Review: Olivia Rodrigo Day at BST Hyde Park
★★★★★
My first ever time attending the BST Hyde Park, it was not what I expected (in a good way!). I always thought it was one day, it's actually across three weekends with an insane line-up in July. Past headliners included Adele, Justin Bieber, The Rolling Stones and more.
I explored the space, it was WAY bigger than I thought, almost neverending. The set design, and effort put into the buildngs were insane. I’ve not been to a festiival as spectacular and fun as this. Lidl was there, Superdrug, even Flat Iron - now that building was incredible to see up close. it was so fascinating seeing everything, it was like a mini village. Who needs Glasto when you have BST Hyde Park??? I had access to the VIP Section but the GA was just as great. Next time I’ll explore that section more, i still can’t believe how big the space was. The biggest festival i’ve been to since Reading & Leeds.
Now onto the music, the first artist I saw was Flowerovlove on The Old Oak stage, who is amazing! She supported Role Model years ago at O2 Forum Kentish Town, so incredible to see how far she’s gone since then. Her set was really fun, I was dancing! The animation was such a cute touch, I loved it so much. I loved this stage, there was a tree a part of the stage which added so much.
Took a break and grabbed a Cauliflower Cheese Yorkshire wrap. That was the best thing I have ever tasted. There was a seafood truck next door, now that was a first, Seafood at a festival - I thought good luck to anyone’s stomach if they get it. I then ran to get some Polaroid photos of Ruti, Katie Gregson-Macleod and, BETWEEN FRIENDS while waiting for the next act to come on stage. it was really fun getting chat briefly and get some shots. Thank you to the incredible team at Outside for making this happen.
Ran out to see Girl In Red! I last saw her at All Points East, this set was super rock and roll which I quite enjoyed, An unrelased song was sang, now waiting for the next track she drops. i am fan.
I watched The Last Dinner Party while waiting to get one of the American Express Olivia Rodrigo bottles. I waited 38 minutes…. in the end there was a cut off and I didn’t get one, which was fine. I spoke with people in the line, that was the beauty of standing there for 38 minutes… !
Finally, the one we’ve been waiting for came on stage. Olivia Rodrigo who is an absolute star. The guitar solo? Yeah waiting for the rock-inspired album please and thank you. We had a special guest, none other than Ed Sheeran, the crowd went absolutely insane, as did I. Ed Sheeran Eras tour when, i want to hear Gold Rush live. During one of the songs, I went to get ice cream and danced at the back. What a beautiful evening. Thank you BST Hyde Park.
This year’s line-up across the various weekend dates includes Stevie Wonder, Olivia Dean, Clario, Ezra Collective, Noah Kahan, Gracie Abrams, Finneas and, more! How have I managed to miss this festival I do not know but it is now on my forever radar.
Check the remaining dates and line up here on the BST Hyde Park Website.
Polaroid Photos: Credit Stafi Samaki
From Left to Right: Ruti, Katie Gregson-Macleod, Between Friends
