Arcade Fire seem to be on yet another a roll of success – especially after their recent headline performance at Glastonbury – and so the excitement for London’s Hyde Park to be hosting their BST (British Summer Time) gig was incredible! Sadly we arrived too late to catch Wild Beasts‘ show, although we did manage to catch the end of Jake Bugg’s set. Bugg’s enticing, grainy vocals were a perfect complement the setting sun over the London skyline.

The atmosphere was great – as you might expect in a country where celebrations of sunny days are all too few and far between – and the crowd was in high spirits throughout.. Despite the hype, the event undersold by two thirds. Many of those who made it, however, were thrilled to take advantage of a booking glitch that saw hundreds of tickets sold for as little as £2 each!

We hung out backstage before Arcade Fire’s set and mingled with their entourage of drag queens – who, of course, looked as glamorous in person as they did on-screen at Glastonbury.

The band grouped together on the ramps at the rear of the main stage, all glistening in metallics, sequins and printed ensembles, before they each walked out onto the stage in front of the roaring crowd. It was one of those rare moments you get to feel that sort of response for yourself as we walked on behind them to stand at the side of the stage. The energy the audience gives is unbelievable – intimate and intimidating all at the same time. Their set was truly beautiful- playing huge hits, all tied together with romantic visual backdrops. The show was filled with colour and boasted love throughout.

Words and images by Lux and Noah