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.
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’s 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.
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’s resident soulstress Natalie Williams and her band, setting the tone for a nostalgic yet fresh disco celebration.
Sunday’s 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.
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 Muoneké. 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.
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—the 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.
Battersea Park in Concert is a key component of the wider cultural programme celebrating Wandsworth’s designation as London Borough of Culture 2025. This year-long initiative is designed to spotlight the borough’s 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.
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’s cultural calendar next summer.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.wandsworthguardian.co.uk/news/25357460.battersea-park-concert-announces-shows-2025/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.batterseaparkinconcert.com/ – Battersea Park in Concert 2025 is a three-day open-air picnic concert series held over the August bank holiday weekend, from August 23 to 25. The event features three distinct concerts: ‘Symphonic Disco’ and ‘A Night at the Movies’ performed by the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, and a performance by Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own picnic or pre-book gourmet picnic hampers. The event also offers curated pop-ups for food and drink, as well as exclusive upgrades like the Gold Circle and Diamond VIP Experience, which includes access to a private VIP garden with luxury toilets. Children can enjoy a range of free activities in the Kids Tipiland. The concerts are part of Wandsworth’s 2025 London Borough of Culture programme, aiming to provide discounted entrance tickets to local residents. More information and ticket bookings are available on their official website.
- https://www.timeout.com/london/news/wandsworth-london-borough-of-culture-2025-full-event-programme-announced-022625 – Wandsworth’s London Borough of Culture 2025 programme includes a variety of events throughout the year. Highlights are: ‘Strictly Wandsworth’ on April 26, featuring 200 dancers from 22 local organisations; ‘Wandsworth Arts Fringe’ from June 6 to 22, offering new theatre, dance, music, and comedy; ‘Wandsworth Heritage Festival’ from June 13 to July 13, celebrating local history; ‘Battersea Park in Concert’ from August 23 to 25, a three-day open-air concert series; ‘Urban Flow’ on September 13, a silk banner procession blending movement and digital art; ‘Liberty 2025’ from September 26 to 28, celebrating D/deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent artists; and ‘Palace of Varieties’ on November 26, a 125th anniversary celebration of the Clapham Grand. The programme aims to showcase Wandsworth’s rich cultural heritage and community spirit.
- https://www.wandsworth.gov.uk/news/news-february-2025/wandsworth-s-year-as-london-borough-of-culture-sparks-excitement-and-transformation/ – Wandsworth’s year as London Borough of Culture 2025 has sparked excitement and transformation with a series of events. Highlights include: ‘Strictly Wandsworth’ on April 26, a dance extravaganza featuring 200 dancers from 22 local organisations; ‘Wandsworth Arts Fringe’ from June 6 to 22, offering new theatre, dance, music, and comedy; ‘Wandsworth Heritage Festival’ from June 13 to July 13, celebrating local history; ‘Battersea Park in Concert’ from August 23 to 25, a three-day open-air concert series; ‘Urban Flow’ on September 13, a silk banner procession blending movement and digital art; ‘Liberty 2025’ from September 26 to 28, celebrating D/deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent artists; and ‘Palace of Varieties’ on November 26, a 125th anniversary celebration of the Clapham Grand. The programme aims to showcase Wandsworth’s rich cultural heritage and community spirit.
- https://www.axs.com/series/28654/battersea-park-in-concert-tickets – Battersea Park in Concert 2025 is a three-day open-air picnic concert series held over the August bank holiday weekend, from August 23 to 25. The event features three distinct concerts: ‘Symphonic Disco’ and ‘A Night at the Movies’ performed by the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, and a performance by Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own picnic or pre-book gourmet picnic hampers. The event also offers curated pop-ups for food and drink, as well as exclusive upgrades like the Gold Circle and Diamond VIP Experience, which includes access to a private VIP garden with luxury toilets. Children can enjoy a range of free activities in the Kids Tipiland. The concerts are part of Wandsworth’s 2025 London Borough of Culture programme, aiming to provide discounted entrance tickets to local residents. More information and ticket bookings are available on their official website.
- https://www.broadwayworld.com/westend/article/Wandsworth-Reveals-Full-Summer-Line-Up-for-London-Borough-of-Culture-2025-20250521 – Wandsworth’s London Borough of Culture 2025 programme includes a variety of events throughout the year. Highlights are: ‘Strictly Wandsworth’ on April 26, featuring 200 dancers from 22 local organisations; ‘Wandsworth Arts Fringe’ from June 6 to 22, offering new theatre, dance, music, and comedy; ‘Wandsworth Heritage Festival’ from June 13 to July 13, celebrating local history; ‘Battersea Park in Concert’ from August 23 to 25, a three-day open-air concert series; ‘Urban Flow’ on September 13, a silk banner procession blending movement and digital art; ‘Liberty 2025’ from September 26 to 28, celebrating D/deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent artists; and ‘Palace of Varieties’ on November 26, a 125th anniversary celebration of the Clapham Grand. The programme aims to showcase Wandsworth’s rich cultural heritage and community spirit.
- https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKLBW/bulletins/3d417fb – Wandsworth’s London Borough of Culture 2025 programme includes a variety of events throughout the year. Highlights are: ‘Strictly Wandsworth’ on April 26, featuring 200 dancers from 22 local organisations; ‘Wandsworth Arts Fringe’ from June 6 to 22, offering new theatre, dance, music, and comedy; ‘Wandsworth Heritage Festival’ from June 13 to July 13, celebrating local history; ‘Battersea Park in Concert’ from August 23 to 25, a three-day open-air concert series; ‘Urban Flow’ on September 13, a silk banner procession blending movement and digital art; ‘Liberty 2025’ from September 26 to 28, celebrating D/deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent artists; and ‘Palace of Varieties’ on November 26, a 125th anniversary celebration of the Clapham Grand. The programme aims to showcase Wandsworth’s rich cultural heritage and community spirit.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative presents original content with no evidence of prior publication. The event details, including dates and performers, are unique to this announcement. No recycled or republished material was identified. The narrative is based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score.
Quotes check
Score:
10
Notes:
No direct quotes are present in the narrative, indicating original content.
Source reliability
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative originates from the Wandsworth Guardian, a local news outlet. While reputable within its community, it may not have the same global recognition as larger organisations.
Plausability check
Score:
10
Notes:
The event details align with other reputable sources, including the official Battersea Park in Concert website (https://www.batterseaparkinconcert.com/?utm_source=openai) and Time Out London (https://www.timeout.com/london/things-to-do/battersea-park-in-concert?utm_source=openai). The narrative provides specific dates, performers, and event details, enhancing its credibility.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is original, with no evidence of recycled content. It is based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score. The Wandsworth Guardian is a reputable source, and the event details are corroborated by other reputable outlets. No discrepancies or signs of disinformation were identified.
