Gig review: Noah Kahan at BST Hyde Park – A night of soul, sunshine and surprises

Noah Kahan ’s headline show at BST Hyde Park on 4th July was much more than a concert – it was a heartfelt celebration of music, family, connection and joy. In the midst of this hot London summer, Hyde Park became a peaceful pocket of paradise – no political noise, no news drama – just a 65,000-strong crowd united in song. And what a gig it was. Noah Kahan, the Vermont-born singer-songwriter with a voice like warm honey and lyrics that hit straight to the heart, played his biggest show to date. And he made sure we knew just how grateful he was. “My mum is here tonight,” he beamed. “She believed in me. She told me that one day I’d have my chance.” As a fellow mum, I had a lump in my throat. Every mother in the audience must’ve felt the same. Her faith in him wasn’t misplaced – he was phenomenal.

Noah Kahan BST Hyde Park 2025-  Photo credit: @sophiajcarey-85

A modern-day Simon and Garfunkel?

There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about Noah’s music. At times, it echoed the storytelling charm of Simon & Garfunkel – gentle melodies layered with emotion, but modernised with a raw vulnerability that speaks to today’s generation. The audience ranged from twentysomethings in denim to small kids with glitter on their cheeks dancing hand-in-hand with parents. It was the kind of gig where you leave a little lighter, a little happier, a little more hopeful.

Special Guests & unforgettable moments

The night was packed with surprises – including a show-stopping duet with Lewis Capaldi, who joined Kahan for Northern Attitude during the encore. Cue instant goosebumps and roars from the crowd. Earlier, the lovely Gracie Abrams joined him for Everywhere Everything and Gigi Perez appeared for Call Your Mom – a moment made even more emotional when Kahan dedicated the track to his mother, who had driven him to gigs for years when no one was listening.

Noah walked into the crowd mid-show – shaking hands, soaking up the love, beaming with that endearing mix of humility and disbelief. “This is the biggest crowd I’ve ever played for,” he admitted. “We’re nervous but loving every moment.” And we were right there with him.

The BST Hyde Park magic

What truly makes BST Hyde Park such a standout festival is the kindness and community in the air. It’s such a joyful, inclusive experience – from the security staff to the fellow mums dancing on picnic blankets, there’s a warmth that Glastonbury can’t quite replicate. And unlike other festivals, you get clean loos, great food, and a comfy bed at home by 11pm. Ideal for families and music-loving mums alike!

Noah’s set list was flawless – from Stick Season to She Calls Me Back, Dial Drunk and New Perspective. The orchestration, including strings, harmonica and swelling harmonies, turned the park into a musical dreamscape. And as fireworks lit up the London sky, there was this unshakeable sense of unity through music.

Supporting acts worth watching

Gracie Abrams delivered a vulnerable and brilliant set – joined by Aaron Dessner of The National for new song Crazy Girl, making it one of the night’s most talked-about surprises. FINNEAS charmed the crowd with his thoughtful acoustic ballads (and proud mum Maggie Baird watching from the wings). Gigi Perez, Hazlett, and Sydney Rose all shone – with genuine talent and big futures ahead.

For mums wondering whether a festival can still be enjoyable with or without kids – I say yes, yes, yes. BST Hyde Park has curated something really special: a celebration of music, family, and joy without the chaos of camping or mud. And Noah Kahan proved he’s not just a rising star, but an artist with heart – and a lovely smile that tells you he means every word he sings.

See you at the next one – and I’ll definitely be bringing sequins.

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Monica Costa

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