Free festival season is well and truly upon us and this weekend Paradise Gardens returns to Victoria Park.  With three live music stages, Carters Steam Fair, Tea Dance Tent and much more this is one of the biggest and best of the festivals this Summer.

Tottenham Carnival also takes place on Saturday, beginning with a parade from Eade Road to a festival in Bruce Castle Park where you can catch YESS sound system with the Rise of the Underground 4.0.

Smaller, family events are happening in parks across London over the weekend, check out Twickenham Festival Fun Day on Twickenham Green, the Wellcome Picnic near Euston and Hilly Fields Fayre in Brockley, all on Saturday (21st June).

The ProActive Islington Sports and Cycling Festival is back in the Emirates Stadium on Saturday and West End Live 2009 will see Leicester Square hosting free performances from leading West End Musicals over both days of the weekend.

On Sunday the Exhibition Road Music Day in South Kensington has over 100 live music performances as local venues throw open their doors for the day.   Catch Banco De Gaia in the Royal Geographical Society or head to Hyde Park for live music in the sun.  Gladstonbury Festival also takes place on Sunday with free rickchair rides from Dollis Hill to Gladstone Park.

Finally a man who has contributed more than most to free culture in London has an exhibition opening on Friday.  John 'Hoppy' Hopkins founded underground newspaper International Times, along with seminal 60's 'happening' UFO.  Hoppy was also a successful photography and his iconic images of the 60s, 70s and beyond can be viewed at the Idea Generation Gallery from Friday 19th till the 20th July.

We suppose we should mention the chinless ones attempt at a free festival as well.  A Grand Victorian Fayre takes place at Kenwood House over weekend where you can:

"Marvel at the horsemanship as our lady equestrians, both riding side-saddle, will compete alongside the gentlemen in games including polo, pig-sticking and the famous ‘teapot dash’."

spiffing ...

< Prev   Next >