LOOKING AHEAD TO SUMMER 2026:
- The Intrepid Collective
- Jan 21
- 2 min read
What We’re Already Excited to See Come Alive in London
January might feel quiet, but in placemaking and events, it’s one of the most important moments of the year. While London is still shaking off winter, our team is already thinking further ahead, not just to the coming summer, but to what summer 2026 will look and feel like across the city.
That’s because the most successful placemaking programmes don’t happen overnight. They’re shaped early, tested thoughtfully, and built around how people genuinely want to spend their time.
“We’re seeing a real shift towards long-term thinking,” says Shanta, Senior Event Manager at TIC. “Clients aren’t just asking what they should do this summer, they’re asking how it all connects over the next few years.”
Outdoor Spaces Becoming Everyday Destinations
By 2026, outdoor spaces won’t just host events, they’ll be the reason people visit.
We’re already seeing this across London in places like Coal Drops Yard, King’s Cross (https://www.kingscross.co.uk/whats-on) and Battersea Power Station (https://batterseapowerstation.co.uk/whats-on/), where programming blends seamlessly into daily life.
Rather than big one-off spectacles, summer programmes are becoming:
Regular and low-pressure
Designed to encourage repeat visits
Flexible enough to work day to night
“The spaces that work best don’t feel ‘switched on’ for events,” says Jamie, Senior Event Manager. “They feel lived in and events simply add to that rhythm.”
Wellness That Feels Social and Inclusive
Wellness continues to be a strong placemaking driver, but it’s evolving. The move is away from exclusive or high-commitment sessions, towards accessible, social wellbeing experiences.
Across London, initiatives like canal-side walking routes, outdoor yoga collectives and community saunas are showing how wellbeing can be woven into public life. We are seeing the amazing team at Antidote (https://antidote.london/) provide some amazing workshops and events throughout the city and continue go from strength to strength.
For 2026, we expect wellness events to:
Be paired with coffee, food or conversation.
Welcome all ages and abilities even more so than we are already seeing.
Support mental well-being as much as physical health. This has been on the rise over the last few years and we certainly don't expect this to stop now.
Hyper-Local Culture Taking Centre Stage
As London grows, people are craving places that feel rooted and authentic. Events that champion local traders, artists and performers are proving far more resonant than generic programming.
Neighbourhoods like Hackney Wick, Peckham and Walthamstow continue to lead the way, showing how culture-led placemaking builds loyalty and identity. (https://hackneywicked.co.uk).
“People can spot inauthentic programming instantly,” Shanta adds. “The events that land are the ones that genuinely belong to that place.”
Why We’re Excited
Looking ahead to summer 2026 isn’t about predicting trends, it’s about understanding people. Londoners want spaces that feel welcoming, alive and human. And the best placemaking doesn’t shout, it quietly becomes part of everyday life.
Summer 2026 might feel a long way off, but in placemaking terms, it’s already taking shape. As the year unfolds, we’ll be sharing more insights, throwbacks and behind-the-scenes moments as summer 2026 continues to take shape.
If you’re already thinking ahead, or even just starting to explore what’s possible, now is the perfect time to begin the conversation.
