Judith Schrut previews La Linea, London’s annual Latin Music Festival.
It won’t surprise you to learn that London, the world’s most diverse city, is home to more than 270 nationalities and 300 languages. Life in our gloriously global village has many advantages and that includes the chance to enjoy music from across the world, right here on our doorstep.
One of my favourite chances happens each April when La Linea, London’s one and only Latin Music Festival, comes to town.
La Linea 2026 takes place from 20 April to 6 May, when venues across the city explode in a vibrant celebration of Latin sound, story and culture, featuring artists from across the Latinx diaspora, from global superstars to rising talent.
Opening this year’s Festival is the magnetic Sara Correia, in her biggest UK show to date. She’s one of Portugal’s fastest rising musical stars and a leading figure in contemporary Fado. Born into a family of Fado singers, Sara has been singing in Fado houses since the age of 12, winning the prestigious Grand Night of Fado competition at just 13. Her smoky and passionate voice inhabits the sweet spot between traditional, dark Fado and its modern, lighter style, capturing love and power, sadness and joy, the city of Lisbon and the Portuguese soul.
Fans of Latin American ‘Rock en Español’ won’t want to miss a sure–to-sizzle night with Caifanes, making a rare London appearance at La Linea this year. From its roots in 1980s Mexico City, Caifanes’ blend of post-punk, new wave, and traditional Mexican sound makes it one of the most iconic and influential bands in Latin rock history.
Join all-female powerhouse Las Salseras for an incredible evening of energy and ‘Azúcar,’ a one-night-only centenary tribute to musical legend and “Queen of Salsa,” Celia Cruz.
Celia Cruz (1925–2003), was a Cuban-born performer whose 60-year career, powerful voice, charismatic stage presence, and signature cry of “Azúcar!” (Sugar!) made her a global icon and earned her the title “Queen of Salsa”. One of the most influential Latin artists of the 20th century and the rare woman in a male-dominated salsa scene, she won many awards, recorded over 80 albums, and 1,000 songs, including renowned hits like Quimbara, Bemba Colorá and La Vida es Un Carnaval. Las Salseras is a new orchestra made up of ten UK top female salsa musicians directed by Eliane Correa. Don’t be surprised if this Jazz Cafe gig sees the audience up and dancing in the aisles before the end of the opening number.
That’s a mere taste of musical talent joining this year’s La Linea. Other festival high notes include the London debut of indigenous Peruvian artist Renata Flores, and Mexican singer songwriter Silvana Estrada, whose voice will take your breath away with its exquisite beauty and passion. Artists from Spain, Brazil, Cuba and Colombia will also be performing at some of London’s most iconic venues like the Barbican Centre, Camden’s Jazz Café and Islington’s Union Chapel.
La Linea 2026: London’s Latin Music Festival, 20 April – 6 May 2026 at the Jazz Café, Barbican Centre, Electric Ballroom, Union Chapel and other venues across London and beyond.
For further information and tickets click here
For more about Latin music and events in London/UK visit Como No!
Cover image, Eliane Correa. All images courtesy Baxter PR and Como No!, with special thanks to Joe and Tom.
