“Banger after banger”…
The festive season officially begins when Capital FM’s Jingle Bell Ball with Barclaycard rolls back into London — and this year’s line-up promises to light up The O2 with some of pop’s biggest names.
Ed Sheeran, RAYE, Anne-Marie and Leigh-Anne lead the bill for the first of two nights (Saturday 6 December), joined by Rizzle Kicks, Mimi Webb, Moliy, Sonny Fodera, and rising newcomer Alessi Rose. The second night’s line-up will be revealed tomorrow morning on Capital Breakfast.
Speaking on Capital Breakfast, hosts Jordan North, Chris Stark and Siân Welby unveiled the first wave of artists, calling it “banger after banger”. North said, “Ed, RAYE, Anne-Marie, Leigh-Anne – it’s huge. The O2 is going to absolutely go off, and we’ve only announced night one!”
The Ball — often billed as the UK’s biggest Christmas party — will once again take over The O2 for a weekend of pop spectacle, confetti, and surprise collaborations. This year’s event includes a Barclaycard Out of the Blue moment, promising an unannounced performance on the night.
For Ed Sheeran, the Ball marks a return to arena stages following the release of his eighth album Play. The record’s lead single Azizam topped The Official Big Top 40 from Global for five weeks earlier this year. With over 200 million records sold worldwide, Sheeran’s set is expected to be one of the weekend’s major draws.
Eight-time BRIT Award-winner RAYE will bring her genre-blending sound — and her family — to the Jingle Bell Ball, performing with her sisters Absolutely and Amma in a world-exclusive live collaboration. Her recent single WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!? has dominated playlists, and her return to The O2 promises to be one of the show’s standout moments.
Global’s Chief Broadcasting & Content Officer, James Rea, says that this year’s Ball promises “two huge nights packed with world-class performances, big surprises and serious Christmas sparkle.”
Anne-Marie, a long-time Capital favourite, will perform a set of fan favourites and new material, including her September single Depressed. Having collaborated with everyone from David Guetta to Doja Cat, she’s now one of British pop’s most consistent hitmakers.
Meanwhile, Leigh-Anne — formerly of Little Mix — takes to the Ball stage as a solo artist for the first time. Her debut album My Ego Told Me To lands next month, ahead of her first solo tour in 2026.
Also on the Saturday line-up are Rizzle Kicks, back at The O2 for the first time since 2013. The duo behind Mama Do The Hump and Down with the Trumpets have hinted at new music, teasing a revival of their feel-good hip-hop sound.
Mimi Webb, currently on her Confessions Tour, joins the line-up with her powerhouse pop hits House on Fire and Red Flags, while Ghanaian-American artist Moliy brings her distinctive, dance-ready sound with breakout hit Shake It to the Max. Sonny Fodera, the globally renowned DJ and producer, will close out the night with a high-energy set that’s sure to turn The O2 into a dancefloor.
New for 2025, Capital introduces its Buzz Artist slot, highlighting rising talent championed by the network’s Gen-Z brand, Capital Buzz. The debut honour goes to Alessi Rose, a British singer-songwriter already tipped as “one to watch” after supporting Tate McRae and Noah Kahan on tour.
Ashley Tabor-King CBE, Global’s Founder & Executive President, said the event has become “the perfect way to kick off the festive season,” adding: “There’s nothing quite like seeing The O2 packed with Capital listeners, singing along to the biggest stars in the world.”
Tickets go on general sale at 9am on Friday 7 November, exclusively via Global Player, the free Capital app. Fans logged in with a Global ID can access presale tickets from Thursday 6 November, while Barclaycard customers get early access — and 10% off when paying with their Barclaycard or Barclays Premier Card.
Both nights of Capital’s Jingle Bell Ball with Barclaycard will stream live on Global Player and YouTube, and later air on ITV1, STV, STV Player and ITVX as part of Global’s partnership with ITV.
