FKA Twigs curates Southbank Meltdown 2027 and UK grassroots events
FKA Twigs Charts a Course for Culture at Southbank’s Meltdown and Launches Nationwide Hometown Meltdown
The experimental force of FKA Twigs is taking the reins for a momentous cultural event, stepping into the role of curator for Southbank’s Meltdown 2027. This high-energy celebration is set to be amplified by a new nationwide initiative, the inaugural Hometown Meltdown, designed to champion grassroots music venues across the UK.
Twigs will lead the 11-day event at the London multi-arts centre between June 10 and 20, crafting a performance run that mirrors the diverse, interwoven influences that define her own sound. Beyond headlining, she will assemble a line-up that pulls from across musical genres, creating a powerful collision of sounds and stories that reflect the rich cultural landscape of London.
The vision for Meltdown is rooted in celebrating the freedom and creative energy found where global cultures meet and transform one another. Twigs shared her excitement, describing the experience as a celebration of the diverse artistic clashes that inspire her—a true reflection of London’s status as a global capital of music and the arts.
The Meltdown season already boasts an impressive roster, featuring major names like pianist Lang Lang, rock icon Patti Smith, and composer Philip Glass, promising an eclectic and unforgettable experience for attendees.
Complementing the London spectacle is the launch of the Hometown Meltdown, a grassroots movement set to bring the festival spirit to local music venues across the country. Running from December 2026 through to March 2027, this initiative will take place across six cities, allowing celebrated local artists to curate programs and bring together local talent alongside established national stars.
The program for the Hometown Meltdown is already buzzing with exciting curators, including Jamie Cullum, Kelly Lee Owens, and Pauline Black. These local artists will be partnering with grassroots venues to deliver unique, community-focused experiences, emphasizing the incredible, often overlooked, music ecosystem provided by places like these.
This nationwide celebration serves as a powerful testament to the importance of local spaces, highlighting how grassroots venues provide access to incredible live music in well over 800 locations across the four nations. The project is lauded as a vital statement about the music infrastructure of the UK, demonstrating the profound impact of community-led cultural events.
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