The Molotovs are set to open the 2026 King’s Cross Summer Sounds festival in London, performing a special David Bowie-inspired headline set on Thursday 13 August. The performance kicks off the venue's 11-day free outdoor music and performance series in Coal Drops Yard, running through 23 August 2026 as part of the broader "Escape in London" summer season.
Organized in partnership with nearby immersive venue Lightroom—currently presenting David Bowie: You’re Not Alone—the opening "Bowie Nights" showcase will celebrate the legend's musical legacy, with all performing acts incorporating Bowie covers into their sets. The Molotovs, formed by teenage siblings Mathew and Issey Cartlidge, arrive at the festival following a major year that saw their debut album Wasted on Youth reach Number 3 on the UK charts alongside high-profile supporting slots for artists like Yungblud and Green Day. The free outdoor appearance takes place just ahead of their upcoming "Welcome To Urbia" UK tour, which includes two dates at London's O2 Kentish Town Forum in September.
The opening night support lineup features former Magic Gang frontman Jack Kaye launching his solo career alongside his debut single "Dora," as well as London singer-songwriter Ashaine White. Festival Director Martin Collins and King's Cross Group Senior Events Manager Emma Symonds highlighted the partnership with Lightroom and praised The Molotovs' stage presence as an ideal launch for the annual summer series.
The wider 2026 Summer Sounds program features a diverse mix of free programming across multiple genres. Highlights include a showcase celebrating 35 years of jazz development charity Tomorrow’s Warriors, global folk from the English Folk Dance & Song Society, community performances from five mass choirs including London City Voices and West End Musical Choir, and LGBTQIA+ music curation presented by Queer Britain and Sounds Queer.
The free 11-day festival is produced by Arts Trust Productions and runs from 13 to 23 August 2026 at Coal Drops Yard in King’s Cross. Full festival schedules and lineup details are available on the official King’s Cross website.
