Harry Styles' Meltdown Festival: A Celebration of Music, Dance, and Art at the Southbank Centre
Harry Styles has curated the 31st edition of the Meltdown Festival at the Southbank Centre, which is the world's longest-running artist-curated music festival. This year's festival, supported by American Express, features a diverse range of events including live music, dance performances, art exhibitions, and debates. The Southbank Centre, celebrating its 75th anniversary, has already hosted commemorative events like 'You Are Here' on May 3rd and 4th to mark its 1951 opening date.
The festival kicks off on June 11th with a post-punk performance by deep tan and VIIZERO7 on the Riverside Terrace. While some events require tickets, many are free to attend. One of the highlights is the London Parks photo exhibition on the Riverside Terrace, showcasing photos of the capital's parks taken by young refugees and asylum seekers who received training from professional photographers Laura Jane Coulson and Federico Rivas.
On June 12th, visitors can enjoy underground dance music at the Riverside Terrace organized by music platform Keep Hush as part of their mental health project, Don't Keep Hush. The event will feature a full DJ lineup to be announced soon. Families can join artist Eoin McKenzie for 'Dad Dancing' on June 13th at the Clore Ballroom, where dads and their children can dance, play games, and sing songs together.
Afro-punk collective Steam Down will present 'Sounds of the Diaspora' on June 14th at the Riverside Terrace, offering a five-hour listening experience with live improvisation and a mix of genres. On June 17th, American Express-funded Amex Unsigned will showcase emerging musicians for free at the Riverside Terrace. Foundation.FM will bring over eight hours of dance music on June 20th, featuring female, queer, and non-binary DJs.
Choreographer Paul Roberts, known for working with artists like One Direction and Katy Perry, will host 'Dance with Kindness' workshops on June 21st at the Clore Ballroom, teaching dance routines to songs like 'Spice Up Your Life' by the Spice Girls and Harry Styles' 'Treat People with Kindness'. The full programme for this year's Meltdown Festival can be found at the Southbank Centre's website.
In conclusion, the Meltdown Festival curated by Harry Styles at the Southbank Centre offers a diverse and exciting lineup of events, celebrating music, dance, art, and more. With a mix of paid and free events, visitors can enjoy a range of performances and activities throughout the festival.