We’ve curated a quick list of events that we think you would love this month, that aren’t too far from our Mile End campus!
Want to make the most of London this June? Overwhelmed with how many events and opportunities are happening in this city? We’ve curated a quick list of events that we think you would love this month, that aren’t too far from our Mile End campus! Whatever your interests or hobbies are, there’s bound to be something here that you will enjoy.
Peopling the Palaces, BLOC at Queen Mary, 4-8 June
Peopling the Palaces Festival is an annual celebration of performance, workshops, and events that showcase the work of Queen Mary academics, artists, students and alumni. This year’s theme is ‘Resistance’. Held on campus in BLOC, you can expect collaborative workshops on resistance, a live podcast recording, a performance party, and even a Friday night film screening with popcorn and a Cocktail Salon! Engage creatively and critically with themes of resistance and meet some fellow Queen Mary creatives and academics at the same time! Find out more information here.
Little Simz’ Meltdown, Southbank Centre, 12-22 June
This year marks Meltdown Festival’s 30th edition of the longest-running artist-curated music festival. Every year, the festival selects an artist to curate the line up, with previous directors including the likes of David Bowie and Patti Smith. This year, the critically acclaimed London rapper Little Simz has brought an incredible lineup of British and international artists to the Southbank Centre. Performers include Mahalia, Lola Young, Jon Batiste, and James Blake – to name a few! There are loads of free workshops as part of the festival, plus concessions get 25% off too! Grab your tickets here!
LIDO Festival, Victoria Park, 6-15 June
Just a short walk away from our Mile End campus, Victoria Park is home to an all-new festival this June named ‘LIDO Festival’ after the historic Lido Field in Victoria Park. Much like Meltdown Festival, LIDO Festival’s headliners take the lead on event curation. Spanned over two weekends, headliners include Massive Attack, Jamie xx, Outbreak Fest, London Grammar and Charli xcx. Want to kick off festival season right on your doorstep? Click here to purchase your tickets.
West End LIVE, Trafalgar Square, 21-22 June
Another anniversary being celebrated this June is West End LIVE’s 20th edition. Hosted in the iconic Trafalgar Square, West End LIVE is the perfect way to get an exclusive taste of the nation’s favourite shows currently on the West End. And the best part? It’s completely free to enter! With ice cream, coffee and Pimm’s vendors, this is bound to be a weekend to remember with watching some of the great theatrical talent sing their hearts out on stage! Learn more about this event here.
Best of British: Comedy Shorts Screening, Gensis Cinema, 28 June
If you haven’t visited Genesis Cinema, you’re missing out! An independent cinema with heritage dating back to 1848 that still boasts affordable and accessible cinema tickets – perfect for our Queen Mary students! A great way to get familiar with the cinema is their ‘Best of British: Comedy Shorts Screening event’ later in the month. For only £12, you can watch 8 award-winning short films over the course of 90 minutes, including introductions from each director! This unique event is one that you film lovers will not want to miss! Click here for more information and tickets.
Open House, BST Hyde Park, 30 June-10 July
You may already know of BST Hyde Park with its superstar performers like Olivia Rodrigo, Noah Kahan and Sabrina Carpenter – but did you know they also host an Open House, which hosts various (mostly) free events over eight days between June and July? Events include Wimbledon screenings, DJ sets, Bongo’s Bingo Party, and even outdoor cinema screenings (that include a Wicked Singalong session!) These events are a great chance to check out the glamourous festival grounds in the iconic park, while spending time with friends in the sunshine. Check out the full schedule here.
Yoshitomo Nara exhibition, Hayward Gallery (Southbank Centre), 10 June–31 August
The largest European retrospective of one of Japan’s most celebrated artists, Yoshitomo Nara, opens at the Hayward Gallery this June! The exhibition features more than 150 works in drawing, sculpture, installation and ceramics, meaning you can truly experience the world of Nara’s art in one exhibition trip. This increasingly trendy artist produces nostalgic yet haunting images citing themes of resistance, rebellion, isolation, freedom and spirituality, and is truly one-of-a-kind. Find out more information and book here. Top tip: Under 30s can get discounted tickets for only £10 at set concession times!