Meltdown
The longest-running artist-curated music festival in the world
First held in 1993, our contemporary music festival has become one of the UK’s most anticipated annual music events.
Every year we invite a different cultural figure to curate ten days of concerts and performances across our venues. Among those to have led Meltdown so far are musical heavyweights like David Bowie, Nile Rodgers and Patti Smith; cultural icons including Grace Jones, Yoko Ono and Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, and John Peel; and artists who have embodied the music of their time such as M.I.A., Little Simz and Harry Styles.
Don't miss a thing
Be first to hear the latest Meltdown news with our gigs email newsletter.
Meltdown stories
Meltdown festival: a short history
A look back at the history of Meltdown festival, including a complete list of festival curators from George Benjamin to Chaka Khan.
Meltdown festival: backstage pass
Take a look behind the scenes at past Meltdown festivals, including those curated by Nick Cave, David Bowie, M.I.A., Robert Smith and Jarvis Cocker.
Playlist: Harry Styles’ Meltdown
Relive Harry Styles’ Meltdown, by listening to this playlist of all the artists added to the festival line-up.
Meltdown: the first 25 years
Take a look back at the first 25 years of Meltdown festival with these items from our archive collections
Grace Jones' Meltdown: a retrospective
Relive the sights and sounds of Grace Jones’ 2022 Meltdown festival with contributions from Hot Chip, Dave Okumu and Big Joanie.
David Bowie’s Meltdown revisited
Revisit David Bowie’s 2002 Meltdown with video and audio clips of the two-week long festival at London’s Southbank Centre.
Robert Smith's Meltdown revisited
Revisit 2018 and the 25th edition of Meltdown festival featuring Manic Street Preachers, Placebo, Nine Inch Nails, Kristin Hersh, The Cure and more.
Nile Rodgers' Meltdown revisited
A look back at 2019’s Meltdown festival, curated by Nile Rodgers and featuring Johnny Marr, Jungle, Thundercat and Chic.