Festivals

With the music industry feeling the bite of global recession, the number of free music festivals taking place in London this summer has dropped dramatically.

If you want to see your favorite DJs and bands, it looks like splashing out on a ticket is the only way... so here's a guide to the best London music festivals, to make sure your money goes towards the right day out!

Can't spare the cash? You can win London festival tickets here...

For everyone

1 - 31 July: iTunes Festival

Music: Well-known bands such as 90s Britpop stars Oasis, Snow Patrol and hot new girl group, The Saturdays.

Vibe: More than 60 intimate gigs are held in Camden throughout July. Famous for its atmosphere, the Roundhouse will host a wide range of artists that everyone can sing along to.

Cost: The best yet - it's free! Just sign up at iTunes Live to be entered into the ticket draw.

Where to stay: You can crash in Camden itself at one of a number of cheap London hostels. Try St. Christopher's Inn - Camden where you can party late in their bar, then take advantage of the area's vibrant markets when you've recovered the next day.

30 - 31 August: Notting Hill Carnival

Music: Caribbean style, with plenty of samba in the parade, plus dub and reggae blaring from the smaller soundsystems set up through the streets.

Caribbean style, with plenty of samba in the parade, plus dub and reggae blaring from the smaller soundsystems set up through the streets.

Vibe:  Family-friendly on Sunday, with a more adult and alcohol-based event on Monday. The now world-famous carnival attracts crowds of millions to West London every year – expect a raucous, street party atmosphere, with huge numbers of people caught up in its music and energy.

Cost: The carnival itself is free but enterprising locals make it hard to enjoy a cheap day out – shops in the area (and residents with a cooler) put food and drink prices up to a premium and you’ll have to pay to use the toilet.

Where to stay: In the action at UMI London - transport links and roads are snarled up all weekend so stick to the Notting Hill district.

For jazz lovers

8 - 12 July: Greenwich Beer and Jazz Festival

Music: Established stars Courtney Pine and the James Taylor Quartet share a stage with young hopefuls from the jazz, funk, Latin and blues scenes.

Vibe: The perfect place for lazy afternoons of beer and blues – real ales, summer cocktails, a ‘Festival Soul Foods Garden’ and a spot on the banks of the Thames make this London festival a hidden gem.

Cost: Budget-friendly: from £7 for weeknights up to £20 on Saturday night.

Where to stay: St. Christopher's Inn - Greenwich is right nearby so you won’t have to mess up your jazz buzz trekking across London on a night bus.

For rock stars

18 - 19 July: Lovebox

Music: The eclectic line-up includes Duran Duran (their sole festival appearance in 2009), Groove Armada and critics’ darlings, Florence and the Machine.

Vibe: Set in sprawling Victoria Park, Lovebox is one big, bold, rock n roll weekender. Enjoy swish Borough Market-sourced snacks and a massage, or simply rave it up to your favourite bands amongst the excitable glowstick-waving crowd.

Cost: One day will set you back £42.50, whilst £75 will let you rock out for a whole weekend.

Where to stay: The East End is a bit short on hostels, but it’s an easy hop on the tube or bus back into central London where there are plenty of cheap places to crash. Embrace rock legend and stay at The Clink, a former courthouse where The Clash were once on up trial.

For rappers

4 - 5 July: O2 Wireless

Music: Dizzee Rascal, The Streets, Kanye West and Basement Jaxx are set to take the stage in Hyde Park this summer.

Vibe: An all-day party in the park – games, beer gardens and fairground rides are as much as part of the fun as the artists.

Cost:  You get what you pay for – big names like these attract a hefty £80 price tag for the weekend or £45 a day.

Where to stay: After a non-stop day of rides, games and rap, stagger to Astor Hyde Park on the edge of event and snooze before day two begins.

For the rave crew

29 August: South West Four

Music: It’s a clubber’s heaven – legends Sasha and John Digweed top the bill, backed up by Eric Prydz, Richie Hawtin and a long list of other DJs, from the big stars to new underground talent.

Vibe: Cool house and trance fans flock to the stellar line-up every year for a day of celebrating the talented mixes and stomping about on Clapham Common.

Cost: On the pricey side at £45, but it is London’s best dance music festival.

Where to stay: Clubbers don’t need sleep! Gigalum bar in Clapham will carry on the party with some weekend house or head to The Clink, where they’ll be having a fancy dress DJ night...

30 August: Get Loaded in the Park

Music: The very best and biggest names on the dance music scene including the mighty Orbital, Norwegian duo Royksopp and German electro stars Bookashade.

Vibe: Groove to the hottest beats of the year on Clapham Common from midday to sunset, with a true open-air summer-of-love festival atmosphere that’s rarely found in the city.

Cost: Tickets are a reasonable £35 – but you can win London festival tickets to Get Loaded in the Park!

Where to stay: Wind down from a rave-up high before bed with The Clink's happy dance mix at their ‘IPod plays pop’ night. 

For the alternative crowd

1 August: Field Day

Music: Awesomely alternative headliners include electro legend Erol Alkan, dub hero DJ Skream, folk girl Little Boots and sparkling indie band the Mystery Jets.

Vibe: All about the line-up. Still in its early days (2009 will be the number three), there have been a few teething problems with sound quality, rain and toilets but fingers crossed it’ll be third time lucky.

Cost: Tickets are £33.25 for the day, but you get a packed schedule for your money, including games on the ‘Village Green.’

Where to stay: Victoria Park is out in the East End so your best bet finding somewhere to stay is to head into the city center towards Kings Cross or London Bridge