The Southbank Centre has announced the first wave of acts that curator Harry Styles has picked to play at this year’s edition of the institution’s annual Meltdown festival.
Running from June 11 to 21, this year’s edition forms part of the venue’s 75th anniversary programme, with Styles curating a line-up of jazz, electronic, pop and experimental musicians. He’ll also take to the stage himself, headlining the Royal Festival Hall on Tuesday June 16.
Announcing the line-up, Styles said the programme reflects his personal influences. “It’s a true honour to host legends who have paved the way … as well as new acts that have inspired me to push my creative boundaries.”
Opening the festival on Thursday June 11, LA indie outfit Warpaint will play their only show of 2026. The first weekend also includes sets from Australian DJ Ninajirachi, and a collaborative performance led by British jazz musician Shabaka Hutchings.
The programme also includes two performances from LA-born jazz composer and saxophonist Kamasi Washington on Sunday June 14 – one revisiting and reimagining famous jazz works, and another cinematic, full-ensemble show called Fearless Movement Live – before Getdown Services will play in the Purcell room on the Tuesday June 16.
Wednesday June 17 will see Ethiopian jazz pioneer Mulatu Astatke bring his sounds to the Royal Festival Hall. On the Friday night, Devonté Hynes – aka Blood Orange – will showcase his experimental composition side as part of the Devonté Hynes Ensemble.
The closing weekend is all about London’s club scene. Expect Yussef Dayes, Jon Hopkins (joined by Maddie Ashman and Leo Abrahams for improvised sets) and a late-night slot from LCD Soundsystem’s James Murphy.
A free series of events will also run across the ten days, encouraging Londoners to get involved in workshops, enjoy outdoor performances and appearances from artists of all disciplines.
First launched in 1993, Meltdown invites a different artist each year to curate its programme, with previous names including Little Simz, Chaka Khan, David Bowie and Patti Smith. Styles becomes the festival’s 31st curator.
Further line-up announcements, including full details of Styles’s headline show, will be announced over the next few weeks.
Tickets to Meltdown curated by Harry Styles go on sale Thursday April 9 to Southbank Centre members and to the general public on Friday April 10.
