Harry Styles to Curate and Perform at London's Meltdown Festival

The pop star will headline the 2026 edition of the artist-curated music festival at the Southbank Centre.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Harry Styles has been announced as the curator for the 2026 edition of London's Meltdown festival at the Southbank Centre, where he will also perform a headline concert. Meltdown is the world's longest-running artist-curated music festival, and Styles will draw on his broad musical influences to showcase pop, soul, electronic, rock, and emerging British talent.

Why it matters

Styles' curation of the prestigious Meltdown festival, which coincides with the Southbank Centre's 75th anniversary, further solidifies his status as a major cultural force and tastemaker in the music industry. His involvement is expected to generate significant interest and attention for the festival.

The details

As the curator, Styles will have full creative control over the 2026 Meltdown festival lineup and programming. He has stated his goal is to share the music and art that he loves, and to celebrate the rich history of the Southbank Centre venue. Meltdown has previously been curated by the likes of Robert Smith, Grace Jones, and Nile Rodgers.

  • The 2026 Meltdown festival will run from June 11-21.
  • The festival coincides with the 75th anniversary of the Southbank Centre.

The players

Harry Styles

A popular British singer-songwriter who rose to fame as a member of the boy band One Direction and has since launched a successful solo career.

Southbank Centre

A major arts and culture complex located on the South Bank of the River Thames in London, known for hosting the London Film Festival and BAFTA Film Awards.

Meltdown Festival

An annual music festival held at the Southbank Centre that is curated by a different artist each year, making it the world's longest-running artist-curated music festival.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Harry Styles (Variety)

“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.”

— Harry Styles (Variety)

What’s next

The full lineup for the 2026 Meltdown festival curated by Harry Styles is expected to be announced in the coming months.

The takeaway

Harry Styles' curation of the prestigious Meltdown festival at the iconic Southbank Centre further solidifies his status as a major cultural force and tastemaker in the music industry, with the potential to introduce new and emerging artists to a wider audience.