We've all been waiting for summer to arrive for what feels like years, but believe it or not, it's finally upon us. As lockdown restrictions continue to ease [1] and we can finally eat inside again, the time to safely book your summer plans has arrived. If you're one of the many people who have struggled to get a table at your favourite spot — indoors or outdoors — then it's time to get that planner out and get booking.
After almost an entire year of not going out, it seems that the United Kingdom is very much ready to get back to business, and based on the amount of exhibitions, festivals, and events that have recently been announced, it shows. Whether it's the highly awaited return of Yayoi Kusama's Infinity Rooms [2], an immersive Van Gogh exhibition, or a deep dive into the history of sneakers [3] at the Design Museum, there's plenty of things to do in the UK this summer, and we've rounded up some of the best ones that you can book yourself into right now.
Read on to discover some incredible events and things to do that await you this summer.
By Rotation Pop-Up at Westfield London
Clothing rental [4] is currently all the rage, and previously it's been something that hasn't always been accessible to the wider public, but that ends now. Fashion rental app, By Rotation [5], will be unveiling a brand new pop-up at Westfield London from 1 July, in order to bring fashion rental to the masses. The pop-up will not only include the app's most popular products, but will also involve masterclasses and workshops around the topic of sustainability.
By Rotation's founder Eshita Kabra-Davies, said that "we're building an extremely special network of lenders and renters on the app, and I know the pop up will extend this further, inviting a new audience into our space to see the fantastic opportunities rental fashion can provide, meeting like-minded people through our workshops at the same time!"
The Art of Banksy Exhibition
The world's largest touring collection of Banksy artwork is finally here, and tickets are available now. The exhibition takes place in the heart of London's Covent Garden and features iconic works like 'Girl With a Balloon' and 'Rude Copper', along with many more. If you plan to make a day of it, the exhibition has also partnered with the nearby Mercer St. Hotel to offer some pretty impressive afternoon tea packages.
Purchase tickets for The Art of Banksy now [6].
Homecoming Live at Manchester International Festival
Manchester International Festival's 2021 edition will be taking place from 1-18 July, with an exciting array of visual performers and music artists, including Arlo Parks and Pip Millett. Homecoming Live takes place on the penultimate night of the festival, and is set to showcase the most incredible music from Africa, the diaspora, and beyond. Julie Adenuga will host the evening, with performances from Nigerian Afrorave star Rema and Afrobeat act Midas the Jagaban.
Tickets for Homecoming Live will be available soon [7].
Ciroc and Madison's Summer Roof Terrace
If rooftop bars are on your list for this summer, then look no further. Premium vodka brand Ciroc has partnered with Madison's rooftop bar in St Pauls to pair mouthwatering cocktails with an incredible view. The terrace has been transformed into a glorious boho retreat, and will host a number of DJs from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. every weekday, with saxophonists and DJs playing from 12 p.m. till 1 a.m. on weekends.
Make a reservation now [8].
Yayoi Kusama's Infinity Rooms
Initially announced as part of Tate's 20th anniversary celebration, Yayoi Kusama's Infinity Rooms [9] exhibition has been due a return for quite some time, and that time has finally come. A must-visit for art (and Instagram) fans everywhere, the hugely popular exhibition will return to London's Tate Modern from May 2021 until June 2022.
Purchase tickets for Yayoi Kusama's Infinity Rooms now [10].
Worn Pop-Up at Bicester Village
Resale culture [11] is at an all-time high, and so it makes perfect sense that more and more resale pop-ups will start to emerge. One of the most exciting is from Worn, a luxury resale platform developed by Bella Buchanan and Lily Fortescue. Home to some of the world's favourite brands at a fraction of the price, the brand will be hosting a pop-up at Bicester Village that will be available to visit throughout the bank holiday weekend.
Check out the Worn pop-up at Bicester Village now [12].
Sneakers Unboxed: Studio to Street
Presented by sneaker resale app StockX and in collaboration with the Design Museum, Sneakers Unboxed: Studio to Street, is an in-depth look into the history behind one of the most sought-after products to ever exist. Featuring a look back on iconic silhouettes [13], influential collaborations, and the culture that shaped them, the exhibition is a must-visit for sneakerheads everywhere. Running from May to October, the exhibition is available to visit at the Design Museum in Kensington.
Purchase tickets for Sneakers Unboxed: Studio to Street now [14].
Panic, the Experience
If you're excited to watch Amazon Prime Video's new series Panic [15] tonight, then you're in tremendous luck, because not only can you watch it on TV, but now you can also experience it in real life. That's right, the team behind Prime Video is offering fans the chance to join a virtual, immersive escape room set in the world of Panic throughout June. The virtual escape room will invite participants to embark upon a thrilling manhunt for popular varsity athlete Noah Kaplan, who has gone missing from the town of Carp, TX.
Book your tickets for Panic, the Experience now [16].
Van Gogh Alive: Immersive Exhibition
Remember that scene in Emily in Paris [17] when she goes to that epic exhibition with Gabriel and Camille? Well, it's real and it's coming to the UK this summer. Van Gogh Alive is the immersive Van Gogh experience that enables you to see his artwork like never before. Taking place from June to September this year at Kensington Gardens, it's one to add to your summer 2021 list now.
Purchase tickets for Van Gogh Alive now [18].
Urban At-Home Treatments
With the pressures of going out ever-increasing this summer, it's the perfect time to indulge in an at-home treatment with online wellness platform, Urban [19]. Users are able to book treatments in the form of osteopathy, manicures, massages, and facials along with yoga and nutrition sessions. Gift cards are also available to purchase on the platform, enabling users to give the gift of wellness.
Camden Town Brewery's Tank Party
The word "party" is one we've sorely missed hearing over the last 18 months, and at last we have one to celebrate. Camden Town Brewery is back to throwing its infamous London Tank Party, and it's taking place this September.
After visiting Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool and Bristol, the final instalment will hit London on 4-5 September. For all the info, head to Camden Town Brewery's website [20].
CASA Festival
From Thursday 16 to Friday 18 September, Brixton Village will be hosting a series of exhibitions, performances, and installations championing Latinx talent, as part of CASA Festival.
To celebrate the launch of CASA's art installation in Brixton Village, a launch party will be taking place on 16 September in the Brixton Village courtyard. Guests will be able to enjoy live music by Brixton Village Lates, food from some of the markets' most iconic restaurants, and drinks by Jim AND Tonic.
For event information, check out the CASA website [21].
Visit the New Indian-Inspired Cocktail Bar, Bandra Bhai
Bandra Bhai is a brand new cocktail bar located below the iconic Indian restaurant, Pali Hill. Described as a "stylish homage to risqué, retro 1970s India and the old smuggling dens", the bar is adorned with glamorous black and white photos from the '70s and vintage decor and features an extensive list of themed cocktails and snacks.
Check out their website and book a table now [22].