The legendary hip-hop crew The Roots begin taking their acclaimed festival brand across the world
One of the most lauded music festivals, Roots Picnic, makes its UK debut at the Crystal Palace Bowl in London next month. Founded by the legendary hip-hop crew The Roots nearly 20 years ago, it has since hosted some of the genre’s most iconic performances, including Jay-Z‘s most recent head-turning freestyle.
What You Should Know
Roots Picnic was founded by the Philadelphia group after rapper Black Thought saw an opportunity to foster a summer celebration within the city. Believing seasonal celebrations did not get the focus they deserved, he was inspired to create the now-annual festival.
Beginning as a one-day event, it later grew into a festival, becoming one of the most respected dates on the hip-hop & R&B calendar. Since its inception, it has hosted some of the most talented artists in music, including The Roots, Jay-Z, Pharrell, Solange, Musiq Soulchild, Snoop Dogg, Common, Erykah Badu, and D’Angelo.
Later, the event grew to invite names such as Nas, The Weeknd, Lil Wayne, and Usher. Guaranteeing headline-grabbing names, its success prompted the city to describe it as a cultural institution.
The Crystal Palace Debut
This history, steeped in rich performances and iconic moments, makes Roots Picnic a thrilling prospect when it lands in the United Kingdom next month. The line-up is equally exciting, with performances scheduled from celebrated rappers Nas, Yasiin Bey (formerly Mos Def), and Benny the Butcher. R&B, jazz, and soul music are also on the menu, with rising British star Nia Smith, Bilal, Anthony Hamilton, Robert Glasper, and Musiq Soulchild set to take to the stage.
One of the most exciting prospects will be Nas and The Roots, who will perform a collaborative set, combining two of hip-hop‘s the most adept rappers of all time. With Crystal Palace Bowl set to host the event, it marks a revival for the venue, which will host similar concerts for Lenny Kravitz and Grace Jones.
Buy Tickets
The event is set to take place on 8 & 9 August 2026 at the Crystal Palace Bowl in London, with tickets starting at £91.35 and £166.75 for a weekend pass directly from Live Nation.
Doors open at 14:00, with the final performance set to conclude at 22:30. Under 5s are not permitted to enter. Attendees aged 16+ can enter the venue independently and must bring valid photographic ID.
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