Little Simz Announces First Artists for Meltdown Festival

Festival Crowd Header

The Southbank Centre has unveiled the much-anticipated first wave of artists performing at Little Simz' Meltdown festival. The lineup includes a mix of established legends and emerging talents who will showcase a wide range of musical styles.

First Wave of Artists Revealed

The Southbank Centre has announced the initial lineup for Little Simz' Meltdown festival, scheduled to take place from Thursday 12 to Sunday 22 June. Little Simz, the curator of the 30th edition of Meltdown, will deliver a special performance at the Royal Festival Hall on the closing day of the festival, accompanied by the Southbank Centre Resident Orchestra Chineke! Orchestra.

Lineup Highlights

The festival will kick off with a performance by The Streets on Thursday 12 June. Other notable acts include Lola Young on 17 June, Ghetts on 18 June, and Jon Batiste on 21 June. The Queen Elizabeth Hall will host Sasha Keable with Flames Collective on 14 June and Yukimi on 18 June.

Youth Producers Project

In addition to the main lineup, the Southbank Centre will feature a unique young producers project, highlighting talent from London's youth clubs. Over the next three months leading up to Meltdown, young producers from across the city will curate activities and events that will run during the festival, showcasing the creativity and innovation of the next generation.

Comments from Organizers

LIttle Simz expressed her excitement about curating this year's Meltdown and promised an unforgettable experience for attendees. Jane Beese, Head of Contemporary Music at Southbank Centre, praised the diverse influences reflected in the lineup, while Artistic Director Mark Ball highlighted the festival's role in promoting creativity and culture.

Ticket Sales

Tickets for Meltdown will go on sale to members on Wednesday 26 March and to the general public on Friday 28 March via the Southbank Centre website.

Published on 25 March 2025 by UKFG

Recent News More news

Upcoming Festivals Browse all

  • Lincoln Blues, Rhythm & Rock Festival

    11 May 2026

    Lincoln Blues, Rhythm & Rock Festival 2026 Taking place in Lincoln, Lincolnshire, the Lincoln Blues, Rhythm & Rock Festival 2026 is a vibrant one-day event celebrating live music in a welcoming city-c...

  • The Great Escape

    13 May - 16 May 2026

    The Great Escape 2026 Taking place from 13–16 May 2026 in Brighton, Sussex, The Great Escape is a four-day festival showcasing new and emerging music across the city’s vibrant streets, seafront, and ...

  • Manchester Jazz Festival

    15 May - 24 May 2026

    Manchester Jazz Festival 2026 Experience the 30th anniversary of Manchester Jazz Festival from 15–24 May 2026 across venues in Manchester, Lancashire. This ten-day event fills the city with vibrant ja...