From food stalls and events to a hot air balloon showcase and exciting festivals, there is something for everyone in London.
Published Wednesday, 17th July, 2024 in University news
Brought to you by the Campus News team, we hope this gives you some inspiration on how to have a fun-filled summer as a London student. Enjoy!
Nature
Regent’s Canal - little Venice
Bring Venice, the city of boats, to London with a walk through Regent’s Canal path, only 10 minutes away from City's main campus at Northampton Square campus that can accessed on Noel Road. Regent's Canal is perfect for when you want to explore and look at an array of boats with a scenic view of tall architecture overlooking the canal.
Food and Drink
The National Geographic Traveller (UK) Food Festival
The National Geographic Traveller (UK) Food Festival is an immersive celebration of food, drink and travel taking place from Saturday 20 to Sunday 21 July at the Business Design Centre in Islington. You can expect to see world-renowned chefs including Nadiya Hussain and Matt Tebbutt. General admission festival tickets are only £15 when booked in advance, saving you £10 on the door, so book before Friday 19 of July, 11pm.
Find out more and book at the National Geographic Food Festival 2024 website
Whitecross market
Whitecross market offers a melting pot of diverse homemade foods from a variety of cultures including Brazilian and Vietnamese. It is a 15min walk away from City's main campus at Northampton Square and can be explored whenever you are looking for an affordable lunch to grab when working or studying nearby, or simply exploring the local Islington area!
Sports and games
Minigolf at Canary Wharf
Would you like to have a go at improving your golfing abilities whilst enjoying a day out with your friends for free? Visit Canary Wharf until Saturday 29 September from 12-6pm to play for free (offered on a first come, first served basis, so you may have to queue if it’s busy). Brighten up your afternoon with a free game of minigolf on an irresistibly cheery course designed by art duo Craig & Karl.
Find out more at Minigolf by Craig & Karl's website
Free Chess game
OTB Chess Club is offering free chess games that are played with real boards, real pieces, real people and one of those cool chess clocks. Taking place in Waterloo, Bermondsey and Tooting, this is a great way to learn, practice and play chess for free and make likeminded friends. Give your brain a boost, but dress for the weather – most venues are outdoors. Be sure to check their Instagram @otbsouthbank for dates and times, as they do change; currently on Fridays at St John’s Church, Waterloo.
Arts and Culture
The Lord Mayor’s Balloon Regatta The Lord Mayor's Hot Air Balloon Regatta
The Lord Mayor is holding a Free Balloon Regatta on Sunday 21 July. Each year up to fifty hot air balloons take flight across central London raising awareness and funds for the Lord Mayor’s Appeal. Leading the launch is the official Lord Mayor’s Appeal hot air balloon which carries both the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress. You can see the balloons floating across the London skyline or go to watch the launch at 5am on Sunday 21 July in Battersea Park.
Find out more at The Lord Mayor’s Balloon Regatta website
BBC Proms
Experience one of the top music events in London, and the biggest classical music festival on the planet, with fun and affordable concerts at the Royal Albert Hall and across the city. BBC Proms will be running from Friday 19 July to Saturday14 September, with tickets starting from £15.
Find out more and book at the BBC proms website
Festivals
Performing arts festival: Greenwich+Docklands International Festival 2024
The Performing arts festival is part of the Royal Greenwich Festivals. It is a free festival of outdoor theatre and performing arts happening from Friday 23 August to Sunday 8 September. It presents an extensive programme of art installations, street theatre, circus, dance acts and music events, produced by UK and international artists.
Find out more at the Greenwich+Docklands International Festival's website
Summer Sounds at Kings Cross Coal Drops Yard
The King’s Cross Summer Sounds is one of London’s most inclusive free music festivals. Expect to catch live concerts every evening from 6.30 – 8.30pm and from 1 – 6pm on Family Sundays, running from Thursday 15 august to Sunday 26 August. No need to book but note that seating is limited, even for early arrivals.
Find our more at the Summer Sounds website