Robert Plant, Laura Marling and Femi Kuti are among the first acts to be confirmed for this year’s Southbank Centre Meltdown festival, curated by Elbow frontman Guy Garvey.
The 10-day festival, now in its 23rd year, runs from June 10-19 and includes a day dedicated to addressing the refugee crisis.
Refugees Welcome, on Sunday, June 19, will feature Musicians, poets and along with activities and craft workshops in a day produced in collaboration with Counterpoints Arts. The activity will culminate in The Boat We’re In, a concert inspired by the Red Cross produced album The Long Road. It will feature Plant, Garvey, Mercury Prize nominated folk singer Nick Mulvey, Nadine Shah, Josephine Oniyama and the Southbank Sinfonia. Each ticket bought includes a download of the album The Long Road.
Other acts set to perform at the festival include I Am Kloot, Nadine Shah, The Staves, Connan Mockasin, Lift To Experience, This Is The Kit, Nick Mulvey, K.O.G & The Zongo Brigade.
Garvey (pictured) said: "My Meltdown is coming together. It feels like an extension of my 6 Music radio program. I get to put my name to other people’s hard work and talent. Brill.
“I've not overthought it. I've put together a bill I'd love to see and I've made sure there’s something for everyone. All time greats that have never been far from the cutting edge, to brand new talent worthy of more attention and some reunions I never thought I'd see. There’s plenty more still to announce but currently, alongside the music, we’ve got poetry and a ton of interactive events, and there is an overarching theme - boats.
“I have a personal obsession with boats as well as seafarers on both sides of my family. The Southbank Centre is on the Thames and there will be boat parties featuring all kinds of performances as part of my plan. It’s the best way to see the capital. I was recently told that the Royal Festival Hall’s interior was modelled on a cruise ship so that neatly fits.
“The theme of boats is also a reminder that being an island nation, every one of us is the direct descendent of a desperate immigrant, probably in a boat. The whole festival will end with a unanimous shout from the world’s musicians to Europe’s leaders, that we are all in the same boat and to deny the people begging our help with hell at their backs, even temporary asylum is a generations shame.
“Come and have a look. Of course have a think, but most of all have a lovely time.”
Previous Meltdown curators have included David Bowie, Yoko Ono, Patti Smith, James Lavelle, Jarvis Cocker and, most recently, David Byrne.