- Charlotte Becque
- 1 day ago
- 18 min read
Updated: 7 hours ago
Things To Do In July 2025
Charlotte Becque
I really don’t want to brag, but I’m quite happy to in this case — not on my own behalf, but on behalf of the UK and the marvellous things it has lined up for July. We, I hope, are set for a beautiful month, and there’s certainly no shortage of ways to fill those sunny days. Whether it’s the Soho Fête, the Spotlight Market, or Paxton House’s Antiques Weekend, Charlotte Becque has winkle-picked these glorious activities for your enjoyment.
Week Commencing 30th June
A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Now - 20th August, Bridge Theatre, 3 Potters Fields Park, London, SE1 2SG
Return to the forest this summer for a magical world of flying fairies, swirling fog, and moonlit mischief. With in-the-round seating and immersive tickets, you'll follow the story on foot—right into the heart of the action. Back by popular demand, the Bridge Theatre’s acclaimed 2019 production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream returns for a limited run. Directed by Nicholas Hytner with award-winning design by Bunny Christie, costumes by Christina Cunningham, lighting by Bruno Poet, and sound by Paul Arditti. Music by Grant Olding and movement by Arlene Phillips and James Cousins.
Price From £19.50
ECHO by Nassim Soleimanpour, each night, a new performer takes the stage—completely unrehearsed and with no script. Guided live by Nassim from his flat in Berlin, ECHO is a spontaneous journey across time, place, and the meaning of home. Following a sold-out run, ECHO returns to the Royal Court for a strictly limited season before heading on an international tour. Directed by Omar Elerian (Rhinoceros), each performance features a different guest star appearing for one night only. Performers include: Reece Shearsmith, Daniel Kaluuya, James Corden, Dominic West, Lolly Adefope, Nish Kumar, Milly Alcock, Mel Giedroyc, Simon McBurney, Juliet Stevenson – and more to be announced. Every night is unique. No two shows are the same.
Price From £15
Founded by Amanda Greely, Spence is a racquet sports brand that’s as much about how you feel and move as how you look. It invites players to show up with confidence and style, blending tradition with boldness. Rooted in precision and purpose, Spence balances elegance with rebellion—made for those who see sport as rhythm, timing, and self-expression. Spence aims to set a new standard in tennis apparel, resonating with players and culture alike, debuting alongside Wimbledon, the British racquet event of the season.
Stevie Wonder will headline LOVE, LIGHT & SONG UK 2025 in Hyde Park, bringing his legendary sound to one of London’s biggest stages. He’ll be joined by Ezra Collective, Thee Sacred Souls, Elmiène, and Corinne Bailey Rae, with more artists to be announced soon.
Price From £109.95 + Booking
Opening this summer at Arnolfini, The Other Side of the Mountain is British artist Sahara Longe’s first institutional solo show, featuring semi-abstract paintings that explore memory, identity, and personal history. Inspired by family photographs and Doris Lessing’s The Golden Notebook, Longe blends childhood memories with symbolic imagery, using rich colour, framing devices, and cinematic techniques. Works range from schoolgirl scenes to dreamlike portraits, including The Yellow Dress (2025), a reflection on womanhood and the self. Throughout, shadows and reflections suggest emotional possibility and the layered nature of remembrance.
Free entry
TOWPATH - Wildduck Canteen, Maa And Dark Edition Coffee, 29th June, 1 - 9 pm, TOWPATH, 42 De Beauvoir Crescent, London, N1 5SB
They’re so excited to welcome their friends from Seoul—Wild Duck Canteen, Maa, and Dark Edition Coffee—to Towpath for a one-day takeover. Join them from 1 to 9 p.m. for Korean-inspired food, sweets, and coffee. No booking needed—just come by and enjoy! Artwork by Saeroksaerok, inspired by the beloved Judith Kerr.
They’re bringing Jaffna crab curry — Sri Lanka’s most iconic dish — to London for one night only. Cooked over a live fire aduppu, just like in northern Sri Lankan homes, this rich, spiced coconut crab curry will be served alongside a special menu from head chef Sofia Tertzakian, blending tradition with seasonal British produce. Expect big sharing bowls of crab, heirloom tomato white curry, fried roti with anchovy katta sambol, pandan potatoes, summer herb sambols, and more. Natural wines from Under the Bonnet Wines will round out the night — juicy, fresh picks perfect for summer.
The RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival 2025 promises stunning garden designs, vibrant floral displays, and unique shopping experiences. Open to both the public and RHS members, it’s a summer highlight for garden lovers of all kinds. Members enjoy discounted tickets and access to exclusive days. Don’t miss this celebration of horticultural excellence in a historic setting.
This workshop is perfect for anyone looking to try something new, enjoy a fun evening with friends, or for artists looking to develop and experiment with their practice. Each session features a variety of models and poses, from quick sketches to longer studies. Materials like charcoal, coloured pencils, chalk pastels, and paper are provided, but you’re welcome to bring your own.
GQ Heroes is their annual summit celebrating bold ideas, radical creatives, and industry leaders. Held over two days at Soho Farmhouse in Oxfordshire, it features inspiring talks, live performances, intimate dinners, and wellness activities—all set in a stunning countryside location just 90 minutes from London.
Day one kicks off with welcome drinks, followed by sessions in the Hay Barn and a private dinner at Japanese restaurant Pen Yen, including a special guest talk and live music. Day two offers optional fitness, daytime talks, relaxed lunches, and ends with a Champagne gala and the legendary GQ Heroes after-party. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on Friday before exploring Soho Farmhouse’s full range of luxury facilities—from the spa and gym to tennis courts, horse riding, and more.
Dame Zandra Rhodes and artist Morag Myerscough will headline the ND Awards preview evenings on 2nd and 9th July, delivering keynote speeches to mark the 40th edition of New Designers. Held at London’s Business Design Centre, this year’s event showcases work from 2,500 graduates, highlighting themes such as innovation, sustainability, identity, and mental wellbeing. The ND Awards, celebrating exceptional graduate talent across disciplines like fashion, textiles, animation, and product design, will feature over 30 prizes supported by top sponsors including John Lewis, The Conran Shop, and Hallmark.
Price: £15.20
Presented by Pooja Singhal, founder of Pichvai Tradition & Beyond, Feast, Melody and Adornment is the collective’s first major London exhibition. Featuring over 500 hand-painted works, it celebrates the 400-year-old Indian art of Pichvai, tracing its journey from temple tradition to contemporary revival.
Since 2015, Singhal has worked with master artists in Udaipur to preserve and reimagine this sacred art form for modern audiences.
David Nicholls, bestselling author of One Day and You Are Here, celebrates the paperback release of his No.1 Sunday Times novel with a special event. He’ll reflect on his 20-year career, from Starter for Ten to award-winning screenplays and Netflix adaptations, sharing insights on love, nostalgia, and storytelling.
Join him for a lively conversation, a Q&A, and signed copies of You Are Here. Monica Heisey joins in London, Nikesh Shukla in Bristol.
From £25
One man’s dream of the NHS, Aneurin ‘Nye’ Bevan, the driving force behind the NHS, takes center stage in this powerful play, which traces his journey from coalfields to Parliament and his epic battles with Churchill. Michael Sheen returns as Nye Bevan in this acclaimed production. Written by Tim Price and directed by Rufus Norris, the play celebrates the life and legacy of the man who transformed Britain’s welfare state. After a sell-out run, it returns to the Olivier Theatre.
Price From £20
Explore the V&A neighbourhood on this walking tour led by V&A Academy Course Director Mike Berlin. Discover the history and architecture of the museum, nearby institutions, and South Kensington’s grand homes, tracing its transformation from a semi-rural area to the cultural hub of Albertopolis, inspired by Prince Albert. Starting off-site, the tour covers South Kensington’s social and cultural history from 1851 to today. You’ll receive a handout to revisit the route and highlights. This tour complements the London: The Global City 1851 to 2020 course, but is open to all—no course enrollment needed.
Price: £70
The 2025 Love Supreme Jazz Festival returns to Glynde Place, East Sussex, offering a weekend of world-class music, sunshine, and celebration. With a genre-blending lineup featuring Jacob Collier, Maxwell, Nile Rodgers & CHIC, and Smokey Robinson, the festival brings together jazz, soul, funk, and more across multiple stages. Beyond the music, expect wellness sessions, spoken word, DJ sets, great food, and family-friendly fun, making it the perfect summer escape for music lovers of all kinds.
Price From £209
Blue Mountain School presents its first-ever design-focused warehouse sale, offering up to 70% off a curated selection of objects, furniture, artworks, and ceramics. Spanning over a decade of collaborations, this is a rare chance to collect unique pieces from their roster of celebrated makers.
Relaxed Day Visit, 4th July, 45 Minutes Long, Dennis Severs' House, 18 Folgate Street, London, E1 6BX
Experience a more relaxed visit to 18 Folgate Street, where talking is welcome as you explore Dennis Severs’ richly imagined home. Unlike the usual Silent Visits, this event lets you take your time, enjoy the details, and learn about the house’s unique history and the vision behind its creation.
Price: £16
Pride in London Parade 2025 celebrates the UK’s largest and most diverse LGBTQ+ event. Run by a passionate team of staff and volunteers, Pride in London relies on donations and partnerships to keep the event free and inclusive for all. Pride is more than a parade. With events like Pride’s Got Talent and the Human Rights Forum, they provide vital platforms for LGBTQ+ voices and creativity. All are welcome—regardless of race, faith, gender, sexuality, or ability—and they’re especially committed to amplifying underrepresented voices across the community.
The Grand Finale is a fun-filled day out for the whole family! Heath Street will be closed to traffic and transformed with over 110 stalls offering artisan crafts, designer fashion, and delicious international food and drink — so come hungry! With live entertainment, a funfair, Sport Zone, and Circus School for kids, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Make a day of it!
Free
Week Commencing 7th July
They are incredibly excited that author Leo Robson and journalist James Marriott will be in conversation in Shepherds Bush Market. They will discuss literature, literary criticism, and Robson’s fantastic debut novel, The Boys, one of the New Statesmen’s Best Books of 2025.
Price: £5 (Includes Drinks)
Being the favourite comes at a price. When the opposition leader resigns in scandal, outsider Angad Singh becomes the unlikely frontrunner. He could win, make history—even change everything—if only his sisters stay silent. BAFTA winner Adeel Akhtar stars in this razor-sharp debut by Shaan Sahota, directed by Daniel Raggett (Accidental Death of an Anarchist).
Price From £49
This July, the Somerset House Summer Series returns with 11 nights of unforgettable open-air gigs in their iconic courtyard. Celebrating 25 years of cultural innovation, this year’s edition features powerful performances from some of the world’s most influential artists.
Inter Alia, 10th July — 13th September, Lyttelton Theatre, National Theatre, South Bank, London, SE1 9PX
A searing new play from the team behind Prima Facie. Top Crown Court Judge Jessica Parks is sharp, fearless, and pushing for change in the justice system. At home, she’s a devoted wife, mum—and secret karaoke star. But when one event threatens to upend everything, can she keep her family together? Rosamund Pike (Saltburn) makes her National Theatre debut in Suzie Miller and Justin Martin’s powerful follow-up to Prima Facie—a bold look at motherhood, masculinity, and what it takes to stay standing.
Price From £25
Join a fascinating volunteer-led tour of Bessie Surtees House, one of Newcastle’s most remarkable historic buildings. Explore its stunning 16th and 17th-century Jacobean architecture and hear the romantic tale of Bessie Surtees and John Scott. Knowledgeable guides bring the house and Newcastle’s rich Quayside history to life with captivating stories of its past residents and role in the city’s heritage.
Free
An Evening with Deborah Levy and Paul Heber-Percy. Celebrate the unveiling of Paul Heber-Percy’s portrait of novelist Deborah Levy in the History Makers Gallery with a special in-conversation event.
Chaired by frieze editor-in-chief Andrew Durbin, the discussion explores the creative process behind the portrait and what it means to capture identity through art. A unique chance to hear from two leading cultural voices as they reflect on collaboration, creativity, and portraiture.
Price: £15
Set in the stunning grounds of Paxton House, this event features over 80 stalls offering antiques and curiosities—from architectural pieces and furniture to books, jewellery, lighting, paintings, and garden finds.
The Idler Festival returns to Fenton House, Hampstead, for a joyful weekend of philosophy, comedy, music, talks, and relaxation in beautiful walled gardens. Headliners include Michael Palin, Stewart Lee, and Rowan Williams, with appearances from Daisy Dunn, Miranda Sawyer, and more.
Enjoy dancing on the lawn, DJ sets in the orchard, inspiring talks, workshops, walks, and salons in the house. Join fellow idlers for a weekend of merriment, insight, and slow living in one of London’s most idyllic settings.
Gathered Hands Pop Up, 12th July, 10 am - 7 pm, Rochelle Hall Market, 5 Playground Gardens, London, E2 7FA
Karina Banks popping up once again in an event organising and beautifully curated Gathered Hands hosted at Rochelle Hall. Karina will be bringing a selection of their classics, Print Kits + samples, and some dun dun brand new pieces.
Clare has it all—wealth, status, and a fabulous life in medieval Assisi. But when she meets Francis on the streets, everything changes. His radical ideas shake her world, and suddenly the path to a perfect noble marriage doesn’t seem so perfect after all. Starring Arsema Thomas (Queen Charlotte) in her stage debut and Freddy Carter (Shadow and Bone), this sharp, hilarious comedy reimagines the stories of Saint Clare and Saint Francis. Written by Chiara Atik—winner of the 2022 American Theatre Critics Award—and directed by Blanche McIntyre (National Theatre, RSC, Globe).
Price From £15
Get to know your local museum at their annual Neighbours Day, a free community open day for Lambeth residents. Whether you’ve never visited or are a regular, join them for a Garden Party-themed day inspired by their Cecil Beaton exhibition, with free entry for all attendees. Enjoy face painting, gardening activities, live music from Lambeth Wind Orchestra, a strawberry DNA extraction workshop, Tai Chi in the Healing Garden, family dancing with Julia Korning, herbal tea blending, and much more!
Free Entry
Week Commencing 14th July
Now in its seventh year, the Young Artists Summer Show returns as a free, open-submission exhibition for UK students aged 4–18. At the Royal Academy of Arts, supporting artists has been their mission since 1768. This show celebrates and nurtures young talent, with selected works judged by a panel of artists and arts professionals, displayed both online and at the Academy.
Free
The Clink Charity hosts a one-night-only five-course dinner with Mark Hix at HMP Brixton. This event kicks off a series of chef collaborations to support The Clink’s mission to reduce re-offending. Guests will hear from Mark and charity reps and can meet the chef. Mark Hix, a leading British chef, has crafted a special menu with Clink chef trainers and students, highlighting how hospitality transforms lives in prison.
Price £80
RHS Flower Show Wentworth Woodhouse invites the whole family to enjoy a day of summer gardening fun. Explore unique gardens, talks, children’s activities, floral displays, markets, and delicious food and drink. Open to the public and RHS members, with members receiving discounted tickets and exclusive access.
Price From £26.85
Three iconic English gardens—Long Barn, Beth Chatto Gardens, and Hestercombe—were shaped by pioneering women whose influence still guides horticulture today. In this special Garden Masterclass event, custodians Annie Guilfoyle, Rebecca Lemonius, Julia Boulton, and Claire Greenslade come together to celebrate the legacy of Vita Sackville-West, Beth Chatto, and Gertrude Jekyll. They share insights on caring for these historic gardens, balancing preservation with evolution, and the joy of gardening in their footsteps.
Price: £10–£18
Music + Life captures iconic moments in 20th-century culture, from reggae’s soulful spirit to punk’s rebellious edge. Morris’s candid photos reveal intimate portraits of legends like Bob Marley and the Sex Pistols, showing the trust and connection behind the lens. Join a guided tour led by Lydia Larson to explore this powerful collection.
A festival rooted in ideas, exploring the garden as a radical, resilient, and restorative space. For four summer days, gardeners, artists, activists, designers, and thinkers come together for talks, performances, walks, and workshops. Enjoy ticketed events on indoor and outdoor stages, a free fringe with demos and how-to sessions, a plant and makers market, Brighton and Hove’s City Books pop-up, and the walled garden in full bloom—plus plenty of shady spots for picnics and relaxation.
Tickets From £60
The Spotlight Market returns to London at MKII in Clapton. Bringing together top antiques dealers, the market offers a curated selection of unique furniture, art, sculpture, and objects spanning diverse styles and eras. Co-founded by siblings Katie and Sam Ridges, the event showcases the best digital-era dealers in a physical space, making it a must-visit for collectors and design lovers seeking one-of-a-kind treasures.
Join them this summer in the garden and farmyard for weekly themed activities the whole family can enjoy. Many activities are included with your entry ticket. Celebrate summer at Chatsworth with Garden Olympics, face painting, guinea pig cuddles, crafts, and more!
Winifred Nicholson (1893–1981) is best known for her paintings, but she was also passionate about rag rug making in Cumbria. The Cumbrian Rag Rugs exhibition features 25 works from the 1920s–70s, showcasing Nicholson’s collaborations with local women and family near her Bankshead home.
Nicholson helped revive this traditional craft, inviting friends and family to design rugs made by local women. The show includes rugs, sketches, tools, and archival items, plus works by five contemporary artists inspired by Nicholson.
The Soho Fete returns for its special 50th celebration in St Anne’s Gardens from noon, featuring six hours of live entertainment, the French House Bar, snail racing, the Human Fruit Machine, stalls, a Soho Police vs. Fire Tug of War, and the famous Soho Waiters race—can anyone beat three-time champ Endri from Dean Street Townhouse? Soho Society members get priority entry—join the society to access this.
The fete is free and supported by Soho businesses, volunteers, stallholders, and musicians.
Week Commencing 21st July
Atelier Ellis opens a new Bermondsey studio in a restored bottle factory, blending manufacturing and retail. Visitors can see paints hand-mixed on site and consult the team. Founded in 2018 by Cassandra Ellis, the brand is known for its poetic, artisanal approach to colour and design. The bright, calm space features natural materials and areas for research, colour-making, and collaboration. Regular events and workshops will offer deeper insight into their creative process.
Latitude is a popular four-day music and arts festival held each July at Henham Park, Suffolk. Since its start in 2006, it’s offered a diverse mix of music, comedy, theatre, poetry, dance, literature, wellness, food, and a big kids’ programme. Founded by Melvin Benn, the festival has always focused on unique, non-mainstream artists and a wide range of creative experiences.
Price £308
Week Commencing 28th July
MOI [pronounced m-o-y] is a new Japanese-inspired restaurant soon opening on Wardour Street, Soho. MOI will offer a carefully crafted menu focused on hand-made sushi and Japanese-inspired grilled dishes. Expect authentic flavours and a fresh take on traditional Japanese cooking in the heart of Soho.
Join for art, music, talks, and making, with after-hours access to the new exhibition Lubaina Himid with Magda Stawarska: Another Chance Encounter at Kettle’s Yard. Explore the exhibition with spotlight tours, and join artist Damaris Athene for a creative workshop inspired by Himid’s work—create collages, drawings, or postcards. DJ Bosslady will spin African-influenced electronic and global beats. Food and drinks are available from The Garden Kitchen café, plus pop-up talks throughout the evening.
Price: £8
New Film Releases
Jurassic World: Rebirth (2nd July), Hot Milk (4th July), Four Letters Of Love (18th July)
Antique Markets & Fairs
Auctions
Christie's, Old Masters, 19th Century Paintings and Drawings from a Private Collection - 2nd July Bonhams, Old Master Painting - 2nd July Sotheby's, Master Works on Paper from Five Centuries - 2nd July
Woolley & Wallis, A Connoisseur's Eye - Michael Foster Ltd - The Personal Collection of the late Michael & Margaret Susands - 2nd July
Dreweatts, Kindred Spirits: The Artistic World of Sir Stanley Spencer, Modern & Contemporary Art - 10th July
Comments