Garth Brooks Makes History at BST Hyde Park After 30 Years Away
- Jul 19
- 3 min read
Review by LiveWithLP | Photos by Ray Hill
Thirty years. That's how long UK fans have waited for Garth Brooks to return, and on a warm summer evening at BST Hyde Park, that wait finally came to an end. Judging by the record-breaking crowd packed into Hyde Park, it's safe to say country fans hadn't forgotten him. Setting a brand-new attendance record for BST Hyde Park, Brooks wasn't just returning to the UK – he was making history.
One of the best things about BST Hyde Park is that it never feels like it's all about the headline act. It's a full day of discovering artists, catching old favourites and watching careers grow in real time, and this year's line-up was one of the strongest country line-ups the festival has ever welcomed.
Having first seen The Crowe Boys supporting Cameron Whitcomb at Glasgow's SWG3 earlier this year, it was incredible watching them make the leap from an intimate venue to one of the biggest festival stages in the country. Their energy was infectious from start to finish and they looked completely at home in front of thousands. They're undoubtedly ones to watch over the next few years.
It was also great to finally see Mae Estes back on a UK stage. After having to cut her European trip short during C2C in March because of illness, this felt like the performance we'd all been waiting for. She brought everything you want from modern country music - honest songwriting, brilliant vocals and plenty of personality.
The standout performance of the day for me, though, came from Jackson Dean. I've always admired his music, but hearing Hey Mississippi live was something else entirely. It was one of those moments where the noise of the festival disappears and you're completely locked into the performance. It genuinely brought a tear to my eye and reminded me why live music can be so powerful.
Alexandra Kay continues to prove she's destined for even bigger stages. It's hard to believe that only two years ago she was playing an earlier slot at Hyde Park ahead of Morgan Wallen. Fast forward to today and she's captivating an even bigger audience with ease. Interestingly, she occupied the same slot Ella Langley played back in 2024 - a reminder that Hyde Park has become something of a launching pad for country's next generation of stars.
Another artist who completely won me over was Leah Blevins. Her effortless bohemian style is matched by one of the purest voices I've heard in country music. Whether you're hearing her through headphones or standing in a festival crowd, her vocals remain crystal clear, emotional and unforgettable. She left a lasting impression.
Ashley McBryde showed exactly why she's one of the genre's most respected performers. Fierce, passionate and commanding from the moment she stepped on stage, she delivered a masterclass in live performance and reminded everyone why she continues to inspire so many women in country music.
Before the main event, Zac Brown Band had the impossible task of warming up the biggest crowd BST Hyde Park has ever seen. Somehow, they made it look effortless. Their set was packed with feel-good moments and singalongs, creating the perfect atmosphere before the anticipation reached its peak.
Then, finally, Garth Brooks walked onto the Great Oak Stage.
The roar from the Hyde Park crowd was deafening. Even Brooks himself looked genuinely overwhelmed by what stood before him. Thirty years is a long time to wait, but from the very first song, it felt as though he'd never been away. Every lyric was sung back word for word, every story was met with huge cheers, and every smile across the crowd told the same story - this wasn't just another concert, this was a moment.
Perhaps the most touching part of the evening came when Brooks admitted he hadn't expected such an enormous turnout. Looking out across the record-breaking crowd, he promised fans he wouldn't leave it another 30 years before returning to the UK.
Some gigs are great. Some become memories you'll carry forever.
Garth Brooks at BST Hyde Park was one of those rare shows that managed to be both.
Country music in the UK has never felt bigger, and if this historic night proved anything, it's that Garth Brooks' legacy here is every bit as strong as it was three decades ago.
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