Gin tasting, half price LSO tickets & a new music festival

An eclectic mix of summer fun

Free talks, workshops and interactive fun this weekend

There’s just a few days to go till The British Academy Summer Showcase 2025! This free festival of ideas takes place on 20 June and 21 June. If you’re quick about it, you might be able to snap up a ticket from a just-released batch for the previously sold-out Friday Late. Otherwise, you’ve still got time to secure a spot at Saturday’s family-friendly extravaganza.

Head to the British Academy’s central London HQ (housed in a gorgeous Georgian townhouse by St James’s Park, FYI) then and get stuck into a riveting range of activities inspired by the humanities and social sciences research shaping how we understand the world today. There are tons of talks taking place, including a history of the humble cowrie shell, an exploration of biosecurity, and a discussion on the importance of linguistic diversity from headliner and co-director of the Endangered Language Alliance, Ross Perlin.

Other highlights on Saturday 21 June include a workshop where you can play the role of an eyewitness helping to catch a criminal, a poetry performance in tribute to the late great Benjamin Zephaniah, and wealth of interactive exhibits. Here, you’ll be transported to an ancient Roman laundry, Baroque ballrooms, London’s first Chinatown, the top deck of an iconic Birmingham bus, and many more intriguing places besides.

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A cinematic LSO concert

Soak up breathtaking music from the silver screen with the London Symphony Orchestra — which, fun fact, has contributed soundtracks to over 200 movies — on 22 June. Renowned film music conductor Dirk Brossé guides the LSO through pieces by acclaimed French composers from films like Asterix & Obelix, Black Beauty (2020) and Tess. Our readers can save 50% on tickets with code LONDONFILM.

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Live music, line-dancing & lasso lessons

Less than three weeks to go till Country on the Common! This brand new outdoor festival — which celebrates all things country, roots and blues — takes over Tooting Common, Saturday 5 - Sunday 6 July. Head here for sizzling performances from artists like The Shires, Noah Reid, and Remember Monday; great BBQ food; and Wild West-themed fun, including lasso lessons and axe-throwing.

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Gin talk and tasting

From bolstering British naval power, to causing devastating social problems, to becoming the darling of the drinks cabinet — gin has a very colourful history indeed. Discover it at the Foundling Museum on 27 June with drinks educator and historian Jane Peyton. She hosts a talk and tutored tasting, featuring three different types of gin and a free welcome drink.

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Our show of the week

Did you know that one of the best loved British sitcoms of all time is now a stage play? Pay a visit to the most chaotic hotel in Torquay (if not the world) at Fawlty Towers — The Play. It’s at Apollo Theatre till September, but if you book by 22 June you could save up to 37% on tickets.

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A glorious garden festival

Flowers + a palace + festival vibes = a wonderful day out in London. And that’s exactly what you get at the RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival, which takes place 1-6 July in the glorious grounds of... you guessed it, Hampton Court Palace.

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