What’s on in London – July 2023

Get ready to soak up the Summer sun and dive into an array of events unfolding in London this July. First up, don your brightest colours and celebrate love at the Pride in London Parade, where diversity takes centre stage. Sports enthusiasts, grab your strawberries and cream because The Wimbledon Championships are back! And guess what? The gates of Buckingham Palace swing open for the Summer Opening, giving you a rare glimpse into royal splendour and history. London in July 2023 is a treat for explorers, thrill-seekers and culture enthusiasts alike. Don’t miss out!

Pride in London: 1 July

Paint the town with rainbows as the Pride in London Parade takes over the Capital on the first day of July. This year’s parade will be bigger and more vibrant than ever, with an estimated 35,000 participants taking to the streets to celebrate love, diversity and equality. Led by the Mayor of London, the parade will wind its way from Hyde Park Corner through iconic landmarks like Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square, culminating at Whitehall Place.

The festivities begin at noon and continue throughout the day, with exhilarating performances scheduled at various times. Remember, entry to all areas of the event is on a first-come, first-served basis, so don’t miss out on this celebration of love and acceptance. Let your pride shine bright in the heart of London!

Wimbledon: 3 – 16 July

The most prestigious event in tennis, The Wimbledon Championship, returns to London this July. Steeped in history, this iconic contest holds the reputation of being the oldest Grand Slam tennis tournament in the world.

As the 136th edition of this revered grass court event unfolds, prepare for an exhibition of skill, passion and athleticism. This year, Wimbledon will set a new standard with a record prize money of over £44m attracting the finest tennis players from across the globe. From thrilling rallies to awe-inspiring performances, experience the brilliance of tennis at its pinnacle.

Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival: 4 – 9 July

Prepare to be enchanted by vibrant blooms at the Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival, hosted by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) in the picturesque London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. Here you will discover the artistry of gardening and indulge in fabulous floral displays.

Expand your horticultural knowledge with enlightening talks and demonstrations. This year, the festival is expected to be particularly special, as acclaimed horticulturist Carol Klein creates a breathtaking garden inspired by nature’s diversity. Divided into six main habitats, each section will transport you from wetlands to woodlands, hedgerows to meadows, moors to mountains and the seaside.

Buckingham Palace Summer Opening: 14 July – 24 September

Step into the royal world as Buckingham Palace opens its doors for the highly anticipated Summer Opening. Here you can witness the grandeur of 19 State Rooms, opened to visitors for a limited 10-week period each Summer.

Adorned with masterpieces from the Royal Collection, the State Rooms boast an exquisite array of treasures. Van Dyck and Canaletto’s paintings, Canova’s sculptures, Sèvres porcelain, and unparalleled English and French furniture create a captivating display of opulence and artistry. Immerse yourself in regal elegance as you walk through the Throne Room, Ballroom, Music Room, Grand Staircase, Palace Gardens and more.

Somerset House Summer Series: 6 – 16 July

Eleven nights of electrifying music await you as the Somerset House Summer Series returns this July for its 20th anniversary. This iconic event brings together a fusion of emerging and established artists from around the globe.

This year’s edition will feature the soulful melodies of TikTok sensation Beabadoobee, hypnotic tunes of Greentea Peng and the electrifying energy of Young Fathers, among several other headline performances. Joining the lineup is the homegrown talent of Peckham’s own Gabzy, ready to captivate audiences with his infectious beats.

BBC Proms: 14 July – 9 September

Revel in the magic of the BBC Proms, a classical music festival held annually at the iconic Royal Albert Hall in London. With a rich history dating back to 1895, the Proms aims to bring the beauty of classical music to a diverse and extensive audience.

Whether you’re a seasoned classical connoisseur or just curious about the genre, the Proms offers something for everyone. Over the course of eight thrilling weeks, immerse yourself in a world of musical wonder. From the romantic symphonies of Berlioz to the rhythms of Bollywood, the 2023 season promises a rich musical experience.

Hyper Japan Festival: 21 – 23 July

Since its inception in 2010, Hyper Japan has evolved into the UK’s largest Japanese cultural event. This year’s fest will take place at Olympia London, bringing together the very best of Japan. With over 300 exhibitors showcasing Japanese delights, enjoy the most popular anime, manga and video games, or tantalise your taste buds with delectable Japanese cuisine and sake tasting.

Join thousands of enthusiasts as they vibe to the beats of renowned electronic dance music duo FEMM, talented cosplay actor and musician Miura Ayme, and the enchanting singer-songwriter Mika Kobayashi.

Wing Fest London 2023: 28 – 30 July

Wing Fest London 2023 is the ultimate chicken wing showdown where 40 of the best restaurants, street food traders, and BBQ teams will compete over the last weekend of July to serve over 250,000 wings. Prepare your taste buds for an explosion of flavours as the London Stadium in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park transforms into a gastronomic paradise.

From classic recipes to bold and innovative creations, indulge in wing perfection like never before. With standard tickets, you not only get to savour the delectable wings but also receive a Wing Fest signature trucker hat, access to all the thrilling rides, games and live performances.

Final Ashes Test: 27 – 31 July

London becomes the stage for the final Ashes Test match between England and Australia in the last week of July. Following a sensational Summer of Test cricket in 2022, the stakes are higher than ever as Ben Stokes’ formidable side strives to reclaim The Ashes urn.

Feel the excitement build as two cricketing giants clash on the hallowed grounds of the Kia Oval. Experience the intensity, skill, and passion as each team leaves everything on the field in pursuit of victory. With the atmosphere charged and history in the making, this is a match cricket fans won’t want to miss.