KING’S CROSS SUMMER SOUNDS RETURNS FOR 2025, CELEBRATING 10 ELECTRIFYING YEARS OF FREE MUSIC, DANCE AND COMMUNITY
Photo © John Sturrock
From 7 – 17 August, Coal Drops Yard will celebrate the return of London’s most inclusive FREE music, dance and performance festival, showcasing a stellar line-up of acts from the past decade
The event features world-renowned flamenco guitarist Paco Peña, who opened the show 10 years ago, MOBO award-winning British saxophonist YolanDa Brown and Indie-rock, dance and pop fusion band Absolutely Anytime.
“King’s Cross Summer Sounds is returning to Coal Drops Yard this August for a spectacular 10th anniversary edition. With an eclectic lineup, there’s truly something for everyone! Whether you’re an opera aficionado, a jazz enthusiast, a folk fan or a dance devotee, we invite you to come and explore new musical horizons. As always, the festival is free and no tickets are required, but we highly recommend arriving early to secure your spot!”
London’s highly anticipated FREE music and performance festival, King’s Cross Summer Sounds is making a grand return this summer, marking its 10th anniversary with an extraordinary lineup of the best performances from the past decade, plus unforgettable anniversary events.
From 7-17 August, King’s Cross will come alive with a diverse programme that seamlessly blends the world’s best folk, jazz, classical and experimental music with dynamic dance performances and exceptional local talent – all set against the backdrop of the iconic Coal Drops Yard.
This year's festival celebrates some of the most popular acts from the past 10 years, including the world-renowned flamenco guitarist and composer, Paco Peña, who was part of the first event in 2015 and kicks off this year’s festival, as well as new names such as Sam Wilkinson, winner of The Voice Kids 2019 and Brass Rascals, the UK’s leading brass band for drum and bass, garage, house, dancehall and pop.
Further highlights include indie rockers Absolutely Anytime on Friday 8 August and a celebration of everything folk on Sunday 17 August, with performances from National Youth Folk Ensemble, Brimstone, Bhangra Ceilidh and Urban Folk Quartet.
“Celebrating the 10th anniversary of King’s Cross Summer Sounds is incredibly exciting. This festival is all about community, and we’re proud to highlight the incredible talent and diversity of our local area. We can’t wait to see everyone come together to enjoy the performances and create unforgettable memories”
The 10th anniversary edition features 11 days of music, dance, puppetry, and for the first time, sculpture, creating a spirit of celebration in the heart of London that unites people from all walks of life.
Cementing its position as London’s most inclusive free music festival,King’s Cross Summer Sounds will deliver live concerts every evening from 6:30pm – 8:30pm and from 1pm – 6pm on ‘Family Sundays’. There will also be a loop so that the hearing impaired can hear through their hearing aids, as well as a designated area for people with limited mobility.
FESTIVAL PROGRAMME (times to be confirmed):
Thursday 7 August – Paco Peña: Solera reunites Paco Peña and his long-term collaborator, Jude Kelly CBE, for an exploration of artistic wisdom and the fearlessness of youth in search of new expression. This new production features both young and mature performers, demonstrating that age is an essential element in the process of turning raw artistic talent into a refined art-form.
Friday 8 August – Sam Wilkinson, Absolutely Anytime: Sam Wilkinson, a 19-year-old singer-songwriter from South London, will captivate audiences with his debut project, Everything’s Alright. Absolutely Anytime will also ignite the stage with a sound that mixes indie-rock, dance and pop elements.
Friday 8 August - Sunday 10 August – Fire Songs: A magical performance of epic sensory experiences and original music performed in collaboration with the King’s Cross Summer Sounds Choir. This event is for people with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD) and their carers, friends and families. Tickets are available via https://www.kingscross.co.uk/event/summer-sounds-music-festival
Saturday 9 August – An evening of songs from the shows: Join West End star Daniel Boys plus guest for an amazing evening of musical theatre. With songs from some of hit shows including Les Misérables, Mamma Mia, West Side Story, Phantom of the Opera, Wicked and Grease.
Sunday 10 August – Jazz-inspired Family Sunday with Voices Radio and Abram Wilson: Voices Radio and Abram Wilson have curated a vibrant showcase of emerging and established artists, complete with live performances and an industry panel discussion—all designed to nurture and empower the next generation of jazz musicians.
Monday 11 August – Yshee Black, Rosa Cecilia, Barbs, APW: Yshee Black will host an evening featuring Rosa Cecilia, Barbs and APW. Rosa Cecilia merges captivating Latin rhythms, soulful melodies and modern pop influences. Barbs will dazzle with classical music, chaos, charisma and campness. APW blends smooth R&B, pop and soul with lush harmonies, jazzy guitar melodies and grooving basslines.
Tuesday 12 August – Joe Stilgoe: Joe Stilgoe, an internationally acclaimed singer, pianist and songwriter, returns to celebrate the 10-year anniversary. His live performances blend original songs and timeless classics, echoing influences from Danny Kaye to Nat King Cole.
Wednesday 13 August – Brass Rascals: Brass Rascals are the UK’s leading brass band for drum and bass, garage, house, dancehall and pop. Made up of top London session musicians, they bring raw energy to every performance.
Thursday 14 August – Triptic & Guests: Triptic is the fantastic new trio from Greg Lawson, Phil Alexander and Mario Caribé. Dramatic tango meets joyful klezmer and folk-infused originals, wrapped up in irresistible jazz and Latin grooves.
Friday 15 August – YolanDa Brown: A Bob Marley tribute: In honour of Bob Marley’s 80th birthday in 2025, double MOBO Award-winning saxophonist, YolanDa Brown has crafted an extraordinary tribute album that breathes new life into Marley’s timeless songs.
Saturday 16 August – English National Opera: The ENO will perform timeless arias and captivating operatic pieces, showcasing their exceptional talent and artistry.
Sunday 17 August – Folk Family Sunday with National Youth Folk Ensemble, Brimstone - The Dragon, Bhangra Ceilidh, Gadarene: The English Folk Dance and Song Society presents an afternoon of glorious, diverse and upbeat folk music. Performances include National Youth Folk Ensemble, Brimstone - The Dragon, Bhangra Ceilidh and Gadarene.
