Experience London the artistic way; whether it be by concerts in the park, music concerts of the worlds most popular artists or the infamous West End, where the best acts are center stage. Part two of our London summer guide highlights the entertaining aspect of this constantly creative town.
Arts & Entertainment Enjoy random artwork on the street or experience a concert in the park.
Play Me, I’m Yours: London 2009, All over London (June 1-July 13) Check out the artwork of Luke Jerram’s “Play me, I’m Yours” whereby he installs 30 pianos on streets, in public squares and parks, train stations, and markets. The pianos are there for anyone to play with. Each piano will have its own songbook attached to encourage people’s involvement.
Kenwood House Picnic Concerts 2009, Kenwood House (June 27-August 22) There isn’t a better way to enjoy a perfect summer evening than at one of the Kenwood House Picnic Concerts. Friends and family can sit and enjoy the world-class music, relaxed atmosphere and breathtaking setting. It certainly is a big change from cinemas, restaurants and the everyday routine. It surely is a unique way to spend a summer’s evening.
Summer Swing at Kew Gardens, Royal Botanical Gardens Kew (July 7-11) For an enchanted night on the town, the Royal Botanical Garden is the place to be. Take your friends and family on a picnic, dance to the music, and enjoy a live big screen relay with a big sizzling firework finale.
Somerset House Summer Series, Summerset House (July 9-18) Enjoy open air performances from some of the hottest names in music at Somerset House London's most picturesque live music venue! Featuring performances by Grace Jones, The Enemy, Lily Allen, The Mars Volta, The Tings Tings, Pendulum, Bat For Lashes, Athlete, Super Furry Animals and Calvin Harris.
Shoreditch Festival 2009, Shoreditch Park (July 16-23) The line up features the 'Proms in Shoreditch Park' alongside The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and a fireworks finale. There will also be live music, a kids' area, a tea-dance tent, English National Ballet, the Shoreditch Bark Dog Show and movies in the new amphitheatre. The event promises to deliver high quality performances and imaginative initiatives, which are bold, creative and engaging.
Lovebox Weekender 2009, Victoria Park (July 18-19) Known for one of London’s best festival and without a doubt the UK’s best and most innovative urban showpiece. One weekend every July, Lovebox takes over London with two days of parties and performances with the participation of Victoria Park. Featuring performances by N*E*R*D, Duran Duran, and many more.
Tiesto: Live in Victoria Park, Victoria Park (July 31-August 1) World-renowned trance DJ Teisto brings his electric live show to London. With a new album out in the summer, nothing less than spectacular is expected.
Concerts Enjoy the live music experience with the most popular acts performing in London this summer. Just make sure to get your tickets on time!
Lily Allen - July 11 Somerset House
Flo'Rida - July 12 The O2 Arena
Lady Gaga - July 14 O2 Academy Brixton
Ne-Yo - July 19 The O2 Arena
Disney’s High School Musical Tour - August 25 -31 New Wimbledon Theatre
The West End While in London, everyone should definitely check out shows playing in the West End. Here are some the most popular and entertaining shows. All tickets can be purchased from either the shows main website or ticket brokers.
Sister Act: A Divine Musical Comedy Based on the popular movie Sister Act. Currently showing at the London Palladium, the show is as good as the movie and will keep you laughing throughout every scene.
Priscilla: Queen of the Desert Based on the Oscar winning movie The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. Showing at the Palace Theatre, it tells the story of three performers who hop on their lavender beat-up bus, Priscilla, and travel across the Australian outback to put on a show for a mysterious person in a town in the middle of the desert.
Jersey Boys: The Story Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons Written by two members of the Four Seasons, the show tells the remarkable rise to stardom of one of the most successful bands in pop music history. It is the winner of 17 major awards worldwide, including the Olivier Award for Best New Musical.
Dirty Dancing - The Classic Story Onstage Based on the smash-hit musical version of the film, Dirty Dancing makes its way to the West End. One of the best shows since 2007, Dirty Dancing is on top of the musical must-see list.
Thriller Live: A West End Musical “The music of Michael Jackson and The Jackson 5 is brought to life on the West End stage.” Earning three acclaimed U.K. tours and standing ovations across Europe, expect your favorite Jackson songs delivered by a remarkably talented cast. Watch the musical transformation of Michael Jackson and sing along to your favorite songs.
Avenue Q A twisted Muppet show better suited for adults. Winner of the 2004 Tony Award for Best Musical, you’ll want to be first in the queue for Avenue Q. Be prepared to meet some hilariously wacky characters in this risqué puppet musical at the Gielgud Theatre.
Peter Pan Coming to you this summer at Kensington Garden, a dramatic portrayal of J. M. Barrie's classic story. Performed in a specially commissioned, state-of-the-art Theatre Pavilion staged by an award-winning creative team. The production will include a breathtaking 360-degree projected scenic design. The show promises to be a very dramatic and truly magical summer experience in the park.
Hamlet For all you Jude Law and Shakespeare fans out there, get ready for Hamlet. Although a bit dense with drama, it’s a no miss show. Showcasing a detailed and powerful performance, Law isn't a funny Hamlet but portrays a romantically gregarious character.
Watch out for the third and final part of the London summer guide which will cover all that has to do with shopping in London. Highlighting everything from department stores to the local markets; London is every indulgent shoppers haven.
Play Me, I’m Yours: London 2009, All over London (June 1-July 13)
Summer Swing at Kew Gardens, Royal Botanical Gardens Kew (July 7-11)
Somerset House Summer Series, Summerset House (July 9-18)
Shoreditch Festival 2009, Shoreditch Park (July 16-23)
Lovebox Weekender 2009, Victoria Park (July 18-19)
Tiesto: Live in Victoria Park, Victoria Park (July 31-August 1)
Lily Allen - July 11
Flo'Rida - July 12 
Lady Gaga - July 14
Ne-Yo - July 19
Disney’s High School Musical Tour - August 25 -31
Sister Act: A Divine Musical Comedy
Priscilla: Queen of the Desert
Jersey Boys: The Story Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons
Dirty Dancing - The Classic Story Onstage
Thriller Live: A West End Musical
Avenue Q
Peter Pan
Hamlet