American rockstar Lenny Kravitz is set to headline the UEFA Champions League Final Kick Off Show at London’s Wembley Stadium next month.
The legendary musician will captivate audiences with his genre-defying sound before Borussia Dortmund take on 14-time champions Real Madrid on Saturday June 1.
Kravitz, who’s new album Blue Electric Light is set to be released on May 24, said London holds “a special place” in his heart and he “can’t wait” to entertain fans in the capital.
Speaking ahead of the show, the Fly Away hitmaker shared: “I’m really looking forward to my performance for the UEFA Champions League Final Kick Off Show presented by Pepsi in London, a city which holds a special place in my heart.
“It’s going to be such an exciting event ahead of a final that means so much to so many. We can’t wait to show you all what we have in store.”
This is the eighth year that Pepsi and UEFA will mark the final with its curtain raiser, and the event is set to be an unforgettable experience just minutes ahead of the biggest final in the club football calendar.Kravitz isn’t the first big name to entertain fans prior the sporting event, with Camilla Cabello, Burna Boy and Anitta taking to the stage in recent years.
The announcement comes after Mayor of London Sadiq Khan unveiled details for a four-day festival in the run-up to the sporting event around the capital.
Festivities will kick off on Thursday, May 30, in Trafalgar Square as the Champions League trophy is welcomed to London before the square is filled with inflatable football activities, a five-aside mini pitch and food stalls.
This will be followed by a headline performance from Hackney’s Rudimental on Friday May 31, with the show powered by the movement of dancing fans through a “kinetic dancefloor”. The night will culminate in a DJ set by Faithless.
Regent Street will be pedestrianised between Oxford Circus and Piccadilly Circus for the last two days of May to enable penalty shootout challenges and other activities, while Champions League legends from around the globe will be at Somerset House showcasing their skills in a five-a-side tournament.
At Potters Fields Park, by Tower Bridge, a giant inflatable Uefa Champions League trophy will greet visitors, with interactive installations and activities continuing along the South Bank.
It is hoped the festival, which ends on June 2, will attract many Londoners as well as the tens of thousands of travelling fans for the two teams.
Mr Khan said: “London is the sporting capital of the world and so it’s fitting that we are hosting the Uefa Champions League final. I am proud that Europe’s biggest match will take place in London and delighted that thousands of Londoners and visitors will be able to experience the thrill of this special competition through the Uefa Champions Festival.
“This is the start of an incredible sporting summer for London and a key part of our work to build a better London for everyone.”
