In what heralds a totally unique event offer for London, each live music-packed weekend will be linked by a midweek programme of diverse entertainment, accessible for all to enjoy. From Monday to Thursday, the entire Barclaycard British Summer Time site, saved for the main stage, will give visitors the chance to get involved with smaller, more intimate events offering film, music, literature, sport and a specific family day that will expand the Barclaycard British Summer Time experience to genuinely appeal to the whole family.
Jim King of AEG Live and Event Director said:
"After a great deal of planning and hard work, we are so proud to announce what will no doubt be an incredible event for London. Barclaycard British Summer Time takes everything we have learned indoors at our other venues – in creating the amazing experiences at The O2 – and shares it within the world’s greatest outdoor venue, Hyde Park. We literally started with a blank canvas and in Barclaycard British Summer Time, we have created what we believe to be the ultimate in Summer events – fantastic music, great food, drinks, farmers markets, theatre, film – and much more incredible entertainment across a full 10 days. The list is endless!”
Across Hyde Park, there will be four themed zones within the Barclaycard British Summer Time site, each with its own specially designed installations and entertainment, high quality restaurants, bespoke salons, pubs, cocktail bars, cafes, bistros and independent food stalls. AEG Live has made a multi-million pound investment and a five year commitment to ensure this is a truly unforgettable experience and the attention to detail in the design of these areas stops at nothing short of excellence. AEG is also committed to working with the natural surroundings of Hyde Park to ensure an environmentally-friendly footprint and has commissioned an internationally respected team of ecologists to advise on the planning and construction of Barclaycard British Summer Time.
James Russell, The Royal Parks, Head of Events said:
“This is a new era for entertainment in Hyde Park. Hyde Park has such a wonderful heritage in hosting world class concerts in the heart of London, dating back to 1969. Today, we are looking forward, and along with AEG Live, we are very excited to be bringing the Barclaycard British Summer Time event to this iconic location that is recognised around the world.”
As one of the main headlining artists, Bon Jovi will bring their worldwide smash hits to their set, as well as new songs from their forthcoming What About Now? album, released March 25th. Part of their Because We Can world tour, it will be the highlight of 7 UK summer dates.
Rob Hallett, President, International Touring, AEG Live comments:
“It is fabulous that, as we begin to celebrate a decade of working together with Bon Jovi, we come together again to launch a reimagined series of shows at the iconic Hyde Park.”
AEG was awarded the 5 year contract to create this event in Hyde Park towards the end of last year. Earlier this week, it was announced that Barclaycard, the leading global payment business, has signed a full 5-year exclusive partnership with AEG and The Royal Parks to be the headline sponsor for Barclaycard British Summer Time from 2013.
Dan Mathieson, Head of Sponsorship, Barclaycard commented:
“We’re excited to have partnered with AEG and to be the official partner for Barclaycard British Summer Time. Working with AEG and The Royal Parks places the Barclaycard brand at the forefront of some of the most exciting entertainment events the UK will see for the next five years.
Barclaycard British Summer Time will give Barclaycard Unwind customers further opportunities to access a fantastic world of music, advance ticket sales and become part of Barclaycards newest technology initiatives; including, fast track entry and speedy contactless payments.”
