The best Free things to do in London this month
by Jen (follow Jen on Twitter: @JenBarnes207)
It’s finally here: the glorious English summer… full of days in the park, glasses of Pimm’s and Wimbledon. If you live in London, you LIVE for the summer months when you can ditch the fuzzy jumpers and boots for crops and plimsolls. I think we’re going to get lucky again and it already looks like July will be roasting! With Wimbledon in full swing and the World Cup wrapping up…I thought I’d add a few sporting events this month. So, if you need something to fill your days or if you’re looking for cool events to impress your friends, look no further!
1# Design Museum 25th Birthday Party | 05th July
Design Museum 25th Birthday Party
The Design Museum has spent 25 years in Shad Thames and they want to celebrate with you at their Birthday Party! Take part in a free Memory Lane workshop by bringing along photos, ticket stubs and mementoes related to the Design Museum or Shad Thames. Mother Flipper will be on site serving up delicious (and I mean delicious) burgers and if you’re one of the first 25 people to arrive you’ll get some free goodies!
Where: Design Museum, Shad Thames, SE1 2YD
When: July 5th (12pm-1730pm)
2# Wimbledon Screens | Until 6th July
Pic taken by radiotimes.com
I was going to tell you the absolute best and coolest place to watch Wimbledon (other than in the stands at Wimbledon) but there’s so many options that I thought I’d let you decide for yourselves for once. If you’re West, I can personally suggest Lyric Square. It’s a great atmosphere and deck chairs are provided!
Where: Lyric Square, Hammersmith, London W6 0QL
When: Until 6th July
3# Lambeth Country Show| 19th -20th July
Poster
Being a Texas girl, I love a country show…the animals, the food…the reggae? That’s right. I said reggae. Lambeth Country Show is supposedly famous for it! Not a huge fan? That’s ok…there’s also sheep dog, owls, a funfair, latin dub, vegetables, farm animals and flowers. Pro tip: wear sunscreen. I got a nasty sunburn from a local country show last weekend!
Where: Brockwell Park, London SE24 0PA
When: 19th & 20th July (11am-7pm)
4# Bastille Day | 13th July
Better Bankside, Bastille Day Festival
I’m a little bit of a Francophile, so I’ll take any opportunity to add a little French culture to my life. London is celebrating Bastille Day a day early this year by taking over Bankside and Borough Market. You’ll find a market, street performers, music, delicious French bread and even a screening of Belleville Rendez-Vous at 1pm. Can’t bear to miss the footie? You can watch on the big screen at The Refinery.
Where: Bankside and Borough Market
When: 13th June, (12 noon – 10pm)
5# Glory Days Festival | 4th -6th July
Glory Days festival flyer
A music producer walks into a bar…no, really. He did! And then they had an awesome idea to start a free music festival showcasing up and coming artists. Throughout the weekend The Hopps & Glory will brew a beer in honour of each of the performing artists and Brewdog & London Fields Brewery will be offering Free beer after the football quarter final on the 4th.
Where: The Hops & Glory Brewpub 382 Essex Road Islington N1 3PF
When: 4th July (430pm – 2am), 5th July (12 noon – 2am), 6th July (12 noon – 1030pm)
6# Gut Live | 10th July
Gut Live Poster
Thursdays are slow, so amp yours up with the launch party for the GUT Christmas 2013 Issue! Entry is free and live music will be provided. Haven’t heard of Gut? Check it out here.
Where: Powerlunches, 446 Kingsland Rd, London E8 4AE
When: 10th July (7pm-close)
7# Streatham Festival | 10th-13th July
Streatham Festival
London truly is a city of villages and there’s an abundance of fantastic neighbourhood spirit and pride across the capital. The Streatham Festival has been going on for 13 years, supporting emerging and established local artists. There will be performances, pop-ups, food and fun all weekend. This year the festival’s theme is “Street of My Imagination”. Where will it lead you?
Where: Streatham
When: 10th-13th July (day long)
8# Camden Beach | All Month Long
Camden’s Beach
That’s right. The lovely folk at the Roundhouse have built us Londoners a beach! Camden Beach has 900 square metres of coastline, lots of deck chairs, ping-pong and ice cream! It’s open every day until mid August so take advantage of it on these long summer nights. Sit back, close you eyes and pretend you’re on the Caribbean (you’ll just have to ignore all the sirens in the background).
Where: Roundhouse, Chalk Farm Road, London NW1 8EH
When: All Month
9# La Boheme| 15th July
Pic taken by roh.org.uk
It’s that time of year again. The Royal Opera House is screening La Boheme in Trafalgar Square. The performance starts at 7:30pm and will end around 10:30pm, but I’d get there a little early to grab a great seat. So grab some friends, bring some snacks and get ready to cry your eyes out (I’m serious). There’s no better way to introduce yourself to the world of opera.
Where: Trafalgar Square
When: 15th July (7pm-1030pm)
10# Summer of Sport | All Summer
Summer of Sport
Wimbledon, Tour de France, Commonwealth Games, Cricket, The World Cup…there’s a lot of sport going on this summer and the City of London doesn’t want you to miss it. Check out the Summer of Sport screen to watch all your favourite teams live. The downside: you can’t bring your own food and drink. The upside: cheering on your team with fans across London on a larger than life screen.
Where: Exchange Square, Broadgate, London EC2A 2BR
When: Check website for details
—
You may also want to check the 10 Must-Attend Exhibitions in London this Summer.
