Amongst the abundance of musical events taking place this summer in London is the Meltdown Festival held in June this year. With ambitious plans the curator himself, the legendary Ray Davies, former lead singer of the Kinks (You really got me now, 1964), declares that “some are to mad to be feasible”. Either way he’s managed what he intended to do in this festival which attempts to reflect British culture and musical diversity over the years.
Meltdown Festival 2011 in the London
This celebration of all things British forms part of the Southbank Centre’s 60th anniversary celebrations of the Festival of Britain. The interesting line up includes a range of acts including the Fugs, and Ya La Tengo, as well as Nick Lowe and Lydia Lunch. The man himself will also be performing in the opening and closing ceremonies, playing first with his new band then finally with the London Philharmonic Orchestra.
Further highlights include a recreation of the hit pop TV show “Ready Steady Go!” which featured stars including the legendary Beatles, Dusty Springfield, Marvin Gaye and of course the Kinks.
Other acts lined up in the Meltdown Festival include the Sonics, Arthur Brown, and the Pink Dots, amongst many others in what promises to be a great show. Finally, as the icing on the cake, there will also be an appearance by Monty Python member Terry Jones to complete the fabulous line up of stars, as well as a series of screenings and related events.
Practical information
Dates: Line up and individual dates here.
Where: Southbank Centre, London
Address: Belvedere Rd, City of London, Greater London SE1 8XX
Entrance price: TBC
Where to get tickets: they go on sale Thursday 31 March at 10 am for non-members, and Tuesday 29 March for Southbank Centre members. For updates and ticket purchases click here.
Directions: nearest subway, Waterloo.
Anna – Marketing Team
