BST Hyde Park (British Summer Time) is London's biggest open-air concert series. Held in Hyde Park every June and July, it brings global superstars to a temporary venue in one of the world's most famous parks. Since its launch in 2013, BST has hosted some of the biggest names in music, from The Rolling Stones and Taylor Swift to Adele and Bruce Springsteen. If you want to see a major artist in a spectacular setting, BST Hyde Park is the event.
What is BST Hyde Park?
BST is a series of individual headline concerts rather than a continuous festival. Each concert day features one major headliner supported by several other artists across multiple stages. The event typically runs over two weekends in late June and early July, with concert days interspersed with free "Open House" days that offer food, drink, and activities without a headline act.
The venue is built temporarily in the south-east corner of Hyde Park, near Hyde Park Corner and the Wellington Arch. The capacity for headline shows is around 65,000, making it one of the largest outdoor music venues in London.
The headliners
BST attracts artists at the very peak of their careers. Recent headliners have included Robbie Williams, SZA, Stevie Wonder, Billy Joel, Pink, and Andrea Bocelli. The programming spans pop, rock, R&B, hip hop, and beyond. Each concert day is a standalone event, so you buy tickets for specific headliners rather than the series as a whole.
Supporting acts on each bill are often headline-worthy in their own right. It is common to see three or four well-known artists on a single bill, making the value proposition strong compared to a standalone arena concert. The music typically runs from early afternoon until around 10.30pm.
The venue layout
The BST Hyde Park site is divided into several areas. General Admission (GA) is the main standing area in front of the Great Oak Stage, where the headliner performs. Primary Entry offers a slightly closer position. Gold Circle and Diamond areas provide premium positions near the stage. There are also seated options further back for those who prefer not to stand all day.
Beyond the main stage, there are additional stages hosting supporting acts, plus extensive food and drink areas, sponsor activations, and the Open House area. The site is large, so wearing comfortable shoes is essential. Moving between areas can involve queues, particularly for the premium zones.
VIP and hospitality
BST offers extensive VIP and hospitality packages, from slightly upgraded viewing areas to full-service hospitality with private bars, premium food, and dedicated viewing platforms. These come at a significant premium but can transform the experience, particularly for the biggest shows where GA can feel crowded. Prices for top-tier packages can run into several hundred pounds per person.
Practical tips
Arrive early, especially for popular headliners. Gates open in the early afternoon, and the GA area fills up from mid-afternoon. If you want a good position for the headliner, you need to commit to standing in your spot for several hours. Alternatively, enjoy the supporting acts and food areas, and accept a position further back for the main event.
The weather in London in June and July can be anything from blazing sunshine to persistent rain. There is no cover in the GA area, so prepare for both. Sunscreen, a hat, and a light waterproof are all advisable. Water is available on site, and you can usually bring an empty water bottle to refill.
Bag searches and security checks at entry can create long queues, so allow extra time. Check the BST website for the current bag policy, as restrictions can change between events. Small bags are usually permitted; large rucksacks and professional cameras are typically not. For general event preparation, see our event planning guide.
Food and drink
BST Hyde Park has an extensive food and drink offering. Street food traders cover a wide range of cuisines, from gourmet burgers and pizza to Asian, Mexican, and vegan options. Bars serve everything from mainstream lagers to craft beers, cocktails, and wines. Prices are, unsurprisingly, London prices at a premium event, so budget accordingly. A round of drinks for a group can add up quickly. For tips on festival food, check our food and drink guide.
Getting there
Hyde Park is in central London and is exceptionally well-served by public transport. The nearest tube stations are Hyde Park Corner (Piccadilly Line), Marble Arch (Central Line), and Knightsbridge (Piccadilly Line). Green Park and Victoria are also within walking distance. Buses serve the area extensively. Driving is not recommended as there is no dedicated event parking, and central London traffic and parking costs make it impractical.
After the event, expect crowds at the nearest tube stations. Walking to a station one or two stops further away can save significant queuing time. The post-event rush typically clears within 30 to 45 minutes.
Tickets
Ticket prices vary significantly depending on the headliner, ranging from around £65 for GA at less in-demand shows to over £150 for popular headliners. Premium and VIP tickets can cost several times more. Tickets go on sale in the spring, and the biggest shows sell out within hours or even minutes.
Pre-sale access is available through various channels, including artist fan clubs, credit card providers, and the BST mailing list. Signing up for multiple pre-sale opportunities maximises your chances of securing tickets for high-demand shows. A general on-sale follows the pre-sales, but for the biggest headliners, this may already be sold out. For safe ticket buying, see our ticketing guide.
Is BST Hyde Park worth it?
For seeing a world-class artist in one of the world's greatest parks on a summer evening, BST Hyde Park is hard to beat. The combination of the setting, the calibre of the headliners, and the full day of music makes it one of London's flagship summer events. The premium pricing and crowds are the trade-offs, but for the right headliner on the right evening, it is an unforgettable experience.
