By Hannah Connolly
e are officially in the midst of all-out summer. From a scorching-hot Glastonbury, an Artic Monkeys renaissance, and Lana Del Ray closing out British Summer Time — it has already been a big one.
Arguably, the first real hot-season back restriction-free, there's a tangible energy in London and hundreds of thousands of us have already flocked to countless shows, exhibitions, performances and events.
On the art scene, the Serpentine Pavilion opened with a party that's guest list included Michael Bloomberg, Anna Wintour, Andrew Garfield and Natasha Leone (yes, we lost our cool at this one). The Portrait Gallery is back after years of refurbishment work, and Somerset House has a whole season of unmissable events.
In new music, Roisin Muphy is here with a stellar new record, PJ Harvey returns after a six-year hiatus, and Arlo Parks' second album has dropped.
London Pride and Trans Pride saw the biggest attendance ever, and Body Movements is on the horizon — it's been a big summer so far, and it's not over yet.
Here, we share the best things to do and see for the rest of the warmer months.
BLACK VENUS, Somerset House Pay What You Can (opens 24th July)
The exhibition, BLACK VENUS, curated by Aindrea Emelife, examines Black women's historical representation and shifting legacy in visual culture. BLACK VENUS brings together the work of 18 Black women and non-binary artists to explore the othering, fetishisation and reclamation of narratives around Black femininity.
A STACK WORLD EXCLUSIVE - BLACK VENUS: Aindrea Emelife in conversation with Sharmadean Reid, Somerset House Tickets £5.00 (Friday 21st July)
Aindrea Emelife, curator of BLACK VENUS, sits down with Sharmadean Reid, founder and CEO of The Stack World, to unpack the exhibition and legacies and shifting perceptions of Black women throughout history. Get your tickets here to this exclsuive events whilst they last.
Tate Late: A World in Common: Contemporary African Photography Free (28th July)
Tate Lates are always a yes from us, but the July edition is shaping up to be excellent. Featuring Rasheed Araeen's interactive sculpture 'Zero to Infinity' which has been brought to life for the summer in the Turbine Hall. DJ sets include the South London musical movement Touching Base on the Level 1 bridge and later the Terrace bar, and a whole series of talks, including head designer and Founder of fashion tour de force LABRUM, Foday Dumbuya and much more. Keep your eyes peeled for the end of August late also.
Body Movements, Hackney Wick Final Release from £72.00 (Satuday July 29th)
The biggest queer festival of the year is back. Body Movements is a day festival (plus the afterparties, then after-afterparties) that takes over the Hackney Wick Club and bar district. Founded by producer and DJ Saoirse and Clayton Wright, Body Movements is a celebration of queer club culture and will bring together 29 LGBTQI+ collectives for 24 hours of music and dance. On the roster, and split across several iconic venues like The Yard and Colour Factory, is club night collectives Btch Please!, Pxssy Palace, and Inferno. This year, Body Movements is partnering with London Trans Pride as the official charity.
All Points East, Victoria Park
Tickets start at £59.95 (Multiple dates)
Often the East Londoner's symbolic knod that summer is drawing close, this end-of-season festival never fails. Split across ten days and multiple weekends, All Points East is a great low-effort festival for those who like to return home rather than to a tent after a long day of enjoying their favourite musical acts. This year expect to catch Haim, The Strokes, Erykah Badu, Yeah Yeah Yeah's and Stormzy
Everyman on the Canal, Kings Cross Free (22nd June - 6th August everyday)
We love an outdoor cinema as much as the next person, but we have a soft spot for Everyman on the Canal. Located at the foot of Central Saint Martins and next to the popular Coal Drops Yard, expect to catch a flick with everyone from art school kids, first date couples and all the family. The screen sits on the canal across from beanbag-lined steps and shows three films daily with everything from Vicky Christina Barcelona and The Graduate to The Hunger Games and Elvis. The best part is it is entirely free and no booking is required. Top Tips: Get there early for the good seats, and check out the Canopy Market; the artisan vendors have some incredible bites.
The Luna Cinema, multiple locations Tickets start at £17.50
With locations including Hampstead's Kenwood House, Westminster Abbey, and Kew Gardens, Luna Cinema is an outdoor movie night with one serious view. Aside from the stunning locations, the screenings on the roster are a hit-list of some of the best of recent cinema, like The Banshees of Inisherin and Everything, Everywhere all at Once, and classics like Some Like It Hot.
It's been a big summer so far, and it's not over yet.
By Hannah Connolly
