The 2026 Hampton Court Palace Festival has officially begun, with singer-songwriter David Gray opening the annual concert series with a sold-out performance in the grounds of one of Britain’s most famous royal landmarks.
Performing in the historic setting of Hampton Court Palace, Gray treated fans to many of the songs that helped establish him as one of the UK’s most successful contemporary artists, including Babylon, This Year’s Love and Sail Away.
The concert marked the start of the festival’s 31st year, with thousands of music fans expected to visit the palace over the coming weeks for performances spanning pop, rock, punk, dance and orchestral music.
Gray’s appearance is the first of a series of headline shows taking place until 20 June, with organisers reporting strong demand across the programme and several concerts already sold out.
Among the biggest names still to perform is pioneering synth-pop group OMD, who will make their Hampton Court Palace Festival debut. Formed by Andy McCluskey and Paul Humphreys in the late 1970s, the band are expected to perform classic hits including Enola Gay, Souvenir and Joan of Arc.
Dance music fans will also be able to enjoy a performance from Pete Tong and The Essential Orchestra, who will bring the popular Ibiza Classics show to the palace. The production combines some of the most recognisable dance tracks of recent decades with live orchestral arrangements in a concert designed to recreate the atmosphere of the White Isle’s famous nightlife scene.
The second week of the festival features a line-up packed with established names from across the music world.
Veteran punk-rock outfit The Stranglers are set to perform following their recent 50th anniversary celebrations, while disco legends CHIC and Nile Rodgers return after a previous sell-out appearance.
Festival-goers will also be able to see Elvis Costello performing alongside The Imposters and acclaimed guitarist Charlie Sexton.
Pop fans are likely to be drawn to Sophie Ellis-Bextor, whose Palace Disco show will bring a catalogue of chart hits to the historic venue. Her appearance comes after a resurgence in popularity for Murder on the Dancefloor following its prominent use in the film Saltburn.
The festival will conclude with 80’s Classical, an orchestral celebration of some of the decade’s most recognisable songs. The event will feature performances from Kim Wilde, Go West, Nik Kershaw and Roland Gift, accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra.
One of the festival’s defining features remains its unique setting. Concertgoers are given access to the palace grounds before performances, allowing them to explore the East Front Gardens and enjoy picnics before taking their seats in the Tudor courtyard.
With attendance capped at around 3,000 people per night, the festival continues to offer a more intimate concert experience than many major outdoor music events, helping to make it one of the highlights of the UK’s summer live music calendar.
