One of the best British films of the 2010s is heading to the stage. Based on the true story of the unlikely alliance between LGBT activists and striking miners in the 1980s, Pride follows campaigner Mark Ashton as he helps bring two communities together during one of Britain's most turbulent political moments. Directed by Matthew Warchus, who also helmed the original film, this new musical adaptation arrives with plenty of pedigree and a strong cast.

Dorfman Theatre, National Theatre, South Bank, SE1 9PX; throughout July

Visit NationalTheatre.org.uk

Of all the stories to become a musical, Trainspotting probably wasn't top of the list. Yet Irvine Welsh's cult tale of Edinburgh excess is making the leap to the West End, complete with music inspired by the iconic soundtrack that helped define a generation. 

Theatre Royal Haymarket, 18 Suffolk Street, West End, SW1Y 4HT; from 15th July

Visit TRH.co.uk

Kent chef Will Devlin has brought his produce-led cooking to Covent Garden with Birchwood, a new café and wine bar inside The Conduit. Much of the menu is supplied by Devlin's own Acre farm and butchery, with pastries, sandwiches and breakfast dishes by day giving way to British cheeses, house charcuterie and seasonal small plates come evening. A rooftop restaurant is set to follow later this year.

6 Langley Street, Covent Garden, WC2H 9JA

Visit Birchwood-Family.com

After winning fans in New York, Paris, Tokyo and Seoul, Jody Williams' beloved all-day café has finally arrived in London. Taking over the former St John Bakery site in Neal's Yard, Buvette serves everything from breakfast waffles and eggs to leisurely lunches, French bistro classics and late-night drinks. 

2 Neal's Yard, Covent Garden, WC2H 9DP

Visit Buvette-London.com

Jackson Boxer has followed up on the success of Dove with another opening that's already generating serious buzz. Vesper occupies a handsome corner site on Exmouth Market, pairing a lively front bar with a more intimate dining room behind. The menu moves from oysters and raw beef tostadas to handmade pasta, roast chicken and seafood-heavy larger plates, all showcasing Boxer's knack for combining British ingredients with global influences.

8-10 Exmouth Market, Clerkenwell, EC1R 4QA

Visit Vesper.Restaurant

One of the capital’s biggest celebrations returns this month as thousands of people take to the streets for Pride In London. Expect colourful floats, performers, DJs, speeches and plenty of atmosphere as the parade winds its way through central London.

Central London; Saturday 4th July

Visit PrideInLondon.org

London’s getting a temporary new planetarium this summer as Planetarium Go! lands beneath the ArcelorMittal Orbit in Stratford. Inside the giant geodesic dome, reclining seats, immersive sound and a 360° screen brings galaxies, planets and deep-space phenomena to life. The timing’s good too, given Greenwich’s planetarium is closed for refurbishment until 2028.

Zip World London, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford, E20 2AD; until 29th August

Visit PlanetariumGo.com

Deckchairs, wireless headphones, skyline views and a packed programme of cult classics, blockbusters and special screenings – Rooftop Cinema Club is back for another summer in Peckham and Stratford. This season’s line-up includes everything from Amélie and Sinners to live Wimbledon finals and selected Sofar Sounds performances before the main feature.

Bussey Building, 133 Rye Lane, Peckham, SE15 4ST & Roof East, Great Eastern Road, Stratford, E15 2PJ; until 30th September

Visit RooftopCinemaClub.com

Westminster Cathedral is getting the full immersive treatment this summer. LUMINISCENCE combines projection mapping, spatial sound and live performances from the Lux Aeterna choir, transforming the cathedral’s vast interior into a spectacular visual experience. Narrated by Hugh Bonneville, the show also digitally completes the cathedral’s famously unfinished mosaic domes for the very first time.

Victoria Street, Westminster, SW1P 1LT; until 27th September

Visit Luminiscence.com

Tooting Common swaps London for Nashville for one weekend only. Alongside live country, roots and blues performances, there’ll be line dancing, rodeo bull riding, axe throwing, barbecue and enough cowboy hats to make you forget you’re in Zone 3.

Tooting Common, SW17; 4th-5th July

Visit CountryOnTheCommon.com

The world’s largest floating bookshop has docked in London. Stretching 132 metres, Logos Hope is packed with thousands of books spanning fiction, cookery, science, travel and more. Visitors can browse the shelves, grab a coffee and explore the ship itself while it’s moored in the Royal Docks.

Royal Victoria Dock, Docklands, E16 1XL; until 5th July

Visit GBAShips.org

Part black-tie party, part wine-fuelled festival, Winestock returns to Clapham Common with unlimited wine, fizz and cocktails included in the ticket price. Count on live music, DJs, entertainers, wood-fired pizza and a dancefloor that’ll stay busy long after sunset.

Clapham Common, SW4; Saturday 11th July

Visit WokeWines.com

Alexandra Palace’s annual one-day festival combines live music, comedy, DJs, cabaret, street food and pop-up bars, all set against some of the best views in London. A consistently strong summer fixture, it’s one of the easiest ways to spend an entire day outdoors.

Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, Muswell Hill, N22 7AY; Sunday 12th July

Visit Kaleidoscope-Festival.com

Five nights of top-tier stand-up return to the Old Royal Naval College this month. The line-up includes Jack Dee, Sara Pascoe, Chris McCausland, Ross Noble, Tom Allen and plenty more, alongside street-food traders and well-stocked bars overlooking the Thames.

Old Royal Naval College, King William Walk, Greenwich, SE10 9NN; 15th-19th July

Visit GreenwichComedyFestival.co.uk

Few gig venues can compete with an 18th-century courtyard in the middle of London. Somerset House’s Summer Series returns with a line-up spanning indie, alternative and global artists, including The Flaming Lips, The Cribs and Black Country, New Road.

Somerset House, Strand, West End, WC2R 1LA; 16th-26th July

Visit SomersetHouse.org.uk

Fulham Palace’s beautiful gardens become an open-air music venue for two summer evenings of jazz, soul and funk this month. Bring a blanket, grab a drink and settle in for performances from The Coalminers and the 606 Club All Stars.

Fulham Palace, Bishop's Avenue, Fulham, SW6 6EA; 17th-18th July

Visit FulhamPalace.org

London Cru’s popular workshop gives aspiring vintners the chance to blend, bottle and label their own wine in a single afternoon. It’s a hands-on experience that takes you through the winemaking process without requiring the purchase of an actual vineyard.

21-27 Seagrave Road, Fulham, SW6 1RP; Saturday 18th July

Visit LondonCru.co.uk

There aren’t many events where you can watch a snail race, a spaghetti-eating contest and a waiter sprinting through Soho carrying drinks. The Soho Village Fête remains one of London’s most gloriously eccentric summer traditions, complete with live entertainment and a pop-up bar from The French House.

St Anne's Churchyard, 55 Wardour Street, Soho, W1D 6HW; Sunday 19th July

Visit TheSohoSociety.org.uk

The Royal Docks’ free summer lido returns with sand, deckchairs and open-air swimming right on the waterfront. This might be the closest thing London gets to a beach holiday.

Royal Victoria Dock, Docklands, E16 1ZE; 24th July-16th August

Visit RoyalDocks.London

The team behind Greenwich Comedy Festival head to Somerset House with five days of stand-up from some of the UK’s biggest names. Look for appearances from Sam Campbell, Sara Pascoe, Tim Key, Nick Mohammed and many more.

Somerset House, Strand, West End, WC2R 1LA; 29th July-2nd August

Visit Laughterama.com

Three thousand rubber ducks. One stretch of canal. Infinite bragging rights. Merchant Square’s annual charity race gives Londoners the chance to sponsor a duck and cheer it on towards unlikely aquatic glory.

Merchant Square, Paddington, W2 1JX; Thursday 30th July

Visit MerchantSquare.co.uk

For over a decade, Woodburner has transformed Dalston Curve Garden into one of London’s most atmospheric live music venues. Expect intimate performances beneath festoon lights and surrounded by greenery, with emerging artists performing in a relaxed setting.

Dalston Eastern Curve Garden, 13 Dalston Lane, Dalston, E8 3DF; until 24th September

Visit WoodburnerMusic.com

A clever idea: short expert talks in some of London’s best pubs. Topics range from lucid dreaming and the science of raving to psychology, history and space exploration, all delivered in around 40 minutes, leaving plenty of time for a pint afterwards.

Various London venues; throughout July

Visit PintsOfKnowledge.com