Ah, the summer. Long evenings sat outside as the sun gradually sets, sipping on a drink and relaxing with friends. It can feel a long way off when you’re staring out of a window at grey skies and freezing temperatures – but now is precisely the time to start looking ahead to some of the amazing hospitality events that will be happening in the summer 2023, and adding those dates to your diary.
We are blessed in the UK with an events and hospitality industry that few other countries in the world would be able to compete with – add in some incredible sporting action, unrivalled music events and a healthy dose of comedy and you have some of the world’s best live entertainment.
Crowds in the UK are renowned for being passionate and enthusiastic, which is why the most incredible athletes and entertainers from all over the world want to come and showcase their skills at our venues to inspire and thrill you. This summer, don’t miss out on the opportunity to attend these events in person. To help you out, we have listed some of our favourite events below. Choose the ones that you don’t want to miss.
Beyoncé at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, 29th & 30th May
What better way to kick off the summer than watching a cultural icon on her first tour in seven years? Queen Bey is back, and let’s be honest – her tour will be so many people’s highlight of 2023. She is just an incredible performer – constantly pushing boundaries and challenging both herself and her audience, but maintaining global popularity. Artists like Beyoncé don’t come around very often.
You may have already heard (largely because it’s been covered by every news outlet on the planet), but tickets for this tour have been quite popular… Ticketing sites have been crashing left, right and centre. The good news is that there are still some hospitality packages available for you, so that you don’t have to miss one of the most hotly anticipated events of the year.
Hospitality Option: Tunnel Club
Enjoy the best seats in the house for the gig, plus access to the exclusive Tunnel Club throughout the evening, inclusive food and drinks for 3 hours before the main event, fast track entry and access to an exclusive after-show party with a live DJ. Truly a night to remember.
The FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium, London, 3rd June
Not an event you would normally associate with the summer, but the World Cup break has pushed the FA Cup Final into June for this season, so the most prestigious cup competition in England will be decided under beautiful sunshine and 30 degrees*.
Such is the nature of this competition, we have no idea who will be playing in this match, but this is a fixture that has provided some of the most memorable moments in the history of the game. January saw teams like Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Aston Villa all get knocked out, and there are plenty of teams left in the competition still looking to cause an upset or two.
It’s one of the most famous football matches in the world, and one that you need to witness in person at some stage in your life – why not this year?
*weather to be confirmed…
Hospitality Option: A Private Box
The ultimate in corporate hospitality. You and your guests (up to 20) will enjoy a complete 5 Star package, with a private chef that will make you a delicious 3 course meal, fully inclusive drinks and premium seats to watch the match. Plus a dedicated member of staff to host you throughout the day.
Ashes – Various Locations, 16th June – 31st July
It’s the biggest rivalry in cricket. The Ashes series is quite simply one of the most dramatic and fiercely contested match ups in any sport. And the reward for winning? One of the tiniest trophies you can imagine…!
Australia will return to England for this five match series, and England will be quite confident for once. The resurgence since Ben Stokes took over the captaincy has been nothing short of miraculous – can they keep that momentum going for the home series though the summer? We’ll know by the end of July.
The matches are spread all over the country, so find your local ground and see if you can get tickets (it won’t be easy). Just ensure you are free for the final day of a test, as tickets are normally released later for that one.
Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse, 20th-24th June
Is there a sporting event more quintessentially British? Royal Ascot has been delivering entertaining horse racing for more than two-hundred years – the event itself is woven into the culture of England.
The event is the pinnacle of UK flat racing, if not the world – attended by Royals and countless other celebrities, this is as much of a social event as it is a sporting one, and it draws in people from all walks of life. Showcase your style this year at one of the country’s most illustrious cultural events.
Hospitality Option: Restaurant Hospitality
If you love food and horse racing, this is the ideal package. Customise it to make it perfect for your guests, with a host of different catering options, free drinks and access to your chosen section of this famous old racecourse
Wimbledon at Wimbledon, London 3rd July – 16th July,
Sorry, was someone just talking about quintessentially British events? Well here’s another one for you (and just for the record, we aren’t going to be covering the Chelsea Flower Show in this blog, if you’re looking for the hat trick).
Two weeks of world-class tennis will be on display at Wimbledon, accompanied by Strawberries and Cream, a whole lot of Pimm’s and genuine British hopes to be involved in the second week – who knows?
Hospitality Option: The Lawn
How does a 3-course meal, designed by Michel Roux Jr & Emily Roux, a complimentary bar and an English Garden setting sound? Oh, plus VIP tickets to Centre Court… The best possible way to enjoy Wimbledon.
Formula 1 British Grand Prix at Silverstone– 7th July
A fine example of exhilarating sporting action combined with award-winning events here. Silverstone knows how to put on proper events, and it all comes together for the British Grand Prix.
If watching the race wasn’t entertaining enough, the entire weekend is packed full of music, activities, drinks, food and celebrity guests. There is so much more to it than just the racing, which in itself is quite a spectacle.
Hospitality Option: Fusion
Get inner track access, access to a vibrant garden terrace, free Champagne and live entertainment throughout the day. Perfect to entertain customers or business associates, or just to have a great day out with friends and family.
Blur at Wembley Stadium, London – 8th & 9th July
In November, Blur announced that they would be reuniting for a mini-tour, and you will get the chance to see them in July at Wembley. Reminisce about those glorious days in the mid-nineties when BritPop ruled the world.
That’s not to suggest that they haven’t done much since, of course. Blur have always pushed boundaries with their music, constantly reinventing themselves, but all the while retaining their loyal fan base, which is no mean feat.
Share the joy of these fans in July, and add this gig to your list of ‘must-dos’ this summer.
Hospitality Option: Platinum Hospitality
One of the most exclusive hospitality packages available at Wembley. You’ll get reserved, luxury, padded seating in a premium location for the gig, plus fully inclusive drinks, VIP access to the One Twenty Suite, a four-course meal and extra goodies. Making it a night you’ll never forget.
Peter Kay at the O2, London – 29th July
How about a night of side-splitting comedy with the UK’s premier funnyman?
Kay is returning to the stage this year following a, quite frankly, ludicrous hiatus that lasted 12 years, and the epic tour has already proven to be a massive hit with fans with dates selling out within minutes of going on sale.
Fortunately, there are still chances to catch him if you weren’t lucky enough to get tickets the first time around. New dates have been added, and many venues will have VIP tickets available – so don’t miss out on this run! We don’t know when he’ll be next touring…
Hospitality Option: The American Express Lounge
This relaxed, informal hospitality package is the perfect way to set yourself up for a night of fun and laughter. Experience the VIP lounge before taking your seats in a premium location. You can purchase food and drink from exclusive vendors, and get fast-track entry into the venue.
Final Word
Summer’s in the UK seem to fly by in the blink of an eye – the second you get used to wearing shorts, the nights are drawing in again. But this year, learn from the lessons of the past and take the time now to make the most of your summer.
Above is a list of some of our favourite events that are due to take place this summer, but there is so much more – take a look through our calendar of events and pick out some of your favourites.
Whether you are looking for corporate hospitality events, or just looking to spend some time with friends and family enjoying high-quality entertainment, get in touch with us today and our team of dedicated staff will be able to help you find the package to get you the most for your money.
