What’s on in London in July 2019

Anyone contemplating what to do before, after or during Circular’s hop-on/hop-off cruise will have more than enough to keep them occupied. Here are our highlights:

Summer by the River

London Bridge City is the area between London Bridge and Tower Bridge (nearest pier: Tower Bridge Quay). Throughout June and July the area will be hosting Summer by the River, a series of events including music, dance, cinema, drama and workshops for all the family, the majority of which will either be held at The Scoop, an outdoor amphitheatre next to City Hall, or in Hay’s Galleria.

Underbelly Festival

The annual Underbelly Festival is back at the South Bank (nearest pier: Festival). Now in its 11th year and bigger than ever before, it provides circus, cabaret, comedy and music throughout the entire summer, as well as international street food and one of London’s largest outdoor bars.

Art and music at Somerset House

The Somerset House Summer Series is a festival of open-air gigs by some of the country’s most critically acclaimed musicians and up-and-coming bands. The Fountain Court provides an incredible setting for the concerts. And if you want to enjoy Somerset House (nearest pier: Embankment) in the daytime, visit Get Up, Stand Up Now, an exhibition celebrating 50 years of Black creativity in the UK, or pop into the South Wing gallery for a free exhibition of the World Illustration Awards finalists.

River Stage Festival

The National Theatre (nearest pier: Festival) is hosting the River Stage Festival, its annual free festival of arts and entertainment. Every weekend is based on a different theme, each with a packed programme of activities for all ages, including music, drama, dance and workshops. Fun for everyone!

Olafur Eliasson in Real Life

The Tate Modern (nearest pier: Bankside) will stage a major exhibition by Icelandic installation artist Olafur Eliasson, beginning on 11th July. With more than 30 works spanning three decades, this major retrospective features installations that explore light and colour, alongside issues such as climate change, energy and migration.

Floating Film Festival

A pontoon in the marina at St Katharine Docks (nearest pier: Tower Bridge Quay) will be the stage for the Floating Film Festival. This outdoor film festival will put on afternoon matinees as well as evening screenings of some of the best films around at the moment. Comfort is included in the ticket price in the form of deckchairs or giant beanbags. Snacks and drinks are also available – fingers crossed it’ll be warm enough for ice cream!

National Park City Festival

The National Park City Festival is a brand new event launched by the Mayor of London which celebrates the role of the natural world in the city. Between 20th and 28th July, there’ll be hundreds of free events all over the capital to help people enjoy the amazing outdoors, including activities as part of the River Stage Festival on the weekend of 19th – 21st July.

Pride

On the first Saturday of July, Pride in London will close with a huge parade in Central London which will end up at Trafalgar Square and Whitehall (nearest piers: Embankment and Westminster). Its purpose is to raise awareness of LGBT+ issues, and it guarantees a rainbow-coloured celebration that’s friendly and fun.