A well-rounded student should not be limited to participating in school-related activities only. They should also be exposed to extra-curricular events that will spark their interests, widen their knowledge, and empower them to follow their passion.

Whether you are a parent, teacher, or student looking for student-friendly events in London below is our curated list of festivals and celebrations that students can take advantage of for the rest of 2023. Note that dates and venues may change before the event, so make sure to regularly monitor the event you wish to attend and stay updated.

MUSIC FESTIVALS

Camden Rocks Festival

When: September 01 to 30, 2023
Venue: The Underworld, 174 Camden High St, London

The Camden Rocks Festival is an independent festival showcasing hundreds of the best new and established bands, across twenty legendary venues in Camden Town, London, featuring weekly rock-n-roll club nights held at The Underworld starting from September 1 to 30, 2023.

Pitchfork Festival London

When: November 07 to 13, 2023
Venue: Roundhouse, Chalk Farm Rd, London

Launched in 2021, the Pitchfork Festival London is known for showcasing a diverse range of independent and emerging artists across various genres. This year, the schedule of the music festival will be from November 7 to 13, featuring specially curated one-off events and unique happenings that will take place across some of London’s best venues.

EFG London Jazz Festival

When: November 10 to 19, 2023
Venue: Southbank Centre, London

The EFG London Jazz Festival is an annual music festival held in London and recognized as one of the largest and most prestigious jazz festivals in the world. Featuring a diverse lineup of jazz and related music genres such as blues, soul, funk, and world music, art and music-inclined students will appreciate the event. The festival aims to showcase both established and emerging artists from the international jazz scene.

ART EXHIBITS

London Design Festival

When: September 16 to 24, 2023
Venue: Victoria and Albert Museum, Cromwell Rd, London

The London Design Festival is an annual event that celebrates and showcases design in its various forms, bringing together designers, artists, architects, and creative professionals from around the world to present their work, share ideas, and engage with the public. Taking place for several days, students can take advantage of art exhibitions and installations, various talks and seminars, open studios, and retail and pop-up shops among many others.

Frieze London and Frieze Masters

When: October 11 to 15, 2023
Venue: The Regent’s Park, London

Frieze London and Frieze Masters are two prominent contemporary art fairs that take place annually in London. They are important events in the international art calendar and attract collectors, galleries, artists, curators, and art enthusiasts from around the world.

The Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair

When: October 26 to 29, 2023
Venue: The Fireworks Factory, Royal Arsenal, Woolwich, London

The Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair is an annual art event that focuses on showcasing contemporary printmaking. The fair provides a platform for artists who work in various printmaking techniques, including etching, lithography, screen printing, linocut, and more. It offers a diverse range of print-based artworks for both collectors and art enthusiasts.

FILM SCREENINGS AND FESTIVALS

Open City Documentary Festival

When: September 6 to 12, 2023
Venue: Various venues throughout London

The Open City Documentary Festival is an annual event that celebrates and promotes the art of documentary filmmaking. It is held in London, United Kingdom, and focuses on showcasing a diverse range of non-fiction films from around the world. The festival provides a platform for both established and emerging documentary filmmakers to present their work to a global audience, inspiring and empowering students to pursue their passion for filmmaking.

BFI London Film Festival

When: October 4 to 15, 2023
Venue: Various venues throughout London

The BFI London Film Festival (LFF) is one of the most prestigious and significant film festivals in the world, showcasing a diverse range of films from various genres, countries, and cultures. The festival is organized by the British Film Institute (BFI), a leading organization in promoting and preserving film culture.

Raindance Film Festival

When: October 25 to November 4, 2023
Venue: BFI Southbank, London

Another well-known film festival in the world, the Raindance Film Festival is dedicated to showcasing independent films from around the world. The festival’s focus is on promoting and celebrating innovative, unconventional, and diverse filmmaking.

CULTURAL CELEBRATIONS

Res Artis 2023 — Culture Connect

When: September 6 to 9, 2023
Venue: University College London, Gower St, London

Res Artis is an international network of artist residencies that aims to promote and support the practice of artists, curators, and writers by providing opportunities for cultural exchange, artistic development, and collaboration. This year’s theme of Res Artis is “Culture Connect” which students in London and surrounding areas can benefit from.

Black History River Cruise

When: October 1, 2023
Venue: Temple Pier, London

The Black History River Cruise in London is a cultural and educational experience that focuses on highlighting the history and contributions of Black individuals and communities in the city. This cruise takes place on the River Thames, offering participants a unique perspective on London’s history while focusing on the often underrepresented stories of Black people in the city.

2023 Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

When: November 17, 2023 to January 01, 2024
Venue: Louisa Duckworth Walk, London

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is an annual winter holiday festive event held in Hyde Park, London. It’s a large-scale winter festival that typically features a wide range of attractions, entertainment, activities, and holiday-themed experiences for visitors of all ages. Students and adults can enjoy fairground rides, Christmas markets, ice skating, and other fun and exciting activities.

By encouraging our students to attend and participate in art exhibits, cultural shows, and entertainment festivals in London, we are opening their eyes and piquing their interest in exploring creative activities outside their academic curriculum. This will help them identify their passion and follow their creative dreams.