Kaleidoscope Festival, Alexandra Park & Palace

Looking for fun London-based adventures with the family this summer? Consider Kaleidoscope Festival, a hilltop extravaganza set within the sprawling grounds of Alexandra Palace and Basements, where 360-degree city views can be enjoyed and a packed programme of live music, DJ sets, stand-up and family fun awaits.

The festival’s headline act is Groove Armada, the Grammy-award winning electronic music duo who brought us I see you baby and Superstylin’. Joining them are Merseyside rock band The Coral, who’ll be playing tracks from their tenth studio album Coral Island due for release next month, which includes the debut single Faceless Angel released in January.


Groove Armada

Also performing on the music stages are House Gospel Choir who’ll grace the grounds with their exhilarating blend of house and gospel music, and Mr Wilson’s Second Liners, an energetic brass band playing upbeat dance tracks guaranteed to get the crowd moving.

As the party continues into the night, revellers can look forward to DJ sets from co-founder of the legendary Good Times Sound System and KISS FM, Norman Jay MBE, and Manchester DJ Greg Wilson. Elsewhere, hip-hop karaoke invites punters to have a turn at belting out their favourite songs.



Music isn’t all that’s in store at Kaleidoscope; the festival is hosting a packed comedy programme featuring some of the best homegrown talent. To headline the comedy stage is an intriguing combination of an ‘In conversation with’ and a DJ set from Scottish novelist Irvine Welsh, of Trainspotting fame. The 62-year-old writer will be playing tracks from his acid house album. Author and DJ – who knew?

Also on stage is stand-up star Phil Wang, known for his role on the BAFTA-winning comedy series Taskmaster and for winning his battle on Comedy Central’s Roast Battle hosted by Jimmy Carr. Fellow Roast Battle competitors and UK comedians Sophie Duker and Jayde Adams are also on the roster to bring the laughs.

Kaleidoscope caters to the whole family with a slew of activities including pop-up theatre, face painting, storytelling and magic workshops to delight the kids as you make your way around the Ally Pally grounds.