London Soundtrack Festival 2026: James Bond composer David Arnold headlines blockbuster line-up
London’s film, TV and games music scene steps into the spotlight this April as the London Soundtrack Festival returns for its second edition, running from 9–12 April across some of the capital’s most recognisable venues.
Bringing together major composers, live orchestras and behind-the-scenes creatives, the four-day programme spans concerts, screenings, talks and masterclasses — with several standout events likely to drive bookings.
Opening concert at the Barbican with David Arnold
At the centre of this year’s programme is David Arnold, the composer behind five James Bond films as well as scores for Sherlock, Good Omens and Independence Day.
He headlines the opening night at the Barbican with a large-scale concert celebrating British film and television music, featuring themes from Bond, Enola Holmes, Thunderbirds and more. The event also marks the debut of the London Soundtrack Festival Orchestra, a new ensemble made up of session musicians whose work underpins many of these scores.
Arnold will also appear in a separate in-conversation event later in the festival.
Downton Abbey live in concert
A major highlight is An Evening at Downton Abbey, staged at Westminster Central Hall.
Featuring music by John Lunn, the concert brings together the Chamber Orchestra of London — who recorded the original soundtrack — for a live performance of music from across the series and films, performed in one of the city’s largest historic venues.
Rachel Portman live at Cadogan Hall
The closing concert sees Rachel Portman take to the stage at Cadogan Hall.
Best known for her Academy Award-winning score for Emma, Portman presents a programme of chamber arrangements from across her work, including Chocolat and The Cider House Rules, alongside a live on-stage conversation about her career.
Film screenings with special introductions
At the Barbican Cinema, several screenings are paired with live introductions from the composers and collaborators behind the music.
These include Obsession, introduced by Norma Herrmann, Emma with Rachel Portman, and Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit, introduced by composer Julian Nott.
Talks, podcast and masterclasses
Alongside the performances, the festival offers a series of talks and industry-focused events.
Highlights include a live edition of Edith Bowman’s Soundtracking podcast with composer Oliver Coates, a conversation with David Arnold, and masterclasses covering film, television and games music, offering audiences a closer look at how these scores are created.
Dates: 9–12 April 2026
Venues: Barbican, Cadogan Hall, Westminster Central Hall, Royal College of Music, Strongroom Shoreditch and more
Programme includes:
Concerts, film screenings, Q&As, live podcast recordings and masterclasses
Tickets and full programme: londonsoundtrack.com
Elena Leo is the Culture & Lifestyle Editor of Ikon London Magazine.
