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Next August bank holiday, Battersea Park will host a three-day open-air concert series headlined by the Royal Philharmonic and Jools Holland as part of Wandsworth’s London Borough of Culture 2025 celebrations, featuring genres from symphonic disco to film soundtracks and rhythm & blues.<\/p>\n
Battersea Park is set to become a vibrant cultural hub next summer with the announcement of the open-air picnic concerts scheduled for the August bank holiday weekend, from August 23 to 25, 2025. These three days of outdoor performances form a highlight of Wandsworth\u2019s prestigious London Borough of Culture 2025 celebrations, bringing music lovers together in a scenic setting. The event promises a unique blend of classical, disco, movie soundtracks, and rhythm and blues, all performed against the iconic backdrop of Battersea Park.<\/p>\n
The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra will headline the weekend, presenting two distinct themed concerts conducted by Pete Harrison. Saturday will kick off with “Symphonic Disco,” a lively show featuring a full disco band and guest singers reimagining classic hits by artists ranging from ABBA and Earth, Wind & Fire to contemporary star Dua Lipa. The evening opens with soulful performances by Ronnie Scott\u2019s resident soulstress Natalie Williams and her band, setting the tone for a nostalgic yet fresh disco celebration.<\/p>\n
Sunday\u2019s performance, “A Night at the Movies,” will transport audiences through a soundtrack journey featuring legendary scores from films like Star Wars, Inception, Harry Potter, and Pirates of the Caribbean. The concert culminates in a fireworks finale, creating a spectacular cinematic experience under the night sky. Supporting this musical voyage is Matt Ford, who will perform a selection of songs spanning Broadway and Hollywood, adding further glamour to the evening.<\/p>\n
The final day, Monday, showcases Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, who will delight the audience with an energetic set supported by UK jazz talents such as YolanDa Brown and Marvin Muonek\u00e9. The concert also features special guests including Chris Difford, Louise Marshall, Sumudu Jayatilaka, and the young blues guitar prodigy Toby Lee, promising a rich and varied jazz and blues finale to the weekend.<\/p>\n
The outdoor concerts encourage a picnic atmosphere, with attendees invited to bring their own food or pre-book gourmet picnic hampers. Complementing this are curated food and drink pop-ups, enhancing the festival vibe. For those seeking extra comfort and convenience, exclusive Gold Circle and Diamond VIP Experience packages will be available\u2014the latter offering access to a private VIP garden with luxury toilet facilities. Families are welcome, too, with free activities provided daily in the Kids Tipiland, ensuring an inclusive environment for all ages.<\/p>\n
Battersea Park in Concert is a key component of the wider cultural programme celebrating Wandsworth\u2019s designation as London Borough of Culture 2025. This year-long initiative is designed to spotlight the borough\u2019s rich artistic heritage and community spirit, with diverse events including the ‘Strictly Wandsworth’ dance spectacular, the Wandsworth Arts Fringe, Heritage Festival, and celebrations focusing on disability arts and local landmarks. As part of its commitment to accessibility, the concert series will offer discounted tickets to local residents and aims to expand educational outreach, providing more children with opportunities to experience classical music and film composition.<\/p>\n
Tickets for the Battersea Park concerts will go on pre-sale on March 5, 2025, at 9 am, initially available exclusively to those who have signed up in advance. With its blend of celebrated classical music, vibrant performances, and family-friendly atmosphere, Battersea Park in Concert promises to be a standout event in London\u2019s cultural calendar next summer.<\/p>\n