Self Esteem to Headline the Opening of British Airways ARC Venue in London
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AEG Presents has announced the first wave of artists set to perform at London’s upcoming British Airways ARC, which is scheduled to open this summer.
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Kicking off the venue’s inaugural events, Self Esteem will headline two performances on June 16 and 17. The lineup will continue with pop-rock band McFly on June 18 and the Zac Brown Band on June 25. Additionally, Khalid is booked for an October 24 show, marking his first U.K. headline concert since a series of Free Spirit arena dates in late 2019.
The British Airways ARC also aims to be a hub for diverse musical programming, partnering with the EFG London Jazz Festival. This collaboration will debut with a special performance by saxophonist Branford Marsalis and vocalist Dianne Reeves on November 21, honoring the legacy of jazz legend John Coltrane.
Lucy Noble, AEG’s senior vice president for U.K. venues, remarked, “We are very proud of our newest venue and to have this lineup of the first incredible artists set to play is a fantastic way to begin the British Airways ARC story. When fans come to see shows at British Airways ARC, they are going to be able to enjoy world-class facilities across everything from sound to seating and we really can’t wait to open the doors.”
Located within the new Olympia redevelopment, the British Airways ARC will have a capacity of 3,800 and aims to become a central hub in London’s live music scene. This venue is part of a £1.3 billion ($1.7 billion) renovation project for the historic 138-year-old event space and conference center in Kensington, originally designed for agricultural and military exhibitions.
The revamped Olympia will also house a 1,575-seat theatre, a variety of bars and restaurants, two hotels, and office spaces. Ticketing services for the British Airways ARC will be provided by AXS.
Throughout its history, Olympia has staged performances by iconic artists such as Jimi Hendrix, Rod Stewart, Primal Scream, The Cure, and The Chemical Brothers.
AEG Presents manages a diverse portfolio of venues and live events across the U.K., including the popular BST Hyde Park summer concert series, as well as venues like the recently reopened Watford Colosseum, Indigo at The O2, and Eventim Apollo.
