Somerset House has released its line up for the 2026 Summer Series. For over 20 years July at Somerset House has been host to a vibrant daily concert series. And this year’s lineup promises another exciting year.
Headliners include psychedelic rock icons The Flaming Lips, Britpop band Lightning Seeds, Cambridge-native Black Country, New Road and more. Running from July 16 to 26, eleven acts will shine through summer nights in the iconic courtyard of one of London’s favorite cultural hotspots.
The London Standard’s post announcing the event can be found below:
Matthew Cook, Head of Live Events at Somerset House says: ‘Featuring artists spanning a variety of genres and generations, this year’s edition promises to deliver spectacular performances in the unique setting of the Somerset House open-air courtyard.’ The acts were chosen for their cross-disciplinary work and pioneering careers: from French-Haitian pop singer-songwriter Naïka, rapper Raf-Saperra, indie rock group The Cribs, to Danish singer-songwriter Agnes Obel and more. Since 2003, the Somerset House Summer Series have hosted electrifying performances from a litany of culturally innovative acts. Previous acts include Adele, Amy Winehouse, black midi, Olivia Dean and St. Vincent to name a few.
Cook went on to say, ‘From creative trailblazers who have led the way for bold new genres, innovators whose impact can be felt across a vast array of musicians today, distinctly individual talents who continue to surprise, and future greats carving out their own path – Somerset House Summer Series once again stands as a testament to the power of the Arts. We can’t wait to welcome artists and fans to our home this summer.’
Running through the Summer Series, the Somerset House will also present its 2026 Spring Exhibition, Holy POP! Time Out Worldwide says it ‘will explore the power of fandom and the world of modern shrines. Through art, memorabilia, letters, photographs, and interactive installations, the pay what you can exhibition will uncover the rituals of idolisation, showing how fandom shapes identity, values, and community.’ Exploring the fandoms of megastars such as David Bowie, Prince, Aaliyah, Britney Spears and Elvis, Somerset House marks itself as the place to be for all music fans this summer.
NME reports that Black Country, New Road say they are ‘excited’ to be playing the Summer Series. And of the Somerset House, the band went on to say, ‘it is one of London’s most beautiful and prestigious courtyard venues. Some of us have very fond memories of a summer’s evening some years ago seeing our friends performing on the same stage. The sun was going down over the Thames and it was very loud. We hope to recapture some of the same magic we felt that evening.’
NME also reports that Lightning Seeds are ‘very excited to headline one of London’s grandest and most iconic venues.’ They say, ‘it’s going to be a very special day and we can’t wait.’
The full lineup for the 2026 Somerset House Summer Series is below:
16/07 – Nakïa
17/07 – Palace
18/07 – Thee Sacred Souls
19/07 – Lightning Seeds
20/07 – The Cribs
21/07 – Agnes Obel
22/07 – Black Country, New Road
23/07 – Venna
24/07 – Raf-Saperra
25/07 – The Flaming Lips
26/07 – Benjamin Clementine
Tickets go on general sale next week, Friday 6 March at 10AM. Pre-sale will be Thursday 5 March also at 10AM. Tickets for each event are sold separately. To sign up for pre-sale as well as find out more information about the event, visit the Somerset House website.
