The 2026 edition of the Hampton Court Palace Festival has officially opened with a spectacular, sold-out performance by pop and folktronica sensation David Gray. Taking to the stage within the historic grounds of the landmark Tudor palace, Gray delivered a hit-filled set featuring fan favorites like "Babylon," "This Year’s Love," and "Sail Away." The concert marked the beginning of the prestigious concert series, which runs until June 20, 2026.
Following Gray's second sold-out show, synth-pop pioneers OMD will make their festival debut on June 12, delivering classic hits like "Enola Gay." Dance music titan Pete Tong will then wrap up the first week on June 13, bringing his acclaimed Ibiza Classics audio-visual showcase alongside The Essential Orchestra to the historic venue.
The second week of programming features an equally illustrious lineup of musical icons. Punk-rock trailblazers The Stranglers are scheduled to perform on June 16, followed by the highly anticipated return of Nile Rodgers & CHIC on June 17 for an upbeat evening of classic disco hits. On June 18, songwriting legend Elvis Costello will take the stage alongside his long-term band, The Imposters, and special guest guitarist Charlie Sexton.
The festival's final weekend kicks off on June 19 with Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s Palace Disco, featuring chart-topping anthems like "Murder on the Dancefloor." Bringing the entire 2026 event to a close on June 20 is 80’s Classical, a nostalgic celebration featuring Kim Wilde, Go West, Nik Kershaw, and Roland Gift performing orchestral iterations of their greatest hits alongside the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra.
Now in its 31st year, the boutique festival is produced in partnership with the Historic Royal Palaces charity. Capped at an intimate capacity of just 3,000 attendees per night, the concerts take place within the grand Base Court. Ticket holders are invited to explore the East Front Gardens ahead of the main performances and can pre-order luxury picnic hampers. Last remaining tickets for the upcoming shows are available via the official festival website.
