Metal, Hardcore, Indie, Rock
The 2026 edition of Hampton Court Palace Festival opened in spectacular style last night with an unforgettable sold-out performance from pop and folktronica sensation David Gray. Taking to the stage in the historic grounds of the palace, he delivered a hit-filled set, featuring fan favourites ‘Babylon’, ‘This Year’s Love’, and ‘Sail Away’.
David Gray was the first of many internationally renowned acts set to perform at the prestigious festival this year, and after David’s second sold-out show tonight, OMD will take to the stage tomorrow. For the final performance of this week, DJ, broadcaster, and dance music legend Pete Tong brings his acclaimed Ibiza Classics with The Essential Orchestra to Hampton Court Palace Festival on Saturday 13 June. Next week’s line-up includes The Stranglers, Nile Rodgers & Chic, Elvis Costello & The Imposters with Charlie Sexton, and Sophie Ellis-Bextor, with 80s Classical set to close the festival on Saturday 20 June. Last remaining tickets are on sale now at hamptoncourtpalacefestival.com.
Tomorrow evening, as one of the most influential synth-pop acts in history OMD, will make their Hampton Court Palace debut on Friday 12 June. Formed in 1978 by Andy McClusky and Paul Humphreys, they rose to fame in the early ‘80s with huge hits such as “Enola Gay”, “Souvenir” and “Joan of Arc”. With 18 Top 40 UK hits to their name, audiences can expect a set packed with their biggest tracks, promising an unforgettable night of synth-pop celebration.
On Saturday 13 June, dance music titan Pete Tong will bring his acclaimed Ibiza Classics with The Essential Orchestra to Hampton Court Palace Festival. The unmissable one-off show is a breathtaking audio-visual celebration of Ibiza’s iconic dance anthems, blending the pulse of club culture with the power and precision of a live orchestra. Expect euphoric reimagining’s of everyone’s favourite tracks in a truly unforgettable setting.
Punk-rock trailblazers The Stranglers will take to the stage on Tuesday 16 June. One of the most enduring and distinctive bands to emerge from the UK punk era, they are renowned for blending raw aggression with melodic hooks and an unmistakable edge. Having celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2024, The Stranglers have continued to evolve while retaining their confrontational spirit and sharp songwriting, securing their place as true originals in British music history.
Following a sensational sell-out concert in 2024, Nile Rodgers & CHIC return for a dance party like no other on Wednesday 17 June. Celebrated worldwide, Rodgers is credited with pioneering a musical language that produced hits such as ‘Le Freak’ and ‘Good Times’. As a multiple award-winning songwriter, composer, producer, arranger and guitarist, his legacy is unmatched; and having collaborated with some of the biggest names in music he has sold more than 750 million albums globally.
On Thursday 18 June, Elvis Costello will perform with his long-term band The Imposters, joined by acclaimed guitarist Charlie Sexton. Spanning a career that has shaped modern songwriting, Costello’s live shows are renowned for their energy and dynamic musicianship. Backed by The Imposters’ driving rhythm section and Sexton’s masterful guitar work, audiences can expect an electrifying set drawing on classic hits and fan favourites from across an extraordinary catalogue.
For the ultimate pop celebration, Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s Palace Disco will light up the courtyard on Friday 19 June. With a remarkable music career spanning over 25 years, Sophie has achieved five Top 10 albums and eight Top 10 singles. Her iconic hits include “Take Me Home,” “Get Over You,” “Heartbreak (Make Me a Dancer),” and “Murder on the Dancefloor”—which enjoyed a massive resurgence after featuring in the film ”Saltburn”, now boasting over 11 billion global streams. Her latest album,” Perimenopop”, entered straight into the UK Top 5.
80’s Classical will bring the festival to a spectacular close on Saturday 20 June, delivering the ultimate feel-good celebration, bursting with joy and nostalgia. The evening will feature some of the decade’s most iconic voices – including Kim Wilde, Go West, Nik Kershaw and Roland Gift – performing stunning orchestral versions of their smash hits, backed by the world-renowned Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra.
Throughout the festival, the iconic Tudor Palace will open its gates ‘after-hours’, for audiences to enjoy the beautiful East Front Gardens before the nightly concerts begin in the atmospheric, intimate setting of the historic Base Court. To elevate the experience festival goers can pre-order a luxury picnic hamper to be shared ahead of the performance.
Now in its 31st year, Hampton Court Palace Festival is a highlight of the summer calendar, showcasing a series of phenomenal performances in a truly one-of-a-kind location. Produced in partnership with Historic Royal Palaces, the independent charity that cares for Hampton Court Palace, the concert series unfolds against the backdrop of Henry VIII’s grand palace within a vast Tudor Courtyard. With capacity capped at just 3,000, the festival offers an unmissable opportunity to see legendary artists in an intimate setting like no other. Further exciting artist announcements will follow.
www.hamptoncourtpalacefestival.com
Facebook @HamptonCourtPalaceFestival
Instagram @HCPfestival
Listings Information:
Location: Hampton Court Palace, Surrey, KT8 9AU
Book tickets: hamptoncourtpalacefestival.com
Hospitality: HamptonCourtHospitality@marigrp.com
Date Artist Prices From
Wednesday 10 June David Gray £75
Thursday 11 June David Gray £75
Friday 12 June OMD £65
Saturday 13 June Pete Tong Ibiza Classics £85
Tuesday 16 June The Stranglers £59
Wednesday 17 June Nile Rodgers & Chic £85
Friday 19 June Sophie Ellis-Bextor £55
Saturday 20 June 80s Classical ft Special Guests £65
