Best music festivals in London

Southern Sounds

When & where: Clapham Common, London, 11 June
Why: And one tailor made for us. In its inaugural year, it promises to be the biggest gathering of Aussies, Kiwis and Saffas this side of the Equator. With some of the best talent from Australia, NZ and South Africa, it’s set for a great start and hopefully will become a permanent fixture on the UK festie calendar for years to come.
Who: INXS, Shihad, Goldfish, Just Jinjer, I Am Giant, DJ Yoda, Eddy Temple Morris, Jayson Norris, Town Hall Steps, Melic, Cape Fear, Lotus Mason + more

Also see: “Southern Sounds is gonna be huge, mate.”

London Feis Festival
When & where: Finsbury Park, London, 18 – 19 June
Why: London Feis has roots in the Fleadh festival which entertained London crowds for 14 years. This fresh reincarnation has kept its distinct Irish flavour and in 2011 will feature some of the best Irish and international music around.
Who: Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, Christy Moore, The Cranberries, Imelda May, The Waterboys, The Gaslight Anthem, Shane MacGowan, Jimmy Cliff, Afro Celt Sound System, Clannad, Thin Lizzy, Eddi Reader, Hothouse Flowers, The Undertones, The Saw Doctors + more

Hard Rock Calling
When & where: Hyde Park, London, 24 – 26 June
Why: Missed out on Glasto? Don’t fret, London’s got the antedote right on your front porch. The bands are just as big and you don’t have to muck around with all hassles of camping. Plus should you pick up, it’s off to your place instead of a tent. Rock on.

Who: The Killers, Bon Jovi, Ray Davies, Rod Stewart, Stevie Nicks, Adam Ant, Rumer, Mike & The Mechanics, Train, Lighthouse Family, Barenaked Ladies + more

See the full Hard Rock Calling line-up

Wireless
When & where: Hyde Park, London, 1 – 3 July
Why: Isn’t it awesome having Hyde Park just round the corner. First there’s Hard Rock Calling, then there’s Wireless. And while Snoop wont be making headlines again this year, Fergie and her troupe of Black Eyed Peas will certainly be bringing the star power.
Who: The Black Eyed Peas, The Chemical Brothers, Pulp, Grace Jones, TV On The Radio, Foals, Battles, Michael Franti and Spearhead, The Hives, The Horrors, Metronomy, The Naked & Famous, Plan B, Digitalism, Tinie Tempah, Bruno Mars, Chase & Status, The Streets, Aphex Twin + more

Also see: Wireless Festival – the story so far

See the complete Wireless festival 2011 line-up

Lovebox
When & where: Victoria Park, London, 15 – 17 July
Why: It’s authentic, it’s righteous, it’s just so London. Not bad for a festival knocked together by good ol’ Groove Armada. Three days of heady music will have you in your element.
Who: Snoop Dogg, Groove Armada, Scissor Sisters, Example, Metronomy, Beardyman, Architecture in Helsinki, Beth Ditto, Robyn, P Money, Santigold, Ziggy Marley, 2manydjs, Blondie, Kelis, Marc Almond, Katy B,The Drums, The Wombats + more

Homelanz
When & where: Boston Manor Park, London, 13 August 
Why: First year out for this brand new Aussie and Kiwi festival of food, drink, culture and, of course, music. Muck in and support your fellow Australasian businesses and entertainers … many of them based in London, just like you.
Who: Sneaky Sound System, Katchafire, Ladi6, Jayson Norris, TownHallSteps, Brooke Supple, Melic.

South West Four
When & where: Clapham Common, London, 27 – 28 August
Why: Want to get your groove on? Then why not bop a weekend away at one of the world’s best dance fests. Plus Pendulum are headlining. Aussies done good on ‘The Common’.
Who: Underworld, Pendulum, Magnetic Man, Ferry Corsten, Judge Jules, Layo & Bushwacka!, Tiga, M.A.N.D.Y., Eric Prydz, Simian Mobile Disco, John Digweed, Laidback Luke, Pete Tong + more

See the complete South West Four Weekender line-up

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