Harry Styles Curates Hourglass Events at Southbank Centre for Meltdown Festival 2026
A Collaborative Effort with Block9 and GIDEÖN
In an exciting development for music lovers, Harry Styles is partnering with renowned London-based DJ, promoter, and activist GIDEÖN, alongside the creative collective Block9, to host a series of unforgettable sound system events at London’s Southbank Centre. Scheduled for June 21st, these events promise a unique blend of music and environmental consciousness, perfectly capturing Styles’ vision for the 2026 edition of the Meltdown festival, which he is curating.
The Hourglass Concept
The events, branded under the “Hourglass” banner, are rooted in the philosophy that music and climate action are intrinsically linked. This initiative represents a fusion of vibrant sound and a call to action around sustainability, encouraging festival-goers to engage with pressing environmental issues while enjoying exhilarating performances. By utilizing solar battery-powered sound systems, these events demonstrate a commitment to eco-friendly practices in the music industry.
Free Daytime Festivities: Hourglass Disco
Kicking off the day is the Hourglass Disco, a free event held on the picturesque Riverside Terrace from 2 PM to 10 PM. This daytime party aims to create an inclusive atmosphere, drawing in music fans from all walks of life. Attendees can expect electrifying DJ sets from a talented lineup, including Gayance, Louise Chen, Gilles Peterson, Norman Jay, and Yazmin Lacey, who will perform back-to-back with GIDEÖN. The Hourglass Disco is envisioned as a vibrant community celebration, filled with mesmerizing sounds and positive energy.
Nighttime Beats: Hourglass Techno
As the sun sets, the venue transforms for Hourglass Techno, set to commence at 9:30 PM and continue until approximately 2 AM at the Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer. This event promises an exhilarating late-night experience, showcasing DJ sets from renowned artists such as Sedef Adasï, Chloé Caillet, and CARISTA. The contrast between the daytime disco and nighttime techno encapsulates the multifaceted nature of today’s music culture and addresses the diverse tastes of participants.
A Star-Studded Meltdown Line-Up
The scheduled events are part of the larger Meltdown 2026 festival—an annual homage to musical innovation, rotating its curation each year among high-profile artists. This year’s eclectic roster includes acclaimed names like Mulatu Astake, Kamasi Washington, Ninajirachi, and James Murphy, among others. The festival stands as a testament to the legacy of artistic collaboration, drawing inspiration from past curators such as David Bowie and Little Simz, offering a vibrant space for creativity and celebration.
Information and Ticketing
The Hourglass events are designed to be accessible, making them a fantastic opportunity for both local Londoners and visitors to engage with the festival spirit. While the Hourglass Disco is free, tickets for the Hourglass Techno are set to go on sale for Southbank Centre members on May 20th and to the general public on May 22nd. Interested parties can find more information about Meltdown 2026 and the Hourglass events through the Southbank Centre’s official website.
Whether you’re a die-hard Harry Styles fan or simply someone who appreciates great music, the Hourglass events mark a significant cultural moment, blending together sustainability, innovative sound, and community spirit in one of London’s most iconic venues.
