The Evening Standard, London’s most iconic news brand, will host a landmark series of hybrid, virtual and interactive events, focused on bringing London back to life and getting back to business following the pandemic. Supported by a powerful editorial campaign, over the next six months, London Rising will make London’s voice heard by connecting Londoners to innovators, change makers and powerful ideas that will shape the city’s future.

Part of the Evening Standard’s expanding live and virtual events platform, ES LIVE, London Rising is its largest and most ambitious event series to date and marks a new phase in its development. It builds on the success of the virtual London Minds event held in March, which focused on mental health and wellbeing and has reached an audience of over 5000 people. Working alongside an established network of event professionals, ES LIVE brings to life dynamic and innovative events, exhibitions and concepts, and has evolved its offering in the light of the pandemic to engage with audiences remotely through interactive virtual and hybrid formats.

An opening two day London Rising showcase on Wednesday 28^th and Thursday 29^th April will bring together industry leaders for keynote interviews and lively panel debates to address issues such as diversity in the arts, business, safe streets and ask what needs to happen now. Speakers confirmed for the opening ‘Your City, Your Future’ event include:

• Tony Blair, Executive Chairman, Institute for Global Change; Former Prime Minister of Great Britain & Northern Ireland
• Victoria Beckham, Founder and Creative Director of Victoria Beckham and Victoria Beckham Beauty
• Nimco Ali, Social Activist, Author, Co-founder of Daughters of Eve, and Founder of The Five Foundation
• Alex Beard, Chief Executive, Royal Opera House
• Lawrence Dallaglio, Director at Akuma Sports, Director and Founder of Dallaglio RugbyWorks
• Misan Harriman, Photographer, Creative Director and Cultural Commentator

With a powerful heritage of campaigning on vital issues and a history of challenging, influencing and changing policy for the benefit of Londoners, the Evening Standard is well placed to help lead London out of this devastating and economy-shattering pandemic, supercharging a rapid recovery in 2021 and beyond.

London Rising will incorporate London’s main cultural pillars, working in partnership with like-minded companies and brands that also care deeply about the city’s recovery. The showcase will be followed by topical events that focus on the Evening Standard’s key campaign pillars of “Business & Technology”, “Art & Culture”, “Fashion, Retail & Hospitality” and “Sport & Fitness”. Alongside the London Rising events, inspiring and multi-platform editorial content will help to influence change, reaching millions of Londoners.

“Covid-19 has shattered the economy and challenged our way of life. Every business, organisation and individual in London has been affected and needs to recover fast. The speed and magnitude of London’s recovery is paramount, and the Evening Standard is in a unique position to help the city rebuild and plan for a better future. With the launch of London Rising, we will be there for London every step of the way, helping our great city to build back better and stronger than before.”

Emily Sheffield