Harry Styles Curates Diverse Line-Up for 2026 Meltdown Festival
Harry Styles has unveiled an impressive line-up of jazz, pop, indie, and electronic artists for the 2026 Meltdown festival. The 32-year-old pop star will also take the stage at the Royal Festival Hall during the event at the Southbank Centre in London this summer.
The former One Direction singer has curated a wide range of musicians, including the rock band Warpaint and US saxophonist Kamasi Washington, with the aim of creating an “unforgettable” festival experience. Styles expressed his excitement about the event, stating:
“It’s a true honour to host legends who have paved the way for the generations that follow them, as well as new acts that have inspired me to push my creative boundaries.”
He added: “There are some incredibly unique, one-of-a-kind performances planned and the Southbank Centre is such a special place to experience live music. I hope attendees and performers have an unforgettable time this year at Meltdown. I can’t wait.”
Festival Dates and Performances
The Meltdown festival will run from Thursday June 11 until Sunday June 21, with Styles set to perform on June 16. The event is part of the Southbank Centre’s 75th anniversary celebrations.
Warpaint will open the festival with their only show in 2026, followed by performances from singer-songwriter Stephen Fretwell in an intimate concert and a dance-fuelled DJ set from Ninajirachi. Jazz musician Shabaka Hutchings will also appear alongside guests for a collaborative performance.
Other notable additions to the line-up include singers Erika de Casier, Foushee, and Nilufer Yanya. Kamasi Washington will feature in two performances, one focused on his album Fearless Movement, while the other will reinterpret works from across the jazz canon.
Additional Artists and Collaborations
Rock duo Getdown Services and musician Mulatu Astatke will also perform at the festival. Mulatu Astatke will showcase a unique blend of jazz, funk, and traditional Ethiopian music. Canadian singer-songwriter Beverly Glenn-Copeland, rock band Bar Italia, and musician Orlando Weeks will also take to the stage.
The festival will also feature a performance from the Devonte Hynes Ensemble, a music group consisting of Hynes, Adam Tendler, Caecilie Trier, and Tariq Al-Sabir. This ensemble will present a blend of contemporary composition, classical instrumentation, and experimental arrangements.
Other musicians scheduled to appear include Yussef Dayes, Jon Hopkins, Maddie Ashman, Leo Abrahams, and James Murphy.
Free Programmes and Participatory Events
In addition to the main performances, the festival will include a free programme of participatory events. These will feature appearances from Styles’ favourite artists beyond music, outdoor performances, and hands-on workshops.
Mark Ball, artistic director of the Southbank Centre, praised Styles’ line-up, calling it “incredibly exciting.” He said:
“Their breadth speaks to Harry’s deep curiosity about music and his wide-ranging passions, moving fluidly across genres, generations and scenes. What’s striking is the sense of connection behind the programme: you can feel the care and intent in every choice.”
Ball added: “It’s a line-up – including of course Harry himself – that promises to deliver a classic Meltdown festival, and an opportunity to see Harry’s artistic world manifested in a brand new way for audiences.”
Tickets and Further Details
Tickets for the festival will go on general sale on April 10, with further details yet to be announced.
