The Flaming Lips, Black Country, New Road, Venna, and more to play Somerset House Summer Series 2026

This year, eleven acts have been selected to headline Somerset House Summer Series on the basis of their pioneering, cross-disciplinary cultural work, representing originality and an ability to reflect their communities in a unique way.

These artists include psychedelic rock legends The Flaming Lips, London art-rock favourites Black Country, New Road, saxophonist and producer Venna, in addition to French-Haitian pop singer-songwriter Naïka, soul trio Thee Sacred Souls, Britpop band Lightning Seeds, indie rock outfit The Cribs, Danish singer-songwriter Agnes Obel, rapper
Raf-Saperra, and poet and composer Benjamin Clementine.

Since launching in 2003, the annual Somerset House Summer Series has been a staple of Somerset House’s all year programming, offering the opportunity to catch one-off intimate performances from artists who are identified as cultural innovation. Previous acts have included Rosalia, Adele, Patti Smith, Amy Winehouse, Olivia Dean, black midi, Jorja Smith, St. Vincent, Tems, Giggs, beabadoobee, and more.

In addition to the music, Somerset House will present HOLY POP!, a new exhibition exploring how fan devotion to pop stars and cult icons shapes identity, values and community, and has become a contemporary form of worship, exploring how community is created through the ritual idolisation of celebrities and figures such as David Bowie, Britney Spears, Aaliyah, Prince, George Michael and more through art, memorabilia and photographs.

Discussing the upcoming event series, Matthew Cook, Head of Live Events at Somerset House, says: “We’re delighted to unveil the curated headliners for this year's Somerset House Summer Series. Featuring artists spanning a variety of genres and generations, this year's edition promises to deliver spectacular performances, in the unique setting of the Somerset House open-air courtyard.

"From creative trailblazers who have led the way for bold new genres, innovators whose impact can be felt across a vast array of musicians today, distinctly individual talents who continue to surprise, and future greats carving out their own path - Somerset House Summer Series once again stands as a testament to the power of the Arts. We can’t wait to welcome artists and fans to our home this summer.”