The Cribs, Flaming Lips and Lightning Seeds lead line-up

The line-up for this year’s Somerset House Summer Series in London has been announced – you can check it out below.

The annual run of live shows is set to return to the capital in 2026, with 11 outdoor dates scheduled between July 16 and 26.

Kicking off with a performance from American-born, French-Haitian singer-songwriter Naïka, the schedule for the forthcoming series also features The Cribs, The Flaming Lips, Lightning Seeds and Black Country, New Road.

The latter band, whose third album ‘Forever Howlong’ arrived last spring, said: “We are very excited to be playing at Somerset House. 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.”

Lightning Seeds added: “We are very excited to headline one of London’s grandest and most iconic venues. It’s going to be a very special day and we can’t wait.”

The rest of the bill is made up of Palace, Thee Sacred Souls, Mercury Prize-winner Benjamin Clementine, Agnes Obel, Raf-Saperra and Venna.

Tickets go on general sale at 10am GMT next Friday (March 6) – you’ll be able to buy yours here. Alternatively, American Express cardmembers can access a pre-sale at the same time on Tuesday (3). A pre-sale for Somerset House subscribers will follow at 10am GMT on Thursday (5).

Matthew Cook, Head of Live Events at Somerset House, said: “We’re delighted to unveil the curated headliners for this year’s Somerset House Summer Series. 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.

“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.”

The full line-up for the 2026 Somerset House Summer Series is:

JULY
16 – Naïka
17 – Palace
18 – Thee Sacred Souls
19 – Lightning Seeds
20 – The Cribs
21 – Agnes Obel
22 – Black Country, New Road
23 – Venna
24 – Raf-Saperra
25 – The Flaming Lips
26 – Benjamin Clementine

Last year’s bill featured the likes of St. Vincent, Rizzle Kicks, The Snuts and Giggs. Previous editions have hosted performances by Adele, Patti Smith, Amy Winehouse, Olivia Dean, Rosalía, Black Midi, Jorja Smith and many more.

Meanwhile, The Cribs released their ninth album ‘Selling A Vibe’ last month. They’ll showcase the record on a UK tour this year, including a big gig at Leeds’ Millennium Square in July.