Viral singer Lorde to headline Edinburgh Summer Sessions gig in 2026

The cultural powerhouse, who has sold over 18 million albums, has captivated audiences worldwide with her genre-defying sound, introspective lyricism, and singular creative vision.

The New Zealand singer is the latest act to be announced for next year’s concerts which already includes The Cure, Prodigy, Florence + The Machine and Deftones.

Lorde will headline at the Royal Highland Showgrounds on Tuesday, August 25, bringing her world-class live show to Scotland’s capital, with support acts including Zara Larsson and Audrey Hobert. Fans signed up to the Summer Sessions database will have access to a presale from 9am on Wednesday, December 3 before tickets go on general sale from 9am on Friday, December 5.

Tickets will be available via the Edinburgh Summer Sessions website.

Lorde will headline at the Royal Highland Showgrounds on Tuesday, August 25 as part of the Edinburgh Summer Sessions | Getty Images

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Since her breakthrough with Pure Heroine in 2013, she has continually pushed the boundaries of modern pop, merging poetic storytelling with minimalist, emotionally resonant production. With over 18 billion global streams, Lorde remains one of the defining artists of her generation.

Her return in April 2025 with What Was That - her first original release in four years -marked a major cultural moment. The single debuted at number 1 on Spotify in the US, her first chart-topper there since Royals. This was quickly followed by the release of her critically acclaimed fourth studio album, Virgin, which debuted at number 1 in the UK and number 2 on the Billboard 200.

Swedish pop phenomenon Zara Larsson is renowned for her powerful vocals and chart-dominating hits. Crafting a signature blend of R&B and club-influenced dance-pop, she broke into the mainstream in the mid-2010s with global smashes including Lush Life and Never Forget You, both certified multi-platinum around the world.

American singer-songwriter Audrey Hobert, 26, will also take to the stage to support Lorde. The rising singer has already made a mark with her debut album Who’s the Clown? released in August 2025. Her breakout single Sue Meintroduced her razor-sharp writing and distinctive sound to a rapidly growing audience.

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