In theory, it’s summertime and we’re all feeling optimistic and cheerful. Sadly, no one seems to have told the weather but hey, that’s part of being British, eh? Fear not, though – there’s plenty going on to bring you a little sunshine whatever the weather…
Take Pride
6 July is the London Pride Parade, the UK’s biggest celebration of LGBT+ people. If creative floats galore, rainbow flags, and jolly crowds all looking to party are your kind of thing then this is for you. There are also lots of side events in the weeks around the main parade. Check out Pride’s website for info. (Free)
Funny Film Festival
Taking over the Southbank from 11–14 July is the LOCO London Comedy Film Festival. It’s a great chance to meet emerging funny filmmakers, network, and hopefully grab some laughs along the way. Highlights include a 30th-anniversary screening of When Harry Met Sally, Q&As with the team behind Masters of Love and Metal Heart, plus the new Horrible Histories movie premiere. There’s also a comedy LOCO Masterclass and the fun-sounding LOCO Rom-Com Karaoke session on Saturday night. (Assorted Prices)
READ: 10 Film Schools in the UK You Need to Know
Southbank Summer
Kicking off the Summer in theatrical style is the National’s River Stage. The National Theatre takes full advantage of its riverbank location with pop-up bars, food, workshops, and weekends full of free outdoor performance. The first two weekends in July are curated East London drag stars, The Glory and Shubbak, a festival celebrated Arab culture. (Free)
READ: The Gender-Bending Art Form Taking London by Storm
New Balls Please
If you have a hankering for drama of a sporting kind then you won’t get much more dramatic than the All England Lawn Tennis Club’s annual bash aka the Wimbledon Tennis Tournament which starts on 1 July. Ticketmaster sells a limited number of tickets the night before each day’s play or you can take your chances in the legendary queue on the day. (Assorted Prices)
Dance it out
In July, London puts on its dancing trousers and busts some serious moves at the capital’s many open-air music festivals. On 12–13 July, Lovebox opens in east London, headlined by Solange and Chance the Rapper. And Hyde Park is enjoying a very different groove from 12 July with the start of the huge British Summertime Festival featuring Florence + The Machine, Barbra Streisand, and Robbie Williams. (Assorted Prices)
For more from Backstage UK, check out the magazine.