The days are longer, the sun is shining (most of the time) and a selection of free summer festivals are arriving in London. Children and adults can enjoy days out in London with plenty of attractions and activities to go for. Check our guide for a list of free summer festivals to visit this year.

Coin Street Festival
A series of free festival events and street parties will be taking place in the Coin Street Festival during the summer, with a variety of activities and attractions along South Bank. Coin Street Festival events include Carnival de Cuba, Celebrating Sanctuary, Bossa Nova and Capital Age, promising an eclectic mix of attractions in the heart of London.Carnival de Cuba
Taking place in June Carnival De Cuba is one of the highlights of the Coin Street Festival, bringing Latin flavour to South Bank in vibrant style. Live music, dance, special guests, workshops and more will explode on to South Bank in a bubbling, free family event. Carnival de Cuba takes place from Saturday 28th to Sunday 29th June 2008.City of London Festival
Londoners can sample music and culture in historic settings at the City of London Festival, presenting a series of live performances in London. Highlights include performances from St Paul’s Cathedral Consort and the London Symphony Orchestra. The City of London Festival takes place from Friday 20th June to Friday 15th August 2008.City Showcase Music Festival
Catch the next big thing at the City Showcase Music Festival, taking place at Carnaby Street, Kingly Court and surrounding areas. Visitors can combine live music with a day of shopping in an upbeat music festival. The City Showcase Music Festival takes place from Monday 2nd June to Friday 6th June 2008.Thames Festival
Enjoy live music, street theatre, arts and cultural performances and illuminations with the Mayor's Thames Festival in September. Full of vibrant performances, there is something for everyone to get involved in every year. The Thames Festival takes place on Saturday and Sunday 13th and 14th September 2008.Big Dance London Festival
Shake a leg in London at Big Dance, a week long series of dance events and activities for all ages. Highlights include free dance workshops, a string of live performances and a world record attempt mass choreography dance session in Trafalgar Square. The Big Dance London Festival takes place from Saturday 5th to Sunday 13th July 2008.Rise Festival
Rise is one of the biggest free live music festivals in London, featuring a diverse line up of acts across a number of open air stages. Highlight acts for 2006 include Graham Coxon, Buzzcocks, The Wailers, Sway, Killa Kela and Roy Ayers, and there will also be a selection of family attractions to enjoy. The Rise Festival takes place at Finsbury Park on Saturday 13th July 2008.Trafalgar Square Festival
A feast of live performances will be staged at Trafalgar Square during a three week festival event, with a diverse variety of shows from all over the world. The Trafalgar Square Festival includes performance art, dance, music, acrobatics and much more, exploding into central London for 2008. The Trafalgar Square Festival takes place from Thursday 7th August – Saturday 23rd August 2008.West End Live
Kids and adults can enjoy free West End theatre in London in West End Live, showcasing live performances from a string of hit musicals and theatre productions. Featured shows include Chicago, Mamma Mia, The Lion King, Guys and Dolls, The Producers and Stomp, to name a few. West End Live takes place from Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd June 2008.Notting Hill Carnival
One of the biggest street parties you will ever have seen, the Notting Hill Carnival is like no other event in London over the summer. The highlight of the August Bank Holiday weekend, there is so much colour, music, food and entertainment going on that if you've never been before, you won't know where to start.

Notting Hill Carnival 2008

Notting Hill Carnival Childrens Day

Other London events

Regent Street Festival

Nike Plus Human Race London

Body Worlds at O2

Ealing Summer Festival

Tree Athlon London

Summer in London

London Restaurants for Summer Eating

London Summer Picnics