The Best Free Festivals in London 2015
By Joshua Neil
While most festivals this time of year are still determining their dates, we know that you want to get planning early for those big party nights, or simply to see what’s around before you make plans elsewhere. To help out, we’ve compiled some of the biggest and best free London festivals in 2015, so you can start planning immediately- without worrying about spending a penny!
p.s The list will be updated as festivals are added
23-28th February | LSE Literary Festival 2015
For the book lovers out there- pic source: Isesu.tumblr.com
One for the artsy types out there, the London School of Economics’ annual literary festival might not be as lively as some of the entries on this list: nevertheless, it offers book-lovers a chance to hear readings and discussions about new and upcoming books, as well as short film screenings throughout the week on this year’s theme- ‘understanding the cause of things’.
Where: Houghton Street, London
15th March | St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2015
St. Patrick’s Day in London- pic source: news.bbcimg.co.uk
On the other side of things, the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Trafalgar Square this year promises a whole host of boisterous fun from Irish music and dance to culture and food throughout the day. There are activities for the children, as well as a film and comedy festival. The parade itself will have floats and a marching band, and this is all for free- definitely a day out not to be missed.
Where: Trafalgar Square, 12-6 pm
20-21st June | West End Live
See the biggest shows- all for free- pic source: officiallondontheatre.co.uk
Just like last year, West End Live is a summertime activity to wait for. While no acts have been confirmed yet, last year’s line-up consisted of some of the biggest and best names in London theatre, and it’s a safe bet that this time will be no different. Check their Twitter at the bottom of this article to keep updated on acts as they are unveiled, and to find out anything else you need to know about the free theatre performances.
Where: Trafalgar Square
24th July-1st August | Monmouth Festival
Music from every genre- pic source: monmouthfestival.co.uk
Okay okay, so this one isn’t in London- but for those on the lookout for a holiday location, or even just a place to escape the bustle of London for a few days, you can’t get much better than this. One of the biggest free festivals in Europe, visitors can come to Monmouth and see a huge range of bands playing a number of different genres over the nine days the festival is on, not to mention the beauty of South Wales itself- so while you do have to travel, there’s definitely something for everyone.
Where: Monmouth
30-31st August 2015 | Notting Hill Carnival
The liveliest festival in London- pic source: news.bbcimg.co.uk
One of the most vibrant and lively festivals in London, the annual Notting Hill Carnival boasts a sprawling music scene, with dozens of speaker systems hooked up around the streets and delicious food from all over the world to sample and enjoy. Completely free, there’s no excuse to miss this fantastic event, even if it’s just to see the colourful floats and exotic dancers making their way through the city.
Where: Notting Hill
Through September | iTunes Festival
Huge names without the price tag- pic source: tomodell.com
Offering a huge range of massive artists, this is definitely the most high-profile name on this list: nowhere else will you get the range of A-listers as is on offer here, all for free. While no details are out yet, you do need to book tickets in advance as they go super quickly, so check the iTunes website regularly!
Where: Roundhouse, Chalk Farm Road
Every Saturday night from 28th March | Urban Food Fest
Food for any taste- pic source: dattch.com
Starting on the 28th March, the Urban Food Fest offers visitor s a huge range of tasty foods from all around the world- which change every week– as well as music and entertainment to keep occupied while you eat. With no excuse for missing it, the food-fest provides a weekend treat all year round.
Where: Shoreditch High Street, 5 pm- midnight
For updates and more on any of these festivals, visit their Twitter accounts at:
St. Patrick’s Day Parade: @StPatsDayLDN
West End Live: @WestEndLIVE
Monmouth Festival: @monfestiv
Notting Hill Carnival: @nottinghillcarn
iTunes Festival: @itunesfestival
Urban Food Fest: @UrbanFoodFest
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For another hint of what’s to come, see Last Year’s Best Festivals.
