Bon Jovi to headline new London festival
Bon Jovi are to headline a newly announced festival which will be staged in London’s Hyde Park this summer.
The US band are the first act to be announced for the inaugural Barclaycard British Summer Time event, which is being launched by promoter AEG Live.
Bon Jovi last played an outdoor show at Hyde Park two years ago when they headlined Hard Rock Calling.
That event along with the Wireless Festival are being moved by promoter Live Nation to the Olympic Park in east London.
The park will feature themed zones with specially designed installations and entertainment, restaurants, cocktail bars and bistros, moving away from the more basic festival staples.
Bon Jovi – whose hits include 'Living On A Prayer' and 'Wanted Dead Or Alive' - were in London this afternoon to announce the shows.
They are to release a new album 'What About Now?' On March 25 and the concert will be part of their Because We Can world tour.
Rob Hallett, president of International Touring for AEG Live, said: “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 Live was awarded the five-year contract to stage concerts in Hyde Park last year, replacing Live Nation which withdrew from the tendering process.
There had been a rise in noise complaints about concerts in the park which led to the capacity being reduced and the number of events being slimmed down.
Barclaycard British Summer Time is being staged from June 28 to July 7, with Bon Jovi performing on Friday, July 5.
James Russell, head of events for The Royal Parks, said: “This is a new era for entertainment in Hyde Park.”
