Busking is back as live music returns to Wembley Park

As part of its ongoing cultural programme, Wembley Park has created the live music programme with Busk in London, the street performance programme supported by the Mayor of London. Live performances will be staged every weekend at two different Wembley Park locations from 4 July through to September. The programme will be one of the first opportunities for music fans to experience live music again, and will also provide vital support for talented musicians during a challenging time for the live music scene.

The launch of the busking programme coincides with the opening of bars, restaurants and cafes on Saturday 4 July, allowing audiences to sit and enjoy music, food and drinks, while observing social distancing. Artists will perform at two key sites in Wembley Park: outside Boxpark Wembley on Olympic Way and on Wembley Park Boulevard, entertaining al fresco diners outside London Designer Outlet (LDO). Performances will be scheduled for Friday and Saturdays throughout the summer, with the programme set to grow as the summer progresses, making Wembley Park a haven for those missing live entertainment.

Josh Gleaves, who previously played at Wembley Park for International Busking Day 2019, will be one of the first acts.

The reopening of Wembley Park has been led by a comprehensive strategy which makes use of urban planning details across the neighbourhood, including wide tree-lined boulevards, public squares and green spaces. Wembley Park has worked closely with Brent council to allow restaurants to expand seating areas onto the pavements, with more than double the seating available at popular spots along iconic Olympic Way and Wembley Park Boulevard, and introduce sign-posted routes to direct pedestrians. These adaptations will provide visitors with the essential space to safely maintain social distancing while enjoying shopping, eating out and live entertainment.

Justine Simons OBE, Deputy Mayor for Culture and Creative Industries said: ‘London’s busking scene is one of the most vibrant and diverse in the world. We have all missed the sounds of artists playing on our streets over the last three months. I’m delighted that Wembley Park and Busk in London are joining together to bring live music back to the area safely.’

Josh McNorton, Cultural Director, Wembley Park said, ‘The energy of live music is unbeatable. Nothing lifts people’s moods like a great song, so we are very happy to be working with Busk in London once again to bring live music back to Wembley. At a time when the arts and cultural and live entertainment sectors are struggling, we are glad to be able to host live entertainment and support emerging performers.’

Kate Jones, Programme Director, Busk in London said ‘Live music creates so much atmosphere, and as Wembley Park will be one of the only places people will be able to enjoy live music while so many venues remain closed, it will be the place to be this summer. Our artists are excited to get back to performing and thrilled to be part of a programme for Wembley Park, an area that has such rich musical and entertainment heritage.’