Secret London blog: London Festivals

Friday, 6 July 2012 10:48 AM

The Portobello Film Festival is one of the events happening this summer in the capital

Summer weather in London may be disappointing (I saw a wonderful “thought of the day” at a tube station stating: ‘In the Bible it rained for 40 days, they called it a disaster. In England we call it summer’) but there is one thing you can’t beat in London and that’s the summer festivals. OK, we may get wet, but even in the rain Londoners know how to have fun!

London Design Festival September 14th-23rd
This September celebrates the 10th anniversary of the London Design Festival. The festival is set to take place over 10 days in locations throughout London and will showcase the creativity and talent of the capital, both new and old. The majority of events are free. Visit to the London Design Festival website for more information.

Shoreditch Festival July 14th-22nd
The Shoreditch Festival is a small quirky event that takes over this exciting part of east London. Keeping in the spirit of the Olympic Games there will be the Shoreditch Games, which takes place on July 13th in Shoreditch Park. Another event not to miss is the Hoxton Street Party. The event will include tea dances, live music, street dance and art exhibitions. For more information checkout the Shoreditch Festival’s website.

The London 2012 Festival June 12th – September 9th
The London 2012 Festival is going to be the biggest festival London has ever seen! Cultural and arts institutions both big and small have come together to host a number of free and ticketed events all over the city. The Underground Gallery sees Arab artists occupy an underground gallery, a magic shop and an office hub to evoke signs of change. The Royal Opera House will be hosting a free exhibition called The Olympic Journey Story of the Games exhibiting medals, torches and inspiring stories behind the Games and Leaving Limbo Landing is a new outdoor production by Caroline Bowditch performed in air, in water and on land – that should be quite a sight! There are hundreds of events taking place up until September 9th. If you want more information go to the London 2012 Festival website.

Thai Food Festival July 30th-31st
The Thai Food Festival, taking place in Ealing Common on Warwick Road, will be a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach. The festival will not only bring the aromatic delights of Thai food to the city, but also it will showcase the country’s beer, wine and culture. If eating, drinking and experiencing Thai culture is too stressful, you can enjoy a Thai shoulder and foot massage. Entry is £4. Visit the website for more information.

Portobello Film Festival August 30th – September16th
The Portobello Film festival is known as the wild side of British film. This small but significant festival gives space to new talent and to independent cinema. This is one of the few festivals that do not charge admission and this year there will be 600 films screened. For more information go to the Portobello Film Festival website.