I hate to be that person who says “Glastonbury is the best festival” because it sounds pretentious and exclusive, but it’s the truth. For weeks after, memories of the rainbow ribbon tower waving in the wind are etched into your mind, you remember two-stepping at San Remo and watching the sunrise, a tarot card reading brings you down to earth in the healing fields, and you read every flag that goes past you 5 feet above the crowd, rating the funniest ones.

But this isn’t a love letter to Glasto, it’s a heartbreak healer for those who aren’t going this year… It’s hard to get tickets, but it’s even harder when you don’t get tickets. So, here is your Alternative to Glastonbury. These are all the best gigs and festivals in London during the week of Glasto, this year falling between 25-29 June 2025, so that you won’t even miss the fields one little bit.

Zach Bryan at BST

Pop queen Olivia Rodrigo may be a sold-out success, but Zach Bryan is blessing Hyde Park with two headline shows (28 and 29 June), and there are still some tix left for each day. The American country singer is the main act, with a line-up supported by Dermot Kennedy, Mt. Joy, Gabrielle Aplin, Willow Avalon, and more.

Hyde Park, W2 | bst-hydepark.com

Public Enemy at the Royal Albert Hall

Replicate your own Glasto legend slot with A Once in a Lifetime Evening with Public Enemy at the Royal Albert Hall on 27 June. Marking their first UK performance in almost a decade, Chuck D, Flavor Flav, and crew will take the stage for a night of politically charged, high-energy hip-hop, in celebration of their legacy. A night sure to “Bring the Noise”.

South Kensington, SW7 | royalalberthall.com

The Philharmonik at Ronnie Scott's

Christian Gates, known as The Philharmonik, is an American vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, lyricist, and music producer. He brings his genre-defying music to Ronnie Scott’s on 28 June. Expect a symphony of hip-hop, piano, and lots of soul.

Also on at Ronnie Scott’s during Glasto week is Sholto performing the music of David Axelrod on 27 June – and Monty Alexander: The Real Deal with Luke Sellick and Jason Brown have multiple shows between 24-26 June.

Soho, W1D | ronniescotts.co.uk

The Shacklewell Arms

One of my favourite live music locations is The Shacklewell Arms, and its Glasto week line-up is a good’un. And they’re all free. Peak too early on the Wednesday (25 June) with The Hobknobs, then Hot Face, supported by Oral Habit, and Wednesday’s Child bring their brand of chaotic precision on 26 June. Friday 27 June is a double bubble of events, Lost Lyra get dreamy at 7 pm, and the event ends with a vinyl night at 11 pm ‘til late with Sweet Dreams Soul and Disco.

The party that keeps on giving, and one that must go on. Saturday, the headline slot on 28 June, sees Post-Party take to the Shacklewell stage. This one’s ticketed, with the indie rockers from Ireland bringing huge tunes rooted in the early 2000s rock revival, and enriched with influences from ’80s new wave and indie.

Hackney, E8 | shacklewellarms.com

Nayab Midha at The Camden Club

We know Glasto has many stages, bringing together music, arts, poetry, and more. And this event, Nayab Midha: Live in London at The Camden Club, is to satisfy those looking for something a lil’ different.

The spoken word artist is performing “Rajkumari”, which focuses on the journey of a woman finding love in this new age world and everything that goes with it. Transporting pain through poetry, this event is likely to make you laugh and cry.

Chalk Farm, NW1 | thecamdenclub.co.uk

Barrioke at Bush Hall

There’s not one ounce of sarcasm in me when I say I’ve heard good things about Barry from EastEnders’ Barrioke. Shaun Williamson’s feel-good karaoke party promises live singing, unexpected guests, and laughing as Barry brings the party, this time to Bush Hall.

Catch Baz Out of Hell on 27 June and go with an open mind and open ears. It reminds me of the Glasto silent disco tent (miss you).

Shepherd’s Bush, W12 | Bush Hall Tickets

Femininomenon at MOTH Club

Any good festival has an after-party once the live acts finish, especially Glasto, with its 24-hour hedonism at Shangri-la. But for now, we’ll settle for Hackney’s MOTH Club and Femininomenon, from 11 pm to 3 am on 27 June.

It’s a whole night dedicated to killer female artists. It's a femininomenon. Expect to hear the likes of Chappell Roan, Lana Del Rey, Charlie xcx, CMAT, Olivia Rodrigo, Sabrina Carpenter, and loads more. Go on, the girlies.

Hackney, E9 | mothclub.co.uk

Hootananny

The schedule of events at Brixton’s Hootananny is a collection of musical soundbites from every genre, giving you a diverse mouthful of tunes to enjoy. Each day has something different, just like walking between the stages of Glasto, you never know what you might hear.

While everyone else is packing for the festival, you can enjoy the voice of local South London singer Bea Maher on 24 June, who brings her blend of soul, funk, and jazz to her biggest solo show to date.

Saturday 28 June sees MOBO-nominated grime MC and lyricist Kamakaze take to the stage, and Sunday 29 June is Frente Cumbiero and an exploration of cumbia’s sonic identity in Latin America.

Brixton, SW2 | hootanannybrixton.co.uk

The Lexington

You won’t want to miss this Friday night at The Lexington, 27 June, with back-to-back music with Rachel Croft performing at 7 pm and then indie night White Heat Club straight after.

Rachel Croft celebrates the launch of her new EP "A Mind Made of Sky" in vinyl form, bringing drama and energy.

You can then get drenched by indie bangers, new wave, punk, rock, and leftfield floor fillers until 4 am upstairs at The Lexington with its White Heat Club. I bet you look good on the dancefloor and stuff.

Islington, N1 | thelexington.co.uk

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