As an (ex) Brit, I’m used to people saying disparaging things about our weather, but these same people fail to consider “British grit.” The expression refers to a combination of resilience, mental toughness, and determination in the face of extreme adversity. It is tied to a stoic “keep calm and carry on”.  Nowhere is it applied more than when Brits talk about our climate, and is often referred to ‘by whom up there’ that makes the weather, and at the moment, the UK is actually having a heat wave.  I have a slight reluctance to use the word ‘enjoying’  as soaring temperatures are not always welcome in a culture that is simply not designed for it,

Having said that, Brits are also known for an overabundance of optimism (some may call it foolhardiness), like the organisers behind this weekend’s BIG SAPPHIC BEACH.  Yes, you read that correctly, London’s getting a beach!  Big Sapphic Beach is back on the South Bank with golden sand, deck chairs, beach huts, giant inflatables and an 80ft marquee, plus a Rodeo Ride if you’re feeling brave. There are frozen drinks, cocktails, champagne bars, and a BBQ, with DJs Kaspa, 2-Traxx, Yvette Lindquist, Misty B, and Suni Side Up running queer anthems, RnB, house, and Balearic beats inside and out.

Come with your crew and book a beach hut, or roll up solo and head to the Tropical Meet Hut to find your people. The dress code is full heatwave. It’s 21+, and you may need photo ID.  Eight minutes from Waterloo, just behind the National Theatre.

Big Sapphic Beach Saturday 13th June 2026 • London City Beach • South Bank 3PM – 11PM   Tickets Here