Event Calendar

Announcement from the organisers:

“Unfortunately due to the Covid19 Pandemic and subsequent restrictions around large events and international travel we have had no option but to reluctantly cancel The Rugby League Rumble Boxing event scheduled for 30th October 2020.  All ticket refunds will be processed automatically by Ticketmaster and you do not need to contact the arena to arrange this.”

The FD Bar will once again play host to Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club bringing the best live stand up to Leeds.  Each show includes comedians from such shows as BBC2's Mock The Week, Channel 4's 8 Out of 10 Cats, BBC1's Michael McIntyre's Comedy Roadshow, Have I Got News For You, and Paramount's Live at The Comedy Store etc. Previously the Comedy Club has staged the likes of Jason Manford, John Bishop and Sarah Millican before they hit the big time, so come and see more brilliant comedians! 

Due to current restrictions relating to Covid-19, the promoters have advised that the event has been rescheduled to Wednesday 17th February 2021. "We want to reassure you that your current tickets will remain valid for the rescheduled show and you do not need to do anything to secure your booking. If you have any questions please contact your point of purchase. We look forward to seeing you soon!"

GREGORY PORTER’s  May 2020 UK shows have been rescheduled due to the current corona-virus outbreak. Hold on to your existing tickets.  They will automatically be transferred to the new date of 27th February 2021.

Thanks to everyone for your understanding and stay safe!

UB40 have rescheduled their show at the first direct arena due to the current COVID 19 pandemic - “Yet again, this virus which has plagued everyone all year has forced us to rearrange our winter dates. We’re going stir crazy! The only thing we want is to get back out on the road and do what we love and what we’re good at. See you all in 2021!” Robin Campbell UB40

Neha Kakkar at the first direct arena on the 26th September 2020 has been rescheduled to 13th March 2021. Original tickets will be valid for the rescheduled date.

Rock On Music and Whiterock Entertainment present Neha Kakkar who will appear at the first direct arena for the very first time. The hugely successful Indian playback singer and Indian Idol judge will return to the UK following her sold out UK tour in 2019 with loads more in store. She will be accompanied by Indian Idol finalists to keep the crown entertained

After serious consideration, it is with much regret that THE WHO have rescheduled their U.K. tour, due to start Monday March 16th 2020 in Manchester at the Manchester Arena and finishing at Wembley SSE Arena on April 8th 2020.

The date at the first direct arena has been rescheduled for Monday 15th March 2021

BBC Studios and concert promoter FKP Scorpio UK have announced a further update to their previously rescheduled Planet Earth II Live In Concert arena tour of the UK & Ireland.  The original Spring 2020 tour was initially postponed and rescheduled to Autumn 2020. Due to the continuing uncertainty regarding the unlocking of larger public gatherings for events in the entertainment sector, it has been decided to reschedule the shows to Spring 2021.

Europe's Strongest Man at the first direct arena will now take place on Saturday 3rd April 2021, all tickets remain valid.

A statement from the organisers can be found here.

Unfortunately, due to the ongoing Coronavirus Pandemic and restrictions on live concerts, the record-breaking Stormzy H.I.T.H date has been rescheduled. As you can imagine, with numerous other artist tours already booked and many more wanting to reschedule their tours in that period, the dates available at the venues were limited and this has meant that, in some cases, the equivalent day of the week to the original date wasn’t always free. Tickets remain valid for the new dates. If you have any queries, please contact your point of purchase.

Following the recent guidelines from the government it has been decided that in the interests of health and wellbeing for all involved in The Joe and Dianne Show, and in particular all the people coming to the shows, we will reschedule the tour to a later date. 

All tickets remain valid for the new date

As the coronavirus continues to spread, André Rieu and his Johann Strauss Orchestra are unfortunately forced to postpone their UK/Ireland tour again. André Rieu is looking forward to welcoming audiences back to his concerts in April 2021, all tickets remain valid for the new date.

5 Seconds of Summer (5SOS) have reschuduled their tour, planned for 2020, until April 2021.

Read the official statement from the band here.

It is with regret that due to the escalating situation with regard to coronavirus in the UK and around the world, the Craig David show on Thursday 16th April 2020 at Leeds First Direct Arena has been postponed and will now take place on Saturday 17th April 2021.

All tickets for the original shows remain valid.

Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds have rescheduled their European and UK Tour to Spring 2021.

All original tickets remain valid.

The event organisers have been in touch to say that: "We have continued to monitor this unprecedented and changing situation, and it has become clear that it is not going to be possible to go ahead with the show on 2nd December. Therefore Genesis’ performance at the first direct arena on Wednesday 2nd December will be rescheduled to Wedneday 21st April 2021. We’re pleased to have been able to reschedule so do hang on to your ticket – it will be valid for the new date."

The event organisers have been in touch to say that: "We have continued to monitor this unprecedented and changing situation, and it has become clear that it is not going to be possible to go ahead with the show on 3rd December. Therefore Genesis’ performance at the first direct arena on Thursday 3rd December will be rescheduled to Thursday 22nd April 2021. We’re pleased to have been able to reschedule so do hang on to your ticket – it will be valid for the new date."

Sam Fender’s UK tour dates for the rest of 2020 have been rescheduled to 2021.  All tickets for the original dates remain valid.

Sam Fender: "With the current state that the UK is in, we're pushing all shows back until next year. It sucks but it's unavoidable. Keep hold of your tickets though because it's gonna be insane!"

Paul Heaton & Jacqui Abbott - It is with great frustration that we must once again announce the rescheduling of our tour dates. We had hoped to be in a position to play these shows in the Autumn but, due to the ongoing situation with venue safety in the UK & Ireland, it’s become clear that to do so would be putting our fans in danger. We’re now moving the tour to May 2021 and all of your tickets will remain valid for these new dates. We‘re very sorry for any inconvenience caused by this but can’t wait to see and perform for you all at the new dates.

Rick Astley reschedules his tour date at Leeds first direct arena to 8 May 2021. “I’m sad to say that yet again I need to announce the postponement of my upcoming UK Tour to May 2021. This also includes the shows for NHS and frontline staff. Obviously I want to perform for you all as soon as possible, but due to not knowing when venues will open safely, we have to postpone. All of your tickets remain valid, so hold on to them and I’ll put on a great show for you next year - Rick x”

Little Mix have announced a massive UK and Ireland arena tour for 2021 - including a night in Leeds. The show will see Little Mix perform songs from their upcoming album 'Confetti', due for release on November 6, such as the 2020 smashes 'Holiday' and 'Break Up Song', alongside some of their greatest hits including 'Touch', ' Woman Like Me', ‘Black Magic’ and 'Shout Out To My Ex' 

The Premier League darts roadshow is to return to the First Direct Arena on Thursday May 13 2021, following the confirmation of next season’s schedule for the tournament.Due to the coronavirus pandemic and current restrictions, the annual visit of darts’ top stars – including world number one Michael van Gerwen and World Champion Peter Wright – to Leeds earlier this year has been rescheduled. Tickets purchased for the original league night will remain valid for the new date. 

In light of the ongoing situation with COVID-19 globally, the McFly UK tour can no longer take place in October/November 2020. The shows has been rescheduled to the date below, and all original tickets remain valid. 

McFly will be performing first direct arena on 15th May 2021.

In light of the ongoing situation and threat of COVID-19 globally, the THUNDER UK tour can no longer take place in Nov 2020. The show at the first direct arena has been rescheduled to Saturday 22nd May 2021 and all original tickets remain valid. 

James Blunt brings his 'Once Upon A Mind' tour to first direct arena, 23 May 2021 

Statement from the production: 

We've been closely monitoring this unprecedented situation and it has become clear that it will not possible to go ahead with the show as planned on the designated date. Therefore Jeff Dunham’s performance at Leeds First Direct Arena will be rescheduled to Monday 24th May 2021. We're pleased to have been able to reschedule so do hang on to your ticket - it will be valid for the new date.

The Pussycat Dolls reschedule their tour date at Leeds first direct arena to 25 May 2021. All tickets remain valid for this new date.

Due to coronavirus and Government guidance the Barry Manilow UK dates in August / September 2020 will not be able to go ahead and have been rescheduled to May / June 2021.

The date in Leeds is now Friday May 28th 2021.  Your current tickets and same seats will remain valid for this date.

Gary Barlow returns to the first direct arena as part of his Music Played By Humans Tour. Gary will hit the road with a full orchestra, playing 15 shows in 13 cities around the UK and Ireland. He’ll bring to life songs from his brand new album, ‘Music Played By Humans’, as well as hits from his incredible, three-decade spanning career. Gary will be joined by special guest, Beverley Knight.

Due to the current Coronavirus outbreak the Kings of Leon July 2020 shows have been postponed.   The rearranged dates will instead take place in June 2021.   Customers are advised to keep hold of their tickets as they will be valid for the rescheduled dates.

For more information or if customers can't make the re-arranged dates and require a refund please contact your ticket agent/point of purchase

AEG presents are very pleased to announce the NEW dates for the Diana Ross "Top of the World Tour" in 2021.  The show at the first direct arena on 30th June 2020 is moving to Wednesday 16th June 2021.

YOUR TICKETS REMAIN VALID FOR THE NEW SHOW DATE. Thank you for your patience, we look forward to seeing you next year.

Due to coronavirus and Government guidance the George Benson June / July 2020 dates will not be able to go ahead and have been rescheduled to June 2021. Tickets will remain valid for the new date.  The live shows will feature George Benson’s masterful guitar playing, and Benson and his band will perform his Greatest Hits from his impressive back catalogue - which includes such classics as Give Me The Night, Lady Love Me (One More Time), Turn Your Love Around, Inside Love , Never Give Up On A Good Thing and In Your Eyes and more… 

The JLS Beat Again tour has unfortunately been rescheduled to 2021. The show at the first direct arena will now take place on Friday 18th June 2021. All tickets remain valid for the new date. 

A statement from the band can be seen here.

The event organisers have been in touch to say that they have been closely monitoring this unprecedented situation and it has become clear that it’s just not possible to go ahead with the show as planned. Therefore Ricky Gervais’s performance at first direct arena, that was originally scheduled for Friday 12th June 2020 and then moved to Friday 8th January 2021 will be rescheduled again to Saturday 19th June 2021. We’re pleased to have been able to reschedule so do hang on to your ticket – it will be valid for the new date.

The Isley Brothers’ upcoming UK shows have been rescheduled for 2021 due to the current Coronavirus outbreak.  

Tickets for the original shows are still valid and will automatically be transferred over to the new 2021 dates:

Due to the COVID-19 situation and as a precaution to the safety of our audiences, cast and staff, the 2020 PAW Patrol Live! "Race to the Rescue" tour, promoted by TEG MJR, has been postponed to Summer 2021.  Please note that all tickets purchased for the 2020 tour will remain valid for 2021.  The ‘Babes in Arms’ policy has been extended for the 2021 tour by 12 months so that children 24 months and under do not require a ticket provided they are seated on the lap of a ticket holder. 

American rock supergroup Hollywood Vampires have rearranged their 2020 UK tour for August 2021. The new dates come as a result of the ongoing situation around COVID-19 but the band are determined to bring their exhilarating show back to the UK fans as soon as possible. And they can announce that they will now be joined by legendary London post punk, goth and metal pioneers - Killing Joke. Rock and roll royalty Joe Perry, Hollywood superstar Johnny Depp and shock rock icon Alice Cooper will tour in support of their critically acclaimed second studio album “Rise”. 

Update: The Diljit Dosanjh tour has been rescheduled and the event at first direct arena will now take place on 14th August 2021. Tickets will remain valid for the new show date.

Due to the ongoing Coronavirus outbreak and the government measures implemented to limit its spread, the Simple Minds shows have been postponed again. 'The frustration of having to reschedule these live shows a second time is huge. We are determined to make even more effort for you all once these shows can go ahead. In the meantime we ask all of you to keep your tickets - and keep the faith! We guarantee our live shows will be worth the extra wait… Thanks to you all!' Jim Kerr, Simple Minds.

Artist Statement: Hello everyone, as I’m sure you’re all aware, trying to make workable plans at this moment in time is a major challenge to say the very least. The latest update on the tour dates is that due to government restrictions to limit the spread of the virus, these shows have now had to be rescheduled and will now take place in September 2021 instead. Customers are advised to keep hold of their tickets as they will still be valid for the new revised dates.  Thank you all once again for your patience, this is a tough time for everyone but we’ll get through it. See you out there....Dave x

Dua Lipa's performance at first direct arena, that was originally scheduled for 4th June 2020 and then moved to 22nd January 2021 will be rescheduled again to Tuesday 21st September 2021. We’re pleased to have been able to reschedule so do hang on to your ticket – it will be valid for the new date.

The event organisers have been in touch to say that: "We have continued to monitor this unprecedented and changing situation, and it has become clear that it is not going to be possible to go ahead with the show on 1st October 2020. Therefore What’s Love Got To Do With It? performance in Leeds on 1st October will be rescheduled to 25th September 2021. We’re pleased to have been able to reschedule so do hang on to your ticket – it will be valid for the new date"

Due to the ongoing restrictions preventing large gatherings and to health concerns surrounding COVID-19 as well as certain travel restrictions that remain in place, Evanescence and Within Temptation are forced to postpone their massive co-headline European tour. Their ‘Worlds Collide’ tour which was originally due to kick off this past April 4th, will now move to October 2021 in Leeds.

Deep Purple, announce their rescheduled dates for 2021, this change is due to coronavirus, ALL tickets for the 2020 dates will remain valid for the new 2021 dates with Special Guests Blue Öyster Cult. Ian Gillan, Roger Glover, Ian Paice, Steve Morse and Don Airey, Mark VIII of the band, continue to travel the scope of hard rock — the textures and nuances of recent works are anything but thudding retreads. If you set a random play setting for the band’s entire catalogue, the result is one of the finest musical outputs to grace rock music. 

Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, The Temptations and The Four Tops Tour with special Guests Odyssey has been re-scheduled to October 2021. Tickets remain valid for the new dates. A golden era that continues to inspire musicians around the globe. The Tamla Motown label broke down cultural and social barriers and The Four Tops and The Temptations were at the very forefront of that revolution.  Still, with original members, Duke Fakir and Otis Williams, The Four Tops and The Temptations hold a special place in the hearts of British fans.

Due to the precautionary recommendations from measures taken by the UK Government, it will not be possible to move forward with Queen Machine Symphonic currently scheduled for Saturday 25th April 2020. The show will be rescheduled to Friday 8th October 2021. Be assured that the safety and health of artists, staff and fans is our main priority. Hang on to your ticket - it will be valid for the new date

Simply Red reschedule Blue Eyed Soul tour dates to 2021 - existing tickets will remain valid for the new date.

“Out of consideration for the safety and welfare of our fans, band and crew, Simply Red are rescheduling their autumn tour dates to 2021. Tickets will be honoured for the rescheduled dates, so hold onto your tickets and we’ll see you next year!"

Jason Donovan has rescheduled his highly anticipated 'Even More Good Reasons’ to Friday 15th October 2021. Jason Donovan came into our lives in the late 80s as Scott Robinson in the hit Australian series, ‘Neighbours’. Throughout 1988/89 he had several hits and his album ‘Ten Good Reasons’ was the best-selling album of 1989. His hits included ‘Too Many Broken Hearts’, ‘Especially For You’ (with Kylie Minogue), ‘Any Dream Will Do’, ‘Sealed With A Kiss’, ‘When You Come Back to Me’, ‘Everyday’, “Nothing Can Divide Us’ and many more... 

Jason Manford is back! It’s been a busy few years since Jason’s last smash-hit stand-up show, but fans of his Absolute Radio show will know this nationally acclaimed comedian hasn’t changed a bit. ‘Like Me’ is Jason’s latest comic offering, set to hit the road for a massive 99 date UK & Ireland tour, including a return to the first direct arena on 21st October 2021.  

The event organisers have been in touch to say that:

"We have continued to monitor this unprecedented and changing situation, and it has become clear that it is not going to be possible to go ahead with the show in January 2021. Therefore Bon Iver’s performance at the first direct arena will be rescheduled to Sunday 24th October 2021. We’re pleased to have been able to reschedule so do hang on to your ticket – it will be valid for the new date."

The Elton John show has been rescheduled to the 5th Novemeber 2021 - 'Rescheduling my concerts is never a decision taken lightly, but my priority is always the safety of all parties including my tour crew, the venue staff and of course you, my amazing fans.'

OMD (Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark) have announced their 'Archiecture and More' tour for November 2021.  The tour, that will see the band perform songs from their iconic album ‘Architecture & Morality’, plus many more hits from their legendary back catalogue, will stop off at the first direct arena for the very first time. Strap in and prepare for nothing but the best from a band who are unquestionably still at the very top of their game.  Tickets go on sale at 10.00am on Friday 30th October 2020.

Ant Middleton reschedules his 'Mind Over Muscle' tour date at Leeds first direct arena to 12 November 2021. All existing tickets remain valid for this new date. Ant Middleton is best known as the Chief Instructor for Channel 4’s hit show, SAS : Who Dares Wins. On stage he shares personal stories from his extreme adventures and TV shows, and explains his Zero Negativity and ‘Fear Bubble’ approach to harnessing fear and living without limits. He also now runs ‘Mind Over Muscle Day Camps’ supporting individuals to realise their full potential.

Three years after they staged the UK’s most successful comeback of the decade, enduring pop legends Steps – aka Claire, Faye, H, Lee and Lisa – return to the first direct arena in 2021. Steps – '...We had the most fun of our career on the last tour and we’re already planning for the next one to be our biggest spectacle yet. We’re also thrilled to have Sophie Ellis-Bextor as our special guest on the What The Future Holds 2021 Tour'  

Blondie, one of the most influential bands to emerge from New York’s punk scene, will make their first ever appearance at the first direct arena in November 2021 and will be joined by special guests Garbage. Iconic frontwoman/songwriter Debbie Harry, guitarist/conceptual mastermind Chris Stein and powerhouse drummer Clem Burke, are eager to get back on the road, along with long standing band mates bassist Leigh Foxx, guitarist Tommy Kessler and keyboardist Matt Katz-Bohen. 

A message from Deacon Blue regarding their 2020 Cities of Love Tour... It is with sadness that we have to tell you our 2020 Cities of Love tour has been rescheduled to 2021. 
Tickets for all shows remain valid and your ticket agent will be in contact regarding your booking. We are longing to perform again.

The Human League will play Leeds first direct arena, 3 December 2021. Celebrating forty years since the release of DARE, The Human League will be performing this classic album in it’s entirety, as well as other hits from their extensive back catalogue.Originals of the British New Wave/Synth scene The Human League dominated the airwaves and charts throughout the 80’s with their dark yet stylish post-punk electronica, which remains as fresh, current and highly influential today as it did with the release of DARE. 

They're back!  The nation's favourite and most-loved musical duo Michael Ball and Alfie Boe join forces again and will return to the first direct arena just in time for Christmas in 2021.

Tickets go on sale at 9am on Friday 30th October.

Due to the current restrictions surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, Lost In Music has rescheduled to the 16th December 2021. Original tickets remain valid for this rescheduled date. Get ready to recreate the Magical 70’s and let us take you on a musical journey straight to the heart of Disco! Relive some of the greatest songs of all time from Artists such as Donna Summer, Gloria Gaynor, Earth, Wind & Fire, Sister Sledge and Chic. This show boasts a sensational live band, incredibly talented cast and stunning vocals.

Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra reschedule their Leeds first direct arena tour date to 17 December 2021 due to the effects of the ongoing global coronavirus pandemic. With special guest performances to be announced shortly, all original tickets remain valid.

Bill Bailey is delighted to announce his long awaited return to the live stage. “The finest stand-up comedian this country has to offer,” (The Times) Bill will be bringing his brand new live show EN ROUTE TO NORMAL to the first direct arena in December 2021. How did we get here? How do we find our way through this? And exactly who are we again? In Bill’s new show, EN ROUTE TO NORMAL, Bill ponders this and other questions that this moment in history has thrown up, and tries to see a way through the strange unreality of our new world.   

2022 will see the return of the magnificent Strictly Come Dancing Live Arena Tour. A host of the celebs and professional dancers from the BBC One TV series will waltz around the country performing 33 shows in some of the UK’s biggest arenas.  As a result of Covid-19 restrictions - and to keep everyone safe - the 2021 arena tour will not go ahead, but tickets for the 2022 arena tour will be available this year and will go on general sale at 10.00am on Friday 16 October.

Comedy superstar John Bishop is coming to back to the first direct arena with his highly anticipated brand-new stand up show – Right Here, Right Now.  This will be John’s eighth stand up show and it is shaping up to be his best yet.  It will see him performing across the UK, Ireland, America, Canada and Europe. He can’t wait to be back on the road again!!

Jeff Wayne’s multi-award-winning masterpiece, touring the major arenas of the UK and abroad since 2006, has had to postpone its previously announced 2021 first direct arena date until April 2022. Jeff Wayne commented: “No matter how disappointing this has been, we know we are the lucky ones who will perform once again. The LIFE BEGINS AGAIN Tour, is named after an existing song within my Musical Version, a song about life returning to normal following the Martians’ failure to foresee Earth's bacteria. Now, Mankind will look forward to life beginning again"

Cirque du Soleil are pleased to announce they have now re-scheduled the Cirque du Soleil - Corteo events at Leeds first direct Arena originally scheduled for June 18 – 21 2020. The rescheduled events will be Thursday 27th October 2022 – Sunday 30th October 2022. All tickets remain valid for the new dates.