Glastonbury schmastonbury: south west London has an impressive three festivals on offer this July, and not a portaloo in sight. There are plenty of family friendly affairs on our list too, with everything from tennis to comedy to get your south west summer off to a flying start.
Balham Comedy Festival, Balham
The Bedford is an institution in south west London and its Banana Cabaret habitually attracts the biggest names in comedy to its annual gag-fest. Discover up-and-coming talent like Allyson June Smith or book ASAP to see the likes of Sara Pascoe, Rich Hall and Joe Lycett take to the stage.
29 June – 8 July, balhamcomedyfestival.com
Stockwell Festival, Clapham
Stockwell Festival returns after a two year break, combining an exciting mix of local street food with crafts and activities, performances and free entertainment. Larkhall Park plays to this lively day out.
1 July, thestockwellfestival.co.uk
Falcon Road Festival, Clapham
This not-for-profit annual festival celebrates the residents and businesses located around Clapham’s Falcon Road. Last year there were cake stands, kids’ fun and games and community-run stalls, and this year looks set to be bigger and better.
1 July, e-voice.org.uk/falconroadfestival/
Wimbledon, Wimbledon
A suggestion: if you are reading this and Wimbledon is underway, why not give your whole team the afternoon off and go for a spot of tennis, Pimms, strawberries and balls galore. Can Murray triumph in the Men’s Singles? Will Serena have another year of sweet success? Edge of your seat stuff, as always.
3- 16 July, wimbledon.com
Four Thieves Fringe, Clapham
Proclaiming itself ‘London’s hottest new stand-up comedy night’, this mini comedy festival at The Four Thieves has a lot to live up to. Fortunately, this stalwart south west London venue has come good on its promise: Ellie Taylor, Shappi Khorsandi and Robin Ince are all on the bill.
5-26 July, laughtrainhome.com/four-thieves-fringe/
Foodstock LDN, Battersea
Two days of local producers, craft beer and live music in the scenic surrounds of Battersea Park – all for £2? We’re in. Head to Yaki Maki for larger-than-life sushi then appease your sweet tooth at Frieda’s Frozen Yoghurt stand – and that is, quite literally, just for starters. Whatever you do, come hungry.
15-16 July, foodstock.london
Social Pantry x Hayman’s gin-paired supper club, Battersea
To be honest, you had us at gin but knowing that the four-course meal is coming from Battersea’s Social Pantry makes this gourmet get-together irresistible. Your evening begins with a sharing starter board of potted crab, before you’ll tuck into spring chicken and finally indulge with an elderflower buttermilk pannacotta, all washed down with a precisely matched concoction of Hayman’s gin.
6 July, socialpantry.co.uk/blog/social-pantry-x-haymans-gin/
The Luna Cinema, various locations
Catch Jaws at Brockwell Lido, Dreamgirls on Tooting Common and Top Gun at Wandsworth Park as Luna Cinema brings big screen classics outside for another season of ‘al fresco’ viewing.
Until October 8, thelunacinema.com
The Feelgood Festival, Roehampton
Back for another year, this festival is run by Regenerate, a youth and community charity that offers hope and transforms lives in south west London. Expect DJs, sports, live music, inflatables, food stalls and a mini fun fair, all for an excellent cause.
29 July, regenerateuk.co.uk
