West End Live, a free musical theatre festival that takes place in London’s Trafalgar Square, has announced its dates for 2022.
Trafalgar Square will be transformed into an open-air theatre to welcome tens of thousands of theatre fans on June 25-26.
The event will feature some of the West End’s top shows, with last year’s event involving a record 830 performers, creatives and production staff. West End Live is a joint production between Westminster City Council and the Society of London Theatre (SOLT).
Sky VIP, which is the broadcaster’s loyalty programme, has been announced as a sponsor once again for this year, after supporting the celebration of theatre in 2021.
VIPs will have the chance to watch from an exclusive Sky VIP viewing area as well as having the opportunity to win prizes. Over the last couple of years Sky VIP has worked with SOLT and London shows to create videos for customers, offering vital opportunities for performances during the pandemic.
Other partners include Covent Garden Capco (Covent Garden’s management), The Crown Estate, Derwent London, Great Western Railway, Heart of London Business Alliance, New Western End Company, real estate investment trust Shaftesbury and utilities and management company Veolia.
Eleanor Lloyd, president of SOLT, said: “We are delighted to be working with Westminster again to produce West End Live, a spectacular display of the unparalleled talent on our stages. Each year, everyone involved in West End Live – including the incredible performers onstage – feels immensely privileged to be part of such a unique event, bringing audiences together with the shows they love, thanking theatre fans and welcoming new ones.”
Lloyd added: “We are also very grateful for the support of Sky VIP, who return as a key partner for 2022 and have a long history as dedicated champions of theatre and the arts – I want to thank them for helping to make this year’s event possible.”
Stuart Love, chief executive of Westminster City Council said: “We are really pleased West End Live is returning to the heart of our city this year, bigger and better than ever. Theatre is so important for the recovery of the West End and hosting this much-loved event is not only a celebration of the world-class theatre we have right on our doorstep, but it also brings people back to the city to enjoy everything that Westminster has to offer.
“We’re grateful for our sponsors and partners in supporting us to make this event happen and we hope that the performers, theatre fans and visitors alike can enjoy this special weekend together.”
Image: West End Live/Pamela Raith