The best festivals in life are free

by Emma Hearle

British summer time is best enjoyed out in the sunshine at one of the many festivals and events on offer in London.

As bank balances plummet at the end of the university year, the wide range of free events across London are a great alternative to the more expensive, well-known annual music festivals.

The wide range of free events across the capital is bound to seduce you:

The Scoop

The Scoop at the More London Free Festival hosts free films, music and theatrical performances at their riverside, outdoor amphitheatre on the south side of Tower Bridge.

This runs from April through to October and includes June’s Fringe free theatre performances.

­­­One of their highlights is the Pantaloons theatre company’s updated version of Macbeth; truly a must-see.

Paradise Gardens Festival

The quirky Paradise Gardens Festival in Victoria Park combines East London’s circus attractions, dance shows, live music and street art.

There’s something for all ages in the heart of the East End and  as part of its fifth birthday celebrations, this year it also showcases both local and international music talents on their Paradise stage.

If you’re feeling brave you can also get your dancing shoes on and step out in the Electro Ballroom where you can learn the popular Colombian folk dance Cumbia.

With toe-tapping beats and smooth rhythms, just perfect with a cerveza as the sun sets over Victoria Park, this year’s festival promises a lot.

Carnaval del Pueblo

If you want Latin American culture at its best, head to the annual Carnaval del Pueblo, held in August in the huge Burgess Park, located between UAL colleges Camberwell and LCC.

The festival has been running for 12 years and is the largest outdoor Latin American event in Europe.

It begins with a procession of floats and music for three miles along the streets of Southwark and ends in the park where you can find regionally--themed food, music and dance represented by different cultures from Latin America.

Notting Hill Carnival

The Notting Hill Carnival still remains the capital’s most famous street event and has been held on the August Bank holiday since 1966.

Find music from samba to steel drums and food from Jamaican patties to plantain, both reminiscent of the carnival’s Caribbean roots. 

This bright and colourful weekend is a must as the streets of come alive to the sound of the Caribbean.

More information:

The Scoop at More London Riverside, SE1. Now - 1 October 2010, Macbeth 2-6 June.

Paradise Gardens Festival, Victoria Park, E3. 19-20 June

Carnaval del Pueblo, Burgess Park, Albany Road, SE5. 1 August

Notting Hill Carnival, 29-30 August. See thenottinghillcarnival.com for more details