London is a city that thrives on creativity, culture and community—especially when it comes to festivals. From sprawling green parks to historic riverside settings, the capital transforms every spring and summer into a vibrant playground for music lovers and foodies alike.
Whether you’re into street food and craft beer, cutting-edge electronic music, world-class jazz or global cuisine, there’s a festival in London for you.
In this guide, we round up the best London music and food festivals in 2025, complete with highlights, dates, and insider tips to help you make the most of your summer in the city.
Why London Festivals Are Unmissable
London’s festival scene has something for everyone. Here’s why it’s worth clearing your diary:
- Diverse line-ups: Expect everything from Afrobeat to indie, techno to classical, plus Michelin-starred chefs to street food pioneers.
- Iconic locations: Think Clapham Common, Victoria Park, Somerset House, and hidden East London warehouses.
- Community vibes: London’s festivals bring people together, blending local energy with global talent.
- One-day convenience: Many are day-long events—ideal for city dwellers and weekend visitors alike.
Let’s break it down by category to help you plan your perfect summer of sound and flavour.
Top London Music Festivals in 2025
1. All Points East – Victoria Park, East London
When: 16–25 May 2025
Best for: Eclectic music lovers and indie fans
All Points East is one of London’s biggest and most respected music festivals. Spanning two weekends with a week of free community events in between, it offers everything from headline acts to hidden gems across indie, alternative, electronic and hip-hop.
2025 Line-up highlights (TBA): Past acts include The Strokes, Stormzy, The Chemical Brothers and Tame Impala.
Insider tip: Get there early to enjoy the smaller stages and excellent street food village.
2. Wireless Festival – Finsbury Park
When: 4–6 July 2025
Best for: Hip-hop, R&B and grime fans
Wireless is the go-to festival for urban music in the UK. It draws top international talent and celebrates homegrown acts across three days of high-energy performances.
Expect: Big names in rap, breakthrough artists and legendary DJs.
Past performers: Travis Scott, Nicki Minaj, Burna Boy, Skepta
Top tip: Upgrade to VIP for fast-track entry, exclusive bars, and a quieter zone to recharge between sets.
3. BST Hyde Park – Central London
When: Select dates throughout July 2025
Best for: Big names and multi-generational crowds
British Summer Time (BST) offers a series of major concerts in London’s most iconic park. Each day is headlined by a major artist, with supporting acts across multiple stages and premium hospitality options available.
2025 highlights (TBA): Previous line-ups include Adele, Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, Kylie Minogue and Florence + The Machine.
Insider pick: Grab a picnic spot near the Great Oak Stage early for a perfect view.
4. Junction 2 – Boston Manor Park
When: 6–7 June 2025
Best for: Underground electronic music and house/techno fans
Junction 2 is a purist’s dream—no gimmicks, just pure sound. With its industrial-meets-nature setting under the M4 flyover, it’s a festival that stands out for its cutting-edge programming and production.
Line-up expectations: Techno, house and deep electronica from the world’s top selectors.
Pro tip: Wear comfortable footwear—Boston Manor’s terrain is surprisingly varied!
5. Meltdown Festival – Southbank Centre
When: June 2025 (exact dates TBC)
Best for: Curated, genre-defying experiences
Each year, a legendary artist curates Meltdown, inviting their favourite acts to perform across the Southbank. It’s more intimate than your typical festival—and deeply personal.
Recent curators: Grace Jones, Nile Rodgers, David Byrne
Expect: Jazz, soul, rock, experimental music and everything in between.
Bonus: Many performances take place indoors—great for rainy days.
Top London Food Festivals in 2025
1. Taste of London – Regent’s Park
When: 19–23 June 2025
Best for: A gourmet deep-dive into the capital’s food scene
Taste of London is a five-day celebration of London’s best restaurants, chefs, and street food. Sample small plates from Michelin-starred kitchens and indie pop-ups, take part in live cooking demos, and sip your way through curated wine tastings and cocktail masterclasses.
2025 line-up highlights (TBA): Expect restaurants like Dishoom, Cin Cin, Roti King, and Manteca.
Insider tip: Go for the evening session to enjoy live music, cocktails and a more relaxed crowd.
2. London Craft Beer Festival – Tobacco Dock
When: 9–10 August 2025
Best for: Beer lovers and artisan brews
Set in the stunning Tobacco Dock, this event offers hundreds of craft beers from UK and international breweries. Each ticket includes unlimited small pours, allowing you to sample rare and seasonal brews. There’s also cider, natural wine and great street food to soak it all up.
Top breweries to expect: Beavertown, Verdant, Cloudwater, Mikkeller
Tip: Book early—this one sells out fast.
3. Meatopia – Tobacco Dock
When: 30 August–1 September 2025
Best for: Carnivores and BBQ lovers
Founded in the US and now a London staple, Meatopia is a smoky, sensory experience featuring flame-cooked dishes by top chefs using ethically sourced meat. It’s not just a feast—it’s a fire-filled spectacle.
Expect: Big flavours, open-fire pits, craft cocktails and live blues music.
Bonus: There are excellent veggie/vegan alternatives for those wanting plant-based options.
4. WingJam – Peckham
When: 18–20 July 2025
Best for: Chicken wing enthusiasts and spicy food fans
WingJam is London’s hot sauce-laced tribute to the chicken wing. Held on a Peckham rooftop, this quirky festival features unlimited wing samples, sauce challenges, live DJs and local brewers.
Entry includes: Samples from top street food vendors, with hot sauce tastings and cocktail bars on-site.
Wear: Something washable!
5. The Big Feastival – Kingham (Day trips from London possible)
When: 22–24 August 2025
Best for: Families and music-food combos
Though technically outside London, The Big Feastival is worth the trip. Set on Alex James’ farm in the Cotswolds, it’s a joyous mix of top-tier food, live music and family-friendly fun.
2025 acts (TBA): Past artists include Nile Rodgers, Sigrid and Tom Grennan, with chefs like Jamie Oliver and Yotam Ottolenghi.
Travel tip: Direct trains run from London Paddington to Kingham Station, with shuttle buses to the site.
Festival Planning Tips
To make the most of London’s festival season, keep these tips in mind:
1. Book early
Popular events (like Wireless or Taste of London) sell out quickly. Sign up for mailing lists and pre-sale access to avoid disappointment.
2. Pack light but smart
Bring essentials like a reusable water bottle, portable phone charger, SPF and a lightweight waterproof.
3. Dress for all weathers
The British summer can turn in a heartbeat. A shacket, rain poncho or bucket hat can go a long way.
4. Cashless is key
Most festivals are card-only these days, so be sure your phone or card is fully functional.
5. Go contactless with travel
Use an Oyster card or contactless payment for fast entry to and from venues across London.
Sustainable Festivaling
Many London festivals are now focusing on sustainability. Here’s how you can do your part:
- Bring a refillable water bottle—many events have free refill points
- Use public transport instead of driving
- Recycle responsibly at on-site stations
- Support local and ethical vendors by choosing sustainable brands
Final Thoughts
From music megafests in royal parks to fire-cooked feasts on East London rooftops, London’s festival scene in 2025 is bigger, bolder and more diverse than ever. Whether you’re here for the beats, the bites or both, there’s no better city to experience culture on every corner.
Plan ahead, grab your tickets early, and get ready to soak up the sights, sounds and flavours of the capital’s most unforgettable season.
