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Music, dance, theatre, and performance art headline the cultural calendars in all of Night+Day’s cool cities. We combed through dozens of annual performing arts festivals worldwide, and here are the best of the best.
Best Performing Arts Festivals in....
Best Performing Arts Festivals
London
BBC Sir Henry Wood Promenade Concerts Mid-July to mid-September; Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, SW7; 0845.401.5040 bbc.co.uk/proms
The Draw: An oldie but a goodie, the Proms, as they are known by just about everyone, are a classical romp through orchestral music history—and as British as a cup of tea. The Scene: The Proms have been attracting hugely diverse crowds to the splendor of the Royal Albert Hall for more than 100 years. With more than 70 concerts—spanning everything from Bach to folk—over eight weeks, there’s a huge variety that will appeal to all. It ends in a blazing display of patriotism on the last night, with fancy dress and flag-waving antics. Hot tip: Last-night tickets are only available if you’ve purchased at least six other tickets, but you may strike it lucky if you show up on the night or take your chances on the recently reinstated lottery.
The Draw: The selection of musical acts, performers, and artists that take part in Meltdown is chosen by a celebrity guest curator each year, making it one of the most intriguing of the South Bank’s offerings. The Scene: David Bowie and Patti Smith are among those to have shared their influences in this fascinating opportunity to glimpse the workings of great creative minds. The festival unfolds over several days of multi-genre events that might include anything from poetry readings to live DJ sets across the whole South Bank complex, attracting an eclectic mix of fans and arts aficionados. Hot Tip: Dedicated fans should avoid disappointment by becoming members of the South Bank Centre. Members get advance warning of the lineup and the date tickets go on sale.
Opera Holland Park Early June to early August; Holland Park, Kensington High St., W8; 0845.230.9769 operahollandpark.com
The Draw: Critically acclaimed opera in an alfresco setting that can’t be spoiled by the British weather. The Scene: A vast, cleverly designed canopy provides excellent acoustics and shelters the opera complex from the elements, without shutting off the summery sounds of peacocks in the beautiful surrounds of Holland Park. The smartly dressed enthusiasts inevitably picnic onsite and sip champagne during the interludes. Hot tip: Reserve a picnic with your tickets, or bring your own. If you go for the latter, don’t bank on dry weather; you can book a table under the canopy, regardless.
