Metal, Hardcore, Indie, Rock
On Saturday night, Hampton Court Palace Festival closed its gates for 2026, ending a spectacular run of summer shows with a stellar performance from 80s Classical. Featuring some of the decade’s most iconic voices – including Kim Wilde, Go West, Nik Kershaw, and Roland Gift – the group performed stunning orchestral versions of their smash hits, including “I Won’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me“, “She Drives Me Crazy“, and “The King of Wishful Thinking and Kids in America“, all backed by the world-renowned Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra.
The festival’s 2026 edition saw nine nights of incredible live music against the majestic backdrop of Henry VIII’s Tudor palace. It opened with two atmospheric sets from folktronica extraordinaire and singer-songwriter favourite David Gray, followed by powerhouse performances from OMD and the legendary Pete Tong, who brought his acclaimed Ibiza Classics with The Essential Orchestra to the picturesque courtyards of Hampton Court Palace.
The second week opened with a blistering set from punk-rock trailblazers The Stranglers, followed by a dazzling appearance from global icons Nile Rodgers & CHIC. On Thursday, Elvis Costello brought his long-term band The Imposters and acclaimed guitarist Charlie Sexton to Base Court, before Sophie Ellis-Bextor lit up the courtyard with her signature disco charm. Closing an unforgettable two weeks, 80’s Classical delivered the ultimate feel-good celebration, bursting with a spectacle of joy and nostalgia.
Each evening, audiences arrived early to enjoy the sunshine in the East Front Gardens, indulging in street food and luxury picnic hampers before heading into the intimate 3,000-seat auditorium.
While the 2026 festival has now drawn to a close, preparation for 2027 is underway with next year’s line-up set to be announced in the coming months.
Hampton Court Palace Festival offers one of the most unique live music experiences in the UK, blending world-class performances with the historic grandeur of a royal setting.
Tickets for 2027 will be available soon.
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
Wednesday 10 June David Gray
Thursday 11 June David Gray
Friday 12 June OMD
Saturday 13 June Pete Tong Ibiza Classics
Tuesday 16 June The Stranglers
Wednesday 17 June Nile Rodgers & Chic
Thursday 18 June Elvis Costello & The
Imposters with Charlie Sexton
Friday 19 June Sophie Ellis-Bextor
Saturday 20 June 80s Classical ft Special Guests
