FKA Twigs has been announced as the curator of Meltdown 2027 at London’s Southbank Centre, taking over the 11-day festival from June 10 to 20, 2027, and headlining one of the days herself. She becomes the 32nd curator in a lineage that includes David Bowie, Patti Smith, Nick Cave, Grace Jones and Harry Styles. Twigs says she plans to bring“a slice of all that has raised me,”celebrating the diversity and creative energy that make London one of the world’s great music capitals.
The bigger story might be Hometown Meltdown, a brand-new initiative bringing the festival format to grassroots venues in six UK cities between December 2026 and March 2027. Curators include Jamie Cullum for Southend, Kelly Lee Owens for Bethesda and Pauline Black of The Selecter for Nottingham, alongside Stewart Lee, Kathryn Joseph and Rhoda Dakar, each programming two-day events in their hometowns. It’s a direct spotlight on the small venues that launch local scenes, with support from the Music Venue Trust.
Meltdown 2027’s season is already stacked, with Lang Lang, Patti Smith and Philip Glass on the bill. Between the main festival and the hometown run, the next year is shaping up as a huge moment for UK live music. Which Hometown Meltdown city are you most excited to see announce its full line-up?
About the Author
Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.