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Let’s dance to 27 years of Meltdown festival history.
‘I only move forwards, never backwards, darling’ – Grace Jones
This weekend would have marked the start of our 27th Meltdown festival, curated by none other than the majestic Grace Jones. Instead, she’ll be here this time next year with her chosen artists from across the globe – and you bet we’ll be ready for it.
In the meantime, check out a few of our countless highlights from over the past three decades, with a backstage pass to M.I.A.’s set, David Bowie’s powerhouse performance and artefacts from the festival’s first quarter-century.
explore stories →Golden years
David Bowie’s Meltdown revisited
It was way past curfew by the time Bowie wrapped up his festival back in 2002. Stay up late and get ready to get Low (see what we did there?) with video and audio clips from his takeover.
read now →Track record
Playlist: Meltdown, The Curators
We’ve pulled together the greatest tunes from the festival’s curators, so turn your front room into the front stalls, throw your hands up and dance, dance, dance to the likes of Massive Attack, David Byrne and Nile Rodgers.
listen now →Just the ticket
Meltdown festival – backstage pass
Get a taste of Meltdown’s backstage buzz in these videos, including scenes of 2017 curator M.I.A. and her entourage spilling out into the corridors of the Royal Festival Hall just minutes before bringing the house down.
watch now →Getting down in history
Meltdown: the first 25 years
Can you guess which artist requested that no air freshener was to be used backstage? Uncover more about the festival’s history through these archive pieces, including artefacts from Meltdowns led by Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, Patti Smith and Elvis Costello.
read now →Watts going on
Video: Reggie Watts at Yoko Ono’s Meltdown
You might know him from The Late Late Show with James Corden, but in 2013, the comedian, musician and beat-boxer brought his solo show to Meltdown. Listen and laugh on loop with highlights from his improvised set.
watch now →see all storiesMake welcome
Imagine the future you want to see: get involved in Refugee Week
Watch films, complete activity packs and build a doll’s house – these are just some of the ways you and your family can take part in Refugee Week, starting this Monday. Imagination is the theme, so get dreaming!
find out more →The arts need you
As a charity, we desperately need your help. The money we raise through ticket sales and commercial activity has almost completely disappeared, putting our future at risk. Please help us survive this crisis and continue to bring the arts to all – your support is needed more than ever.
donate now →Change the tune
Plug in for toe-tapping music
Need a musical break? Try one of our playlists to discover new artists and shake it out with a dance around the room. We’ve got mixtapes hand-picked by Joan As Police Woman, Marius Neset and Susheela Raman, to name a few.
listen now →Lend us an ear
Learn something new with our podcasts
Our podcast series features conversations with great writers, comedians, thinkers and musicians. Consider women on the page with Roxane Gay, spend an evening with Roger Daltrey or mull mental health and creativity with Matt Haig and Jordan Stephens.