in the capital. Enjoy two months of brilliant performances at affordable prices with this British institution. 14 Jul-9 Sep

Find stages championing the best of techno music under canopies of leaves at Junction 2. This two-day festival combines electronic dance music with a beautiful outdoor setting in Boston Manor Park. 21-22 Jul

Discover breaking acts and check out more established bands at Visions Festival. The expertly curated lineup of events usually includes gigs at venues throughout Hackney, karaoke sessions and a friendly competition between east London’s cutest pets at the annual dog show. 22 Jul

South Facing Festival ensures the party never ends, with two weeks of outdoor concerts at the iconic Bowl amphitheatre in Crystal Palace Park. The gigs on offer span the musical spectrum, and 2023's performers include Rudimental and Craig David. 28 Jul-13 Aug

Head to south London for Croydon Carnival this summer, where you'll find an exciting lineup of perfomances including dance groups, musical acts and a headline set from Artful Dodger. Make sure not to miss the colourful parade dancing through the streets of The Mayor's London Borough of Culture 2023. 30 Jul

Bring the family and friends for a boogie at Uptown Festival in Blackheath, where musical acts span all the genres and the atmosphere brings people together. Plus, all activities including rides and meet and greets are included in the ticket price. 30 Jul

Dance to the pioneers of house music and breakthrough acts of today at 51st Festival, with performers hailing from the UK, Europe and the Americas. Explore all things house with classic, afro and disco sounds filling the air. 5 Aug

Grab tickets to All Points East in Victoria Park. The 2023 headliners at this blockbuster festival include Stormzy, Aphex Twin, Bonobo and The Strokes. You can also enjoy a midweek programme of comedy, food and outdoor film screenings. 18-25 Aug

Head to Upminster for We Are FSTVL and move to beats from the biggest names in electronic dance music. Past acts have included Basement Jaxx, Armand Van Helden and Shy FX. Treat yourself to a VIP ticket to enjoy the pamper parlour, where you can get your hair done and get glammed up in glitter makeup. 25-27 Aug

Join the good vibes at the one-day Eastern Electrics festival, a delight for lovers of dance, techno and bass. In previous years, this popular clubbing event has taken summer fun to the next level with a pool stage for festival-goers to paddle in. 26 Aug

Feel the beat at Waterworks, an electronic music festival in Gunnersbury Park. It takes place in mid-September to see off the summer season, and the lineup is usually an extensive list of local and international DJs. 16 Sep

Enjoy great food, music and arts as the Crystal Palace Festival comes to Crystal Palace Park with an array of exciting free entertainment. This family-friendly feast showcases south London's local artists and musicians, as well as arts and crafts from all over the world. Sep TBC

Lose yourself in the wide selection of genres and artists on the bill at multi-venue Pitchfork Festival London, the younger sibling of the original festival based in Chicago. Expect alternative, indie, electronic, dance and beyond at some of London's coolest spots. 7-13 Nov

Discover up-and-coming artists and world-class musicians as the EFG London Jazz Festival takes over London, with a host of concerts scattered around the city. International jazz stars such as Paolo Conte, Abdullah Ibrahim and Hugh Masekela have featured in the past, alongside the Harlem Gospel Choir. 10-19 Nov