Summer by the River 2022

It’s been a long, hard winter, but better times are coming as Summer by the River returns to London Bridge City. Starting on 30 May 2022, it promises to revive weary workers, tourists and locals alike with three months of free entertainment set against stunning views of the capital.

Running until 2 September, this year’s festival is bringing 1930s Miami vibes to the banks of the Thames over three locations – The Scoop, Hay's Galleria and The Pier.

At The Scoop, Art Deco inspired pop-up bar, The Riverside Terrace, will offer a little slice of South Beach complete with empanadas and piña coladas, while over at The Pier, Taqueria Garcia is bringing the heat with tacos and tequila.

London’s largest free festival will celebrate Miami’s infamous party energy across all locations, with an eclectic programme of events that will put smiles on faces of all ages. The programme is themed by day and includes Gospeloke (a karaoke night backed by a live Gospel Choir), Dabbers Bingo (the much-loved game injected with music and performers), Hip Hop Weekender (interactive workshops and dance battles between world-renowned artists), Tears of Jenny Greenteeth (the London debut of a Ballet Folk performance), Twelfth Night (a modern take on the Shakespeare classic – set on Love Island), BBC Introducing (showcasing unsigned artists), Folk and Roots Stage (spotlighting grassroots music talent), Bunker (commissioned for the festival to bring to life WWII stories from local Southwark residents) and Swing Patrol (the well-known dance troupe).

The opening week of the festival coincides with Her Majesty The Queen's Platinum Jubilee. London Bridge City is one of the Beacon locations, with its ceremonial lighting on Thursday kicking off proceedings. Over four days, the big screen in The Scoop will air all the official celebrations. Set against a backdrop of historic royal buildings, with entertainment including the Tower Ravens Rapper Sword Dancers, Lewis-Merthr brass band and a tea dance led by Swing Patrol, Summer By The River is the perfect place to mark the milestone.

Heading into July, the festival will embrace another British institution – Wimbledon – with the screen in The Scoop showing all of the key matches.

This is Summer by the River 2022… and you don’t want to miss a beat.