Music legends The Stranglers, Elvis Costello & The Imposters with Charlie Sexton, and an exciting 80s Classical concert featuring Kim Wilde, Go West, Nik Kershaw and Roland Gift have joined the incredible line up for the 2026 edition of the Hampton Court Palace Festival.
Taking place from 09 to 20 June 2026 at historic Hampton Court Palace, this year’s festival promises a mix of genre-defining acts and unforgettable live performances set within the intimate Tudor Courtyard.
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 continue to evolve while retaining their confrontational spirit and sharp songwriting.
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.
The festival will draw to a spectacular close on Saturday 20 June with 80s Classical, a feel-good celebration featuring some of the decade’s most iconic voices. Kim Wilde, Go West, Nik Kershaw and Roland Gift will perform stunning orchestral versions of their smash hits backed by the world-renowned Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra.
Joining these headliners in the 2026 programme are 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.
Tickets go on sale in stages: 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 begins Tuesday 03 March, with general sale from Wednesday 04 March. All tickets are available at hamptoncourtpalacefestival.com.
Since its launch in 1996, and now in its 31st year, the festival has become a highlight of the summer calendar. Produced in partnership with Historic Royal Palaces, the independent charity that cares for Hampton Court Palace, the concert series unfolds in one of England’s most iconic settings, with capacity capped at just 3,000 to preserve an intimate experience.
Before nightly performances, the palace’s East Front Gardens open ‘after-hours’, and guests can pre-order luxury picnic hampers to enhance their evening. Further artist announcements are expected in the coming months.
Confirmed 2026 Dates, Artists & Prices
| Date | Artist | Prices from |
| Wednesday 10 June | David Gray | £75.00 |
| Thursday 11 June | David Gray | £75.00 |
| Friday 12 June | OMD | £65.00 |
| Saturday 13 June | Pete Tong Ibiza Classics | £85.00 |
| Tuesday 16 June | The Stranglers | £59.00 |
| Wednesday 17 June | Nile Rodgers & CHIC | £85.00 |
| Thursday 18 June | Elvis Costello & The Imposters with Charlie Sexton | £75.00 |
| Friday 19 June | Sophie Ellis-Bextor | £55.00 |
| Saturday 20 June | 80s Classical feat. special guests | £65.00 |
