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
FIFA Fan Festival Vancouver – Kaytranada
The FIFA Fan Festival™ at the PNE closed out another memorable week on Sunday with the biggest match in world football and a fitting musical finale. Fans packed the site well before kickoff, creating a sea of jerseys, flags, and face paint as they gathered to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final between Spain and Argentina. Every big chance was met with gasps and cheers, and when Spain secured the victory, the celebrations spread across the festival grounds as supporters soaked in the final moments of a month-long tournament.
There was little time for the excitement to settle before the day’s entertainment shifted from football to live music. Montreal’s Kaytranada took over the Amphitheatre stage, giving fans one last reason to keep the energy going after the trophy presentation. Known for blending house, hip-hop, R&B, and electronic music into a sound that feels uniquely his own, Kaytranada delivered exactly the kind of set the festival needed to close the weekend.
With Spain crowned world champions and Kaytranada providing the soundtrack to the celebration, the FIFA Fan Festival wrapped up another successful day at the PNE. It was a reminder that throughout the tournament, football and music proved to be the perfect combination, bringing thousands of people together to celebrate on and off the pitch.
Check out our favourite photos of the night below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
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All Photo Credit: Caroline Charruyer
Festivals
FIFA Fan Festival Vancouver – The Dead South, Jesse Roper, Colin James
The FIFA Fan Festival™ at the PNE Grounds delivered another full day of football and live music on Saturday, July 18, as fans packed the site to watch the FIFA World Cup third-place match before spending the afternoon discovering Canadian talent across the festival stages.
The day opened with one last piece of World Cup drama before the tournament finale. England defeated France in the third-place match, giving English supporters plenty to celebrate before the music began. Groups wearing England shirts could be spotted throughout the grounds after the final whistle, adding to the lively atmosphere that has become a daily feature of the Fan Festival.
Once the football wrapped up, the focus shifted to the Amphitheatre and Park Stage. Vancouver’s own Jesse Roper was among the first artists we caught, bringing his signature blues-rock sound to an enthusiastic crowd. His guitar work and easy stage presence made for a strong start to the afternoon, with plenty of fans gathering in front of the stage despite a full day of entertainment still ahead.
Over on the Park Stage, Canadian blues-rock legend Colin James reminded everyone why he has remained one of the country’s most respected performers for decades. His set mixed polished musicianship with plenty of groove, drawing listeners of all ages who appreciated every guitar solo and familiar chorus.
The Dead South closed out the day. The Saskatchewan quartet’s blend of bluegrass, folk and country proved to be a perfect fit for the outdoor setting. Fans sang along, clapped in time and danced throughout the performance.
With the World Cup final less than 24 hours away, there was already a sense that the tournament was nearing its conclusion. Even so, July 18 showed that the FIFA Fan Festival remained much more than a place to watch football. It continued to bring together sport, live music and community in a way that has made it one of Vancouver’s standout events of the summer.
Check out our favourite photos of the night below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
THE DEAD SOUTH
JESSE ROPER
COLIN JAMES
FANS
All Photo Credit: Caroline Charruyer