Self Esteem, McFly and Khalid to Launch London’s New 3,800-Capacity Venue British Airways ARC

A brand-new chapter in London’s live music scene is about to begin, as AEG Presents unveils the first wave of artists set to open British Airways ARC — the capital’s most anticipated new venue.

Launching on 16 June 2026 at Olympia London, the 3,800-capacity, purpose-built space will debut with a major opening show from Self Esteem, who will play two nights including the historic first performance.

She’ll be followed by a blockbuster run of shows from McFly, Zac Brown Band and global superstar Khalid, while jazz icons Branford Marsalis and Dianne Reeves will headline a special collaboration with the EFG London Jazz Festival.

Positioned above Olympia’s historic West Hall, the venue forms part of a £1.3 billion transformation of the site — set to become one of London’s biggest new cultural hubs, combining live music, nightlife, restaurants, hotels and workspace under one roof.

It also marks the first purpose-built venue of its size to open in London in over a decade, signalling a major investment in the future of UK live music.

Self Esteem — aka Rebecca Lucy Taylor — leads the charge as one of the UK’s most vital modern voices, fresh from her acclaimed album A Complicated Woman and an Ivor Novello Visionary Award. Meanwhile, McFly arrive off the back of a huge arena run, and Khalid brings billions of global streams and chart-topping success to the autumn schedule.

AEG Presents’ Lucy Noble said the opening line-up is “a fantastic way to begin the British Airways ARC story,” promising a world-class experience built with both artists and fans in mind. With a legacy that has seen legends like Jimi Hendrix, Rod Stewart and Pink Floyd perform on-site, Olympia’s latest evolution looks set to cement its place at the heart of London’s live music future.

Tickets for all these shows will go on sale on Friday 27th March at 10am and can be purchased by going to  britishairwaysarc.co.uk.