AEG Presents has unveiled the inaugural roster of performers set to grace the stage at London’s highly anticipated new venue, the British Airways ARC, as it prepares for its grand opening this summer.
Spearheading the venue’s debut is the acclaimed pop visionary Self Esteem, who is scheduled to headline two consecutive nights on June 16 and 17. The star-studded launch continues with pop-rock favorites McFly on June 18, followed by the Zac Brown Band bringing country flair on June 25. Later in the autumn, Khalid will perform on October 24, marking his first major headlining appearance in the U.K. since his 2019 Free Spirit arena tour.
Beyond mainstream pop and rock, the British Airways ARC is establishing itself as a multi-genre cultural hub through a strategic partnership with the EFG London Jazz Festival. This collaboration will debut on November 21 with a prestigious performance by saxophonist Branford Marsalis and vocalist Dianne Reeves, honoring the enduring legacy of jazz pioneer John Coltrane.
In an official statement, Lucy Noble, AEG’s Senior Vice President for U.K. Venues, shared her enthusiasm: “We are immensely proud of this new destination. Launching with such a stellar lineup of world-class talent is the perfect way to begin the British Airways ARC story. We look forward to welcoming fans to experience our state-of-the-art facilities, from premium acoustics to superior seating, as we finally open our doors.”
Integrated into the massive £1.3 billion ($1.7 billion) Olympia redevelopment in Kensington, the 3,800-capacity concert hall is designed to be a cornerstone of West London’s live music scene. The site itself carries a rich history; the 138-year-old exhibition center originally hosted military and agricultural shows before becoming a legendary stage for icons like Jimi Hendrix, Rod Stewart, The Cure, and The Chemical Brothers.
The revitalized Olympia district will offer a comprehensive lifestyle experience, featuring a 1,575-seat theatre, a variety of upscale restaurants and bars, two boutique hotels, and modern office spaces. Ticketing operations for the British Airways ARC will be handled by AXS.
AEG Presents continues to expand its footprint across the U.K., managing a prestigious portfolio that includes the BST Hyde Park concert series, the Eventim Apollo, Indigo at The O2, and the recently refurbished Watford Colosseum.
