Festivals galore and too much tennis…
by Jen (follow Jen on Twitter:@JenBarnes207)
July is all about Wimbledon in London – but that’s not all the capital has to offer. From free fitness classes on the Southbank to fashion shows at Regent Street, July is surprisingly full of some pretty great free stuff. As always, if nothing on my list tickles your fancy, some of my fellow BrokeinLondoners have some more ideas for you in the free films in London and free entertainment section.
#1 Northbank Festival: Embankment Summer Market | 15th – 17th July
Pic by Mickey Lee via Time Out London
Everyone raves about the South Bank so much that the North Bank decided it needed to remind everyone about its existence. Join the Northbank Summer Festival for the Embankment Summer Market. There’s food, there’s crafts, there’s live music and there’s even LAWN GAMES like giant jenga and croquet.
When: 15th – 17th July
Where: Victoria Embankment Gardens, Villiers St, London WC2N 6NS
#2 Vauxhall One Summer Film Screenings | 12th, 19th & 26th July
FREE MOVIES! FREE MOVIES! FREE MOVIES! If you say it 3 times, it’s even more exciting. Get down to Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens for the Vauxhall One free summer film screenings to watch Wayne’s World (5 July), 10 Things I Hate About You (12 July), Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (19 July) and a movie of your choice on the 26th (well – there will be a public vote between My Big Fat Greek Wedding, The Fully Monty & Groundhog Day so keep your eyes peeled!)
When: 5th, 12th, 19th & 26th July
Where: Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens
#3 Regent Street Summer Streets | 3rd -24th July
Image: Regent Street Online
You know that you’ve always wanted to frolick down Regent Street without the risk of being run over – and now you can! Regent Street Summer Streets are back to give you traffic-free days of fun. On the 10th in honour of the British 10k London Run there will be a day of fitness activities, on the 17th there’s a Garden Party complete with bandstand, and on the 24th there’s a fabulous outdoor fashion show.
When: 10th, 17th & 24th July
Where: Regent Street
#4 Wimbledon | Until 10th July
Image: Londonist
If you didn’t manage to grab tickets to the tennis and don’t fancy queuing for hours for day tickets then fear not – there are outdoor screens showing Wimbledon all over London. From Canada Square in Canary Wharf to Duke of York Square in Chelsea, Londonist has put together the ultimate list no matter where you live.
When: 27 June-10 July
Where: Across London
#5 London Bridge City Festival | All Month
Image: London Bridge City Festival
The London Bridge City Festival has got free films, free music, free fitness, and free theatre all summer – which is pretty great. You can watch Purple Rain on the 12th, do some Yoga on Wednesday 13th, dance along to DJ Brett Pfister on Saturday nights and take part in a Jitterbug competition – that’s summer sorted.
When: All Month
Where: The Scoop
#6 Southbank Centre Festival of Love | All Month
Image: Southbank
The Southbank Centre Festival of Love has TONS of free stuff this year – morning yoga on the roof garden, Jeppe Hein’s Appearing Rooms and his Modified Social Benches and a collection of real-life love stories in their archive room. If you like to sing and dance you can join the chorus at Love Songs to Welcome or dance around at the Festival of Love Social Dance. There’s something for everyone and it is sure to make your heart sing!
When: All Month
Where: The Southbank Centre
#7 Young Marketeers Market Day | 7th July
Image: School Food Matters
The Young Marketeers programme at Borough Market is having their summer sale on the 7th July! Children from local schools produce fruit and veg and sell it alongside the usual vendors at Borough Market with the School Food Matters programme. Not only do they learn about growing, they also learn about food poverty and food waste. It’s an incredible programme that deserves your support so put your grocery budget towards these kids this week.
When: 7th July, 1130am – 130pm
Where: Borough Market, 8 Southwark St, London SE1 1TL
#8 Tate Modern | All Month
Image: Time Out
If finally happened- the new Tate Modern extension, The Switch House, is finally complete and it is beautiful. Seriously, if you haven’t been inside and all the way up to the viewing gallery you need to add it to your weekend list. The current collection is slightly overshadowed by the building itself but you’re sure to find something you love.
When: All Month, Sunday – Thursday 10am-6pm, Friday & Saturday 10am – 10pm
Where: Bankside, London SE1 9TG
#9 Prudential Ride London | 30th & 31st July
Image: Prudential Ride London
Even if you aren’t a super cyclist you can take part in the Prudential Ride London. On Saturday 30th July cyclists of any age and ability can take to the streets for the FreeCycle on the same route as the professionals. It’s free but you do need to register so don’t forget!
When: 30th July
Where: 8 mile circuit passing Buckingham Palace, St Paul’s Cathedral & More!
#10 Mary Heilmann | All Month
Image: Artfund
You may not have heard about Mary Heilmann but she’s a rule breaker. Starting out her career as a sculptor, she made the switch to painting when she moved to NY at a time when everyone thought painting ‘was over’ (which is a pretty absurd thought, really). Her abstract paintings are beautiful and you can see them at the Whitechapel Gallery all month.
When: All Month, Tue-Sun 11am-6pm (Thu until 9pm)
Where: Whitechapel Gallery, 77-82 Whitechapel High Street, London E1 7QX
