Harry Styles has been confirmed as the curator of the 2026 Meltdown Festival in London and will headline a performance at the Royal Festival Hall.
The festival will run from 11 to 21 June at the Southbank Centre, spanning multiple performance spaces and galleries.
Overseeing Music, Art, and Workshops
As curator, Styles will oversee the festival’s programme, which will feature music, visual art, and workshops.
The full line-up of performers and events will be announced in spring, alongside additional free public events aimed at younger audiences.
Styles Reacts To Appointment
In a statement following his appointment, Styles said:
“I’m deeply honoured to curate the Meltdown Festival, especially for the Southbank Centre’s 75th anniversary year. My goal as the curator is to share the music and art that I love and to celebrate the rich history of the venue.”
Jane Beese, Head of Contemporary Music at the Southbank Centre, added:
“It’s a real privilege to welcome an artist with the cultural impact and presence of Harry Styles as curator of Meltdown in our 75th anniversary year. His openness, warmth and instinct for collaboration feel perfectly aligned with the spirit at the heart of the festival.”
Joining A Prestigious List Of Curators
Styles joins a distinguished list of previous Meltdown curators, including David Bowie, Yoko Ono, Patti Smith, Robert Smith, David Byrne, Grace Jones, Nick Cave, Jarvis Cocker, and Little Simz.
The 2026 edition will continue the festival’s tradition of showcasing both established and emerging talent, combining live performances with interactive art installations and workshops across the Southbank Centre’s venues.
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