Battersea Park in Concert was a perfect way to close out the summer with a wholesome blend of good food, community and of course brilliant music – it hit all the right notes.
From August 24 to 26, Battersea Park hosted a music festival featuring classical, West End, and jazz performances.
The event kicked off with Proms in the Park on Saturday, led by the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, while Sunday offered A Night at the Musicals, featuring performances of over 25 musical theatre classics.
We attended on the bank holiday Monday, which was dedicated to jazz music, with Soho’s famous Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra headlining.
As we arrived at the park, it quickly became clear that we had come unprepared.
The vast green space was dotted with families and groups of friends laying out their picnic blankets, garden chairs, and cooler boxes brimming with treats.
The atmosphere was vibrant, yet relaxed, with everyone ready to soak in the evening.
Even without a picnic spread of our own, the food stalls more than made up for it.
We quickly discovered The Duck Shed, where I indulged in delicious slow roasted pulled duck, green chilli jam, pickled carrot, cucumber, coriander, Thai basil and crispy onions as a salad bowl.
The variety of food available was impressive, with something to cater to every palate.
A particular highlight was the coffee with Baileys from Grind—a rich, indulgent treat that added a cosy touch to the evening.
The main bar took advantage of reusable cups, which minimized waste.
The diversity of acts meant there was something for everyone, from jazz aficionados to casual listeners.
The London African Gospel Choir was a revelation, managing to get the entire crowd on their feet within minutes.
Their joyous interpretation of Paul Simon’s Graceland album was a highlight, infusing the evening with energy and rhythm.
The pinnacle of the night was undoubtedly Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra.
Led by Pete Long, the big band delivered stunning renditions of classics by Ella Fitzgerald, Stevie Wonder, and Frank Sinatra, among others.
The vibrant stage setup, complete with dynamic lighting, only enhanced the experience, making it feel like we were part of something truly special.
The music was a blend of nostalgia and celebration, with everyone on their feet dancing and having a great time.
The newly introduced Kids Tipiland was a brilliant addition for families (which there were plenty of), providing a space for children to engage in creative activities while the adults enjoyed the performances – there was also an old fashioned Ferris wheel.
The park never felt overcrowded, with plenty of space for everyone to relax and enjoy the performances.
Reflecting on the evening, we couldn’t help but think about what we’d do differently next time.
Bringing a picnic blanket, some garden chairs, and a group of friends would certainly enhance the experience.
While the food stalls were fantastic, there was something undeniably appealing about the bespoke picnic hampers we saw other attendees enjoying—pre-booked delights from The Luxury Picnic Co, filled with artisanal cheeses, cured meats, and desserts.
It wasn’t just the music, or the food, or even the beautiful August weather that made it a great evening—it was the way all these elements came together to create a sense of community and love for jazz.
We left the park with smiles on our faces and a resolve to return next year, better prepared and ready to make even more memories.
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