By Paul Clampin, Rock At Night London

Review: Garth Brooks & Friends – BST – London – Saturday, June 27, 2026

The UK has waited three long decades for the return of country music royalty, and when Garth Brooks finally stepped onto the great Oak Stage at American Express presents BST Hyde Park, London answered with a tumultuous, earth-shaking roar. Serving as the anchor for the festival’s only dedicated country-themed day, the milestone event drew a fiercely loyal crowd—many of whom had traveled across continents and oceans just to witness this historic comeback.

Matching the soaring energy of the crowd, the British summer delivered a scorching 32°C (90°F) heatwave. The atmosphere was nothing short of electric, turning Hyde Park into a massive, sun-drenched celebration of American roots music.

A Stellar Supporting Lineup

The day was a masterclass in modern country, packed with a powerhouse undercard that kept the massive crowd moving long before the headliner arrived:

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  The Shires: The beloved UK country-pop duo delivered a stunning, heartfelt set. Despite navigating one or twominor technical issues on stage, their professionalism shone through, fully engaging the hometown crowd.

• Alexandra Kay: Bringing her signature charm and soaring vocals to the big stage, Kay captivated the audience and left a lasting impression on listeners who were discovering her live magic for the first time.
• Ashley McBryde: A definitive fan favorite, McBryde brought her fierce, raw storytelling and rock-infused country grit, turning the park into a giant, singing-along choir.

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  The Zac Brown Band: Delivering a masterclass in musicianship, their high-energy, genre-blending performance was the perfect, explosive prelude to the main event.

By sunset, it was clear that every single artist on the bill had won over a legion of new British fans.

The Promise

When Garth Brooks finally took the stage, the decades of waiting melted away in an instant. Looking out at the sea of cowboy hats under the London sky, the country icon delivered a setlist packed with the anthems that defined a generation.

Before the final chords echoed across the park, Garth left the ecstatic crowd with a thrilling parting gift, promising that he would be back on UK soil soon. For the thousands of fans who lost their voices singing along in the London heat, we can only hope that the next wait isn’t another thirty years.

PHOTO GALLERY