One cannot help but look at the lineup for day two of BST Hyde Park and not be impressed (at least a little): Kings of Leon, Paolo Nutini, The Vaccines, Gary Clark Jr., Cannons… artists that have been plying their trade at the forefront of their respective genres for at least a decade, if not more.
Festival goers found themselves surrounded by stunning bar sets and food stalls galore as they were offered such a rich tapestry of rock, punk, indie and alternative that it was almost impossible to decide what to enjoy first, and the chill, good energy throughout the entire day reflected the variety of spectacular music on offer.
As usual, the intimate Birdcage Stage again provided great music, up close and personal for audiences, and many a walk past during any of the artists’ sets would have you catching festival goers dancing, laughing, cheering and jamming to the music. The Meffs brought a fun energy to the stage, interacting with the crowd throughout, encourage audiences to let loose to the music and providing the odd piece of context throughout. Daydreamers and Nieve Ella likewise brought fantastic energy to the stage throughout the day, and all three acts will hopefully be going home with more fans than they came with.
Fans at The Rainbow Stage were not to be disappointed either, with Red Rum Club, Somebody’s Child and Keo all lighting up their corner of Hyde Park. All three acts had new releases in 2023 that they brought live to a consistently packed crowd, and for an act like Red Rum Club with a significant discography under their belt, a thirty minute set did not seem like enough.
For those that camped at The Great Oak Stage all day, they were rewarded with unforgettable performance after unforgettable performance. Kicking off with the fabulous CANNONS, indie pop never looked so glam as the LA based band owned every inch of the stage. Gary Clark Jr, one of those artists that is very loved by your favourite artist, blew away all who watched as he took to the stage with a bang, pulling off a stunning set that showcased why and how he has become a stalwart of the genre since Blak and Blu in 2012.
There was much buzz when The Vaccines were announced as part of the line up and the band did not disappoint, taking fans through a breathless set featuring some of their best tracks such as ‘Wetsuit’, ‘All My Friends Are Falling In Love’ and ‘Teenage Icon’.
In any other lineup, Paolo Nutini might indeed be the headliner, and it is a testament to how beloved the Kings of Leon were that he was the last act that took to the stage before the American band pulled off an unforgettable set that Sunday evening. The Scottish born singer-songwriter performed hits such as a ‘Scream (Funk My Life Up)’, ‘New Shoes’ and ‘Acid Eyes’ before ending with a spine chilling rendition of ‘Iron Sky’.
As the Kings of Leon brought the second day of BST Hyde Park to a close with a fantastic set, the sun set on another day of great music that brought unforgettable moments to all in attendance.
BST Hyde Park runs until the 14th of July 2024. Get tickets here.
