Twenty Four Hours in London: The Perfect Weekend for Two Tweens
By Kirsty Masterman, August 2026
It’s that time of year again, when gigs are in full flow and nearly every artist you can think of is touring one way or another.
Today, I’m heading to London with two very excitable 12-year-olds for what can only be billed as the perfect way to spend a weekend for two nearly teenage girls – Capital’s Summertime Ball and a luxury stay at one of my favourite hotels, Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars.
Capital Radio’s Summertime Ball has become somewhat of a soundtrack to our summer, and this year is no different.
We arrive in the capital on what has possibly been the only rainy weekend of the summer, heading straight to the Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars.
Having stayed here previously, I know this hotel is perfectly located for getting around the capital. Situated directly across from Blackfriars Station, it’s not long before we have escaped the rain.
“Handcrafted”
Housed in a beautifully restored Grade II-listed building, the five star Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars combines elegant architecture with first-class hospitality. Visitors are greeted by stylish interiors paying homage to the building’s historic character while also embracing a more modern design. The warm lighting and contemporary furnishings create a sophisticated and welcoming atmosphere, even on a dreary day like today.
Despite being granted an early check-in, we still have a short wait, so we are shown to the City Lounge, an inviting hub complete with comfortable seating and tables. Situated in the reception area, it’s the perfect spot to wait – the fact we are served an exceptional hot chocolate makes it even better!
Serving up everything from handcrafted cocktails to hot chocolate, artisan sandwiches and dim sum to afternoon tea, there’s plenty to keep the hunger pangs away. It really is a perfect space to ‘hang out’.
Twenty minutes later, we are shown to our room, the concierge imparting his knowledge of the hotel and its facilities as he directs us – one of which is the gym. I am keen to point out that on this occasion, I won’t have the time to make use of it – think we both realise this is a very tongue-in-cheek comment.
We are staying in a King Bed Deluxe room. An additional bed has been placed in the room to accommodate my daughter’s friend. But, even with this not-so-small addition, the room is still spacious enough for the girls to dance about and be giddy as we get ready.
“Standout features”
Upon entering the room, the girls declare that they “feel like a famous person”.
A feeling that is cemented when a knock at the door has us presented with golden chocolate covered strawberries and macaroons to satisfy any hunger pangs we may have before we set out.
Unfortunately, due to the timing of today’s concert, we are unable to take advantage of the hotel’s many dining options. One of which is NYnLON, a New York-style bistro. Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars’s numerous dining options are one of its standout features, so it is a real shame we won’t get the chance to sample the New York Little Italy weekend menu. It does however, mean that we will just have to return on another occasion.
We head to Wembley Stadium a little over an hour later, to join 80,000 music fans for what is surely the concert of all concerts.
Over the years, Capital’s Summertime Ball has become more than just a concert – it’s one of the UK’s biggest annual pop music celebrations, bringing together the world’s biggest artists for an unforgettable day of live entertainment.
Originally launched in 2009, this event has become one of the most hotly-anticipated music events of the summer, garnering a reputation for hosting blockbuster line-ups packed with chart-topping stars and surprise guests, and this year is no different. With a bill containing performances from the likes of RAYE, Niall Horan, Calvin Harris, Jason Derulo, Fatboy Slim and Myles Smith, you can safely say, Capital have got all bases covered.
“Excited”
For me, the highlight of the concert is the opening act – the legendary Take That. I first started going to concerts in the 90s and this group are the reason for that. So, when I heard that they were opening today’s extravaganza, to say I was excited, was an understatement and one that filled my daughter with dread. The situation seemed ripe for embarrassment in front of her best friend.
Bursting on to the stage at 3.30pm, the audience are on their feet before they have sung a single note. The trio sing their way through not one, but seven of their hits from across the decades, their energy matching every ounce of the audiences.
Swedish singer Robyn is up next, delivering a mesmerising set which includes her most recent hit, ‘Dancing on My Own’, before south Londoner Lola Young takes to the stage for her second year in a row with what can only be described as an outstanding performance, which includes an impressive rendition of ‘Messy’.
December 10, Simon Cowell’s latest creation, take to the stage for their Wembley Stadium debut, and judging from the crowd’s reaction, this won’t be the last we will be seeing of them on this stage.
For me though, California’s very own Stephen Sanchez is the surprise act of the day.
A keen listener of Capital Radio, I am familiar with his songs but know very little about him. Taking to the stage with his unique energy, he has a stage presence that matches the quality of his songs. His dramatic removal of his shoes and socks as he dances about the wet Wembley stage has the audience in stitches, and it isn’t long before his hit single, ‘Until I Found You’ has fans waving their phones in the air.
“Punchy”
Bebe Rexha, Sienna Spiro and Sekou complete the line-up, many of which talk about how it isn’t long ago that they were sitting in the audience dreaming of being up on this stage. This isn’t just a music event, for many, it is a rite of passage.
Penultimately, Scottish DJ Calvin Harris takes to the stage. Currently on a residency in Ibiza, the Scotsman had returned to British shores especially for this event. Harris is an amazing artist and really keeps the energy levels high as night falls.
The decibels reach a whole new level as he belts out a set list filled with bangers featuring the likes of Dua Lipa and Rhianna. His stand-out track of the summer ‘How Deep Is Your Love’ has the audience bouncing.
Wrapping up the day, almost an hour later than scheduled, is headline act RAYE. Delivering a punchy and quality closing set, she leaves the crowd waiting until the very end for her biggest hit, ‘Where is my Husband’. A more jazzed-up version than the radio edit. Confetti aside, her performance is classy and classic, bringing the curtain down on what has been an amazing 8 hour music extravaganza to an explosion of fireworks.
What makes Capital’s Summertime Ball unique is its fast-paced format. Every artist performs their biggest hits in quick succession, with barely a pause between sets, creating a constantly electric atmosphere that keeps the audience on their feet.
The only thing I can liken this to, is the Smash Hits Roadshow that dominated the 90s. Since then, things have certainly progressed, but one thing that hasn’t is the excitement and buzz that surrounds this type of event.
image: London River Cruise
“Panoramic views”
From a day that has encompassed everything from modern music to pure nostalgia, with a surprise proposal thrown in for good measure, we return to Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars feeling like pop royalty ourselves. It may be nearly 1.00am, but our welcome back is met with the same enthusiasm as when we left many hours ago.
Needless to say, we slept soundly in what are quite possibly the comfiest hotel beds ever!
A trip to London, especially if it’s your first time visiting the capital, is not complete without a trip down the River Thames. There are few better ways to see the city’s history than from the famous river, which is why, the next morning, I take the girls just a few stops away to Tower Hill to board the Tower of London River Tour at Tower Bridge Quay.
This brand new, purpose built, state-of-the-art attraction is the UK’s first electric tour boat. The futuristic catamaran, the Silver Raven, is stylish both inside and out, and I feel like we are stepping aboard a private yacht as we prepare to set sail.
Designed by the Woods family alongside leading naval architects, this 39-metre electric catamaran was built by superyacht specialists and combines advanced technology with British craftsmanship.
Our fellow passengers head straight to the outdoor viewing deck, but we decide to remain indoors. Despite today’s more pleasant weather, I’ve been on enough boat trips to know that once we are on the move, so will our hair and anything else that is not fastened down.
Being inside doesn’t deter from the view though, as the glass enclosed design allows for uninterrupted panoramic views of the London skyline. The fact that we are the only ones inside and I’m currently sipping a glass of champagne only adds to the luxurious experience.
With eco-leather seating, an English pewter bar that reflects the light and bespoke Axminster carpets, this really is a vessel of the future.
Our guide for today is Ollie, who takes to the mic as we set sail. Regaling us with tales of London’s liquid history, he invites passengers to explore the capital from the very river that shaped it. With a script written by Martha Howe-Douglas, co-creator of BBC’s Ghosts, Ollie really brings the history to life with his humorous and informative storytelling, so much so, I leave wanting to find out more about the gruesome history of the capital.
“Explore”
The journey on board the Silver Raven is as much about the views as the history as London’s skyline unfolds around us. From the water, the capital feels different – calmer ,yet more dramatic. Once a vital highway for bringing people, goods and prisoners to London, today this same stretch of water provides a wonderfully relaxing way to explore the capital – just what we need after being on our feet for so long yesterday.
The tour is just 40 minutes long, and is over all too soon, but is the perfect way to round off our whistlestop visit.
Four stops later and we are back at Blackfriars to collect our bags before we make the short journey back to Kings Cross to catch our train back up north.
It certainly has been a short visit, but once again, we have crammed in plenty. The location of Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars playing a major part in this.
Roll on the Jingle Bell Ball at Christmas and hopefully a chance to visit NYnLON.
Kirsty stayed at Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars in a King Bed Deluxe room, where prices start from £280 per night.
Bookings can be made at hyatt.com
She travelled direct from Howden to London King’s Cross with Hull Trains where prices start at £29 for a standard class single ticket. Hull Trains currently have 50% off train travel for kids, with 2for1 deals on London attractions. Christmas and New Year tickets are currently on sale.
Tickets for the Tower of London River Tour can be booked at toweroflondonrivertour.com. Prices start at £14 for a child and £18.50 for an adult ticket.
After studying English and Creative Writing at university, Kirsty started working as an editor for PA Media way back in 2003, joining On Yorkshire in 2023. With a passion for travel and writing, the chance to combine the two became a reality for her in 2010 when she was offered the chance to visit Portugal to review a new resort. Since then, she has never looked back. Live music, theatre and restaurant reviews followed enabling her to combine all her interests. Kirsty now travels the world, reviewing some of the best hotels, restaurants and travel destinations. She particularly enjoys seeking out child-friendly places so that she can showcase destinations and experiences that can be enjoyed by parents alongside their children.
