London Mums, clear your diaries for Sunday 5 July. American Express presents BST Hyde Park has just dropped the full line-up for Duran Duran’s headline show, and it is an absolute belter. Just imagine yourself, a picnic blanket, a mildly overpriced prosecco, and a parade of musical legends under the summer sky. The kids can run wild on the grass while you pretend you are still cool enough to remember when “Rio” was on MTV. And the best part? The line-up will actually make you forget to check your phone for two hours.
Who is playing?
The headliners are British icons Duran Duran, fresh off their new single “Free To Love” (co-written with Nile Rodgers, no less). They have sold 100 million records, won Grammys, and somehow still look like they walked out of a perfume advert. Expect all the hits, plus that gorgeous new track. London Mums have been there covering all Duran Duran gigs at BST Hyde Park and are absolutely thrilled to welcome them back to this homecoming concert.
Joining them are Scissor Sisters, who need no introduction. Two decades after “Take Your Mama” and “I Don’t Feel Like Dancin’”, they are back with their glorious, chaotic, queer-joy party. Perfect for a Sunday afternoon singalong.
And then there is Nile Rodgers & CHIC. If you do not feel like dancing when “Le Freak” or “Good Times” kicks in, check your pulse. Nile Rodgers is a living legend: he has produced everyone from David Bowie to Daft Punk and his live shows are pure euphoria. Bring your best moves.
The rest of the bill is a treat
Groove Armada (DJ set) will bring those classic “At The River” and “Superstylin’” vibes. Perfect for when the sun starts to dip.
SOPHIE GREY. (yes, the full stop is intentional) is a young synth?axe warrior who has opened for Sting and Alison Moyet. She writes, produces and performs everything herself, a brilliant role model for any music-mad teen in your family.
SISTRA, a London?based sister duo, make emotional electronic pop. They have supported Rose Gray and played Latitude and their debut album She Won’t Let Go came out in May. One to watch.
Other names include Harrison (whose t.A.T.u. rework went viral), Wendy Bevan (a multi-disciplinary artist who has collaborated with Duran Duran’s Nick Rhodes), and Sam Scherdel (dubbed the “South Yorkshire Springsteen”).
Is it family?friendly?
BST Hyde Park is my personal favourite family-friendly festival in London. There are dedicated family areas, changing facilities, and plenty of space for buggies. Midweek there is free entry with outdoor cinema, street food, children’s theatre and fitness classes. But for the main shows, you need a ticket and Sunday 5 July is selling fast.
Tickets are on sale now at www.bst-hydepark.com/. Prices vary, but children under two go free. Older kids need a ticket, but honestly, taking your teenager to see Duran Duran? That is parenting gold.
The verdict
This is not just a concert. It is a proper London summer day out. No muddy fields, no dodgy portaloos (well, fewer). Just great music, good company, and the chance to remind your children that you were once young and fabulous.
Go on. Treat yourself. You have earned it.
Monica Costa founded London Mums in September 2006 after her son Diego’s birth together with a group of mothers who felt the need of meeting up regularly to share the challenges and joys of motherhood in metropolitan and multicultural London. London Mums is the FREE and independent peer support group for mums and mumpreneurs based in London https://www.londonmumsmagazine.com and you can connect on Twitter @londonmums
