Between the Olympics and the Jubilee, last summer was certainly a brilliant time to be in London – but summer 2013 will also offer a chance to see the capital at its best, with a huge range of festivals and activities in store.
ART
Summer Exhibition 2013
Royal Academy, June 10-August 18
The world’s largest open submission contemporary art show will showcase an eclectic range of emerging and established artists. Showing simultaneously in the Sackler Wing is Mexico: A Revolution in Art, 1910-1940, commemorating the country’s turbulent revolution era through the work of both Mexican and international artists. www.royalacademy.org.uk
Patrick Caulfield and Gary Hume
Tate Britain, June 5-September 1
The work of two leading British artists will be presented in parallel exhibitions, with the chance to see both for the price of one. Caulfield’s and Hume’s pop art-inspired canvases contrast yet complement one another – Caulfield’s works are bold and linear, while those of his younger cohort are pastel and abstract. Also on show is Lowry and the Painting of Modern Life, with 80 works by the Lancashire-born artist. www.tate.org.uk
Ibrahim El-Salahi: A Visionary Modernist
Tate Modern, July 3-September 22
Marking the first UK exhibition of this prominent African Modernist, 100 abstract works from El-Salahi’s 50-year career will be on show. The Sudanese artist’s non-figurative style fuses characteristics of Islamic, African, Arabic and Western culture, and his subject matter includes his wrongful imprisonment in the 1980s. www.tate.org.uk
DESIGN
London Festival of Architecture
June 1-30
Honouring London’s role as a global centre for design, the festival features ticketed and free events, including walking tours, lectures and exhibitions. The Barbican Art Gallery has commissioned Dalston House, a public installation by Argentina’s Leandro Erlich that comprises a life-size façade of a house, to encourage discussion about regeneration in Hackney. www.londonfestivalofarchitecture.org
Club to Catwalk: London Fashion in the 1980s
V&A Museum, July 10-February 16
The daring dresses, edgy jackets and vibrant suits on display at the V&A are inspired by 80s club scene attire. The show features over 80 ensembles by the likes of John Galliano, Betty Jackson and Katharine Hamnett, and outfits worn by Adam Ant. www.vam.ac.uk
Richard Rogers: Inside Out
Royal Academy, July 18-October 13
The famed architect’s London buildings include the O2 Arena and Lloyd’s Building. This exhibition will feature drawings and design material from his astounding career, and coincides with his 80th birthday. www.royalacademy.org.uk
THEATRE
Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
Until September 8
Enjoy theatrical classics and (hopefully) balmy weather in the park’s 1,240-seat amphitheatre. This year’s programme features Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale, The Sound of Music, Dinosaur Zoo, and an adaptation of To Kill a Mockingbird. http://openairtheatre.com
Sweet Bird of Youth
Old Vic, June 1-August 31
Kim Cattrall plays the role of washed-up movie star Alexandra Del Lago in Tennessee Williams’ play, directed by Marianne Elliott. www.oldvictheatre.com
The Cripple of Inishmaan
Noel Coward Theatre, June 8-Aug 31
Daniel Radcliffe stars in this revival of Martin McDonagh’s comedy about an Irish orphan with Hollywood ambitions. Michael Grandage directs.
www.delfontmackintosh.co.uk
Fences
Duchess Theatre, June 19-Sept 14
Lenny Henry takes on the melancholy role of Troy Maxson in August Wilson’s story of a crumbling American family facing failed dreams. www.duchesstheatre.co.uk
Private Lives
Gielgud Theatre, June 22-Sept 21
Toby Stephens and Anna Chancellor play indecisive divorcees in Noel Coward’s classic farce.
www.london-theatreland.co.uk
MUSIC
Opera Holland Park
June 4-August 3
The London Sinfonia Orchestra will perform at each of the season’s seven outdoor shows, with Puccini’s Madame Butterfly and Will Todd’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland among the
line-up. www.operahollandpark.com
Spitalfields Music Summer Festival
June 7-22
Head to East London for this smorgasbord of sound, comprising 46 events. Highlights include the Early Opera Company’s production of Handel’s Susanna and a fusion of jazz and beat boxing from Open Souls. www.spitalfieldsmusic.org.uk
DANCE
Some Like it Hip Hop
Peacock Theatre, until June 30
A loose interpretation of Some Like It Hot and Twelfth Night, Zoonation Dance Company delivers hip-hop moves, singing and acting. www.sadlerswells.com
Swan Lake
Royal Albert Hall, June 12-23
The English National Ballet will perform Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece, to be staged in the round with choreography by Derek Deane. www.ballet.org.uk
FILM
East End Film Festival
June 25-July 10
This year’s festival opens with the world premiere of Mark Donne’s tax avoidance documentary The UK Gold, while 100 East London venues will screen free movies for the one-day CINE-East event.
Film4 Summer Screen
Somerset House, August 8-21
A seasonal must in London – movies are screened under the stars in the building’s courtyard against its 18th century façade. The Untouchables and Guys and Dolls are on this year’s programme.
www.somersethouse.org.uk
CULTURE
City of London Festival
June 23-July 26
This citywide event comprises concerts, lectures and art tours celebrating all the capital has to offer. Experience a concert by the London Symphony Orchestra in St Paul’s Cathedral, or explore areas of the Bank of England that are normally restricted to the public. www.colf.org
The Coronation Festival
Buckingham Palace, July 11-14
More than 200 Royal Warrant holders will be showing off their wares in the palace gardens to mark the Queen’s 60th anniversary. Visitors can shop, sample food and watch cooking demonstrations. www.coronationfestival.com
Greenwich AND Docklands International Festival
June 21-29
Hundreds of spectacular outdoor theatre, acrobatic and dance performances will take place throughout Greenwich and Tower Hamlets. www.festival.org
SPORT
MINT Polo in the Park
Hurlingham Park, June 7-9
Teams from Buenos Aires, Abu Dhabi, Sydney, Beijing, Moscow and London will be battling it out in this series of eight polo matches. Spectators can grab a cocktail from the field-side bars and restaurants. www.polointheparklondon.com
Sainsbury’s Anniversary Games
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park,
July 26-28
Relive the emotion and the excitement of London 2012 when Olympic and Paralympic champions return for a world-class showcase of athleticism. The event coincides with the reopening of a section of the Olympic Park to visitors. www.diamondleague-london.com; www.londonlegacy.co.uk
Ride London
August 3-4
Cyclists of all abilities can sign up to Ride London – Free Cycle is an eight-mile (13km) route through central London’s closed-off streets, while more ambitious riders can sign up for the 100-mile (161km) route from the Olympic Park to Surrey.
www.prudentialridelondon.co.uk
FOOD AND DRINK
Foodies Festival
Clapham Common, June 7-9
Sample cuisine from an array of London’s restaurants, including Jamie Oliver’s Barbecoa. Michelin-starred chefs Paul Merrett and Michael Wignall will present demos. http://foodiesfestival.com
Taste of London
Regent’s Park, June 20-23
Gourmands will be able to taste delicacies from 40 restaurants, including Opera Tavern, Gauthier Soho and Gaucho, as well as 200 other food and drink stalls. http://london.tastefestivals.com
Great British Beer Festival
London Olympia, August 13-17
Fuller’s, Greene King and Thwaites are among the 800 ales, ciders and beers to be tasted at this event. www.gbbf.org.uk
