Leading the charge is a name that needs no introduction: Bruce Springsteen. Yes, The Boss is bringing his E Street Band to the UK for what promises to be a career-spanning set under the stars. It’s the kind of booking that makes you text your dad immediately, because shared joy is the whole point.
Joining him is the one and only Dolly Parton, fresh off her Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction and ready to remind everyone why she’s a force of nature. Expect glitter, giggling, and gospel-tinged versions of “Jolene” that will leave you misty-eyed. Dolly at a park is a gift we don’t deserve but are so ready to receive.
And for those who like their classics with a bit more British grit, Paul Weller and The Pretenders are confirmed for main stage slots. Chrissie Hynde’s voice hasn’t aged a day, while Weller will likely debut a few new tracks that sound exactly like the Mod revival you didn’t know you needed. It’s heritage, but with a rebellious wink.
The New Guard & The Hidden Gems
Radio 2 has always had a knack for spotting tomorrow’s headliners before they’re plastered on billboards. This year’s undercard is a treasure trove of discovery. British newcomer Rina Sawayama is set to bring her genre-bending pop to the second stage, a set that will likely be the most discussed on Monday morning.
Then there’s Jacob Collier, the multi-instrumentalist wunderkind whose live shows are less concerts and more joyful experiments in sound. For a practical tip: arrive early to his slot. The queue to get near the stage will be long, but the experience of hearing him loop harmonies in real-time is utterly worth it.
Don’t sleep on Laufey, either. The Icelandic-Chinese singer is the quiet voice of a generation, and her jazz-tinged ballads are perfect for the twilight hour. Grab a spot near the food stalls, let her “Bewitched” wash over you, and watch the sunset. It’s pure serotonin.
