Harry Styles has revealed the line-up of jazz, pop, indie and electronic artists he has curated for the 2026 Meltdown festival.
The 32-year-old pop star will also take to the stage at the Royal Festival Hall for a headline show during the event at the Southbank Centre in London this summer.
The former One Direction singer has compiled a diverse range of musicians including rock band Warpaint and US saxophonist Kamasi Washington as he hopes for an “unforgettable” festival.
Styles said: “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 the generations that follow them, 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 and Styles will perform on June 16, with the event presented as part of the Southbank Centre’s 75th anniversary year.
Warpaint will kick off the event with their only show in 2026, and the opening weekend will also feature performances from singer-songwriter Stephen Fretwell in an intimate concert, and a dance-fuelled DJ set from Ninajirachi.
Elsewhere, jazz musician Shabaka Hutchings is set to appear alongside guests for a collaborative performance, and singers Erika de Casier, Foushee and Nilufer Yanya are also part of the line-up.
Washington will feature in two performances, with one focused on his album Fearless Movement, while the other will reinterpret works from across the jazz canon.
Other artists set to appear at the festival include rock duo Getdown Services and musician Mulatu Astatke, who 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 at Meltdown this summer.
The festival will also include a performance from the Devonte Hynes Ensemble – a music group consisting of Hynes, Adam Tendler, Caecilie Trier and Tariq Al-Sabir – which will showcase a blend of contemporary composition, classical instrumentation and experimental arrangements.
Yussef Dayes, Jon Hopkins, Maddie Ashman, Leo Abrahams and James Murphy are also among the musicians in the line-up.
The festival will also include a free programme of participatory events which will feature appearances from Styles’ favourite artists’ beyond music, outdoor performances and hands-on workshops.
Mark Ball, artistic director of the Southbank Centre, described Styles’ line-up as “incredibly exciting” and 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.
“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 will go on general sale on April 10, with further details yet to be announced.
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