Living in the incredible city of London comes with a fantastic perk: a thriving music scene that never disappoints. It’s one of the biggest cities in the world, which means it’s a popular stop for artists of all sizes during their music tours. When I moved here, I knew I had to make the most of it. Luckily, as summer kicked off, two of my favourite artists happened to have concerts in London (Burna Boy and Beyoncé). Thanks to the perfect timing, I had the opportunity to experience the incredible outdoor concert scene in London. Here are some of my recommendations on how to prepare for London’s summer concert season.
1. Secure tickets in advance
Planning ahead is crucial to avoid the disappointment of missing out on your favourite artist due to sold-out shows. Additionally, purchasing tickets early often means you can snag them at a more affordable price. To give you an example, in November I purchased my tickets for the Burna Boy concert that I attended in June. It might sound a bit extreme, but as the event approached, ticket prices only continued to rise, and I was relieved to have already secured mine. Plus, having tickets in hand ahead of time provided me with something exciting to look forward to during the waiting period.
2. Think carefully about standing vs. seated tickets
When it comes to attending concerts, the choice between standing or seated tickets can significantly impact your overall experience. In my case, both concerts I attended took place in football stadiums, which meant the venues were enormous, offering ample space for both standing and seated areas. For the Beyoncé concert, I opted for standing tickets, while I chose seated tickets for the Burna Boy performance. Each option had its own set of pros and cons:
Standing tickets allowed me to be in closer proximity to the artist. Being in such close proximity to the dancers, musicians, and Beyoncé herself during her concert felt absolutely surreal. Additionally, standing tickets fostered a unique sense of camaraderie among fellow concert-goers. We danced together, sang our hearts out, and shared moments of awe throughout the performance. However, one significant drawback of standing tickets is the time spent on your feet. Both concerts had delayed start times, with several hours of waiting before the performances began. This waiting period can become quite uncomfortable, which is why seated tickets are a great option. Furthermore, standing tickets tend to be more expensive, so it’s essential to consider that aspect as well. Lastly, if you prefer a less crowded environment, opting for seated tickets may be the best route.
3. Be prepared for the journey after the concert
One of the hugest downsides to attending a major concert in a city like London – is the chaos once the actual concert is over. Both ride-sharing services like Uber and public transportation become overwhelmed with the mass exodus of concert-goers. This can undoubtedly be frustrating, but with a well-thought-out plan in place and a mindset ready for a longer journey home than usual, you can mitigate some of the annoyance. In my experience, the opportunity to witness your favourite artist live is entirely worth this minor inconvenience.
Attending concerts in the vibrant summer music scene of London is an experience like no other. By planning in advance, securing tickets, and considering the seating options, you can make the most of your concert experience. London truly is a haven for concert-goers, and there’s no better time to enjoy the magical blend of music and summer vibes. Have you gone to any concerts while in London? Which artists are you hoping to see?
