On a vibrant summer evening in London, BST Hyde Park roared back to life on June 27, 2025, with a dazzling lineup of performances that heralded a new chapter for one of the city’s most beloved music festivals. Headlined by the sensational Olivia Rodrigo, the event marked the first of nine show days at the iconic venue, which boasts a capacity of 65,000 music lovers eager to experience live music in one of the world’s most celebrated open-air spaces.
Promoted by AEG Presents, BST Hyde Park has undergone a remarkable evolution in recent years, transforming from a once unpopular local event space into a festival that not only draws international stars but also deeply engages with its community and environment. Jim King, CEO of AEG Presents European Festivals, shared insights about this transformation, highlighting the festival’s commitment to sustainability and its strong ties to the local community.
King revealed that the inspiration for the festival’s innovative sustainability efforts, particularly the use of battery power, stemmed from earlier projects like the Act 1.5 event with Massive Attack in Bristol and LIDO, a festival that incorporated lessons learned from those experiences. “We said that it cannot be a full stop, it has to be a comma on the story,” King explained, emphasizing the ongoing nature of their environmental initiatives.
Community relationships have been a cornerstone of BST Hyde Park’s success. Fifteen years ago, the event space was far from popular among local residents, but through close collaboration with Royal Parks, Westminster City Council, and various community and residents’ associations, that perception has dramatically shifted. King praised these partnerships, stating, “If you look between the council, the Royal Parks and the residents’ associations, the management of that stakeholder group has been one of the key successes.”
Regarding the festival’s scale, nine shows is currently the maximum allowed under the existing license, and King believes this is the ideal number. “Three weekends is a good run of shows. Past that, it would begin to be difficult to book and maintain the quality of headliners that we have,” he said, adding with a chuckle, “And I’m pretty tired at the end of three weekends as well.” AEG holds the Hyde Park contract until 2027, and while the future beyond that remains uncertain, the company hopes to continue the festival’s journey for many years to come.
The physical footprint of BST remains unchanged, centered within the designated event space in Hyde Park. King noted the practical advantages of this area, including its proximity to transport links and its large, open layout, making it an ideal location for such a major event.
Since the festival’s return post-Covid, there has been a notable shift in the audience demographic, largely influenced by the contemporary and youthful headliners on the bill. King observed, “The vast majority of headliners playing London in 2025 are under 40 years old,” and praised the thriving talent pool, remarking, “The supply of unbelievable talent I don’t think has ever been stronger.”
Ticket sales for this year’s BST Hyde Park have been nothing short of spectacular, with every show expected to sell out. King attributed this to both the strength of the artists and London’s status as the premier live music market globally. “London is the most incredible live music city in the world,” he affirmed.
One of the standout moments on opening night was Olivia Rodrigo’s headlining set. Taking the stage at 8:50 PM, Rodrigo delivered a powerful performance that captivated the crowd until just before the 10:30 PM curfew. Fans had been eagerly awaiting her appearance, with many sporting her signature butterfly logo and singing along to hits like “drivers license,” “good 4 u,” and “get him back!” Rodrigo’s setlist also included deep cuts such as “obsessed” and “vampire,” showcasing her range and connection with the audience.
Supporting Rodrigo were a diverse group of artists, many of whom are rising stars in their own right. The Great Oak Stage featured acts like BETWEEN FRIENDS, flowerovlove, and the London-based indie rock band The Last Dinner Party, who brought their energetic hits “Sinner” and “Nothing Matters” to the festival. The Birdcage Stage and Rainbow Stage also hosted a variety of performers, including Déyyess, Aziya, Florence Road, Ruti, Katie Gregson-Macleod, and Caity Baser.
Caity Baser, closing out the Rainbow Stage on opening day, also made headlines with the release of her new single, “The Story Of Her,” a poignant exploration of her strained relationship with her mother. Baser expressed excitement about performing to such a receptive crowd, saying, “Oh my god! So I saw Olivia at the O2 last year, and she was amazing. And I’ve been following her forever.” She described her musical evolution, moving from songs about youthful heartbreak to more personal and introspective themes. “It’s the first time I’ve felt ready and comfortable enough to touch on difficult things. But it’s really exciting because it’s a whole other side that no one knows yet,” she said.
Her new single, blending influences from classic artists like Julie London and Nat King Cole with contemporary pop, has been well received by her inner circle, with no reported issues. Baser’s ambition is clear: “I want to keep growing, that’s always the target. To keep growing and never stop!”
Festival-goers enjoyed favorable weather conditions, with temperatures peaking at 25°C and only some cloud cover, making for a comfortable outdoor experience. Attendees were encouraged to bring empty water bottles and take advantage of free refill stations scattered throughout the venue, ensuring hydration during the long day of music and celebration.
BST Hyde Park’s meticulous planning extended to logistics and ticketing. Doors opened at 2:00 PM, with no readmission allowed once inside, encouraging attendees to settle in for the day. The box office closed at 8:00 PM, and the last admission was at 8:30 PM, allowing ample time for fans to enter before Rodrigo’s headline set.
As the festival continues its run through the summer, it stands as a testament to London’s enduring love for live music, the strength of emerging talent, and the power of community collaboration. From its sustainable innovations to its star-studded lineups and intimate artist stories, BST Hyde Park is not just a festival—it’s a vibrant celebration of music’s ability to bring people together.
