Guide To Somerset House Summer Series 2023

Each summer, some of the most popular and up-and-coming acts play an incredibly intimate and historic courtyard in Central London, for the Somerset House Summer Series. Now in its second decade of shows, this riverside venue is hosting a fantastic set of acts with superb support acts to boot across 11 days in July.

The relatively small size of the space, with around 3,000 capacity, coupled with the beautifully atmospheric outdoor setting really does make this the place to see your favourite acts while the summer sun sets on London.

But as it is an open courtyard, come prepared with a raincoat or umbrella in the unlikely event you see some summer storm clouds on the gorgeous horizon.

How do I get to Somerset House? Where is the nearest tube or rail station?

It’s easy to get to the festival by public transport.

The nearest tube stations to the Somerset House Summer Series are Temple (Circle & District lines), Covent Garden (Piccadilly line), Charing Cross (Northern & Bakerloo line), and Embankment (Circle & District), all of which are a 5-10 min walk away.

The nearest rail stations are Charing Cross, Blackfriars and Waterloo, all a 10-15 min walk away.

There are also buses that stop on the Strand, close to the venue, including routes 1, 4, 6, 9, 11, 13, 15, 23, 26, 59, 68, 76, 87, 91, 139, 168, 171, 172, 176, 188, 243, 341, 521, RV1 and X68.

Where is the main entrance to the Somerset House Summer Series?

The main entrance to the Somerset House Summer Series is located on the Strand (North Wing). You enter and walk straight into the main courtyard, Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court.

 There is also a VIP entrance/Guest Desk on the Riverside Terrace (South Wing) accessible via Waterloo Bridge.

Where does the queue start?

The queue starts at the main Strand entrance and follows a designated route. The Guest Desk for VIP/etc is on the Riverside Terrace.

Full bag searches are conducted at security, and they advise avoiding bringing a bag if possible, and where bags should be no bigger than a tote bag or small handbag. Empty refillable plastic bottles of 1000 ml or less are permitted, with water stations on site.

Where is the disabled access entrance?

Step-free access is available via the main Strand entrance. Assistance animals are permitted.

Where are the disabled viewing areas in the festival?

There is an Access Platform for disabled visitors. Do note that pre-booking is required, subject to availability, and done via a dedicated telephone line (0343 208 1497).

The general standing courtyard area is also fully accessible for wheelchair users, though views may be obscured due to the general standing audience.

What time does the Summer Series open and close?

The festival doors generally open at 7:30 pm and close at 10:30 pm. Support acts are usually at 8:00 pm, with headliners at 9:00 pm. Shows usually finish around 10:30 pm.

However, for Greentea Peng, doors open at 5:30 pm, with support from 6:00 pm, and for Young Fathers, doors open at 6:30 pm, with support at 7:00 pm.

Please note that there is no readmission to the Somerset House Summer Series after entry. It’s a one-way ticket!

Are there lockers or places to store your bag?

There is a cloakroom available, with a £1 charge per item, but capacity is first come first served.

As such, the venue advises bringing bags if at all possible, and where bags are brought, they should be no bigger than a tote bag or small handbag.

What about food at Somerset House Series?

There are various street food popup stalls in the main courtyard, alongside several bars. Enhanced ticket holders get access to the Enhanced bar inside the WatchHouse. The surrounding location of the Strand and Covent Garden has a wide range of restaurants and places to grab a bite to eat.

2023 Somerset House Summer Series Headliners:

Thursday 6th July La Femme

Friday 7th July – Gabriels

Saturday 8th July – Greentea Peng

Sunday 9th July – Alison Goldfrapp + Hannah Holland

Monday 10th July – Interpol + The Lounge Society

Tuesday 11th July – Olivia Dean + Prima Queen

Wednesday 12th July – Beabadoobee + Mac Wetha

Thursday 13th July – Tinariwen

Friday 14th July – The Comet is Coming + Daisy Dickinson + Snapped Ankles

Saturday 15th July – Young Fathers + The Joy + Maeve

Sunday 16th July – Gabzy