Taste of London, Regent’s Park
An annual celebration of the capital’s culinary calibre, Taste of London sees some of the city’s most progressive and interesting restaurants and chefs gather for a series of tastings, masterclasses and cooking sessions at Regent’s Park. Over the four days you’ll be able to sample signature dishes from Pollen Street Social, Maze, Yauatcha and more, while chefs including Wolfgang Puck and Nuno Mendes will be in attendance. As with previous years, the 2012 event also includes a series of special events to reflect the most recent dining developments. This year the San Pellegrino VIP Dining Experience with Theo Randall will see the Intercontinental Hotel Hyde Park chef concoct a special four-course menu for the event; the Taste of London’s Secret Garden will provide an intimate and exclusive new dining and drinking area; a Laurent-Perrier champagne-tasting masterclass will be taking place and specialist beer-tasting sessions are held throughout.
When: June 21-24
Where: Regent’s Park, Marylebone Rd entrance, London NW1 5HA
Tube: Regent’s Park
How much: standard-entry tickets cost £24 in advance or £28 on the door (£12 or £14 respectively for children aged 6-14). Other packages and entry options are available.
City of London Festival, the City
The Goldner Quartet at last year's City of London Festival. Image: Robert Piwko/City of London Festival
Fifty years old in 2012, the City of London Festival returns again this year with an extensive programme of concerts, exhibitions and recitals all held in spectacular landmark locations throughout the City. This year’s theme is City of London – Trading Places with the World, and with a nod towards the Olympics, it explores the history of the City and its relationship with other regions throughout the world. With events taking place over 34 days there’s plenty of entertainment on offer but highlights include the English National Ballet’s performances of two new commissions for the festival by Anthony Downson and Van Le Ngoc, the temporary installation of live music sculptures at Tower Bridge and Monument and a series of free lunchtime concerts by musicians from the Guildhall School.
When: June 24 – July 27
Where: throughout the City
How much: prices vary
Greenwich and Docklands International Festival, Greenwich
Reliably engaging and innovative, the Greenwich and Docklands International Festival fuses theatre, dance, art and music to create a ten-day-long cultural spectacular. This year highlights include the world premiere of Crow by the Handspring Puppet Company, best known for their work with the National Theatre production of War Horse; the return of the Greenwich Fair and the Word on the Street series of outdoor theatre performances. As ever, festival organisers have done a good job of making many of the major events and performances free and open to all.
When: June 21-30
Where: throughout Greenwich
How much: prices vary
Free Range Art and Design 2012; The Old Truman Brewery
Brick Lane becomes even more vibrant in mid-summer, with the return of the annual Free Range Art and Design show. Lasting two months, the continually changing exhibition showcases works by some of the country’s most talented young creatives, with displays featuring art, photography, textiles, illustration, interiors and product design. This is the biggest show for graduates of art and design in Europe so you can expect to discover some exceptionally promising emerging talents if you visit. For those inspired to learn more, a series of workshops and talks run alongside the main exhibitions.
When: until July 16
Where: The Old Truman Brewery, 91 Brick Lane, London E1 6QL
Tube: Liverpool Street
How much: free
London Wonderground, Southbank Centre
The Boom Boom Club at this year's London Wonderground Photo: Boom Boom Club
Cabaret, circus and music are all fused at the all-summer-long London Wonderground, now on at the Southbank Centre. In its inaugural year, the free-spirited festival is being held in a 1920s Spiegeltent and brings a Coney Island-style celebration of the curious and eccentric to the South Bank. The headline production is Cantina, a sultry combination of acrobatics, vaudeville, magic and music intended for adults, while there will also be performances from Irish chanteuse Camille O’Sullivan and playful cabaret shows hosted by the Boom Boom Club.
When: until September 30
Where: Jubilee Gardens, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX
Tube: Waterloo
How much: prices vary
Udderbelly Festival, the Southbank Centre
Image: Belinda Lawley
Now in its fourth year, the Udderbelly Festival has already made a significant impact on Londoners thanks to its excellent comedy programme and distinctive venue – performances are held in a huge, partially inflated, upside-down purple cow. Performing this year are Tim Minchin, Sean Hughes, Andi Osho, Patrick Monahan and many more – the festival continues until July so there’s plenty of time to visit but expect the most popular acts to sell out soon. As well as comedy, there are family shows, theatre performances and musical experimentations.
When: until July 8
Where: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd London SE1 8XX
Tube: Waterloo
How much: prices vary
Source: www.telegraph.co.uk
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