Published: 21 April 2026
British Summer Time Hyde Park is one of the UK’s most eclectic series of music events that takes over the world-famous Royal Park every summer. It combines headline performances by some of the biggest artists on the planet with a full suite of midweek community programming and free activities that support it in style. With fantastic packages that include VIP access and associated food & drink experiences, it represents a recent, joyful addition to the social calendar of the capital.
A Venue of Prestige and Heritage
London’s Hyde Park has proud roots in public use, performance and spectacle. This magnificent open space, once the private hunting ground of King Henry VIII was restored to public use in 1637 by King Charles I as a gift to the people of the capital and they soon adopted it as a key location for music. The promenades and public gatherings of the 18th and 19th centuries were often accompanied by the rousing sounds of military bands such as the Coldstream Guards with open-air performances for all to hear.
It's Only Rock ‘n’ Roll
Towards the end of the 20th century, Hyde Park once again demonstrated its versatility to match the needs of public tastes. On the 29th of June 1968, progressive rock titans Yes played the first major modern concert here and created a blueprint to follow. The next year, The Rolling Stones performed one of their most significant landmark gigs in Hyde Park to a reported free audience of between 300,000 and 500,000 people, making it one of the largest ever gathered together for a single act. More historical musical events followed, with memorable performances such as Luciano Pavarotti’s incredible appearance in torrential rain during the summer of 1991.
It Was Twenty Years Ago Today…
When it was decided that the 20th anniversary of the groundbreaking charity concert Live Aid would be recognised with a global program of events to celebrate it, there was only one choice for the UK venue. In the summer of 2005, Hyde Park reverberated to the strains of Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band as Paul McCartney and U2 kicked off another incredible day of music.
British Summer Time Begins
In 2013, the concert promoter capitalised on all of this history to launch the first BST program. Over two weekends in July, several acts played to a combined audience of over 350,000 people. The Rolling Stones returned for the first time since the seminal 1969 performance alongside concerts from Bon Jovi, Elton John, Ray Davies and Elvis Costello. New and up-and-coming artists were also represented with sets from acts such as Jake Bugg and The Vaccines. A tradition was therefore set in place that looked set to continue.
A Royal Park Roster
Since then, apart from the two years lost to Covid restrictions, BST has been an annual event that has seen an incredible list of acts take to the stage in these famous surroundings. From Black Sabbath to Taylor Swift, Celine Dion to The Who and Pearl Jam to Adele, headliners from all over the world came to W2 to make BST a hit.
BST 2026
BST 2026 begins at the end of June next year with a headline set from Country Music legend Garth Brooks, playing his first UK concert in almost 30 years. Lewis Capaldi will be making an emotional return to the outdoor live circuit following his well-publicised hiatus in recent times. An initial date proved so popular that a second night for Lewis was recently added in an unprecedented turn of events for BST.
The party starter in chief, Pitbull, will be joined by Pop singer Kesha for what promises to be an unforgettable Friday in July, whatever the weather. More details for the lineup are expected to be announced in the coming weeks for what could well be BST’s biggest ever schedule.
The Best Seat in The Park
Exclusive experiences are already available to run alongside the confirmed headliners. The Great Oak Roof Garden delivers the best views possible of the main stage under the cover of a raised terrace. A fully attended private bar with complimentary drinks is on hand for a little bit of fizz to go along with the pop sounds and a curated selection of food menus of small plates is available all day. Dedicated concierge services are also part of the package, so any request can be fully accommodated as you watch the events unfold.
As the clocks have fallen back and the UK is once again deep in its wintry hibernation, thoughts of lighter evenings and evening concerts may seem a long way away. However, it won’t be long before British Summer Time returns in earnest for 2026, so it makes sense to block out the diary now in anticipation of your own personal favourite performance.
