Set the Agenda - Summer 2025

Sunshine, creativity, and the buzz of inspiration - summer is the perfect season to soak it all in. As the days grow longer, so does the list of must-attend design events lighting up the calendar. Whether you're chasing big ideas or just looking for a fresh perspective, this summer offers a golden opportunity to recharge your creative energy. From the star-studded stages of Cannes Lions to the emerging talent at New Designers Festival - where we’re even recording a special My Life in Design episode - there’s something to spark every imagination.

What does your summer look like?

London Design Biennale - 5-29 June

The London Design Biennale is a prestigious international design exhibition held every two years at Somerset House, featuring creative installations and national pavilions from over 35 countries. With a focus on innovation, cultural storytelling, and future-facing design—this year themed “Surface Reflections”—it brings together designers, thinkers, and institutions to explore how design shapes identity, environment, and society. For designers, it's a unique opportunity to engage with global perspectives, discover pioneering ideas, and connect with an international creative network, making it an inspiring and influential event for anyone shaping the future of design.

Cannes Lions - 16-20 June

Officially the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, is a global event for people in the advertising, marketing, and creative communications industries. This stylish festival features a range of prolific speakers this year to inspire your creativity, including household names such as Serena Williams, Reese Witherspoon, and Bill Nye. The festival provides an unmatched opportunity to hear from leading creators, learn about the industry with support from professionals, and network with important connections.

3 Days of Design - 18-20 June

This Danish festival takes place in the capital of Copenhagen this summer, for both professionals, and the general public to attend. Over 400 household brands that span across 8 creative disciplines will be showcasing their work at this unique event that takes place across different venues in the innovative city. This year’s theme is ‘Keep it Real’- a celebration of individuality and authenticity within design.

LA Design Festival - 26-29 June

The LA Design Festival only happens once every two years, so be sure to catch it while you can! The four day, city-wide event, will explore the roles of creativity, culture, and community in the artistic hub of Los Angeles. The theme this year is ‘Design Futurism’- a particularly important topic of discussion at present which will explore the shared human experiences within design, and how they will shape the future of it.

New Designers - 2-12 July

Going into its 40th year in 2025, the New Designers is a must attend for anyone looking to network, and get inspired, especially young designers entering into the many facets of the design industry. Spanning across two weeks, the festival will cover everything from fashion, textiles, glass, jewellery, graphics and game design, and more, and will include our Red Setter founder Claire Blyth interviewing renowned ceramic artist and designer Peter Ting for the podcast ‘My Life in Design’. The festival will host over 2,500 graduate designers, and is the perfect place to keep up to date with the upcoming trends and designers.