Summer is one of the most popular times of the year for companies to bring colleagues, clients and partners together outside of the office. Whether the objective is have an awards ceremony, celebrate company results, launch or strengthen client relationships, a well-planned summer party creates memorable experiences that leave a lasting impression.

One of the biggest decisions when planning a summer event is choosing the right style of party. The good news is that London offers an incredible range of venues and event formats to suit every company, budget and guest profile.

Here are some of the most popular types of corporate summer parties and how to choose the right one for your company.

Festival Style Summer Parties

Festival-themed events have become one of the most sought-after corporate summer party formats in recent years.

Inspired by popular music festivals, these events create a relaxed and vibrant atmosphere with:

• Stretch tents and tipis 
• Street food stalls 
• Live music and DJs 
• Lawn games and entertainment 
• Cocktail bars and craft beer stations 
• Festival-style seating areas

Festival events work particularly well for larger numbers of guests, looking to create a fun, informal environment where guests can socialise freely.

The format is highly flexible and can be adapted for groups of 500 to 2500 guests.

Rooftop Summer Parties

Nothing says summer in London quite like a rooftop party overlooking the city skyline.

Rooftop venues offer:

• Stunning views across London 
• Stylish cocktail receptions 
• BBQs and summer menus 
• DJ
• Live acoustic entertainment 
• Networking opportunities 

These venues are particularly popular for client entertaining, executive events and companies looking to create a sophisticated atmosphere.

Many rooftop venues can be hired exclusively, allowing businesses to brand the space and tailor the experience to their guests.

Garden Parties

Garden parties remain a timeless choice for corporate summer events.

Set within hidden urban spaces, garden parties provide a relaxed setting for colleagues and clients alike.

Typical features include:

• Lawn games 
• Pimm’s and prosecco bars 
• BBQ catering 
• Acoustic musicians 
• Garden marquees 
• Afternoon tea options 

Garden parties are ideal for businesses seeking a traditional British summer experience with a touch of elegance.

Riverside Summer Parties

London’s riverside venues offer a unique backdrop for summer entertaining.

Overlooking the Thames, these venues combine beautiful scenery with a relaxed atmosphere.

Popular features include:

• Outdoor terraces 
• Drinks receptions by the water 
• BBQ and street food catering 
• Boat hire opportunities 
• Live entertainment 

Riverside venues work particularly well for networking events, company celebrations and client hospitality.

Summer BBQ Events

Corporate BBQs remain one of the most cost-effective and popular summer event formats.

Far removed from a traditional backyard BBQ, today’s corporate BBQ experiences can include:

• Gourmet barbecue menus 
• Live cooking stations 
• Cocktail bars 
• Interactive entertainment 
• Branded event spaces 

BBQs offer a relaxed environment that encourages conversation and team bonding while keeping guests well fed throughout the event.

Family Fun Days

Many organisations choose to extend their summer celebrations to employees’ families.

Family fun days typically include:

• Children’s entertainment 
• Fairground rides 
• Face painting 
• Interactive games 
• Food stalls 
• Live performances 

These events help strengthen company culture and demonstrate appreciation for employees and their families.

Indoor Summer Parties

British weather can be unpredictable, making indoor summer party venues an increasingly popular option.

Modern indoor venues can recreate the atmosphere of an outdoor celebration while providing complete protection from the elements.

Features may include:

• Tropical-themed décor 
• Indoor gardens 
• Summer-inspired catering 
• Live entertainment 
• Interactive experiences 
• AV & Stage for Awards & Entertainment.

Indoor summer parties offer peace of mind while still delivering an exceptional guest experience.

Luxury Summer Parties

For companies seeking a premium experience, luxury summer parties combine exceptional venues with first-class hospitality.

These events often feature:

• Exclusive venue hire 
• Champagne receptions 
• Fine dining experiences 
• Premium entertainment 
• Luxury styling and production 
• Bespoke guest experiences 

Luxury summer parties are particularly popular for milestone celebrations, executive events and client hospitality programmes.

Themed Summer Parties

A strong theme can transform a summer gathering into an unforgettable event.

Popular themes include:

• Ibiza Beach Club 
• Tropical Paradise 
• Bollywood Themed
• Mediterranean Escape 
• Great Gatsby Garden Party 
• English Country Garden 
• Carnival Festival 
• Hollywood Summer Nights 

Themed events allow businesses to create fun filled immersive experiences while incorporating branding and company messaging.

Choosing the Right Summer Party Venue

The venue is often the single most important factor in the success of a corporate summer party.

When selecting a venue, consider:

• Guest numbers 
• Type and scope of the Summer party
• Location and transport links 
• Indoor backup options 
• Catering requirements 
• Branding opportunities 
• Entertainment possibilities 
• Budget 

London offers an exceptional choice of summer party venues, from rooftop terraces and riverside locations to private gardens, blank canvas spaces and large-scale event venues.

Planning Your Corporate Summer Party

The most successful summer parties combine the right venue, great food, engaging entertainment and seamless event management.

At Lotus Events, we help companies plan and deliver memorable summer parties throughout London. From venue suggestions and catering to event production, entertainment and guest management, our team provides a complete end-to-end service designed to make the planning process simple and stress-free.

Whether you are organising an intimate rooftop drinks reception for 100 guests or a large-scale festival-style event for 2,500 attendees, we can help create a summer celebration that leaves a lasting impression on your guests.