Southbank Centre announces Little Simz as curator for 30th edition of Meltdown Festival
Little Simz, one of the UK’s most innovative artists, has been announced as the curator for the 30th edition of the Southbank Centre’s Meltdown Festival, set to take place in June 2025.
Little Simz © Thibaut Grevet.
The Southbank Centre is gearing up for a momentous celebration as it announces Little Simz as the curator of the 30th edition of its iconic contemporary music festival, Meltdown, set to take place in June 2025. The festival, known for its boundary-pushing lineups and unique performances, will be shaped by Simz’s vision, joining the ranks of previous curators like David Bowie, Grace Jones, and Nile Rodgers. As one of the UK’s most groundbreaking artists, Little Simz will bring a fresh and dynamic experience to this landmark edition of the festival.
Meltdown 2025 will run from 12 June to 22 June and will feature an exciting combination of curated performances, workshops, and participatory events. The festival will include two weekends of free programming, showcasing local collectives and organisations, alongside world-class performances that have defined Meltdown’s reputation over the years. Little Simz, who is known for her genre-defying music and cultural influence, promises an unparalleled lineup and a cultural event that will transform the Southbank Centre.
Little Simz expressed her excitement about the opportunity, saying, “I’m super excited to be the 2025 Meltdown festival curator! My team and I are preparing eleven days of art, music, workshops and more. Meltdown 2025 the Simz way is going to be epic. I’ll see you there.” Her curatorship reflects her ambition to inspire the next generation of creators, with Southbank Centre’s Jane Beese noting how Simz’s artistic vision aligns perfectly with their mission to support innovation and cultural inclusivity.
Little Simz’s rise to fame has been nothing short of remarkable, from her early mixtape days to being recognised as one of the most visionary artists of her generation. With critically acclaimed albums like Grey Area and Sometimes I Might Be Introvert, and accolades including a Mercury Music Prize and BRIT Award, Simz has earned her place as one of the UK’s most celebrated artists. Her sixth album NO THANK YOU (2022) and her electrifying performance at Glastonbury in 2024 solidified her reputation as an inimitable live performer. Now, as the curator of Meltdown 2025, she will continue to push boundaries and inspire new generations of artists and fans alike.
Date: 12 - 22 June 2025. Location: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX. southbankcentre.co.uk.
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