London Soundtrack Festival 2026: How to Get Tickets, Full Line-Up and What to Expect
London is set to host a brand-new cultural event this spring, the London Soundtrack Festival (LSF) — and here's what's on the lineup...
London is set to host a brand-new cultural event this spring, and it’s one that film, TV and gaming fans won’t want to miss. The London Soundtrack Festival (LSF) — the capital’s first-ever festival dedicated entirely to screen music — is arriving this April with a packed programme of live performances, screenings and exclusive talks.
Running from 9–12 April, the festival will take place across some of the UK’s most iconic venues, bringing together world-renowned composers and unforgettable scores from film, television and games.
What Is the London Soundtrack Festival?
The London Soundtrack Festival is a new multi-day event celebrating the music behind some of the biggest productions in entertainment. From blockbuster films to beloved TV series and cutting-edge game soundtracks, LSF shines a spotlight on the composers and musicians who shape what we hear on screen.
Events will be hosted at prestigious venues including the Barbican Centre, offering audiences a mix of live orchestral concerts, film screenings, Q&A sessions and masterclasses.
Opening Gala: David Arnold Headlines at the Barbican
The festival opens with a major gala concert at the Barbican, headlined by acclaimed composer David Arnold.
Arnold is best known for his work on the James Bond franchise, as well as scores for Independence Day, Sherlock and Good Omens.
The opening night will also feature music from:
Enola Holmes
Atonement
All Creatures Great and Small
First Dates
Thunderbirds
It promises to be one of the standout film music concerts London has hosted in recent years.
Downton Abbey Concert with Original Composer
Fans of period drama can look forward to a dedicated concert celebrating Downton Abbey.
The event will feature music from across the entire franchise, performed by composer John Lunn alongside musicians from the original soundtrack recordings.
For fans of the series, it’s a rare chance to hear the score performed live by the people who created it.
Rachel Portman: Oscar-Winning Composer Live
Another major highlight is an appearance from Rachel Portman, who made history as the first female composer to win an Academy Award for Best Original Score.
She will take part in live performances and a Q&A, offering insight into her work and career in film music.
Portman is also involved in one of the festival’s special screenings, giving audiences a deeper understanding of how music shapes storytelling on screen.
Exclusive Screenings with Composer Introductions
The Barbican will host a series of screenings with exclusive introductions from key figures behind the music, including:
Obsession, introduced by Norma, widow of legendary composer Bernard Herrmann
Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit, with composer Julian Nott
Emma, introduced by Rachel Portman
These sessions offer a rare behind-the-scenes look at how iconic scores are created and interpreted.
Talks and Masterclasses with Top Composers
The London Soundtrack Festival will also feature in-depth talks and masterclasses from leading names in the industry.
Speakers include:
Oliver Coates (Pillion, The History of Sound)
David Arnold
These sessions are ideal for aspiring composers, film students or anyone interested in how music is crafted for screen.
How to Get Tickets for London Soundtrack Festival
Tickets for the London Soundtrack Festival are available now, with events spread across multiple venues and dates between 9–12 April.
Given the calibre of composers and the limited capacity of venues like the Barbican, early booking is strongly recommended.
To explore the full programme and secure tickets, visit the official festival website.
Why This Festival Matters
The London Soundtrack Festival fills a major gap in the UK’s cultural calendar. While film festivals and music events are common, a dedicated celebration of screen music — spanning film, TV and gaming — is something entirely new for London.
With appearances from award-winning composers, live orchestral performances and exclusive screenings, LSF is set to become a key annual event for both industry professionals and fans.
A real treat, and tickets are already on sale…
Whether you’re a fan of blockbuster films, prestige television or immersive game soundtracks, the London Soundtrack Festival offers a unique chance to experience the music behind them in a live setting.
From David Arnold’s opening gala to Rachel Portman’s award-winning work, this is a rare opportunity to see some of the biggest names in screen music all in one place.
With tickets already on sale and strong demand expected, this could be one of London’s standout cultural events of the year.
