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© Nainoa Shizuru
2026 is shaping up to be a busy year for live music in the UK! Arena tours, stadium runs and one-off shows are already filling the calendar, with more announcements expected throughout the year.
This guide covers some of the biggest UK concerts in 2026, organised by season so you can quickly see what’s coming up. It’s designed to help you plan ahead and keep track of major tours!
If you’re eligible, you can also find free and discounted tickets to live events through Tickets for Good*, making it easier to get to shows across the year.
*plus booking fees
Spring marks the beginning of the major tour cycle, with several artists moving into arenas to support new releases.
Rick Astley has announced a 12-date UK and Ireland arena tour for April 2026. The tour follows his continued global popularity and will feature special guest Gabrielle on all dates.
The iconic electronic group returns for a massive arena tour from mid-April into May. Dates include two nights at London's OVO Wembley Arena, plus stops at Manchester’s Co-op Live, Belfast, Glasgow, Birmingham, Cardiff, Bournemouth, and Leeds. Techno legend Carl Cox will provide support.
Starting April 23 at Glasgow’s OVO Hydro, Olivia Dean embarks on her largest UK tour to date. The run will see her perform at major venues across the country, concluding with two nights at The O2 in London.
Following her record-breaking success at recent awards shows, RAYE moves into the arena circuit for spring 2026. Expect large-scale production across major UK cities!
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Summer is peak season for live music, featuring stadium residencies and massive outdoor events.
Harry Styles returns to the UK for a prestigious six-night run at Wembley Stadium. These shows mark his long-awaited return to the global stage and will feature Shania Twain as a very special guest.
The Ariana Grande UK tour is one of the most anticipated events of the year. As part of ‘The Eternal Sunshine Tour,’ she will perform a ten-night residency at London’s The O2. Dates are confirmed for 15, 16, 19, 20, 23, 24, 27, 28, 31 August and 1 September 2026.
The After Hours Til Dawn stadium tour reaches the UK in June and August. He will perform at Manchester’s Etihad Stadium on June 11, followed by five nights at Wembley Stadium in August (14, 15, 16, 18, and 19). Playboi Carti will support.
On Sunday 5th July 2026, Wolf Alice will play their biggest headline show to date at North London’s Finsbury Park. Special guests include The Last Dinner Party, Lykke Li, and Rachel Chinouriri.
The New Romantic icons headline BST Hyde Park on July 5th. They will be joined by the reunited Scissor Sisters as main support.
Metallica brings their M72 World Tour to London for a "No Repeat Weekend." The band will play two nights with completely different setlists and different opening acts for each show.
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Autumn and winter 2026 see the return of several legendary rock acts, alongside massive anniversary tours and high-energy arena productions as the weather turns colder.
Niall Horan’s Dinner Party: Live On Tour is a major highlight for the autumn. The UK leg begins in Birmingham on September 22, moving through Newcastle, Manchester, and Glasgow, before culminating in two huge nights at London’s The O2 on October 2 and 3.
Rock icons Deep Purple have confirmed a headline UK tour for November 2026. This arena run includes stops in Newcastle, Glasgow, Birmingham, and Manchester, before a final show at London’s The O2 on November 22. Support comes from Mammoth WVH and Jayler.
Double Eurovision winner Loreen brings her Wildfire Tour to the UK in late September. Dates include Glasgow’s O2 Academy (Sep 24), Manchester’s O2 Victoria Warehouse (Sep 25), and London’s O2 Academy Brixton (Sep 26).
James Blake will tour the UK throughout October with his Trying Times Tour. Known for his immersive electronic production, he will play London (Sep 29-30), Glasgow (Oct 21), Manchester (Oct 25-26), and Bristol (Oct 28-29).
Placebo are marking three decades with a special anniversary tour starting in late November and running into December. The tour will see them perform iconic tracks from their debut and Without You I'm Nothing at major arenas, including London’s OVO Arena Wembley and Manchester’s Co-op Live.
A staple of the December calendar, Pete Tong returns with the Essential Orchestra for Ibiza Classics. Shows are confirmed for London’s The O2, Leeds First Direct Arena, and Glasgow’s OVO Hydro throughout early December.
The Darkness will embark on a major UK arena tour in December, bringing their high-octane rock show to Glasgow, Leeds, Nottingham, and London in the lead-up to Christmas.
To secure tickets for United Kingdom tours, it is important to act quickly during presale and general sale periods.
Always check the artist's official social media channels and website for tour announcements. For major concerts in 2026, visit the official websites of venues like Wembley Stadium, The O2, and Co-op Live. Tickets are typically sold through major platforms like Ticketmaster, but the venue's own site will often have the most accurate information regarding availability and accessibility.
As tickets for major UK concerts in 2026 can become expensive or sell out quickly, there are alternative ways to access live events without breaking your budget.
Tickets for Good helps healthcare workers, charity staff, and teachers access live music, theatre, and festivals. Eligible members can find free tickets (plus booking fees) to a variety of concerts and events. We also offer heavily discounted tickets to some of the biggest events in the country.
If you work for the NHS, are a teacher, a charity worker, or receive cost-of-living support, you can sign up today!