Yahoo News Best new music festivals in London 2019: From Re-Textured to the Ends
When it comes to festivals, London has it all.
There isn’t another city in Europe — or perhaps even the world — that offers up such a strong showing of music events every year. From the big hitters such as All Points East and South West Four, to the more niche offerings like Brixton Disco Festival and Junction 2, London is alive with the sound of music.
Not content with resting on its laurels, the festival scene grows every year. This summer is no different, with a host of newbies popping up all over the city.
This is our pick of the very best festivals set to land in London for the first time in 2019.
Re-Textured
What is it? An exploration of the relationship between electronic music, visual art and architecture. Organised by Krankbrother, it will bring together some of London’s most famous brutalist and modernist buildings, such as the Southbank Centre, as well as some previously unused venues.
Who’s playing? Nina Kraviz, Objekt, Andy Stott, Deena Abdelwahed and more
When is it? March 28-31
Where is it? Various venues
Tickets: Various prices per event, re-textured.com
The Ends
What is it? A worldly line-up, spread across three days, bringing together some of the biggest names in hip-hop, grime, afrobeat, reggaeton and beyond.
Who’s playing? Nas, Wizkid, Damian Marley, J Balvin and more
When is it? May 31-June 2
Where is it? Lloyd Park, CR0 5RA
Tickets: Weekend passes sold out, single day tickets from £50 each, theendsfestival.co.uk
Cross the Tracks
What is it? Funk, soul and jazz combine for a heady fusion at this Brixton one-dayer. There’s a particular focus on food here, too, with 40 street food traders enlisted to provide the fuel for all the dancing.
Who’s playing? Chaka Khan, Masego, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, Jordan Rakei and more
When is it? June 9
Where is it? Brockwell Park, SE24 9BJ
Tickets: from £35, xthetracks.com
Naked City
What is it? Another new festival from Krankbrother, taking place on a converted golf course in south east London. The eclectic line-up will span jazz, house, disco, drum ‘n’ bass and beyond.
Who’s playing? Neneh Cherry, Ezra Collective, Henry Wu, Moses Boyd and more
When is it? July 27
Where is it? Beckenham Place Park, BR3 5BS
Tickets: £25, nakedcityfestival.com
We Out Here
What is it? Not strictly a London festival, but it’s only a 45-minute train ride away from King’s Cross, meaning it’s still likely to be a hit among those from the capital. It’s Gilles Peterson’s first ever UK festival, weaving DJs together with artists from the booming UK jazz scene.
Who’s playing? Gary Bartz, Theo Parrish, Sons of Kemet, Gilles Peterson and more
When is it? August 15-18
Where is it? Abbots Ripton, Cambridgeshire,
Tickets: from £156, weoutherefestival.com
One Day at the Disco
What is it? A celebration of the genre, bringing together some of the best loved names in the scene. Expect a healthy smattering of house and electro to be chucked into the mix too.
Who’s playing? 2manydjs, Derrick Carter, Detroit Swindle, Colleen ‘Cosmo’ Murphy and more
When is it? August 24
Where is it? Three Mills Island, E3 3DU
Tickets: Not on sale yet, sign-up at onedayatthedisco.co.uk for more info
Maiden Voyage
What is it? A new one-day festival organised by Camden venue the Jazz Cafe. It’s a short but varied line-up, featuring everything from a hip hop master to a set comprised purely of rare African cassette tapes.
Who’s playing? Madlib, Roy Ayers, Gilles Peterson, Awesome Tapes from Africa and more
When is it? August 25
Where is it? Three Mills Island, E3 3DU
Tickets: from £30, maiden-voyage.co.uk
Defected London FSTVL
What is it? The first ever London festival organised by Defected, the iconic house music label which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. The east London site will host around 10,000 people with the music spread across five stages.
Who’s playing? Derrick Carter, Honey Dijon, Joey Negro, Dimitri from Paris and more
When is it? September 14
Where is it? Central Park, Rainham Road, RM10 7EU
Tickets: from £54, defected.com/london
