For a third year Wandsworth – London Borough of Culture 2025 – presents Battersea Park in Concert over the summer bank-holiday weekend, this year 23-25 August. As in 2024, the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra will again feature, but this year, in place of the classical repertoire, the RPCO plays Symphonic Disco, accompanied by a full disco band and singers in a Saturday programme including music from Earth Wind & Fire, Sister Sledge, Chic, Kool & The Gang, Donna Summer, Boney M and the Bee Gees. Ronnie Scott’s favourite Natalie Williams and her band support with a set of soul classics.
The Scott club’s own orchestra provided the main jazz element last year, but this summer the jazz headliner will be Jools Holland’s Rhythm And Blues Orchestra, performing on bank holiday Monday with a lineup including Chris Difford, Ruby Turner, Louise Marshall and Sumudu Jayatilaka. Before that, in the afternoon, there’ll be performances from soul-jazz saxophonist YolanDa Brown and from Ella Fitzgerald Reimagined, featuring Jacqui Dankworth, Elaine Delmar and Ian Shaw. In addition, jazz singer-songwriter Marvin Muoneké brings his smooth bass-baritone voice to classic jazz repertoire.
Sunday is movie-theme day, with the RPCO playing music by John Williams and Hans Zimmer, but even here jazz plays a part: support comes from swing specialist Matt Ford, singing songs from the golden age of Broadway and Hollywood.
On the catering side, guests are invited to bring their own picnics, pre-book a gourmet picnic hamper from the organisers, or sample various food and drink stalls. Upgrades such as the Gold Circle area and the Diamond VIP Experience will offer another level of luxury, but early purchase is advised, as in 2024 these sold out early in the year. Families with young children can visit Kids Tipiland, featuring interactive activities and games.
Tickets and more information on Battersea Park in Concert are available at batterseaparkinconcert.com.
