EVENSONG
Some of the best music in London is absolutely FREE!
If you find yourselves near a large church around 5pm, there may be an Evensong: St. Pauls, Westminster, St James’s Church in Piccadilly, St Bride’s Church, Fleet Street, St. Bartholomew the Great to name a few…
Evensong is a service of evening prayer in the Anglican tradition, known for its focus on choral music. Evensong is known for its contemplative atmosphere and beauty, offering a space for reflection and spiritual engagement.
Choral Evensongs are held every evening except Sundays.
FREE LUNCH-TIME CONCERTS
St James’s Church in Piccadilly
MAP | ST. JAMES
St James’s Church in Piccadilly, London, offers free lunchtime concerts that are generally held during the week.
St Bride’s Church, Fleet Street
MAP | FLEET STREET
St Bride’s, Fleet Street is one of the most famous and fascinating historic churches in London. Due to its location in Fleet Street, it has a long association with journalists and newspapers. The wedding cake is said to date back to 1703 when Thomas Rich, a baker’s apprentice from Ludgate Hill, fell in love with the daughter of his employer and asked her to marry him. He wanted to make an extravagant cake, and drew on the design of St Bride’s Church for inspiration.
NOT-FREE BUT TOTALLY WORTH IT!
St Martin’s in the Fields
MAP | TRAFALGAR SQ.
Enjoy their unique concerts by candlelight, featuring the best of popular and lesser-known pieces by some of the world’s best composers in the stunning setting of St. Martin-in-the-Fields church, beautifully lit by the gentle glow of candlelight. Beneath St Martin’, the iconic, vaulted Crypt transforms into an extraordinary venue for music, cabaret and discos, with a fully-stocked bar and great food options. Crypt Live feature performances from leading artists across jazz, folk, country, soul, blues, and West End Theatre, while their legendary Silent Discos provide a unique and alternative night out. Crypt Close-Ups offer intimate, candlelit concerts that provide an immersive musical experience.
Cadogan Hall
Cadogan Hall is a 900-seat music and arts venue located in Chelsea, London. It’s known for its excellent acoustics and luxurious surroundings. Currently home to the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
BBC Proms
Perhaps the greatest classical music festival in the world (and plenty more besides), the BBC Proms returns for another eight-week stint in 2025.
The first ever Prom was in 1895, established by the conductor Henry Wood who wanted “to bring the best in classical music to the widest possible audience”. The BBC began organizing and broadcasting the Proms in 1927. Over the decades, it’s burgeoned into an eight-week jamboree of concerts, workshops, talks and family events. In 2025 there are almost 90 shows, with some 3,000 musicians taking part in London and beyond.
The Barbican
The Barbican Centre is a performing arts centre in the Barbican Estate of the City of London, England, and the largest of its kind in Europe. The centre hosts classical and contemporary music concerts, theatre performances, film screenings and art exhibitions.
Covent Garden Royal Ballet & Opera
This beautiful and deeply historic venue which is home to two world-famous companies – The Royal Opera and The Royal Ballet. Don’t be intimidated at all – they love young people!
The Southbank Centre
This world-famous arts centre on the river hosts an incredible 5,000+ events a year across every genre of visual arts, theatre, dance, classical and contemporary music, literature, poetry and debate.
