Festivals

BST Hyde Park announce Maroon 5 as 2026 headline act

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American Express presents BST Hyde Park announces their next major headliner for 2026; global sensations Maroon 5 make their Hyde Park debut on Friday 3 July 2026. Tickets go on general sale on Wednesday 12 November. Visit www.bst-hydepark.com.

Over the past three decades, Maroon 5 have become one of the defining pop bands of their generation, fronted by charismatic lead singer Adam Levine. Their breakthrough came with 2002’s Songs About Jane, which took off when “This Love” hit the Top 5 in 2004, followed by hits like “She Will Be Loved” and “Sunday Morning.” The band’s follow-up album It Won’t Be Soon Before Long went multi-platinum, propelled by the chart-topping “Makes Me Wonder.” Over the years, they have collaborated with major names including Christina Aguilera on the globally adored 2011 number one “Moves Like Jagger,” as well as Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion, Kendrick Lamar, Future and many more.

Their hit-filled run includes the albums Overexposed (2012), V (2014), Red Pill Blues (2017), and JORDI (2021), producing global smashes such as “One More Night,” “Sugar,” “Girls Like You” and “Memories.” Alongside huge headline tours and collaborations, they delivered one of their most high-profile moments when they headlined the Super Bowl LIII halftime show in 2019. More than two decades on with 135 million records sold, Maroon 5 remain chart regulars, continuing to evolve their sound through R&B, pop and hip-hop influences while maintaining their status as one of modern pop’s biggest bands.

Joining them are former collaborators, the GRAMMY® nominated OneRepublic. Since their debut, the band has amassed over 5 billion Spotify streams. Their 2007 debut album Dreaming Out Loud featured the 20-million-selling single “Apologize”, a global smash that earned them a GRAMMY® nomination. This was followed by 2009’s Waking Up, with hits including “All the Right Moves,” “Secrets” and “Good Life.” In 2013, they released the platinum-certified Native, which spawned the global No. 1 single “Counting Stars.” Later albums include Oh My My (2016) and Human (2021). Their 2022 hit “I Ain’t Worried,” from Top Gun: Maverick, surpassed 3 billion streams, and in 2024 they released “I Don’t Wanna Wait” with David Guetta, alongside “Nobody (from Kaiju No.8)” and “Invincible (from Kaiju No.8).”

Their sixth album Artificial Paradise arrived with standout tracks “Hurt” and “Sink or Swim,” followed by a deluxe edition featuring collaborations with Jelly Roll and acoustic versions of their hits. Additional releases included “Chasing Paradise” with Kygo, “Tell Me” with Ikky and Karan Aujla, and a reimagined version of The Supermen Lovers’ classic “Starlight,” titled “Starlight (The Fame).” Most recently, the band released “Beautiful Colors (from Kaiju No.8)” as the ending theme for the second season of the anime series. OneRepublic will tour the UK and Europe from September through November, before heading to Australia in February 2026.

Previously announced as headliners for 2026 are Garth Brooks (Saturday 27 June), Pitbull (Friday 10 July) and Lewis Capaldi (Saturday 11 July and Sunday 12 July), with many more acts to be announced.

Tickets:

Amex presale begins – Friday 7 November, 2025

Artist presale begins – Monday 10 November, 2025

General on sale – Wednesday 12 November, 2025

www.bst-hydepark.com | @bsthydepark 

BLOODSTOCK REVEAL BLACK LABEL SOCIETY, FIT FOR AN AUTOPSY, & MORE BANDS FOR 2026

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With Halloween around the corner, BLOODSTOCK has some early treats to share, by way of some fiendishly good bands to announce! No tricks here. Hot on the heels of the recent reveal of special guests BODY COUNT, today BLOODSTOCK can tell you another 10 bands who’ll be treading the boards at Catton Park next summer, and if you’re quick, you might just manage to snap up the last of the standard weekend tickets before the box office goblin swoops in with the giant sold out stamp. 

Striding onto the Ronnie James Dio main stage on Sunday, will be the mighty BLACK LABEL SOCIETY. Led by the inimitable, master storyteller Zakk Wylde, do they need any more introduction? Warm up your necks in advance headbangers, you’ll need it. Not ones to be intimidated by that hefty gut punch, Friday sees prime deathcore dealers FIT FOR AN AUTOPSY join the bill. 

The Sophie Lancaster stage is no slouch either. Thursday welcomes back Birmingham’s previous Metal 2 The Masses winners, boisterous lads MANTIS DEFEATS JAGUAR. Friday confirms sanguine-soaked black metal squad BLOOD COUNTESS and party sludge noiseniks GURT, both poised to enter the realms of BLOODSTOCK lore.

Keeping the metal heavy on Saturday, bear witness to the bleak sounds of blackened death & grind alchemists OUTERGODS. If you thought Sunday was a good day for a rest after all that, you thought wrong, because abrasive doom/punk/blues fans NOISEPICKER, stoner doomsters ALUNAH, death/thrash beasts FLAYED DISCIPLE, and Norwich doom trio ACID THRONE are fully committed to ensuring you round up your best metal weekender ever in blistering style!

There’s no time like the present to get your tickets ordered and start getting excited – head to the ticket store now and be part of history at BLOODSTOCK’s silver anniversary! Wednesday early access is also available in some campsites for those who want to max out their BLOODSTOCK experience. Day tickets will go on sale at a later date.
BLOODSTOCK’s 25th anniversary is going to be truly unforgettable.

BLOODSTOCK 2026 is delighted to present RJD headliners LAMB OF GOD, SLAUGHTER TO PREVAIL, JUDAS PRIEST, and SAXON. Over on the Sophie Lancaster stage, the headliners are CRYPTOPSY (None So Vile 30-year anniversary set), WEDNESDAY 13, LEPROUS, and CARPENTER BRUT.

You’ll also be able to see SEPULTURA, MUNICIPAL WASTE, DEATH ANGEL, NORTHLANE, BLEED FROM WITHIN, VENDED, ORBIT CULTURE, THE SCRATCH, IMPERIAL AGE, LIFE OF AGONY, OF MICE & MEN, BIOHAZARD, 200 STAB WOUNDS, THE HELL, BLACK SPIDERS, SHINING, NEVERMORE, EVIL SCARECROW, HEAVYSAURUS, SKYND, PARTY CANNON, BATTLESNAKE, INHUMAN NATURE, KITTIE, CASTLE RAT, GRAPHIC NATURE, BOOTYARD BANDITS, EXCREMENTORY GRINDFUCKERS, HIDDEN INTENT, SELLSWORD, NECKBREAKKER, SEETHING AKIRA, HAMMER, STAMPIN GROUND, URNE, CELESTIAL SANCTUARY, VIKING SKULL, BOUND IN FEAR, IMPERIUM, FROGLORD, MUSHROOMHEAD, DREAM STATE, and TRIVAX.

With many more bands & additional on site entertainment still to be announced, this is the must-attend celebration of 2026!

For the most up to date festival information, visit the official website at bloodstock.uk.com.

BLOODSTOCK 2026 will take place at Catton Park, Derbyshire on 6th – 9th August, 2026.

Pitbull to headline BST Hyde Park plus special guest Kesha

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American Express presents BST Hyde Park is thrilled to announce that its latest headliner for 2026 will be Mr Worldwide himself, Pitbull. He will be joined by Kesha and many more acts still to be revealed.

The star will take to the Great Oak Stage on Friday 10 July 2026. Tickets go on general sale on Wednesday 8 October. Visit www.bst-hydepark.com.

The international superstar has sold more than 25 million studio albums and has more than 60 million monthly listeners on streaming platforms. He has worked with everyone from Jennifer Lopez to Christina Aguilera to Usher.

With mega hits including ‘Don’t Stop the Party’, ‘Timber’, ‘Hotel Room Service’, ‘Time of Our Lives’, ‘Give Me Everything’, ‘Fireball’ and ‘Get On The Floor’ the Grammy Award winner has secured his place as not only one of the pre-eminent figures in Latin music and hip hop but as one of the biggest names in the pop world.

Pitbull’s 15-date sold-out ‘Party After Dark’ European tour in June, including two shows at the O2 arena, really took off! Thousands of bald cap adorning fans gathered at arenas across the globe.

The Times gave a 4-star review for the show at the O2, while Metro gave 4.5, writing: “I expected a good time, but nothing could’ve prepared me for the pandemonium I witnessed.”

Rolling Stone UK described Pitbull’s show as “the only cult I’d ever want to join”.

The shows resulted in a viral explosion of fans proudly wearing bald caps and dubbing themselves “The Bald E’s” in honor of the artist’s signature look and larger-than-life persona. The fan movement has taken social media by storm, celebrating Pitbull’s iconic image with humor, creativity and unity.

A true pop icon and electrifying live performer, Kesha burst onto the scene with her record-breaking debut single TiK ToK, which became one of the best-selling digital singles of all time. She quickly followed it with global anthems like We R Who We R and Die Young, cementing her place as one of the defining pop voices of the 2010s. Alongside her own hits, she also topped charts worldwide with the Pitbull collaboration Timber, and first came to prominence after featuring on Flo Rida’s No.1 smash Right Round.

Across her career she has sold millions of records, clocked billions of streams and earned a Grammy nomination, all while evolving her sound from euphoric pop to raw, emotional ballads and genre-spanning experiments. This summer, Kesha returned with her acclaimed new album (…), hailed by The Guardian as “a smart, funny return to her hedonistic hot-mess persona” and by NME as “a classic combo of sass, sex and spirituality.” Kesha herself described it as “the first album I’ve made where I felt truly free” – a powerful new chapter from one of pop’s most distinctive and enduring voices.

Jim King, CEO of AEG Presents UK: “We’re proud that over the years, BST Hyde Park has welcomed artists from every corner of the musical spectrum, but there’s truly no one quite like Mr. Worldwide. Pitbull’s energy is unmatched, and his ability to unite audiences across generations is something special. BST Hyde Park is about joy, connection, and unforgettable nights, and with Pitbull, we know he will deliver all of that and more.”

Previously announced as headliners for 2026 are Garth Brooks (Saturday 27 June) and Lewis Capaldi (Saturday 11 July and Sunday 12 July), with many more stars to be announced.

Pitbull has also been announced as a headliner for the inaugural American Express presents Roundhay Festival in Leeds on Friday 3 July, joined by Kesha and more acts to be announced. Visit roundhayfestival.com.

Tickets:

Amex presale begins – Friday 3 October, 10am

Artist presale begins – Monday 6 October, 10am

BST presale begins – Monday 6 October, 10am

General on sale – Wednesday 8 October, 10am

www.bst-hydepark.com | @bsthydepark

BLOODSTOCK ANNOUNCE BODY COUNT FOR 2026

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It’s happening. After years of fans requesting it, BODY COUNT are finally set to tear up BLOODSTOCK in August 2026.  The Grammy-winning crew led by Ice-T will make their long-overdue debut as special guests on the Ronnie James Dio main stage on the festival’s final day, Sunday 9th August, playing directly before headliner JUDAS PRIEST.

No strangers to controversy or crushing riffs, BODY COUNT have been a rallying cry for raw, unapologetic heavy music since the early ‘90s. Born from Ice-T and guitarist Ernie C’s vision to fuse street grit with blistering metal, the band has built a reputation for leveling every stage they set foot on. With a Grammy win for Best Metal Performance (for ‘Bum-Rush’ off their Carnivore album) under their belt, they’re louder, harder, and more relevant than ever. 

Festival director Vicky Hungerford comments, “After 10 years of trying we FINALLY get Body Count to Bloodstock!!! This is going to be one of the most memorable shows the festival has ever seen and how timely it’s going to be a part of our 25th anniversary celebration!” 

Tickets are flying fast – snap yours up now at the ticket store and be part of history at BLOODSTOCK’s silver anniversary! Wednesday early access is also available in some campsites for those who want to max out their BLOODSTOCK experience. Day tickets will go on sale at a later date.

BLOODSTOCK’s 25th anniversary is going to be truly unforgettable. With many more bands & additional on site entertainment still to be announced, this is the must-attend celebration of 2026!

BODY COUNT join an already heavy-hitting lineup including RJD headliners LAMB OF GOD, SLAUGHTER TO PREVAIL, JUDAS PRIEST, and SAXON. Over on the Sophie Lancaster stage, the headliners are CRYPTOPSY (None So Vile 30-year anniversary set), WEDNESDAY 13, LEPROUS, and CARPENTER BRUT.

You’ll also be able to see SEPULTURA, MUNICIPAL WASTE, DEATH ANGEL, NORTHLANE, BLEED FROM WITHIN, VENDED, ORBIT CULTURE, THE SCRATCH, IMPERIAL AGE, LIFE OF AGONY, OF MICE & MEN, BIOHAZARD, 200 STAB WOUNDS, THE HELL, BLACK SPIDERS, SHINING, NEVERMORE, EVIL SCARECROW, HEAVYSAURUS, SKYND, PARTY CANNON, BATTLESNAKE, INHUMAN NATURE, KITTIE, CASTLE RAT, GRAPHIC NATURE, BOOTYARD BANDITS, EXCREMENTORY GRINDFUCKERS, HIDDEN INTENT, SELLSWORD, NECKBREAKKER, SEETHING AKIRA, HAMMER, STAMPIN GROUND, URNE, CELESTIAL SANCTUARY, VIKING SKULL, BOUND IN FEAR, IMPERIUM, FROGLORD, MUSHROOMHEAD, DREAM STATE, and TRIVAX. Many more bands are still to be announced!

For the most up to date festival information, visit the official website at bloodstock.uk.com.

BLOODSTOCK 2026 will take place at Catton Park, Derbyshire on 6th – 9th August, 2026.

BST Hyde Park announces extra Lewis Capaldi show due to phenomenal demand

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American Express presents BST Hyde Park is excited to announce an additional show for Scottish headliner Lewis Capaldi. Due to phenomenal demand, the BRIT Award-winning musician has announced a second show on Sunday 12 July 2026, following the sell-out of his performance on Saturday 11 July. Tickets for Capaldi’s latest show will go on general sale today at 1:30pm. Visit www.bst-hydepark.com for more information.

Breaking out in 2019 with his record-breaking single ‘Someone You Loved’, Capaldi followed up with BRIT-nominated debut album Divinely Uninspired to a Hellish Extent. Capaldi took a hiatus following the release of his sophomore album, but returned with an inspirational, triumphant surprise show at Glastonbury in 2025, featuring his new song ‘Survive’, and a joyous appearance at Noah Kahan’s set this year, sparking a rapturous welcome from fans. The single became the fastest-selling single of 2025 and that success has also seen his biggest-ever opening week sales for a single. Capaldi now joins esteemed company with the likes of Beyoncé, Britney Spears, Drake, Lady Gaga & Queen to achieve six UK number 1 singles, beating David Bowie, Katy Perry, The Police & more.

A headliner-sized Pyramid Stage crowd embraced the emotion of Capaldi’s return – one of the cultural moments of the year – for a powerful, hit-laden half-hour Glastonbury set. “I just wanted to come and finish what I couldn’t finish last time,” said Capaldi. That he emphatically did, with his soaring vocals leading the crowd through classics, as well as a first live showing for ‘Survive’, and a unifying performance of ‘Someone You Loved’.

Now, Capaldi is making his ultimate comeback performing two dates at BST Hyde Park (Saturday 11 July and Sunday 12 July 2026), joining the illustrious line-up of world-renowned artists who have graced the stage, from Stevie Wonder and The Rolling Stones to Bruce Springsteen, Taylor Swift and many more.

The beloved Scottish singer is currently making his way through a sold-out 17-date UK arena tour, having been met by rapturous crowds so far in Sheffield, Aberdeen & Glasgow – a powerful reminder of the connection he commands. The response to the tour has been electric, with critics unanimous in their praise, delivering four and five-star reviews across the board.

Capaldi’s subsequent success stems back to 2019’s multimillion-selling debut Divinely Uninspired To A Hellish Extent, which propelled Capaldi from bedroom musician to superstar. Few had seen a debut release quite like it, becoming the biggest selling UK album of both 2019 & 2020, spawning two UK number 1 singles, bagging a few BRITs and a GRAMMY® nomination, with one of those number 1’s becoming a smash hit on both sides of the globe in ‘Someone You Loved’, which as well as recently going 10x Platinum, is also the UK’s most streamed song of all time & the world’s fourth highest ever streamed song.

As he continues to mark a new era, Capaldi has returned even stronger, heart wide open, and ready to step out again. Capaldi has also been announced to headline the inaugural Roundhay Festival on Saturday 4 July 2026. Visit roundhayfestival.com for more information. Capaldi’s full tour dates can be found at www.lewiscapaldi.com/tour.

Tickets:

BST Hyde Park general on sale – Friday, 19 September, 1:30pm

www.bst-hydepark.com | @bsthydepark

BLOODSTOCK ANNOUNCES 27 MORE BANDS FOR 25TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

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As plans for BLOODSTOCK’s 25th anniversary get underway, the festival has unveiled another 27 bands for 2026’s monumental event. With heavyweights, cult favourites, and rising stars joining the awesome bands already announced, this year’s line-up is shaping up to be one for the ages. And there are still plenty more names yet to come, with approximately 125 bands in total set to appear. Did you know? BLOODSTOCK is going to open the Ronnie James Dio main stage on Thursday now as well! Early bird, campervan, and VIP tickets are already sold out and weekend tickets are over 90% gone, so act quickly to get tickets if you don’t want to miss out!
And so to the bands… 

THURSDAY – RONNIE JAMES DIO STAGE

Headlining the opening night on the Ronnie James Dio main stage are none other than British heavy metal legends SAXON. With over four decades of anthems and an iron-clad reputation for blistering live shows, SAXON’s triumphant return to BLOODSTOCK will kick off the weekend in classic style. Expect a masterclass in pure heavy metal power.

Also joining Thursday’s main stage are BLOODSTOCK favourites EVIL SCARECROW, who bring their eccentric, theatrical brand of tongue-in-cheek metal mayhem, and HEAVYSAURUS, the dinosaur-costumed heroes delivering family-friendly metal fun. Previously announced for the Sophie Lancaster stage, HEAVYSAURUS now stomp onto the RJD stage for maximum roar.

FRIDAY – RONNIE JAMES DIO STAGE

Prepare for the unnerving, true crime inspired, industrial sounds of SKYND, the outrageous brutal slamming, death metal riot of PARTY CANNON, and the serpentine heavy rock theatrics of BATTLESNAKE.

SATURDAY – RONNIE JAMES DIO STAGE

Warm up your necks, thrash-fuelled crossover aggression comes courtesy of London’s INHUMAN NATURE, flying the flag for the new generation of feral thrash.

SUNDAY – RONNIE JAMES DIO STAGE

Closing the weekend in ferocious style, BLOODSTOCK is thrilled to host the BLOODSTOCK debut of Canadian alt-metal pioneers KITTIE. Joining them are occult doom bringers CASTLE RAT – all hail the Rat Queen, boundary-smashing modern hardcore crew GRAPHIC NATURE, and Wild West metal rabble rousers BOOTYARD BANDITS (from Worcester no less).

FRIDAY – SOPHIE LANCASTER STAGE

Unleash the chaos with German grindcore absurdists EXCREMENTORY GRINDFUCKERS, Australian thrash squad HIDDEN INTENT, UK medieval power metallers SELLSWORD, Danish death metal beasts NECKBREAKKER, electro nu-core party-starters SEETHING AKIRA, and rising Scottish extreme metal outfit HAMMER.

SATURDAY – SOPHIE LANCASTER STAGE

Expect no compromises from UK hardcore institution STAMPIN GROUND, genre-bending heavy hitters URNE, death metal purists CELESTIAL SANCTUARY, swaggering stoner rock bruisers VIKING SKULL, down-tempo brutality from BOUND IN FEAR, technical groove maestros IMPERIUM, and amphibian doom oddballs FROGLORD.

SUNDAY – SOPHIE LANCASTER STAGE

Round off the weekend with the masked industrial spectacle of MUSHROOMHEAD, soaring alt-rockers DREAM STATE, and blackened extremists TRIVAX.
CHARITY FUNDS RAISED AT BLOODSTOCK 2025

BLOODSTOCK is also proud to share the incredible fundraising achievements from the 2025 event, supporting charity partners Metal For Good and The Sophie Lancaster Foundation. Guest & media donations raised a fantastic £11,698, with the always popular T-shirt Amnesty adding another £2,120, making a grand total of £13,818 – split equally to provide £6,909 for each charity. In addition, Shepherd Events, who run the BLOODSTOCK bars, made an extra contribution to The Sophie Lancaster Foundation by donating bar tips and running ‘spin to win’ competitions, plus Christopher Roberts and Taylan Rodgers, who worked tirelessly on the bars all weekend, generously donated their entire earnings. That pooled £1725 and Alan Shepherd then rounded it up to give The Sophie Lancaster Foundation an additional £2000.

Katy Baker, Co-Founder of Metal For Good, said:“We have been blown away by the generous support of the Bloodstock team and their wonderful festival goers. We raised a huge amount of money from our stand and through donations from the festival and the merch amnesty, all of which will support incredible community projects using music to change lives. The weekend itself was amazing, so many great bands, smiley faces and brilliant partners – including The Sophie Lancaster Foundation, who we are honoured to share the charity donations with. Thank you to everyone for putting on such an incredible event!”
Help make BLOODSTOCK better! If you attended this year, complete the exit survey here to give your feedback and help with suggestions for 2026! Be sure to leave your details at the end for a chance of winning standard weekend tickets for next summer!

Tickets are flying fast – snap yours up now at the ticket store and be part of history at BLOODSTOCK’s silver anniversary! Wednesday early access is also available in some campsites for those who want to max out their BLOODSTOCK experience. Day tickets will go on sale at a later date.

Important date alert: Applications for accessible access will open at 9am BST on October 11th. For more info and details on how to apply, click here.

BLOODSTOCK’s 25th anniversary is going to be truly unforgettable. With many more bands & additional on site entertainment still to be announced, this is the must-attend celebration of 2026!

BLOODSTOCK 2026 will take place at Catton Park, Derbyshire on 6th – 9th August, 2026.

Already announced to perform at BLOODSTOCK 2026 are RJD headliners LAMB OF GOD, SLAUGHTER TO PREVAIL, and JUDAS PRIEST. Over on the Sophie Lancaster stage, your headliners are CRYPTOPSY (None So Vile 30-year anniversary set), WEDNESDAY 13, LEPROUS, and CARPENTER BRUT.

Joining the fun over the full event are SEPULTURA, MUNICIPAL WASTE, DEATH ANGEL, NORTHLANE, BLEED FROM WITHIN, VENDED, ORBIT CULTURE, THE SCRATCH, IMPERIAL AGE, LIFE OF AGONY, OF MICE & MEN, BIOHAZARD, 200 STAB WOUNDS, THE HELL, BLACK SPIDERS, SHINING, and NEVERMORE!

For the most up to date festival information, visit the official website at bloodstock.uk.com.

        

Lewis Capaldi announced as BST Hyde Park 2026 headliner

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American Express presents BST Hyde Park is thrilled to announce its latest headliner, Lewis Capaldi for 2026. The beloved musician will make his debut solo appearance on the Great Oak Stage on Saturday 11 July 2026. Tickets for his monumental show will go on general sale on Friday 19 September. Visit www.bst-hydepark.com for more information.

Breaking out in 2019 with his record-breaking single ‘Someone You Loved’, Capaldi followed up with BRIT-nominated debut album Divinely Uninspired to a Hellish Extent. Capaldi took a hiatus following the release of his sophomore album, but returned with an inspirational, triumphant surprise show at Glastonbury in 2025, featuring his new song ‘Survive’, and a joyous appearance at Noah Kahan’s set this year, sparking a rapturous welcome from fans. The single became the fastest-selling single of 2025, and that success has also seen his biggest-ever opening week sales for a single. Capaldi now joins esteemed company with the likes of Beyoncé, Britney Spears, Drake, Lady Gaga & Queen to achieve six UK number 1 singles, beating David Bowie, Katy Perry, The Police & more.

A headliner-sized Pyramid Stage crowd embraced the emotion of Capaldi’s return – one of the cultural moments of the year – for a powerful, hit-laden half-hour Glastonbury set. “I just wanted to come and finish what I couldn’t finish last time,” said Capaldi. That he emphatically did, with his soaring vocals leading the crowd through classics, as well as a first live showing for ‘Survive’, and a unifying performance of ‘Someone You Loved’.

Now, Capaldi is making his ultimate comeback and will be performing at BST Hyde Park, joining the illustrious line-up of world-renowned artists who have graced the stage, from Stevie Wonder and The Rolling Stones to Bruce Springsteen, Taylor Swift and many more.

The beloved Scottish singer is currently making his way through a sold-out 17-date UK arena tour, having been met by rapturous crowds so far in Sheffield, Aberdeen & Glasgow – a powerful reminder of the connection he commands. The response to the tour has been electric, with critics unanimous in their praise, delivering four and five-star reviews across the board.

Prior to his comeback, Capaldi played a run of Scottish warm-up shows in May that saw him return to the stage as a guest of mental health charity CALM, in celebration of Mental Health Awareness Week. Capaldi’s last release, the hit-stacked record Broken By Desire To Be Heavenly Sent, scored him his second UK number 1 album, creating another three heartbreaking UK number 1 singles, ‘Pointless’, ‘Wish You The Best’ and the Platinum-certified ‘Forget Me’.

April 2023 saw the global Netflix release of Capaldi’s’ compelling, raw and honest feature-length, GRAMMY®-nominated music documentary ‘Lewis Capaldi: How I’m Feeling Now’ – available to watch on the platform now. The documentary shot straight to the top of the Netflix chart, making it the most-watched film on the platform since its release.

Capaldi’s subsequent success stems back to 2019’s multimillion-selling debut Divinely Uninspired To A Hellish Extent, which propelled Capaldi from bedroom musician to superstar. Few had seen a debut release quite like it, becoming the biggest selling UK album of both 2019 & 2020, spawning two UK number 1 singles, bagging a few BRITs and a GRAMMY® nomination, with one of those number 1’s becoming a smash hit on both sides of the globe in ‘Someone You Loved’, which as well as recently going 10x Platinum, is also the UK’s most streamed song of all time & the world’s fourth highest ever streamed song.

As he continues to mark a new era, Capaldi has returned even stronger, heart wide open, and ready to step out again. Capaldi has also been announced to headline the inaugural Roundhay Festival on Saturday 4 July, visit roundhayfestival.com

Jim King, CEO of AEG Presents UK and European Festivals: “Announcing Lewis Capaldi as a BST Hyde Park headliner for 2026 feels absolutely perfect. He is fast becoming a legend for a new generation and will take his place comfortably among the great BST headliners. We had a glimpse of the magic when he joined Noah Kahan on stage this year, but this will be the true comeback that everyone has been waiting for, and we are so proud to host it.

Tickets:

Amex presale begins – Monday 15 September, 10am

Artist presale begins – Thursday 18 September, 10am

General on sale – Friday 19 September, 9am

www.bst-hydepark.com | @bsthydepark

Best images from Nibirii Festival 2025

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The fifth edition of Nibirii Festival wrapped up at the scenic Dürener Badesee, hosted by Bootshaus Cologne. Over three days from August 22 – 24, 2025, more than 50,000 music lovers enjoyed five stages featuring techno, GOA, drum & bass, Afro and Melodic House, with Saturday completely sold out. A new dedicated stage for Afro and Melodic House made its debut, and over 100 artists performed, marking a new attendance record.

Set against golden beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush surroundings, Nibirii continues to combine top-tier production with an intimate, boutique festival vibe. Organiser Tom Thomas summed it up: “Nibirii is about more than music. It’s about connection, energy, and celebrating life.”

Early bird tickets for the next edition, August 28 – 30, 2026, are already on sale at nibirii.com.

Here’s a look at some of the best moments from the weekend:

Image credits: KellyVanDerMaade

BLOODSTOCK ANNOUNCES 25 BANDS FOR 25TH ANNIVERSARY IN 2026

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BLOODSTOCK is delighted to return to Catton Park in August 2026 to celebrate its 25th anniversary  – will you be there to celebrate this momentous occasion with everyone?

With 2025’s event fully underway with headliners TRIVIUM, MACHINE HEAD, and GOJIRA melting faces this weekend (alongside 120+ more bands), BLOODSTOCK cordially invites you to get excited for 2026 too, by revealing the first 25 bands set to make 2026 the festival’s best year yet. 

You can snap up tickets immediately at the on site box office at an early bird price, saving yourself the booking fee. More info on all ticket types and on sale dates is further below.

BLOODSTOCK is overjoyed to welcome back titans of groove metal, the unmistakable LAMB OF GOD as Friday’s headliner on the Ronnie James Dio stage.  Frontman D. Randall Blythe states, “We are thrilled to return to headline Bloodstock in 2026! The UK is one of our favourite countries in the world to play and Bloodstock is one of our favourite festivals. And to Bloodstock security… I will make sure I have my pass on me at all times. See you next August!” 
BLOODSTOCK is always keen to give fresh faces the opportunity to show what they’re made of and step it up to headliner status. Without further ado, Saturday’s RJD headliner will be none other than the crushing SLAUGHTER TO PREVAIL. That gives you a year to get up to speed with their just released, new album ‘Grizzly.’ Beware of bears on site from tomorrow… 
BLOODSTOCK salutes one of our most iconic metal bands on Sunday, who are celebrating more than fifty years of making heavy metal history. Who else to headline then, but metal gods JUDAS PRIEST. The pioneering group have so many classic tracks, you should start debating what the set list will look like now. 



Over on the Sophie Lancaster stage, your Thursday headliner will be tech death Canadians CRYPTOPSY, with a None So Vile 30-year anniversary set. Friday’s headliner sees the Duke of Spook, WEDNESDAY 13 at his spellbinding and macabre best.

On Saturday, Norwegian progressives LEPROUS will close out the stage. And to wring out any last energy you might still have after JUDAS PRIEST have finished with you on Sunday, dark synth artist CARPENTER BRUT will wrap up the weekend in dazzling fashion.

Who else might you catch on the Ronnie James Dio main stage over the festival? BLOODSTOCK can reveal the legendary SEPULTURA will appear as part of their final farewell tour, see them while you still can. Sure to challenge the crowd surfer record again, are you ready for MUNICIPAL WASTE?

Speaking of pulverizing, you won’t want to miss seminal thrashers DEATH ANGEL lay down the law. Fans of modern metalcore should get revved up about the confirmation of Australian squad NORTHLANE and Scottish bruisers BLEED FROM WITHIN.

But if nu-metal is more your thing, then Des Moines massive VENDED will be just what you are hoping for. There’s plenty of excellent talent coming over from mainland Europe too with melo-death Swedes ORBIT CULTURE added to the line-up.

For a musical curveball, how do you feel about Irish traditional music mixed with heavy metal? THE SCRATCH will offer you a chance to find out. Don’t be downhearted symphonic & power metal fans, you haven’t been forgotten – IMPERIAL AGE are coming to make all things right.

2026 also sees the inimitable LIFE OF AGONY return to BLOODSTOCK, after sadly a medical emergency forced cancellation in 2022 – they will be worth the wait! And that’s not all, Californian rockers OF MICE & MEN are also locked in, plus hardcore giants BIOHAZARD, who are sure to create one of the most impressive pits of the weekend too.

But the fun doesn’t stop there! There’s plenty of headbangin’ shenanigans to be had over in the Sophie tent all festival too, not least with Jurassic levels of entertainment coming from HEAVYSAURUS (yes, we like dinosaurs).

Cleveland death metallers 200 STAB WOUNDS and THE HELL also join the affray to blow any cobwebs away, and if that’s not enough, Sheffield crew BLACK SPIDERS bring some rock n roll classic riffs guaranteed to get the party in full swing. For something a little more avant garde, maybe a blackjazz set from Norwegians SHINING will take your fancy.

Have we saved the best for last? We know you’ll be pleased with the very long awaited return of NEVERMORE!
BLOODSTOCK WELCOMES HEAVY METAL TRUANTS

After thirteen annual cycle rides from London to Download Festival, the Heavy Metal Truants are thrilled to announce that next year will see them charting a new path to glory — destination: BLOODSTOCK OPEN AIR.
Co-founded in 2013 by then Metal Hammer Editor In Chief Alexander Milas and Iron Maidenmanager Rod Smallwood, the Heavy Metal Truants have so far raised over £1.5 million for four children’s charities: Teenage Cancer Trust, Nordoff & Robbins Music Therapy, Childline, and Save the Children. Since its beginning, this unique initiative has been spearheaded by a three day, 30-person, 175-mile cycle from London to the gates of a major metal festival, and next year that destination is BLOODSTOCK.

“Heavy Metal Truants is more than a cause – it’s a family, and our success and longevity is testament to the power of this metal community which we are so proud to be a part of,” said Milas. “The help and generosity we’ve had from our friends at Download Festival has been nothing less than legendary, but after 13 years, the timing felt right to carry the torch to new, hallowed ground. The response from Bloodstock when we floated the idea was nothing short of phenomenal.”

Adam Gregory, Director of Bloodstock, adds, “Bloodstock is honoured to have been chosen to have the baton passed to us from Download. As we join together with the Heavy Metal Truants on the next part of their incredible journey, I’m confident our fans will continue supporting such a monumental effort from HMT and everyone involved for some truly amazing causes.” The 2026 ride will invite cyclists of all backgrounds and abilities to take up the gruelling challenge of cycling 175 miles with a single goal: raising vital funds for kids in need. As in previous years, the Heavy Metal Truants will also include a series of virtual challenges so walkers, runners, and cyclists from all over the world can also support and take part.

JOIN THE RIDE! You’ll be in good company! See some of the previous pedal-to-the-metal family below!
Sign-ups for HMTXIV are open NOW.

For updates and registration: www.heavymetaltruants.com Follow on social: @hmtruants

Retrospective & Reminisce Festivals – September 2025

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Get ready for an unforgettable retro extravaganza making it’s debut featuring iconic artists, music, and tribute acts spanning decades of hits—from the ’70s to the noughties—across three incredible stages! Featuring performances by Belinda Carlisle, Go West, Roachford, Katrina (Katrina & The Waves), Tiffany, and a DJ set from Martin Kemp!

Reminisce Classical!  A live orchestral journey through the biggest anthems that defined a generation of clubbers will also be making their debut. This breath-taking experience will bring the dancefloor classics you love to life like never before for a night of pure nostalgia and unbeatable vibes..

Retrospective Festival is bought to you by In Demand  – The creators of the hugely successful 90’s Pop and Dance Festival Reminisce. Without a single act announced, yet on this year’s bill Reminisce, has already sold out it’s 25,000 tickets – such is the love for this fantastic annual 12- hour party in Sherdley Park.  Not only has the festival grown year on year to a now full capacity arena with 8 banging stages, but it sells out as soon as Early Bird Tickets Go On Sale! This year Reminisce will be held on Saturday 6th September and for sure will present all the usual sunshine, smiles and a stellar line up of the best acts the 90’s club scene enjoyed. Expect all the festival favourites and always a surprise or two at the top of the bill. 

If you haven’t bagged your ticket to Reminisce yet, tickets to their brand-new festival Retrospective are now on sale. The same great production and a line up bursting at the steams with stars from our great musical heritage. 

For tickets and full info, visit RetrospectiveFestival.com & https://reminiscefestival.com/