Festivals
BST Hyde Park 2025 Announces First Headliner: Jeff Lynne’s ELO
The legendary Jeff Lynne’s Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) has been announced as the first headliner for British Summer Time (BST) Hyde Park 2025, taking the spotlight on the iconic Great Oak Stage on Sunday, July 13. Tickets will be available to the general public starting at 9 a.m. BST on Friday, October 25.
This performance marks the band’s final farewell to fans, decades after their beginnings in Birmingham, where their groundbreaking fusion of rock, pop, and classical music redefined the soundscape. Having captivated audiences on their U.S. farewell tour, Over and Out, the group is now preparing to bid their European fans a poignant goodbye in one of London’s most celebrated venues.
Jeff Lynne reflected on the significance of this moment, saying, “My return to touring began at Hyde Park in 2014. It seems like the perfect place to do our final show. We couldn’t be more excited to share this special night in London with our UK fans. As the song goes, ‘we’re gonna do it One More Time!'”
Widely regarded as one of the most influential bands in music history, Jeff Lynne’s ELO has delivered a legacy of unforgettable performances and chart-topping hits. Their recent achievements include a critically acclaimed album and a sold-out run of concerts across the UK and Europe. The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017, while Lynne himself entered the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2023.
Known for their groundbreaking live shows, ELO has mesmerized millions with their innovative stage productions, featuring their signature UFO stage prop, cutting-edge visuals, and lush orchestral arrangements. Songs like “Mr. Blue Sky,” “Don’t Bring Me Down,” “Evil Woman,” and “Livin’ Thing” have become timeless classics, contributing to their more than 50 million records sold worldwide and securing over 20 Top 40 hits in the US and UK.
Beyond his work with ELO, Jeff Lynne’s illustrious career includes co-founding the supergroup The Traveling Wilburys alongside legends like George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison, and Tom Petty. He has also collaborated with some of the biggest names in music, including The Beatles, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and Bryan Adams.
Jim King, CEO of European Festivals at AEG Presents, shared his excitement about the upcoming show: “Jeff Lynne’s ELO are loved the world over. The live shows are nothing short of extraordinary and a testament to the incredible catalogue of hits we’ve enjoyed for over 50 years. Hosting their final performance at BST Hyde Park is a true honour, especially 30 years after their first festival show in the same park. We’re excited to be part of this special moment in music history.”
BST Hyde Park has become a cornerstone of the UK’s summer music scene, hosting an eclectic mix of artists in 2024, including SZA, Kings of Leon, Andrea Bocelli, Robbie Williams, Stevie Nicks, and Stray Kids. With ELO leading the 2025 lineup, fans can anticipate more exciting announcements in the months to come for what promises to be another unforgettable edition of the festival.
More info on BST Hyde Park’s website.
Festivals
Montréal Jazz Festival 2026 – Naïka
If you caught Naïka at MTelus just a few months back, you already know how incredible her live energy is. But seeing her step onto the huge outdoor TD Stage at Jazz Fest on June 29th was something else entirely. She went from playing an intimate venue to looking out at a sea of about 30,000 people. You could tell she was genuinely moved by the turnout, and how could she not be, considering the crowd was more than ten times the size of her last show in the city.
She started the set in this beautiful, draping white dress that paid tribute to her French-Haitian roots. It looked amazing, but right after the opening track, she shed the layers for a short skirt and a white top so she could actually move around, dance, and really own the massive stage.
The setlist felt like a perfect journey through her catalog. She hit some of her biggest tracks like “Ma Chérie” and “1+1,” and then completely flipped the mood by playing a gorgeous, soulful cover of “Killing Me Softly” that had us all swaying and singing along to every word. The absolute highlight, though, was when she surprised everyone by bringing Jessie Reyez out to perform “One Track Mind.” The chemistry between them on stage was so cool to see live.
Beyond the music, just standing in that crowd felt special. Looking around, it was a massive mix of people from every background and culture imaginable. It really reminded me of why Montreal’s melting-pot vibe makes festival season so unique. For an independent global artist like Naïka, the whole night felt less like a standard festival set and more like a major milestone moment in her connection with the city.
Check out our favourite photos of the night below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
NAÏKA AT JAZZFEST MONTREAL
All Photo Credit: Andres Amaya
Festivals
FIFA Fan Festival™ Vancouver – Shakey Graves & Grayson Repp
On June 28, the FIFA Fan Festival™ in Vancouver wrapped up the day with an atmosphere that will be remembered for years. Just after Canada defeated South Africa in dramatic fashion, scoring a last-minute winner to book its place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 for the first time in the country’s history, supporters stayed at the festival ready to celebrate.
The amphitheatre was packed from the moment the music began, and the energy never faded. Fans dressed in red and waving Canadian flags carried the excitement of the match, turning every performance into part of the day’s celebration.
American folk-rock artist Shakey Graves delivered a captivating set that balanced laid-back storytelling with energetic moments. His blend of blues, folk, and Americana fit perfectly with the summer evening, and the crowd responded warmly throughout the performance.
On the Park Stage, Grayson Repp brought his own style to the festival with an engaging performance that drew a steady audience dancing to classics celebratory songs. Together, the two artists provided a fitting soundtrack to a day already filled with unforgettable memories.
Check our our favourite photos of the show below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
SHAKEY GRAVES
GRAYSON REPP
All Photo Credit: Caroline Charruyer