The 2025 edition of Hampton Court Palace Festival opened in spectacular style on Wednesday 11 June with an unforgettable performance from indie-rock legends, James. Taking to the stage in the historic grounds of the palace, the band delivered a hit-filled set featuring fan favourites ‘Laid’, ‘Sit Down’ and ‘Sound’.
The James were the first of many internationally renowned acts set to perform at the prestigious festival this year. Rag’n’Bone Man will take to the stage tonight, followed by headline sets from Tom Jones and Bananarama later this week. Next week’s line-up includes 10cc, Chaka Khan, and Gary Barlow, with Elbow set to close the festival with two nights of shows on Friday 20 and Saturday 21 June.
On 15 June, the festival will also welcome rugby legends James Haskell, Mike Tindall and Alex Payne for a very special live edition of The Good, The Bad & The Rugby. The last remaining tickets are on sale now.
Set in the stunning grounds of the majestic Tudor Palace, festival goers were welcomed into the glorious East Front Gardens ‘after hours’, before James performed to a packed audience in the spine-tingling intimate setting of Base Court.
This evening, BRIT Award-winner Rag’n’Bone Man will bring his powerhouse vocals and raw emotion to the stage. Since breaking through with his 2016 global smash Human, he has released three acclaimed albums packed with soul-stirring hits like ‘Giant’, ‘All You Ever Wanted’, ‘Anywhere Away From Here’ and ‘Lovers In A Past Life’.
Legendary performer Tom Jones will return on Friday, 13 June with his ‘Defy Explanation’ tour. With over 100 million records sold and a career spanning five decades, he’ll perform a host of revered tracks from his formidable catalogue, alongside some of his hugely acclaimed work from the last decade.
Celebrating 40 years in music, pop royalty Bananarama will perform on Saturday, 14 June. Having released an incredible 12 studio albums throughout their career, the group have achieved an unrivalled 32 top 40 singles in the UK along the way.
With an iconic catalogue including ‘Venus’, ‘Cruel Summer’, and ‘Love in the First Degree’, Bananarama are sure to delight fans with a hit-packed set when they take to the Hampton Court Palace Festival stage this week.
On Sunday, 15 June, rugby legends James Haskell, Mike Tindall, and Alex Payne will bring their hit podcast The Good, The Bad & The Rugby to life in a special live edition, filled with their signature banter and behind-the-scenes stories from the world of rugby. One of the most popular sporting podcasts in the UK, it has been streamed more than 40 million times, totalling over 5 million hours in duration.
Making their festival debut on Tuesday 17 June are pioneering art-pop legends 10cc. Known for their innovative sound and hits like ‘I’m Not in Love’ and ‘Dreadlock Holiday’, the band promises a night of musical mastery like no other.
Global icon Chaka Khan takes to the Hampton Court Palace Festival stage for the very first time on Wednesday 18 June to perform her only UK show this year. With a career that includes 10 Grammy Awards and a 2023 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction, her set will feature classics from both her Rufus era and solo career, including ‘I’m Every Woman’ and ‘Ain’t Nobody’.
Celebrated singer-songwriter Gary Barlow will return on Thursday, 19 June. A cornerstone of British pop, he is one of Britain’s most successful songwriters and record producers, having released six incredible solo albums. As part of Take That, he has won eight BRIT Awards and sold over 45 million records. The concert will see him perform a wealth of hits from throughout his 35-year career.
The festival will close with two nights of cinematic rock from Elbow on Friday, 20 and Saturday, 21 June. Known for their sweeping orchestral sound and powerful lyrics, they’ll deliver a stirring finale with songs like ‘One Day Like This’ and ‘Grounds for Divorce’.
To make their Hampton Court Palace Festival experience even more special, guests can pre-order one of two sumptuous picnics that can be enjoyed in the early evening sunshine in the stunning East Front Gardens before the concerts begin in Base Court.
Picnic options include ‘The Courtier’s Best of British Picnic’ or ‘The King’s Gourmet Hamper’, which are both provided by British Fine Foods and feature meat and vegetarian options, as well as a bottle of fine wine or Champagne. Picnics can be conveniently pre-ordered with tickets or added to existing reservations.
Fans can also choose to take their experience up a notch with added extras such as a welcome glass of Champagne or pre-book a charming fountain-side pergola with delicious refreshments. For those who truly want to make their festival experience extraordinary, they can elevate their experience with an exclusive VIP package.
Savour a sumptuous three-course dinner in the historic State Apartments with the King’s VIP Dining Experience or enjoy private access to the picturesque Garden Enclosure on the East Front Lawns with the Queen’s Garden Party – complete with Pimm’s on arrival and bespoke grazing platters.
On Sunday, 15 June, the Beers & Bowls Package grants exclusive access to the palace’s State Apartments, featuring a selection of lagers, pale ales and bowl food, and a meet-and-greet with England rugby legends James Haskell, Mike Tindall and TV presenter Alex Payne.
Now in its 29th year, Hampton Court Palace Festival is a highlight of the summer calendar, bringing phenomenal performances to a truly singular historic location. The concert series (produced by IMG in partnership with Historic Royal Palaces, the independent charity that cares for Hampton Court Palace) is set against the backdrop of Henry VIII’s grand palace within a vast Tudor Courtyard.
The festival offers an unmissable opportunity to witness legendary artists in an intimate setting like no other, accommodating only 3,000 guests.
