There’s nowhere quite like London in the summer. Everyone’s in a good mood, the smell of baking asphalt drifts through the city, and there’s music playing everywhere. It’s glorious. And this summer, to tie in with the capital’s sunny spirit, we’ve teamed up with Westfield London to put on a colourful pop-up experience in Westfield Square that invites everyone to listen, explore and share in moments of feel-good connection through music.
We’ve gone through our contact list and invited some of the UK’s most promising DJs and performers to fill the space, with UD Music taking over our Saturday sessions. The non-profit works with young people to build connections through Black music culture, while also providing you, the visitor, with some top-tier entertainment. This is what’s coming up at Sounds of the Summer, and why you should make your summer days out even more blissful, with a trip to Westfield London.
And when you’re looking for refreshment? Westfield London has over 90 restaurants to explore, many of which offer outdoor seating, meaning you can feast on all kinds of summer specials in an alfresco setting. From grab-and-go bites at Sushi Dog to Flat Iron’s barbecue dinners, there’s plenty to enjoy when the music finishes.
Ever wondered what your favourite pop anthems would sound like if a brass band performed them? Well, now you know. Dizzee Brasscals are a Manchester-based band performing contemporary tunes that span many genres and styles, with a brass twist. Expect nothing but the classics from the group of top-tier musicians, who have individually toured and recorded the likes of Craig David, Lily Allen, Paloma Faith and So Solid Crew.
Fri Jul 16, 5-9pm.
Combining dancefloor glamour with gritty pop anthems, Bestley is a DJ who has made waves for their disco, house, soul, funk and crate-digging selections. Providing the ultimate soundtrack for post-work partying, the natural-born performer has played everywhere from sweaty super-clubs like Glitterbox at HI Ibiza to swanky venues such as Soho House, bridging the gap between sophistication and hedonistic club culture.
Fri Jul 25, 5-9pm.
The Rainbow Parade is bringing pure energy and good vibes to Westfield’s Sounds of the Summer to life. Expect performers in dazzling costumes, live music and celebration, creating an unforgettable atmosphere for all ages. From roaming jugglers to stilt walkers, hula hoopers and ribbon twirlers, there’s something to amaze everyone.
Fri Jul 25 and Fri Aug 8, 5-9pm.
Boasting 15 years of experience as a session vocalist, Sophie Joy is a true performer with a background in all forms of dance music, from drum ‘n’ bass to disco. Currently fronting Girls of the Internet and assigned to Classic Music Co, she is a house music devotee blending substance and style, embracing cutting-edge sounds. It’s taken her across the world to the Ministry of Sound, Koko, Defected Croatia and many other idyllic locations with her ever-changing sets now including fresh releases and the exciting addition of live vocals.
Fri Aug 1, 5-9pm.
Unrehearsed, unbothered and unapologetically glamorous, The Electro Lido High Society is an immersive performance akin to a 1940s Riviera dream. Characters glide through the crowd as flirtatious starlets, eccentric heiresses, faded screen legends and smooth-talking lounge lizards. Listen out for one-liners and unexpected serenades as you become embedded in a world of vintage partying.
Fri Aug 1 and Fri Aug 22, 5-9pm.
Jonjo Jury is one of the capital’s most established DJs. Having cut his teeth in legendary indie club Trash, he’s toured the world playing to crowds in New York, Athens, Barcelona, Berlin, Sao Paulo, Tel-Aviv and Tokyo. His signature feel-good disco sound comes from a decade of spinning at London’s most iconic nights, meaning you're guaranteed nothing but boogie-ready anthems whenever you catch him playing live.
Fri Aug 8, 5-9pm.
There really is no one else doing it like DJ AG right now. The viral DJ has taken his makeshift DJing craft, developed in clubs and parties to the streets of London, with phenomenal success. Supported by the likes of Skepta, JME, Ed Sheeran and Will Smith, AG has accrued tens of millions of views for his spontaneous ‘open format DJ’ sets across London, giving an equal platform to household names and underground MCs alike.
Fri Aug 15, 5-9pm.
Sometimes you just want to do the cha cha, and that’s ok. Tallulah Goodtimes is an international electro swing DJ, producer and singer putting a vintage twist on songs about modern life. Her work explores vintage music from around the world, the beats and synths of electronica, and personal stories through music you can’t help but dance to.
Fri Aug 22, 5-9pm.
UD Music are taking over our Saturday sessions, spotlighting up-and-coming artists for 15 minutes on the hour from noon until the evening. The roster includes Malika, Ashaine White, Nicole Blakk, Olympia Vitalis and Shantéh.
Find out more about Sounds of the Summer at Westfield London, curated by Time Out.
