Somerset House Summer Series Gets Underway As 2026 Festival Brings Eleven Nights Of Live Music To London

One of London’s most eagerly anticipated outdoor concert series returns today (16 July) as Somerset House Summer Series with American Express once again transforms the spectacular Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court into one of the capital’s most atmospheric live music venues.

Alison Goldfrapp @ Summer Series Somerset House 2023

Alison Goldfrapp @ Summer Series Somerset House 2023 (Simon Reed)

Running until 26th July, this year’s edition brings together an eclectic programme of internationally acclaimed artists, cult favourites and rising stars across eleven nights, with performances from Naïka, Palace, Thee Sacred Souls, Lightning Seeds, The Cribs, Agnes Obel, Black Country, New Road, Venna, Raf-Saperra, The Flaming Lips and Benjamin Clementine.

Set against the striking neoclassical backdrop of Somerset House, the Summer Series has become a staple of London’s cultural calendar, offering fans the opportunity to experience world-class live music in one of the city’s most unique open-air settings. The intimate courtyard, complete with its famous fountains and historic architecture, provides a striking contrast to the larger parks and stadiums that dominate the summer touring season, giving every performance a distinctly special atmosphere.

This evening’s opening concert sees French-Haitian singer-songwriter Naïka headline the first night of the festival, bringing her vibrant blend of pop, soul, Afro-Caribbean rhythms and multilingual songwriting to the Somerset House stage. Joining her is emerging artist DEELA, who opens this year’s series and continues the festival’s long-standing commitment to showcasing exciting new talent alongside established international names.

That commitment to artist discovery runs throughout the 2026 programme. Across the eleven nights, audiences will also be introduced to Truthpaste, Cinnamon Gum, the north, acclaimed composer and cellist Peter Gregson, London artist Jords, multi-instrumentalist Rohan Ayinde, genre-defying performer Kabeaushé and singer-songwriter Olive Jones, each handpicked to complement their respective headline acts.

Among this year’s highlights are several UK-exclusive or particularly anticipated appearances. California psychedelic legends The Flaming Lips will make their set at Somerset House Summer Series even more special, performing an incredible TWO sets at their headline event. Ensuring a full chronicling of an incredible career spanning over 40 years – their show is a prime chance to catch one of the world’s most influential and iconic live acts in the heart of London this summer.

Elsewhere, indie favourites Palace return to the capital on Friday, while Liverpool icons The Lightning Seeds bring their unmistakable blend of Britpop and melodic guitar pop to a special Sunday matinee performance. Punk-infused indie veterans The Cribs headline on 20 July, before Danish composer and songwriter Agnes Obel brings her cinematic soundscapes to the courtyard the following evening.

Lightning Seeds @ Glastonbury Festival 2023

Lightning Seeds @ Glastonbury Festival 2023 (Kalpesh Patel)

Midweek sees one of Britain’s most adventurous contemporary bands, Black Country, New Road, take over Somerset House, followed by GRAMMY® Award-winning saxophonist and producer Venna, whose genre-crossing sound continues to push the boundaries between jazz, hip hop and soul.

The final weekend celebrates the diversity that has become synonymous with the Summer Series. Punjabi trailblazer Raf-Saperra headlines on Friday 24th July, before The Flaming Lips‘ eagerly awaited extended performance. Closing the festival on Sunday 26 July is Mercury Prize-winning singer-songwriter and composer Benjamin Clementine, whose theatrical performances have earned him acclaim around the world.

As well as presenting an impressively broad musical programme, Somerset House Summer Series continues its commitment to accessibility, with every performance across the festival featuring British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation, ensuring more audiences can enjoy the live experience.

Since its inception, the Summer Series has earned a reputation for pairing established artists with carefully selected emerging acts, often introducing audiences to performers on the cusp of much wider recognition. That philosophy remains central to this year’s festival, with each support artist chosen to complement—not simply precede—the evening’s headliner.

With its unique combination of intimate surroundings, carefully curated programming and one of London’s most iconic architectural settings, Somerset House Summer Series continues to stand apart from the capital’s crowded summer festival calendar. As the first notes ring out across the courtyard this evening, another eleven nights of memorable live music are set to begin.

Beabadoobee @ Summer Series At Somerset House 2023

Beabadoobee @ Summer Series At Somerset House 2023 (Kalpesh Patel)

Somerset House Summer Series with American Express 2026:

JULY
16th – Naïka + DEELA
17th – Palace + Truthpaste
18th – Thee Sacred Souls + Cinnamon Gum
19th – Lightning Seeds + Sunta Templeton
20th – The Cribs + the north
21st – Agnes Obel + Peter Gregson
22nd – Black Country, New Road + Jords
23rd – Venna + Rohan Ayinde
24th – Raf-Saperra + Kabeaushé
25th – The Flaming Lips
26th – Benjamin Clementine + Olive Jones

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Lifehouse @ O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire (Kalpesh Patel)

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Duran Duran @ BST Hyde Park 2026 (Sienna Lorraine Gray)

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