THE BEST IMMERSIVE EVENTS THIS SUMMER                  

The summer season, while traditionally known for good weather, is not famed for its extravagant, all-out parties. For those of us who like to get creative and dress up for grand events that enable you to step into another dimension for the duration of the event. With only a few masquerade balls organized over the summer months, we’ve looked to immersive events to satisfy our desires for a beautifully enchanting event.

Not just the capital city, London is also the setting for many great events and parties. For those who live close by, you may be surprised by the wide range of possibilities available on our doorstep; for those who live further afield, this list of events are worth a trip to the big city! Be sure to book yourself a room in a hotel so you can fully absorb the magic of your evening without having to worry about catching the last train home.

THE GREAT GATSBY

1920s America has come to London again this summer, grab your dancing shoes and head down to Gatsby’s Drugstore just 5 minutes walk from The Shard for an evening of jazz and indulgence. A self-proclaimed immersive theatrical experience, these evenings full of entertainment, dance and plenty of alcohol really will make it feel like you’ve stepped back to 1920s America.

As a performance of immersive theatre, meet and chat with Nick Carraway, Daisy and Tom Buchanan and Mr Gatsby himself as you explore the series of rooms at the Gatsby Drugstore. Follow one of the familiar characters to witness scenes acted out before your eyes in a fashion that will make you feel like a genuine guest at a party, rather than a member of the audience at a show. As an evening like no other, we are very much looking forward to this event!

Check out the website for more information, or buy tickets for the variety of dates here. This immersive experience is back by very popular demand, so be sure to book tickets to avoid disappointment.

THE GREAT MASKED BALL

This list would not be complete without at least one mention of a masquerade ball. Possibly the biggest masquerade ball of the year, The Great Masked Ball is promising to be a fully immersive Swan Lake-inspired ball. With a banquet prepared by Masterchef champion Tim Anderson, music from The Arensky Chamber Orchestra, dancing and choreographed performances, this is the event of the summer without a doubt!

If you are looking for a fully immersive experience, then this is not an evening to be missed! All guests are expected to be in character once they step through the doors of Prince Siegfried’s Palace, so prepare your best ball gown and most decadent mask for this event. With only a few dates in July and August and tickets now few and far between, this is the event of the season for anyone wishing to experience a little magic.

For more information head to the website, or buy your tickets here.

SOMNAI

From traditional grandeur to ultra-modern, this VR and AR experience is the opposite of the beautiful classic Great Masked Ball, but is equally as breathtaking. Combining some of the most advanced technologies, DotDotDot have pulled out all of the stops for this immersive experience. Ideal for the daring and those in search of a new experiences, you won’t know what to expect even after you’ve put on the VR headset.

Running until the first few days in August, this is certainly an experience worth the travel to London. With dates available most days throughout June and July, combine this with some sightseeing or another immersive experience for a truly unforgettable trip.

For more information, check out the DotDotDot website here, or alternatively buy tickets directly here.

THE MURDÉR EXPRESS

Step aboard The Murdér Express and take part in a fully immersive theatre and dining experience. We highly recommend this event for anyone wishing to experience immersive theatre for the first time. Dress up or simply go in your regular jeans, this is a great introduction for anyone unsure of whether they will enjoy immersive theatre.

Arrive at Pedley Street Station and enjoy themed drinks and cocktails from the Seven Sins platform bar, before tucking into a meal crafted by MasterChef 2016 finalists Billy and Jack. While you may be tempted to sit back and enjoy your evening of entertainment and good food, beware of the murderer also on board the train.

If you’re looking for more details on this event, check out the website here, or directly purchase your tickets for an upcoming show through the official website.

EL CARTEL

Ever wished you could step straight into your favorite Netflix series? Well now you can! A bar just outside of the hussle and bussle of central London is the perfect setting for this Columbian drug cartel-inspired evening. Come along and learn to ‘cook’ a range of cocktails from the professional mixologists at the Canek Bar. With the tickets including a welcome drink and all of the cocktails you make, this immersive experience is a great way to spend time with friends or loved ones in an unusual setting.

Also great for a first-time immersive experience, we highly recommend this for big groups or corporate gatherings as the venue can be booked exclusively for the whole evening. Come in your usual 21st-century clothing, but be prepared to accessories with a bulletproof vest as you walk through the doors and into the dangerous world of El Chapo.

Ready to venture into the dangerous territories of Colombia’s drug lords? Book your tickets or find out more information from the event’s official website.

DEAD QUIET

If you’re looking for a fully immersive thriller experience then look no further. This incredibly popular murder mystery event may be new to the scene, but the glowing reviews from the first few shows were enough to convince us that this is not something to be missed! Enter the Kensington Central Library and step into 1962 England where an elderly librarian has hired the help of a master of the supernatural and his team (that’s you!) to solve the mystery of the murders that took place in the library.

The event involves quite a bit of walking about and a fair few stairs, so ensure to wear suitable shoes. There is a lift on site so accessibility is not an issue if you are in a wheelchair or find stairs difficult. As one of the longest events on this list, you’ll have the chance to get fully immersed into the plot to try and solve the mystery and uncover the dark history if the library.

For more information on this event and to purchase tickets head to this website. This event runs most Saturdays throughout July and August and is suitable for children over the age of 12 – the perfect way to spend a wet or dreary Saturday afternoon.

ROYAL DAY OUT

Be a member of the royal family for the day with this immersive experience. Perfect for visitors, tourists and locals alike, this event enables you to explore the capital city of the UK in true royal splendour. As you arrive, nibbles and beverages fit for royalty await, then don an 18th-century-inspired costume and begin your tour of some of the most interesting parts of the city. A personal photographer will accompany you throughout the trip to ensure that every second of your great experience is captured on film for you to treasure.

The weather in England may not be known for the brightest nor warmest of summers, however, fear not, the team behind these immersive experiences has various routes and places to visit to ensure that not a drop of rain hits your royal gown. Popular with couples, groups, and individuals alike, this is a great way to explore London in a way you’ll never forget.

Find out more on how you can be an honorary member of the royal family for the day here.

FEASTY BLINDERS

Back for a limited time due to immense success, this Peaky Blinders-themed event is a fully immersive experience that will take you back to 1920s Birmingham. With the venue in a secret location and with the dress code revealed exclusively to guests, this is an event for the elite only. Arrive the secret location and be greeted by complimentary Shelby Gin or Solomon Rum cocktails, then sit down for a themed meal that would have been typical of the 1920s before dancing the night away, all while enjoying the entertainment throughout the different rooms.

With only six shows running this summer, any fan of the show will want to be in London this July to experience these one-of-a-kind events. Meet some of the characters from the show and watch as scenes unfold around you.

To find out more about these one-off and exclusive events, head to DesignMyNight and purchase your tickets before they sell out for good. These are the last six shows Feasty Blinders will perform, so book your tickets to avoid disappointment!

If you are looking for a masquerade ball to go to checkout our list of the Best Masquerade Balls in 2018/19