Capital Radio Summertime Ball

About

The Capital Radio Summertime Ball at Wembley Stadium is one of the UK's biggest pop music events, featuring chart-topping artists and high-energy performances that tweens and teens absolutely adore. This annual June spectacular brings together multiple A-list performers in one unforgettable day, creating lasting memories for music-loving families. It's the perfect opportunity to share a live music experience with older children who are passionate about current pop hits and want to see their favorite artists perform live.

What to Expect

Families can expect a full day of back-to-back performances from 10-15 major artists spanning pop, dance, and urban genres. The atmosphere is electric and celebratory, with a predominantly young audience creating a festival-like vibe within the iconic stadium setting. Wembley Stadium offers excellent sightlines from most seats, massive screens for close-up views, and a well-organized event flow. Between acts, there's plenty of excitement with DJ sets, light shows, and audience participation. The event typically runs from early afternoon into the evening, with a mix of established stars and emerging artists on the lineup.

Highlights for Kids

• Seeing multiple chart-topping artists in one event—often 10-15 performers including surprise guests and special collaborations
• The incredible production quality with spectacular lighting, pyrotechnics, and stage effects that rival world tours
• The communal sing-along atmosphere when everyone joins in for the biggest hits of the year
• Potential for unique performances and special guest appearances that become memorable moments
• The iconic Wembley Stadium experience with its famous arch and world-class facilities

Pro Tips for Families

1. Book seated tickets rather than standing/general admission if attending with younger children, as the day is long and the standing areas get extremely crowded and energetic
2. Arrive early to navigate security, collect tickets, and get settled before the first act—queues can be substantial and you don't want to miss any performances
3. Bring ear protection for younger attendees as the volume levels are very high; compact foam earplugs or child-sized concert earplugs are essential
4. Download the Capital FM app before attending for the full lineup announcement, set times, and live updates during the event—lineup details are often released close to the date to maintain surprise factor

Best Time to Visit

Arrive 2-3 hours before the advertised start time (typically around 2-3pm for a 5pm start) to allow for travel, security screening, merchandise browsing, and getting refreshments before performances begin. The biggest headline acts usually perform in the final hours of the evening (8-10pm), so families with younger children should consider whether they can manage the late finish, which often extends past 10pm. If traveling from abroad, consider arriving in London a day early to avoid same-day travel stress and jet lag affecting the experience.

Food & Drinks

Wembley Stadium offers numerous food and beverage concessions throughout the venue including pizza, burgers, hot dogs, nachos, and various snacks that appeal to younger palates. Expect typical stadium pricing (£8-15 per main item, £4-6 for drinks), so budget accordingly for a long event. You can bring one sealed 500ml plastic bottle of water per person, which helps manage costs. Consider eating a substantial meal before arriving as food queues can be long during peak times. International visitors should note that card payments are widely accepted, but having some British pounds in cash can speed up transactions.

Parking & Access

Wembley Stadium is exceptionally well-connected by London public transport—Wembley Park (Metropolitan and Jubilee Underground lines) and Wembley Stadium (Chiltern Railways) stations are both within 10-minute walks. For international visitors, taking the Tube is strongly recommended over driving, as parking is extremely limited and expensive (£40+ if available), and traffic is heavily congested on event days. The area is accessible with wide pathways, though the sheer crowd volume can make navigation slow. If you must drive, pre-book parking online well in advance. For families staying in central London, allow 30-40 minutes travel time via Underground, and keep Oyster cards or contactless payment cards ready for all family members.