It seems only right that the world’s longest-running artist-curated music festival should call on one of the world’s biggest stars to helm its next event – and that’s exactly why London’s Southbank Centre has appointed Harry Styles as the curator of its iconic Meltdown Festival. The British singer-songwriter is set to take the artistic reins of this year’s event, which will be held in the capital from 11-21 June 2026.

Styles joins a line-up of prestigious past curators including David Bowie, Yoko Ono and Patti Smith. Meltdown also marks another event in a busy summer schedule following the release of Styles’ fourth studio album, Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally., in March, including a slew of sold-out dates at Wembley. His curatorship is slated to feature a headline concert by Styles himself, as well as a public programme of interactive, participatory and free events designed to engage young people across the UK.

Established in 1993, Meltdown has become one of the Southbank Centre’s most distinctive contributions to the UK’s cultural landscape, inviting an artist each year to curate a programme that captures the creative energy of its moment and the interests of the curator. Past highlights have included Bowie’s marathon encore including Ziggy Stardust and Fame in 2002; curator Jarvis Cocker performing Disney songs with The Libertines’ Pete Doherty in 2007; and Yoko Ono joining forces with her son Sean Lennon for a rare performance in 2013 – so all eyes will be on Styles to mark the Southbank Centre’s 75^th year in a big way. 

Styles said: “I’m deeply honoured to curate the Meltdown festival, especially for the Southbank Centre’s 75^th 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. We both share a passionate belief that music is a vital part of life. It brings us together and the Southbank Centre has been at the heart of it, providing easy access to great music for the past 75 years. 

“I’m incredibly grateful to Southbank for having me, it’s really exciting for me to have this opportunity in such an iconic venue.”

Mark Ball, artistic director of the Southbank Centre, said: “Harry Styles is an iconic British artist with a global influence whose impact extends across artistic disciplines, generations and borders. Styles’ Meltdown feels like a natural expression of what the Southbank Centre exists to do, and we are delighted to become his creative playground in our anniversary year.”

The full line-up for Harry Styles’ Meltdown and ticket release dates will be announced in Spring 2026.

Visit southbankcentre.co.uk

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