Yoko Ono announced as director of Meltdown festival In 2013 Yoko Ono will curate the Southbank Centre's Meltdown Festival, it has been announced. The artist, musician and widow of John Lennon is the latest to be named director of the festival, which appoints a guest director each year. Ono, who turns 80 next year, will be working on the festival's 20th anniversary year. Ono said: "I am deeply honoured to curate the world-famous Meltdown Festival. In doing so I am aware of the great tradition of experimentalism mixed with classicism that has made the festival such an enduring part of the British arts landscape. In the past, the festival has managed to attract internationally renowned names in music and art. Next year, Ono will be focusing on emerging talent and also securing iconic acts. I am now starting to approach names from all over the world, some of whom you will know and some who might be new to your world. Let the fun begin!" she said. Ono follows a stream of icons who have been director of the festival including Richard Thompson, David Bowie, Morrissey, Elvis Costello, Jarvis Cocker and Massive Attack. This year's festival was curated by Antony Hegarty, the lead singer of Anthony and the Johnsons. Boy George, Marc Almond and Marina Abramovich appeared in the line up. The full list of previous Meltdown directors are: 2012: Antony Hegarty 2011: Ray Davies 2010 Richard Thompson 2009: Ornette Coleman 2008: Massive Attack 2007: Jarvis Cocker 2005: Patti Smith 2004: Morrissey 2003: Lee Scratch Perry 2002: David Bowie 2001: Robert Wyatt 2000: Scott Walker 1999: Nick Cave 1998: John Peel 1997: Laurie Anderson 1996: Magnus Lindberg 1995: Elvis Costello 1994: Louis Andriessen 1993: George Benjamin