Little Simz' Meltdown

The Southbank Centre's annual Meltdown festival is one of the world's most celebrated artist-curated music festivals.

Now in its 30th year, the festival has seen some of the most influential names in modern music curating the lineup including David Bowie, Grace Jones, Yoko Ono, Christine and the Queens, Massive Attack, Chaka Khan, Nick Cave and Patti Smith. 

Taking up the role of curator in 2025 is the multi-award-winning north London rapper Little Simz, who is assembling an exciting and eclectic line-up of artists whose works defy genres and push boundaries.

In addition to the A-list gig lineup, Little Simz' festival promises an invigorating programme of curated activity, events and showcases taking place across Southbank Centre’s public spaces led by young producers from youth clubs across London.

Meltdown Festival concert line-up

THU 12 JUNE  | The Streets at Royal Festival Hall
FRI 13 JUNE  |  Mahalia at Royal Festival Hall
FRI 13 JUNE  |  The Joy at Purcell Room
SAT 14 JUNE  | Tiwa Savage at Royal Festival Hall
SAT 14 JUNE  | Sasha Keable at Queen Elizabeth Hall
MON 16 JUNE  | BADBADNOTGOOD at Royal Festival Hall
TUE 17 JUNE  | Lola Young at Royal Festival Hall
TUE 17 JUNE | Kara Jackson at Purcell Room
WED 18 JUNE  | Ghetts at Royal Festival Hall
WED 18 JUNE  | Yukimi & BINA at Queen Elizabeth Hall
WED 18 JUNE  |  Alewya at Purcell Room
THU 19 JUNE  | Nubya Garcia at Queen Elizabeth Hall
THU 19 JUNE  |  Miraa May at Purcell Room
FRI 20 JUNE  | MEGA & Jon Poppii at Queen Elizabeth Hall
FRI 20 JUNE  | James Blake at Royal Festival Hall
SAT 21 JUNE  | Jon Batiste at Royal Festival Hall

SUN 22 JUNE | Little Simz and Chineke! Orchestra at Royal Festival Hall
Little Simz performs a unique one-off collaboration with Southbank Centre Resident Orchestra Chineke! Orchestra that will include music from her stellar back catalogue and material from her upcoming sixth studio album Lotus, set for release on 9 May.

Meltdown Lates

As part of this year’s Meltdown festival, a line-up of hip London DJs keep the beats going into the night with parties kicking off in the Queen Elizabeth Hall foyer from 10:45pm. Tickets cost from £12.

FRI 13 JUNE  |  Meltdown Lates: Simz + Adiba & OTG The first of four Meltdown club nights sees Adiba, OTG and Little Simz herself take to the turntables.
SAT 14 JUNE  |  Meltdown Lates: Sippin’ T + Jakwob, Marla Kether & Nunguja
FRI 20 JUNE  |  Meltdown Lates: Taylah Elaine + ELLADHC, Selecta Laolu & Donnie Sunshine
SAT 21 JUNE  |  Meltdown Lates: DONCH & Jordss + NARX & PÉJÚ

Free Meltdown events programme

In addition to a packed programme of concerts across the Southbank Centre's biggest concert halls, Little Simz has curated a brilliant lineup of free events for the festival. Here's a look at the highlights from this year's free events programme:

SAT 14 JUN FROM 2PM  |  Bodied: Dance Battle 
Compete or witness some of the best dancers from the UK scene go head-to-head for this year’s Meltdown dance battle, curated with Kloé Dean.

SAT 14 JUNE  |  Meltdown Talks
An afternoon of talks and discussions packed with insider tips on overcoming barriers in your career, and advice on staying true to yourself while getting where you want to be. At 12pm Dulcie Davy, Es Devlin and Yinka Ilori talk Design Journeys with Jeremy Ngatho Cole, at 2:30pm Tolu Coker, Foday Dumbuya, Feben and host Sienna King discuss Fashion Journeys, and at 5pm Clara Amfo hosts a discussion between actors Tosin Cole, Fady Elsayed and Letitia Wright about Acting Journeys. Tickets are free but booking is essential as space is limited.

SUN 15 JUNE FROM 1PM  |  Mould the Moment: Sip & Sculpt 
An outdoor sip-and-sculpt session inviting you to slow down and sink into creativity with some clay in a laidback space on the Riverside Terrace.

WED 18 JUN FROM 7PM  |  Ink Speaks: Writing & Poetry Workshop 
Take part in a guided workshop in creative writing and poetry, focused on tapping into your inner voice.

THU 19 JUNE FROM 6PM  |  futuretense: Ben DSP + Nat Oaks
A special Meltdown edition of Southbank Centre's free gig night features two musicians whose magnetic hip-hop, jazz and soul speak volumes.

THU 19 JUN FROM 7PM  |  Église: Unfolding Views 
Come and marvel at the spectacle as live painting and musical soundscaping merge in a performance inspired by brotherhood, culture and community, conceptualised by brothers Loner Muaka, a musician, and Aziah Lusala, an artist/painter.

FRI 20 JUN FROM 5PM  |  Works in Progress: Speak Easy  
Open mic, open floor, open door. Pop by for performances from fresh new talent, creative workshops and opportunities to connect with young creatives.

SAT 21 JUN FROM 2PM  |  At Your Own Pace
This event is produced entirely by a one-off cohort of young creatives from across London, stepping into the spotlight as producers, curators and cultural changemakers.

SAT 21 JUN FROM 3PM  |  DJ Takeover Curated by Little Simz
Handpicked by Little Simz herself, a line-up of DJs bring their own flavour to the decks, reflecting the sounds and the spirit of this year’s Meltdown.

SUN 22 JUN FROM 12PM  |  101 FM Sound System
The last day of Little Simz’ Meltdown with a massive sound system celebration of London and the city's distinctive sound system culture.