Harry Styles has unveiled the eclectic mix of jazz, pop, indie and electronic artists he has handpicked for the 2026 Meltdown festival. The 32-year-old pop sensation will also take the stage at the Royal Festival Hall as part of the event, which is hosted at the Southbank Centre in London this summer.
As a former member of One Direction, Styles has curated a lineup that includes rock band Warpaint and US saxophonist Kamasi Washington, aiming to create an “unforgettable” experience for attendees.
Styles expressed his passion for music, stating: “Music is my life. Every artist involved in this year’s Meltdown festival means so much to me, both as a fan and a musician. It’s a true honour to host legends who have paved the way for future generations, as well as new acts that have inspired me to push my creative boundaries. 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.”
The festival will run from Thursday June 11 until Sunday June 21, with Styles set to perform on June 16. This event marks a significant moment as it is part of the Southbank Centre’s 75th anniversary celebrations.
Warpaint will open the festival with their only performance in 2026, followed by an intimate concert from singer-songwriter Stephen Fretwell and a dance-fuelled DJ set from Ninajirachi. Jazz musician Shabaka Hutchings will join guests for a collaborative performance, while singers Erika de Casier, Foushee and Nilufer Yanya will also be featured.
Kamasi Washington will appear in two performances, one focusing on his album Fearless Movement and another reinterpreting works from across the jazz canon. Other artists scheduled to perform include rock duo Getdown Services and musician Mulatu Astatke, who will present 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 the stage at Meltdown this summer.
The festival will also feature a performance from the Devonte Hynes Ensemble, consisting of Hynes, Adam Tendler, Caecilie Trier and Tariq Al-Sabir. This group will showcase a fusion of contemporary composition, classical instrumentation and experimental arrangements. Yussef Dayes, Jon Hopkins, Maddie Ashman, Leo Abrahams and James Murphy are also among the musicians participating in the event.
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 added: “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. 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 for the festival will go on general sale on April 10, with more details to be announced soon.
