Jools Holland and more to start in Battersea Park in Concert

The event, part of Wandsworth’s London Borough of Culture 2025 festivities, will take place from August 23 to 25.

The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, and top UK jazz talent will perform in the park, transforming it into a lively concert venue.

The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra will lead two key events on the opening Saturday and Sunday.

On Saturday, August 23, the orchestra, under the baton of Pete Harrison, will present Symphonic Disco, a unique concert blending disco classics with orchestral splendour.

A full disco band and special guest singers will join the orchestra to perform hits from the likes of ABBA, Earth Wind & Fire, Dua Lipa, Sister Sledge, Chic, Kool & The Gang, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Donna Summer, Boney M, Bee Gees, and many more.

Ronnie Scott’s resident soulstress Natalie Williams will support the event, presenting a selection of soul classics.

Sunday, August 24, will see the orchestra return for A Night at the Movies, a cinematic journey through iconic film music, culminating in a grand fireworks finale.

Audiences can anticipate thrilling compositions from John Williams and Hans Zimmer, featuring scores from Star Wars, Inception, Harry Potter, Pirates of The Caribbean, and more.

The evening will also include music from James Bond and How to Train Your Dragon, Pretty Woman, Ghostbusters, Love Actually, and Wicked, ensuring an entertaining mix for all ages.

Matt Ford, celebrated jazz and swing vocalist, will support the evening with his band, presenting a repertoire from the golden age of Broadway to Hollywood.

The summer weekend will also feature the much-anticipated performance from Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra.

The event will take place on Monday, August 25, and will include special guest Chris Difford from Squeeze, along with long-standing collaborators Ruby Turner, Louise Marshall, and Sumudu Jayatilaka on vocals, Gilson Lavis on drums, and Blues guitar prodigy Toby Lee.

Jazz aficionados can look forward to a summer afternoon of top UK jazz, headlined by saxophonist sensation YolanDa Brown, and a one-off show Ella Fitzgerald Reimagined, featuring Jacqui Dankworth, Elaine Delmar, and Ian Shaw.

Singer-songwriter Marvin Muoneké will also grace the stage, captivating the audience with his mid-20th century jazz tunes.

Battersea Park in Concert is more than just a music event.

Attendees will have the opportunity to curate their own picnic amidst the park's offerings.

Those preferring a more gourmet experience can opt for pre-booked picnic hampers, or explore a selection of food and drinks from curated pop-ups.

Exclusive upgrades will be available, including Gold Circle, with seating nearest to the stage, and the Diamond VIP Experience, offering top seats, a private VIP garden, and luxury amenities.

Families can look forward to Kids Tipiland, featuring free activities for children each day.

Battersea Park in Concert is a proud participant in Wandsworth’s 2025 London Borough of Culture programme.

This year-long celebration, led by Wandsworth Council in collaboration with local organisations and people, features an array of cultural events and creative initiatives taking place from April 2025 to March 2026.

The concert will continue to provide 'Access for All' discounted entrance tickets as part of its commitment to the Wandsworth Council programme.

The 2025 edition of the concert is specially enhanced for Wandsworth’s Borough of Culture year, with a newly expanded education programme providing more children the chance to experience classical music and the art of film composition.

Ticket pre-sale begins at 9am on March 5, 2025, exclusively for those who have signed up at batterseaparkinconcert.com/signup.