AEG Presents has unveiled the first wave of artists set to perform at London’s newest live music venue, British Airways ARC, a 3,800-capacity space opening this summer at Olympia. The purpose-built venue, located above the historic West Hall, will officially launch on June 16 with a headline performance from Self Esteem, marking the beginning of a new chapter for live music in the capital. Tickets on sale here next week.
Self Esteem will play two nights at the venue on June 16 and 17, including the opening night, before McFly take to the stage on June 18. Later in the month, Zac Brown Band will bring their Southern rock sound to the venue on June 25. The initial run of shows continues into the autumn with a performance from global star Khalid on October 24, while a special collaboration with the EFG London Jazz Festival will see Branford Marsalis and Dianne Reeves celebrate the legacy of John Coltrane on November 21.
Tickets for all announced shows will go on general sale on March 27 at 10am, with a series of pre-sales taking place earlier in the week. American Express cardholders will have access from March 25, followed by artist pre-sales across March 25 and 26, and a venue pre-sale on March 26.
British Airways ARC forms part of the wider £1.3 billion redevelopment of Olympia, a major transformation that will turn the historic site into a cultural hub featuring a theatre, hotels, office space, bars and restaurants. The venue itself is the first of its size to be built from the ground up in London in over a decade, highlighting a significant investment in the city’s live music infrastructure.
Designed with both artists and audiences in mind, the venue promises a state-of-the-art experience with cutting-edge sound and production technology, alongside a focus on comfort and accessibility. It also continues Olympia’s long-standing musical legacy, with the site having previously hosted iconic acts such as Jimi Hendrix, Rod Stewart, The Cure and The Chemical Brothers.
The opening line-up reflects a broad mix of genres and established and emerging talent. Self Esteem, also known as Rebecca Lucy Taylor, has become one of the UK’s most acclaimed artists in recent years, while McFly continue to enjoy enduring success more than two decades into their career. Zac Brown Band bring a proven track record of global hits and awards, and Khalid’s appearance adds major international star power to the programme.
The venue’s partnership with the EFG London Jazz Festival also signals a commitment to diverse programming, with Branford Marsalis and Dianne Reeves set to honour John Coltrane’s centenary with a special performance celebrating his enduring influence.
With more artists expected to be announced in the coming months, British Airways ARC is positioning itself as one of London’s most exciting new destinations for live music, blending modern design with a rich musical heritage as it prepares to open its doors this summer.
