On Sunday, July 14, 2024, the final day of BST Hyde Park was nothing short of spectacular, headlined by the sensational Stray Kids. The atmosphere was electric as fans from all over gathered to experience a day filled with incredible performances on the Great Oak Stage, Rainbow Stage, and Birdcage Stage. From the moment the gates opened, festival-goers were treated to a diverse lineup of artists, culminating in a headlining performance that will be remembered for years to come. The vibrant energy of the crowd and the outstanding musical acts made this final day a fitting end to the nine-day festival extravaganza.
BST Hyde Park: Stray Kids
Atmosphere and Crowd
The atmosphere at BST Hyde Park was electric, with Stray Kids drawing in huge crowds, making the festival packed and lively. Navigating through the maze of people wasn’t easy, but arriving early when the gates opened allowed people to explore and weave through the crowd as well as find the best spot to view the stage from. By the time Maisie Peters hit the stage, the Gold Circle was fully packed, making it clear that once we found a good spot, leaving and returning would be nearly impossible due to the crowd’s size and enthusiasm.
Exploring the Festival: Rainbow Stage, Birdcage Stage, and HydeAway
Rainbow Stage: A Colorful Experience
Elijah Woods delivered an outstanding performance on the Rainbow Stage, a medium-sized stage adorned with an arch depicting the top half of a rainbow in red, orange, and yellow. Woods’ velvety vocals and engaging stage presence drew a substantial crowd, showcasing his rising popularity.
His striking blonde hair shone in the occasional sunlight, adding to his dynamic stage presence. His performance included his unique rendition of “Cruel Summer”, which was a highlight, offering a fresh take on the Taylor Swift classic. You can read our full article on Elijah Woods’ unforgettable set on the Rainbow Stage by clicking here.
Dhruv also performed on the Rainbow Stage, and although we missed his set, fan videos show he captivated the audience with his soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics. His performance of “Double Take” was particularly well-received, and it’s clear that he made a significant impact on those in attendance. He also showcased his 2024 singles “Speed of Light”, “How?” and “Tragedy”.
Bellah Mae’s set on the Rainbow Stage was another we regrettably missed. However, social media posts reveal her powerful vocals and dynamic performance left a lasting impression. Known for her catchy melodies and engaging stage presence, she captivated the audience from start to finish. The fan videos shared on social media showcased her talent with brilliant performances of “Hell and Never Back” and “2053” which brought an enthusiastic response from the crowd. Based on these videos, it’s clear that Bellah Mae is an artist to watch.
Intimate Vibes at the Birdcage Stage
The Birdcage Stage, sponsored by Volvic, offered a more intimate setting compared to the larger stages. Unfortunately, we missed AlienBlaze’s live performance due to travel delays, but based on fan videos, her electrifying presence and powerful vocals were clear highlights. Her original songs captivated the crowd, making her an artist we’re eager to see live at future events.
However, we did get to experience Ben Ellis and Tyler Lewis, who both delivered incredible performances. Ben Ellis charmed the audience with his heartfelt lyrics and soulful voice, while Tyler Lewis impressed with his dynamic vocal range and emotive delivery. The Birdcage Stage is definitely on our radar for future events, and we look forward to catching AlienBlaze and other artists live soon. You can read more about our Birdcage Stage experience in our full review here.
HydeAway: A Serene Retreat
The Volvic HydeAway provided a refreshing escape from the festival’s bustle. Situated behind the Great Oak Stage, this area was the quietest part of the festival, offering a serene retreat with tables, chairs, food trucks, a bar, and a charming garden swing. The sound from the main stage didn’t travel much here, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and a perfect meeting place. Decorated with Volvic-branded elements, it enhanced the overall festival experience by offering a peaceful break from the excitement.
Highlights from the Great Oak Stage
KIRE: An Emerging Star
KIRE kicked off the day on the Great Oak Stage, setting a high bar for the acts to follow. Although we missed his live performance, fan videos and social media posts reveal that he delivered a powerful set that captivated the audience. His dynamic stage presence and engaging performance style made him a standout act.
According to the press release, he opened his set with a call to the audience, saying, “Let me hear you make some noise. I brought some songs, I hope you guys have fun!” KIRE’s set included his slow-paced track “Beautiful”, during which he brought a fan on stage to be serenaded, as well as performances of “Dream Of You” and “Don’t Stop”. His heartfelt lyrics and ability to connect with the audience were evident throughout his performance, making us eager to catch him live at future events. KIRE’s emotive vocals and commanding presence showcased his potential as an emerging star in the music scene.
NMIXX: A Rising K-pop Force
NMIXX took the Great Oak Stage with an explosion of energy, immediately captivating the audience with their powerful songs and flawless choreography. Their significant stage presence marked them as a girl group to watch in the K-pop scene.
The members demonstrated impressive synchronisation and charisma, making their performance both visually stunning and musically impressive. According to the press release, they opened with upbeat tunes such as “Dice”, “Run For Roses”, and “Young, Dumb, and Stupid”. The lead singer, Lily, expressed their excitement, saying, “We are so excited to perform our songs in front of you guys. Let’s relax and have a lot of fun together.”
The group then surprised the crowd with covers of two iconic British songs: Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now” and Oasis’ “Don’t Look Back In Anger”, which showcased their versatility and ability to connect with the UK audience. They ended their set with their most loved numbers, “Moving On” and “Love Me Like This”, leaving a lasting impression.
We arrived just as NMIXX was finishing their set with a rendition of Olivia Rodrigo’s “good 4 u”. Their high-energy performance, filled with emotive choreography and strong vocal delivery, was a perfect introduction to the rest of the day’s performances. The interaction between the members and the audience created a lively and engaging atmosphere. NMIXX’s performance was not just a concert but an experience that highlighted their potential to make waves in the international music scene.
Alec Benjamin: Prepping the Crowd
Alec Benjamin followed NMIXX, bringing a different yet equally engaging energy to the stage. With his sweet male vocals and guitar, Benjamin managed to hype up the crowd in anticipation for Maisie Peters and Stray Kids. His emotional and heartfelt performance encouraged sing-alongs, demonstrating his ability to connect deeply with the audience.
Performing tracks such as “Jesus in LA,” “The Way You Felt,” “Mind is a Prison,” and “Devil Doesn’t Bargain,” Benjamin showcased his lyrical prowess and ability to convey powerful emotions through his music. His announcement, “This is one of my dreams come true,” reflected his genuine excitement and gratitude for performing at the festival. He also expressed his love for London, calling it his “favourite city on Earth” and thanking Stray Kids for the opportunity to perform.
Benjamin’s stage presence was understated yet captivating. His storytelling through music resonated with the audience, creating an intimate atmosphere despite the large crowd. The simplicity of his setup, with just a guitar and his voice, highlighted his raw talent and made his performance a memorable part of the day. His renditions of “I Sent My Therapist To Therapy” and “If We Have Each Other” further solidified his connection with the audience, leaving a lasting impression on all who were there.
What truly stood out was Benjamin’s ability to make each song feel personal, as if he was singing directly to each individual in the crowd. His poignant lyrics and heartfelt delivery created a sense of intimacy, even in the vast expanse of Hyde Park. As he performed, you could see fans hanging onto every word, moved by the raw emotion he poured into each note. This connection was not just about the music, but about the shared experience and the stories he told through his songs, making his set one of the most memorable of the day.
Maisie Peters: Captivating Performance
Maisie Peters took the Great Oak Stage next, enchanting the audience with her beautiful vocals and engaging performance style. Accompanied by a charming cloud-themed stage setup, Peters drew the audience in with her distinct voice and relatable lyrics. The atmosphere was filled with excitement as she opened her set with the crowd favourite “John Hughes Movie”, which had everyone singing along to the nostalgic and heartfelt lyrics.
As the performance continued, Peters seamlessly transitioned into her hit “Lost The Breakup”. Her expressive delivery and emotive voice brought the song’s story to life, capturing the raw emotions of heartache and resilience. The audience’s connection with Peters was evident, with many fans passionately singing along and swaying to the rhythm. Her stage presence was both commanding and approachable, making every moment of her set feel intimate and personal.
One of the standout moments of her performance was when she covered The Killers’ iconic track “Mr. Brightside”. Wearing a strappy black top and mini flare skirt, Peters’ rendition of the song brought a fresh, youthful energy to the classic hit. The crowd erupted in cheers and joined in for a massive sing-along, highlighting her ability to engage and unite the audience through music. This unexpected cover showcased her versatility and willingness to pay homage to musical influences while making the song her own.
Maisie Peters closed her set with the poignant “Love Him I Don’t”, a song that resonated deeply with the audience. Her heartfelt delivery and the authenticity in her voice made it clear why she is considered a rising star in the music industry. The performance was a perfect prelude to the evening’s main act, leaving the crowd buzzing with anticipation for Stray Kids. Peters’ playful interaction with the audience, coupled with her impressive vocal talent, ensured that her set was one of the highlights of the day. The combination of her engaging performance style and relatable lyrics made her a standout act at BST Hyde Park.
Stray Kids: A Spectacular Finale
Stray Kids brought a torrent of emotions and an unparalleled energy that stood out even among previous festival experiences. As the headliners of the ninth and final day of BST Hyde Park, their performance was highly anticipated, and they did not disappoint. The eight-member group, consisting of Bang Chan, Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix, Seungmin, and I.N., made history as the first all-male K-pop act to headline a major UK festival, setting the stage for a memorable night.
From the moment they stepped on stage, the roar from the crowd was epic. Opening with “S-Class”, they immediately captivated the audience. Fans sang along to nearly every lyric, seamlessly blending their voices with the group’s. Their setlist included high-energy tracks like “Top Line”, performed twice to the delight of the crowd, and “MEGAVERSE”, showcasing their intricate choreography and impeccable synchronisation. Each member shone, particularly during rap verses and Korean segments, which highlighted their linguistic and musical versatility.
Stray Kids’ performance was filled with fan favourites and hit songs, including “God’s Menu”, “Back Door”, and “Charmer”. Their stage presence was off the charts, and they used every inch of the stage to their advantage, ensuring that the entire audience felt included. The energy was contagious, and their performance was nothing short of spectacular. The group interacted playfully with the crowd, even soaking them with water bottles during “Victory Song”, adding an element of fun and spontaneity to their meticulously planned show.
The group’s members demonstrated their exceptional talent and charisma throughout the performance. The crowd’s response was overwhelming, with tears, cheers, and a lot of energy flowing back to the stage. Their connection with the audience was profound, particularly during emotionally charged songs like “ITEM” and “Maniac”. These tracks highlighted their powerful vocals and complex dance routines, making it clear why they have such a dedicated global fanbase.
Stray Kids’ performance wasn’t just about the music; it was a full sensory experience. The lighting, stage effects, and choreography were all meticulously planned and executed, adding to the overall impact of their show. The second half of their performance included hits like “Lonely Street”, “Social Path”, and “My Pace”, keeping the energy high and the audience engaged. Their ability to convey emotion through their music and performance created a powerful connection with the audience, making their set a fitting and memorable finale for BST Hyde Park 2024.
The show started to wrap up with awesome performances and fireworks, featuring “Lalalala”, “Victory Song”, and “Miroh”. Bang Chan engaged the audience by referencing England’s Euro 2024 Final clash, asking what the score was so that festival goers didn’t completely miss out on the football final, further endearing the group to their UK fans. The final “one more” songs, “Top Line”, “MEGAVERSE”, and “Haven”, brought the show to a close on a high note, leaving the audience in awe. Stray Kids’ performance at BST Hyde Park was more than a concert; it was an unforgettable experience that showcased their extraordinary talent and cemented their place as global K-Pop icons.
The Festival Experience
BST Hyde Park 2024 was a festival filled with memorable performances and diverse musical acts. From the intimate Birdcage Stage to the colourful Rainbow Stage and the serene HydeAway, there was something for everyone. The variety of stages and performances offered a rich tapestry of musical experiences, making the festival a must-attend event for music lovers.
Stray Kids’ headlining performance was the perfect finale to a fantastic festival. Their ability to engage the crowd, combined with their impressive vocals and choreography, made for an unforgettable closing act to the nine-day event. The festival’s organisation, despite the crowd size, was commendable, and the variety of stages and performances offered something for everyone.
We can’t wait to see what next year’s BST Hyde Park has in store, and we look forward to more incredible performances and unforgettable moments.