London summer 2020: latest events cancelled due to Coronavirus
London summer time is usually a memorable affair from the festivals, sporting events to rooftop parties. However this year several London events have been postponed or cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. Here’s our guide to what’s happening with London events this summer and any virtual alternatives to look out for.
Frieze Art Fair
Status?
Cancelled
Image:@friezeartfair
Frieze Art Fair organisers have cancelled the 2020 London Edition. The fair will instead take place online in October. Watch this space for more information on what to expect from the virtual art fair.
Buckingham Palace Summer Opening
Status?
Cancelled
Image: Ferdinand Stöhr
Buckingham Palace opens to the public yearly from July - October. Visitors can walk through 19 of the exquisite State Rooms and explore the Palace's Garden. The Royal Collection Trust has announced Buckingham Place, Frogmore and Clarence House will not be open to the public this summer.
The Palaces may be closed but you can explore the Royal Collection and Palaces through a series of tours and activities, perfect for both adults and children. Visit their website now to get started.
Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships
Status?
Cancelled
Image: MTotoe
There will be no strawberries and Pimms at SW19 this year. The All England Club has announced the cancellation of the 2020 Championships. The 134th Wimbledon Championship will return in June 2021. We cant wait!
BBC Proms
Status?
Delayed
Image: Matthew Waring
The BBC Proms kicks of every July for 8 weeks of superb classical music at the Royal Albert Hall.
At present they are delaying the announcement of the season and tickets are not currently on sale. They are currently working on adapting and changing the festival they had originally planned for. There is hope that the Proms may still be apart of the summer! A further update will be provided at the end of May.
London Festivals
Image: Wendy Wei
Lovebox Festival
Status?
Cancelled
Organisers have confirmed Lovebox has been cancelled this year. With a line up that was due to feature Tyler the Creator, Disclosure and FKA Twigs. They will be back next year for 3 days of epic music. Love box will be in touch with ticket holders shortly to issue refunds.
British Summer Time Hyde Park
Status?
Cancelled
BST Hyde Park due to take place in July 2020 has been cancelled. The Festival will be back in 2021. Organisers will be in contact with individuals in regards to the ticket refund process.
Somerset House Summer Series
Status?
Cancelled
Somerset House has announced the cancellation of Somerset House summer series. The summer series usually takes place for 11 days in July and brings eleven nights of great music and energetic festival atmosphere to the courtyard of Somerset House. The Series will return in 2021.
Kew the Music
Status?
Postponed until 2021
Kew the music organisers have announced the festival will be rescheduled for 2021. The summertime festival that usually takes places on the beautiful grounds of Kew Gardens, is a weeklong event of incredible music. This year’s festival was due to feature artists such as James Blunt, DJ Spooney and James Morrison. Visit their website to discover the new dates for 2021 and for ticket refund information.
Wireless Festival
Status?
Cancelled
Wireless has announced the festival will be cancelled this year, however, the Finsbury Park festival will return in 2021. Ticketmaster will send emails with details of the refund process to all ticket holders.
Wireless Festival is partnering with MelodyVR app to allow fans to experience a virtual music festival from the comfort of their homes. The event called ‘Wireless Connect’ will include a series of performances from several artists. Wireless Connect will be coming live to your home from 3rd -5th July 2020. Visit their website to download the Melody VR app.
Meltdown Festival (Southbank Centre)
Status?
Postponed until 2021
Grace Jones was due to curate the Southbank centres 2020 Meltdown Festival, however, the music festival has been rescheduled for June 2021. With all artists due to perform this year booked to preform in 2021. This includes artists such as Solange, Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, Adrian Howell and Senegalese sensation Baaba Maal.
Pride London
Status?
Postponed until 2021
Image: Sara Rampazzo
Pride London who host the annual festival and parade to celebrate the LGBT+ community has announced it has been postponed until 2021. Pride still have events planned for 2020 including a series of digital event on their listing platform Coming Out. For more events visit their website.
Yayoi Kasuma: Infinity Rooms Exhibition
Status?
Postponed until 2021
Image: Tate
Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirror Rooms exhibition at the Tate modern has been postponed until Spring 2021.Click here for more
Hampton Court Palace Garden Show
Status?
Postponed until September 2020
Image: MTotoe
Considered the world’s largest annual flower show in the setting of one of London's most historic royal palaces, Hampton Court Palace Garden Show is a staple on the Royal Horticultural Society’s (RHS) events calendar.
Whilst the Chelsea Flower Show was cancelled this year, the Hampton Court Palace Garden Show due to originally take place from 7th July to 12th July 2020 is now due to take place from 10th to 15th September 2020. Other RHS events have been postponed including RHS Garden Hyde Hall Flower Show. Visit their website for new dates.
London’s Tattoo Convention
Status?
Cancelled
Image: Daniel Lazarov
Europe’s largest tattoo convention has been cancelled this year. However, the 16th instalment of London’s Tattoo Convention will return to Tobacco Dock in 2021 for a celebration of tattoo art and culture.
Notting Hill Carnival
Status?
Cancelled
Image: Kelly Robinson
Notting Hill carnival organisers have announced it has been cancelled for the first time in its 54-year history. The event due to take place on Sunday 30th August 2020 and Monday 31st August 2020 will return in 2021.
Watch out for a potential (virtual) events surrounding the carnival in August.
London Marathon
Status?
Postponed until October 2020
Image: Virgin Money London Marathon
It was announced the 40th London Marathon due to take place on Sunday 26th April has now been postponed until Sunday 4th October 2020.
Runners can use their place in the rescheduled event on October 4th or have their entry rolled over to 2021. Visit their website for more information.