Simon Lipkin and the cast of Oliver! performing on the West End LIVE stage [© Pamela Raith]

MORE than 70,000 people came out for the annual West End LIVE show in Trafalgar Square.

The free music festival, supporting West End theatres in its 21st year, features more than 60 shows including some of the most famous productions from across the West End and beyond.

This year production taking part ranged from established hits like Les Misérables, Mamma Mia! and Oliver! to new shows like the Olivier Award-winning Paddington The Musical and Into The Woods. And the yet-to-open Sinatra The Musical.

Phoebe Panaretos from Sinatra The Musical performs at West End LIVE 2026 [© Pamela Raith]

The square and surrounding streets were packed from early on Saturday and Sunday as fans braved soaring temperatures.

Cllr Paul Swaddle, leader of Westminster City Council, said: “West End LIVE is a curtain-raiser for the capital and a showcase for the creative industries which support around 80,000 jobs in London. People travel from across the world to attend West End LIVE.

“It is a springboard for tourism with visitors heading into the West End to enjoy our galleries, museums, bars and restaurants.

VIP guests attending included mayor of Phoenix, Arizona.

Emma D’Souza, from the Society of London Theatre that helps organise the event, said: “West End LIVE showcases the incredible breadth and quality of theatre on offer in the West End and beyond, and this year’s line-up has been one of our most exciting yet.”