It’s been a long hard winter, but better times are coming as Summer by the River returns to London Bridge City. Launching on 1 June 2022, it promises to revive weary workers, tourists and locals alike with three months of free entertainment set against stunning views of the capital.
Running until 2 September, this year’s festival is bringing 1930s Miami vibes to the banks of the Thames over three locations – The Scoop, Hay’s Galleria and The Pier.
At The Scoop, Art Deco inspired The Riverside Terrace will offer a little slice of South Beach complete with Taqueria Garcia is bringing the heat with tacos and tequila.
London’s largest free festival will celebrate Miami’s infamous party spirit across all locations, with an eclectic programme of events that will put smiles on faces of all ages. The programme is themed by day and includes Gospeloke (a karaoke night backed by a live Gospel Choir), Dabbers Bingo (the much-loved game injected with music and performers), Hip Hop Weekender (interactive workshops and dance battles between world-renowned artists), Tears of Jenny Greenteeth (the London debut of a Ballet Folk performance), Twelfth Night (a modern take on the Shakespeare classic – set on Love Island), BBC Introducing (showcasing emerging artists), Folk and Roots Stage (spotlighting grassroots acoustic music talent), Bunker (specially commissioned for the festival to bring to life WWII stories from local Southwark residents), Leah Weller (singer-songwriter with music in her veins!) and London Goes Tango (an Argentine-style Milonga).
The opening week of the festival coincides with Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. London Bridge City is one of the official Beacon locations, with its ceremonial lighting on Thursday kicking off proceedings. Over four days, the big screen in The Scoop will air all the official celebrations.
Set against a backdrop of historic royal buildings, with entertainment including the Tower Ravens Rapper Sword Dancers, Lewis-Merthr brass band and a Tea Dance led by Swing Patrol, Summer By The River is the perfect place to mark the milestone.
Heading into July, the festival will embrace another British institution – Wimbledon – with the screen in The Scoop showing all the key matches.
