Hampton Court Palace Festival has today revealed a string of unmissable acts set to perform at the 2026 edition of the Summer festival. New wave icons The Stranglers will take to the stage on Tuesday 16 June, while alternative rock legends Elvis Costello & The Imposters with Charlie Sexton will appear on Thursday 18 June. On Saturday 20 June, 80s Classical will bring together some of the decade’s most iconic artists, performing their smash-hit songs backed by the world-renowned Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra.
Key Dates for Booking
- Pre-sale for The Stranglers and 80s Classical opens Thursday 26 February, with general sale from Friday 27 February.
- Pre-sale for Elvis Costello & The Imposters with Charlie Sexton opens Tuesday, 3 March, with general sale from Wednesday 4 March.
- All tickets will be available at hamptoncourtpalacefestival.com.
The Festival
On Tuesday 16 June, punk-rock trailblazers The Stranglers will take to the stage. One of the most enduring and distinctive bands to emerge from the UK punk era, they are renowned for blending raw aggression with melodic hooks and an unmistakable edge. Having celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2024, The Stranglers have continued to evolve while retaining their confrontational spirit and sharp songwriting, securing their place as true originals in British music history.
Later in the week, on Thursday 18 June, Elvis Costello will perform with his long-term band The Imposters, joined by acclaimed guitarist Charlie Sexton. Spanning a career that has shaped modern songwriting, Costello’s live shows are renowned for their energy and dynamic musicianship. Backed by The Imposters’ driving rhythm section and Sexton’s masterful guitar work, audiences can expect an electrifying set drawing on classic hits and fan favourites from across an extraordinary catalogue.
80’s Classical will bring the festival to a spectacular close on Saturday 20 June, delivering the ultimate feel-good celebration, bursting with joy and nostalgia. The evening will feature some of the decade’s most iconic voices – including Kim Wilde, Go West, Nik Kershaw and Roland Gift – performing stunning orchestral versions of their smash hits, backed by the world-renowned Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra.
Pop icon Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Singer songwriter David Gray, synth-pop pioneers OMD, funk legends Nile Rodgers & CHIC, and the ever-electric Pete Tong’s Ibiza Classics will also take to the stage during the 2026 programme.
Throughout the festival, the iconic Tudor Palace will open its gates ‘after-hours’, for audiences to enjoy the beautiful East Front Gardens before the nightly concerts begin in the atmospheric, intimate setting of the historic Base Court. To elevate the experience festival goers can pre-order a luxury picnic hamper to be shared ahead of the performance.
Now in its 31st year, Hampton Court Palace Festival is a highlight of the summer calendar, showcasing a series of phenomenal performances in a truly one-of-a-kind location. Produced in partnership with Historic Royal Palaces, the independent charity that cares for Hampton Court Palace, the concert series unfolds against the backdrop of Henry VIII’s grand palace within a vast Tudor Courtyard. With capacity capped at just 3,000, the festival offers an unmissable opportunity to see legendary artists in an intimate setting like no other. Further exciting artist announcements will follow.
