Work out where to entertain your clients with our guide to the best VIP tickets in town
Words: Olivia Palamountain Photos: Carolina Faruolo, Daniel Harris
Christmas Day for London’s raving crew
They say festival, we say one-day event. But who cares? Field Day delivers quality sounds for music-conscious urbanites. New indoor arena The Barn hosts Aphex Twin and Jon Hopkins, while VIPs get fast-track entry, plus access to a hospitality cocktail bar and separate food outlets. Oh, and the all-important designer loos.
Crowd-pleasing entertainment fit for a king
Fancy a right royal knees-up? VIP tickets to this most hospitality friendly of festivals include a champagne reception and three-course banquet in the magnificent State Apartments, as well as premium seats for the main event. A different headliner each night ensures there’s something for everyone, from Bryan Ferry to the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra. Picnic packages in waterside gazebos are also on offer.
Grown-up concert series in aid of the Chelsea Pensioners
Belle & Sebastian are first up on the Thursday night, then Friday's given over to the Chelsea Fireworks Prom, before Ludovico Einaudi takes charge for the weekend. Sir Chris Wren's State Apartments are the majestic backdrop to a three-course hospitality menu, or you can go for the VIP Quartermaster’s BBQ on the South Terrace. Both packages include top-price seats and priority entry.
Cross-generational crowd-pleaser by the Thames
Seven days of eclectic music programming, from an 'up close and personal' show with Little Mix, to Cliff Richard – back with a bang. Hospitality's offered in the sensational Painted Hall, where prosecco and canapés will be served around a one-off guided Scaffold Tour of the famous ceiling.
Chunky acts light up London’s largest village green
There are plenty of VIP options to flash your Barclaycard at as the credit provider returns to sponsor the capital’s biggest-hitting festival. The Ultimate Bar Experience gets you into an exclusive drinking den serving cocktails under an open canopy, while Gold Circle and Grandstand options offer fantastic views of the Great Oak Stage. You wouldn’t want to miss the likes of Phil Collins, would you?
A country festival without the travel – or the mud
Escape the city without leaving town. The VIP experience here includes a summer BBQ served in Kew’s gorgeous Grade I-listed Orangery, with views over the gardens beyond. After dinner, watch the likes of Mary J Blige, Razorlight and Passenger from the exclusive reserved enclosure.
One for the dance-music lovers
Lovebox is back with another blinding line-up, from Jamie XX and Frank Ocean to Chase & Status and DJ EZ. Check into tropical VIP Bohemia for an escape from the masses, plus a comp bar, all-day dining and eccentric performances on the house. We really don’t care what you do, but please don’t wear wellies.
For the best early summer out-of-town festivals - part one, click here.
For 2017's best festivals outside London – part two, click here.