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Summer in the city

May 01 2025
London under the sun © the Pavement London under the sun © the Pavement

Tips on how to survive and thrive this summer. By Shakir Razak

Summer's here – which means blazing pavements, restless nights and the scramble for shade. But it also brings free gigs, pop-up culture and a city buzzing with life. Here's how to make the most of it without burning out (or burning up).

First, stay safe: Find a shady patch in a park before the crowds do – early bird gets the tree. Crumpled tissue makes decent earplugs if the streets are too loud to sleep. Lastly, water is your best mate. Drink before you nap to dodge sunstroke. Most of the food chains have a policy to give you water, as long as you’re polite.

Also, always check your local council’s events or culture page for their programmes. Libraries will also have local event flyers.

London heaves with free events, no ticket, no hassle. Here's the lowdown.


London summer highlights

London Gallery Weekend (6 – 8 June 2025):
Over 150 galleries across the city open their doors for free, showcasing contemporary art from emerging and established artists. Perfect chance to enjoy some cool air conditioning while soaking up culture. More info:
londongalleryweekend.art

Totally Thames Festival (1 – 30 September 2025):
A month-long celebration of London's iconic river featuring free art installations, historical walks, and performances along the waterfront.
totallythames.org

Regent's Park Open Air Theatre:
Free community tickets are released monthly for its acclaimed Shakespeare productions. Arrive early for the best chance.
openairtheatre.com

West End Live (21 – 22 June 2025):
Two days of free performances from London's top musicals in Trafalgar Square. Show up early for the best views.
westendlive.co.uk

BST Hyde Park Free Open House (28 – 29 June 2025):
While the main concerts require tickets, the festival village offers free entertainment, food stalls and live screens.
bst-hydepark.com

Jazz in the Park:
Various locations across London's Royal Parks host free jazz performances throughout summer. Check schedules at
royalparks.org.uk

Free Walking Tours:
Daily tours covering everything from street art to hidden history. A great way to learn the city while staying mobile.
walks.com

Thames Path Walks:
Miles of scenic riverside walking with regular pop-up events and performances along the route.
thamespath.org.uk

Outdoor Yoga in Hyde Park:
Free Saturday morning sessions suitable for all levels. No equipment needed, just turn up.
hydepark.org.uk

Notting Hill Carnival (24 – 25 August 2025):
Europe's biggest street festival celebrating Caribbean culture with incredible costumes, music and food.
nhcarnival.org



Summer in Scotland

Glasgow Mela (22 June 2025):
A vibrant celebration of world music and dance in Kelvingrove Park.
glasgowmela.com

Merchant City Festival (18 – 20 July 2025):
Street performances, circus acts and a massive free cèilidh marking Glasgow's 850th anniversary.
merchantcityfestival.com

Edinburgh Art Festival (24 July – 24 August 2025):
Free exhibitions showcasing contemporary visual art across the city.
edinburghartfestival.com

Fringe Free Shows (1 – 25 August 2025):
Hundreds of free comedy, theater and music performances daily during the world's largest comedy festival.


Bottom line

Summer's tough, but it's also when the city throws its doors open. Grab the free stuff, stay sharp and find your patch of shade. The streets might be unforgiving, but they're alive – make 'em work for you.

Stay cool. Stay safe. Stay out there.

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