Twelve years after first making history at London’s Wembley Arena, Nepali folk-rock band Nepathya returned to the iconic venue on Saturday night—and delivered an even bigger spectacle. Playing to a sold-out crowd of around 10,000, the band transformed the concert into a joyous celebration of Nepali music and culture.

From the moment the doors opened, the atmosphere was electric. Videos shared by fans, including London-based Manjari Dawadi- Angel Manjari on Facebook, captured the festive mood outside the arena as thousands queued in anticipation. Inside, the energy reached a peak when the pre-show visuals featured scenes from Nepal set to the band’s song Sa Karnali, bringing some in the audience to tears. For many in the diaspora, it was a poignant reminder of home.

Starting on time, Nepathya opened with Koshiko Paani before moving into a carefully curated set list that included Aanganai Bhari. Lead vocalist Amrit Gurung shared the song’s origins, recalling how he composed it in the village of Yangjakot decades ago, with his childhood friend Puskal Gurung—present in the audience—bearing witness to its journey from a hillside home to a world-class stage.

Between songs, Gurung spoke passionately about preserving the Nepali language and culture, urging young people abroad to remain connected to their roots. “The roar of this audience made my chest feel as tall and strong as Sagarmatha,” he said, visibly moved by the crowd’s warmth.

The set concluded with Rato Ra Chandra Surya, but when fans chanted for “once more”, the band returned to perform Himal Chuchure. On stage with Gurung were Dhruva Lama (drums), Subin Shakya (bass guitar), Niraj Gurung (guitar), Shanti Rayamajhi (madal) and Dinesh Raj Regmi (keyboards).

According to Kiran Krishna Shrestha of Nepalaya, Nepathya’s management team, the night marked another milestone—not only surpassing their 2013 attendance record but possibly setting a new benchmark for Nepali music in an indoor arena. “We have built on what we achieved 12 years ago,” he said.

Fans travelled from across the UK and beyond, including Wilco from the Netherlands, a long-time friend of Gurung’s who once advised him during a vocal health crisis. “Seeing Amrit perform with the same old energy—jumping, dancing, singing—was pure joy,” he said.

The event was organised by BSK Entertainment and Parcha Production. “For the 10,000 who came, this evening will remain unforgettable,” said organiser Dipendra Lama, expressing gratitude to everyone who helped make it possible.

The Wembley performance marks the start of Nepathya’s European tour, which will take them to Copenhagen on August 23, Attard in Malta on August 27, Lisbon on August 31, and Antwerp on September 3.