Hampton Court Palace Festival 2026 Launches

The 2026 edition of Hampton Court Palace Festival opened in spectacular style on Wednesday 10th June with an unforgettable sold-out performance from pop and folktronica sensation David Gray.

This 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.

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 50^th 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 31^st 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.

Feature Image Photo Credit: Joshua Atkins 

Location: Hampton Court Palace, Surrey, KT8 9AU
Book tickets: hamptoncourtpalacefestival.com
Hospitality: HamptonCourtHospitality@marigrp.com  

Date                                                        Artist                                                    Prices From 

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