Event Calendar

The legendary Joanna Lumley will embark on her first ever live tour, IT’S ALL ABOUT ME, in autumn 2018. Joanna will take audiences through her hilarious and interesting adventures from her incredible career spanning more than four decades, recounting some never heard before stories. She will also be joined on stage by friend and producer Clive Tulloh, who will put to Joanna questions from the audience that they’ve always wanted to ask, making the show a unique and hilarious night to remember.

WWE have announced that its unique brand of action packed entertainment is returning to the first direct arena in November 2018. Fans will be able to see all their favorite WWE Superstars live in action all under one roof. Don’t miss out; Get your ticket to an incredible night of action packed entertaining experience! The latest line up can be found here

The Prodigy have announced a date at the first direct arena in Novemeber 2018. Always uncompromising, The Prodigy’s influence can be seen across generations, turning metal kids onto raving and ravers into metalheads.  The band put out genre destroying record after genre defying record and from the very start, The Prodigy were renegade revolutionaries. Put simply, The Prodigy are no tourists and never were. 

Florence + the Machine have announced details of their first direct arena show as part of the ‘High As Hope Tour'.This follows the news of Florence + the Machine’s hugely-anticipated new album, ‘High As Hope’, which will be released on June 29th on Virgin EMI. The record was officially launched with the striking video for first single ‘Hunger'.

Two years ago Rick Astley returned with an album that surprised everyone, even himself. His number 1 album ‘50’ sold over 300,000 copies and was one of the biggest selling albums of 2016. What was even more incredible was that Rick wrote, produced and played every instrument on that comeback disc. After selling over 100,000 tickets on his 2017 tour, Rick and his band play the first direct arena in 2018 joined by very special guest Gabrielle.

Courteeners have announced details of a major UK tour this winter. Following the band’s penultimate slots on the main stage at this year’s Reading & Leeds Festivals and headline appearances at Neighbourhood Festival and Truck Festival, the band will play a huge UK tour in November/December including an arena show at the first direct arena. This year saw the band celebrate the 10th anniversary of their gold selling debut album ‘St. Jude’. Support on the tour comes from special guests Gerry Cinnamon and Zuzu.

Motown legends The Four Tops and The Temptations announce a UK arena tour in November 2018.   They will be joined by special guests, yet to be announced.These two bands are true icons and epitomise the Motown sound that shook the world in the 60s and continues to delight audiences, old and new. The Four Tops have a vast catalogue of hits, with 27 UK top 40 singles and The Temptations were the first Motown band to win a Grammy Award – and have won 3 in total.

Since their inception in 1981 Culture Club have sold more than 50 million records worldwide, with a stream of classic hits including; ‘Do You Really Want to Hurt Me’, ‘Karma Chameleon’, ‘Church Of The Poison Mind’, ‘Victims’, ‘It’s A Miracle’ and ‘The War Song’ The group is fronted by singer/songwriter Boy George, universally recognized as one of music's most iconic artists. . The Life Tour: starring Boy George & Culture Club will also feature 80’s pop sweetheart Belinda Carlisle and new wave, synth pop artist  Thompson Twins’ Tom Bailey

Sheffield based, multi-platinum selling Bring Me The Horizon are set to play at the first direct arena in Novemeber 2018. Bring Me The Horizon have been on a rocket of a journey over the last few years, selling over 2 million albums globally to date, playing sell-out shows in over 40 countries, including two sold out nights at London’s O2 plus wowing a traditionally non-rock crowd at Glastonbury Festival in 2016.

Jess Glynne is returning to the first direct arena in 2018. Celebrated for her intimate yet universally appealing themes, Jess has connected with millions of people across the globe – demonstrating her peerless ability to tell the truths young women want to hear; about the loves that build them up and let them down; the aspirations and dreams that might turn sour but you’ll smile through them anyway.

Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons have sold over 100 million records worldwide and defined the sound of an era with classic hits like: Walk Like A Man, Sherry, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, Rag Doll, Big Girls Don’t Cry and many more. Frankie Valli, who came to fame in 1962 as the lead singer of The Four Seasons, is hotter than ever in the 21st century. Thanks to the volcanic success of the Tony-winning musical Jersey Boys which chronicles the life and times of Frankie and his legendary group. 

He’s back! It’s been a busy few years for Jason since his last smash-hit stand up show but fans of his Absolute Radio show will know this nationally acclaimed comedian hasn’t changed a bit. 'Muddle Class' promises to feature a wealth of new material about Jason growing up ‘working class’ then finding, over the years, that part of him has become ‘middle class’ - causing much confusion!   Delivered with Jason’s amiable charm and captivating wit, this is a show not to be missed.

Mumford & Sons are excited to announce details of a huge world arena tour including a date at the first direct arena in support of their forthcoming fourth album, Delta. An incredible 800,000 tickets go on sale for sixty dates across the world, heralding the band’s biggest tour since forming ten years ago, and they’ll perform the show on a new ground-breaking stage right across the middle of the room. Support in the UK comes from the magnificent Maggie Rogers

Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of The Worlds – Alive on Stage returns to UK arenas next year to celebrate its 40th ANNIVERSARY, at the Leeds First Direct Arena. Conducted by Jeff Wayne, with the 9-piece Black Smoke Band and 36-piece ULLAdubULLA Strings, the most ambitious production yet will ‘break through the fourth wall’ bringing action closer to the audience for a most captivating and immersive, musical experience, including the iconic 3-tonne 35-foot tall Martian Fighting Machine firing real flames. Full cast announced soon!

“THE HILLS ARE ALIVE WITH THE SOUND OF MADNESS!!” Britain’s favourite pop band Madness will be visting the first direct arena December and will be joined by special guests The Fratellis. The Sound of Madness is a combination of people from North London that got together in the mid to late ‘70s and came up with a cacophony of music, noise, clothes, dressing up and having fun. 

Since the release of the first Star Wars movie nearly 40 years ago, the Star Wars saga has had a seismic impact on both cinema and culture. Fans will be now able to experience the scope and grandeur of these beloved Star Wars films in a live symphonic concert experience, as the Star Wars: Film Concert Series debuts with A New Hope. Experience Star Wars: A New Hope with a live symphonic orchestra in a way you have never been able to before. 

Two heavyweights of British music James & The Charlatans have announced a huge gig at the first direct arena in Decemeber 2018. On the new tour Tim Booth says: “Playing with The Charlatans felt like a joyful fit to those of us lucky enough to be present. And besides how often do I get to hang with another Tim who meditates! We want two simpatico bands to be even greater than the sum of their parts to create a magical evening”. 

Christmas has indeed come early, global superstar, vocal phenomenon and international icon Mariah Carey announces the return of the hugely successful and critically allaciamed All I Want For Christmas Is You Tour to the first direct arena this December. A breathtaking performance dovetailing Mariah Carey’s most celebrated and adored festive anthems and classic catalogue, All I Want For Christmas Is You Tour is the perfect gift for Christmas.  

BLACK STONE CHERRY are excited to announce a date at the first direct arena this December. The Kentucky boys tell us, "As many people know, the UK holds a special place in the hearts of BSC.  The culture, the history, the music, and most importantly THE FANS!  We absolutely cannot wait to come back to what we consider our second home this winter to play some music for y’all! Joining us on this tour are our buddies in The Cadillac Three and Monster Truck.  So, needless to say it’s gonna be a southern fried, rock n' roll revival!  See ya soon!" 

Musical master of ceremonies Jools Holland and his acclaimed Rhythm & Blues Orchestra have announced their annual musical excursion. Soft Cell frontman Marc Almond will be accompanying Jools for the 2018 autumn/winter UK tour as a special guest. Also performing with Jools will be the supremely talented vocalists Ruby Turner and Louise Marshall as well as original Squeeze member Gilson Lavis on drums with the Rhythm & Blues Orchestra.

Following on from the success of Jane McDonald’s sell out “Celebrate 20 Years” anniversary tour the singer is excited to announce a one off Christmas show! With a knock-out production this stunning show will be packed full of music and laughter guaranteed to get you in the mood for Christmas. Get your tickets now so you can join Jane for this fantastic evening which will have you on your feet and singing along! What could be more perfect at Christmas!

The promoters are sorry to announce that all Peter Pan dates have been cancelled due to unforeseen technical reasons.  All tickets purchased through the arena's official ticketing partners will be refunded automatically and customers will be notified by email.  Any queries should be directed to your original point of purchase.

The Strictly Come Dancing Tour is waltzing back on the road from January next year for a supersized sequin-filled show at the first direct arena.  Fans will be delighted to hear that Strictly favourite and 2017 TV show winner Ore Oduba will be hosting the tour for a second time. The 2019 tour will be directed once again by the FAB-U-LOUS Strictly TV Judge Craig Revel Horwood and feature many of the celebrities and professional dancers from the highly anticipated 16th series of the award-winning BBC One show.

The Wombats' step things up yet again by unveiling their highest profile and biggest UK headline tour to date. With six huge shows across the isles, including a night at the first direct arena in Leeds, the tour further cements the band’s meteoric rise to one of the country’s biggest guitar acts. If beautiful people ruin The Wombats’ lives, the resulting album will make your year. Peaking at #3 in the UK album chart as the highest new entry of that week, the album has since been streamed over 80 million times on Spotify.

Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls have announced they will be visiting the first direct arena in support of his upcoming seventh album Be More Kind. Be More Kind represents a thematic and sonic line in the sand for 36-year-old Turner. “I wanted to try and get out of my comfort zone and do something different,” he says. After the stripped-down, live-sounding previous album Positive Songs…, Turner wanted to try a new approach. Frank Turner will be joined on his tour by the legendary Jimmy Eat World 

Snow Patrol have announced they will be visiting the first direct arena for the first time in January 2019. Since their 1998 debut, Songs for Polarbears, Snow Patrol have racked up an impressive number of critical and commercial accolades, including 15 million global album sales, 1+ billion global track streams, five UK Platinum Albums, and are Grammy, BRIT Award and Mercury Music Prize nominated.

After six UK #1 singles, five UK #1 albums and 25 years together, the iconic Boyzone will release their final album ‘Thank You & Goodnight’ on November 16th. They’ve also announced details of their 25th anniversary and farewell UK and Ireland arena tour which includes a date at the first direct arena on Friday 1st February 2019. 

After the success of our last festival, Leeds Gymnastics Club will, for the third year running, host Leeds Gymfest 2019 at the first direct arena on Sunday 3rd February 2019. Some of the best Men’s Artistic, Women’s Artistic, Acrobatic and Display teams from all over the UK, Ireland and beyond will descend on Leeds to showcase their unique talents as part of one of the biggest events of its kind in the United Kingdom. Our very own Team GB gymnasts Nile Wilson and Ashley Watson will also be making guest appearances. Concession tickets are available for Under 14’s and Over 65’s

After a triumphant concert at the Royal Albert Hall last month, Tears For Fears – are more popular than ever! The band have sold an astronomical 30 million albums worldwide, performed to countless sold out audiences, and won various awards, and are one of the most influential bands to have come out of the UK. With a catalogue of of huge hits, including classics such as “Everybody Wants To Rule The World,” “Shout,” “Mad World,” “Head Over Heels,” “Woman In Chains,” these shows are not to be missed!

Taking audiences to the edge of our current understanding about the origin and evolution of our Solar System and the Universe, Professor Brian Cox Live 2019 offers a fascinating insight into the workings of nature at the most fundamental level. Whether an avid science reader or a total novice, Professor Cox makes challenging ideas accessible to all, exploring the vast, possibly infinite universe and our place within it from earth to the edges of the cosmos. Brian will once again be joined by co-host of The Infinite Monkey Cage and award-winning comedian Robin Ince to oversee an audience Q&A.

The X Factor Live Tour is returning to the first direct arena in February 2019. The X Factor Tour has thrilled over three million people since it began 14 years ago, making it one of the UK’s most successful annual arena tours. So get your tickets to The X Factor Live Tour 2019 and don’t miss out... X Factor Digital Presenter, Becca Dudley, will be returning as host this year on The X Factor Live Tour. 

George Ezra today continues his phenomenal ascent with the announcement of his first ever first direct arena date. His acclaimed number 1 album Staying At Tamara’s is officially the biggest selling album released so far this year and remains in the top five of the Official Albums Chart 20 weeks after release, whilst his current single ‘Shotgun’ became his first ever number 1 single in June.

Following the incredible success of the BAFTA award-winning BBC One television series Blue Planet II, presented by Sir David Attenborough, BBC Studios, and FKP Scorpio ,  will bring the wonders and mysteries of the planet’s oceans and wildlife to the first direct arena stage. Blue Planet II – Live In Concert – will present a selection of stunning visuals from the television series, highlighting the incredible natural wonders of our blue planet in breath-taking detail, projected on a state of the art 200 square metre 4K Ultra HD LED screen, the concert will be performed live by a full symphony orchestra.

Enter a dazzling world of adventure at The Wonderful World of Disney On Ice! Join Mickey and Minnie for a colourful celebration of magic and family fun. Be enchanted by beloved characters like Dory and Nemo; Anna and Elsa; Buzz and Woody; and the Disney Princesses. Learn the Mouse Bounce dance during the Fit to Dance pre-show and make unforgettable memories as you explore The Wonderful World of Disney On Ice!

Following the success of last year’s Legends Live concerts, Tony Denton Promotions has announced a new tour for 2019. The show will bring together the Queen of Rock Suzi Quatro, Pop icon David Essex, Les McKeown’s BAY CITY ROLLERS and rock and rollers Showaddywaddy, this new tour will see these iconic artists perform all their chart-topping hits on one stage. With over 50 top 30 hits and in excess of 100 million record sales between them, this will surely be a night you cannot miss.

Europe’s Strongest Man—part of the World’s Strongest Man Qualifying Tour—is returning to the first direct arena. You’ve seen it on TV, but a strongman show of this scale is best witnessed live, raw and up-close to all the roaring, shirt-ripping, world-record-breaking action!

Supporting the release of his self-titled third album, multi-platinum and chart-topping singer/songwriter Shawn Mendes will hit the road in 2019 on a global arena tour.  “Shawn Mendes: The Tour” will mark his third global headline tour, following his sold out 2017 arena trek, and will take in 56 dates spanning across North America, the UK and Europe.  Tickets on sale now!

THE world's top darts stars are set to return to The First Direct Arena in Leeds for the 2019 Unibet Premier League on Thursday May 16, featuring the likes of world number one Michael van Gerwen and colourful Peter "Snakebite" Wright .Reigning World Champion Rob Cross and two-time Premier League winner Gary Anderson are also expected to be part of the field for next year's tournament alongside some of the sport's most exciting stars.The season's final league night will see the Premier League return to Leeds, with four matches set to take place as the Play-Off spots are confirmed.

Olly Murs Is Back! Visting the first direct arena in 2019 he is now firmly established in his red chair as a judge on The Voice, Olly has five multi-platinum albums under his belt, 4 #1 UK albums, 4# UK singles and 6 #1 airplay tracks. He has over 17.5m followers across his socials and without doubt is the X Factor’s most successful male artist ever.

Direct from BBC One’s award-winning prime time TV show Strictly Come Dancing, the Professionals will take to the stage at first direct arena! Audiences will enjoy the incredible talent of these world-class dancers as they perform exquisitely choreographed Ballroom and Latin routines with all the sequins, sparkle and stunning production values we have come to know and love!

Bill Bailey returns to the first direct arena after a triumphant 2018 performance. is a compendium of travellers’ tales and the general shenanigans of twenty years as a travelling comedian. With musical virtuosity, surreal tangents and trademark intelligence, Bill Bailey tackles politics, philosophy and the pursuit of happiness. Plus, he fashions a symphony from a ringtone, tells the real story of Old MacDonald and re-imagines the Stars and Stripes. Two decades of touring larks from a comic described by The Telegraph as “the brainiest comic of his generation.”

The UK's top selling album group of the 21st century, Westlife, have announced that they will be visting the first direct arena in 2019 for the first time. Westlife have sold over 55 million records worldwide, and are the only band to have their first 7 singles enter the UK chart at No.1. Overall the band have had an incredible 14 No.1 singles, behind only Elvis Presley and The Beatles. They have had 33 No.1 albums worldwide.  As a live act Westlife have sold 5 million concert tickets worldwide. Tickets go on sale Thursday 25th October at 9am 

Direct from London's West End, this is the world’s favourite George Michael tribute show.This show will take you on a musical journey from the moving Jesus To A Child, to the celebration of Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me, to everyone’s favourites I’m Your Man and Wake Me Up. Join us as we present our respectful tribute to one of the greatest musicians of all time with our stunning stage show that’s taking the globe by storm.Relive the passion, the flare and the unique sensitivity of George Michael with Fastlove!
 

Music fans are invited to the biggest party of the year as the unstoppable Magic of Motown show steams into town! Seen by over a million people, With timeless music of Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, The Supremes, The Four Tops, Jackson 5, Smokey Robinson and more. This breath-taking concert spectacular takes you on a musical journey through all your favourite songs, including: Ain’t No Mountain, Signed Sealed Delivered, Dancing In The Streets, My Cherie Amor, Heatwave and many more

The Empress of Soul - Gladys Knight, who is headlining the BBC Proms in the Park in 2018, is delighted to announce a date at the first direct arena in Leeds for June 2019. Known for her collection of classic hits such as: ‘Midnight Train To Georgia’ (which remains one of the most famous Motown records to date and was honoured as one of ‘The Greatest Songs Of All Time’ by Rolling Stone Magazine); ‘Help Me Make It Through The Night’;  ‘Licence To Kill  (the official theme song to the James Bond film) plus her critically acclaimed  latest album ‘Where My Heart Belongs’ .

Eagles - Don Henley, Joe Walsh and Timothy B. Schmit, with Vince Gill and Deacon Frey - are bringing their critically acclaimed tour to Leeds in 2019 and will perform classics spanning their career, including “Hotel California,” “One of These Nights,” “Life in the Fast Lane,” “Desperado,” and many more. In today’s faddish, fractured, rock landscape, the Eagles retain an appeal that transcends both generation and genre, cementing the band’s role as enduring musical icons. As the best-selling American band of the ’70s, and one of the top-selling acts of all time.

The world’s most beloved tenor, Andrea Bocelli, has announced he will be returning to the first direct arena in the autumn of 2019. Reportedly the biggest selling solo classical artist of all time with over 80 million worldwide album sales, Bocelli has performed for four US Presidents, two Popes and many Royal families across the world, as well as at high-profile ceremonies for the Olympic Games and the World Cup. The Maestro has countless music awards to his name over past 25 years in music.

Pop superstars Little Mix have announced 'The LM5 Tour', a massive UK and Ireland Arena Tour for 2019. The shows will see Little Mix perform songs from their brand new album LM5, alongside their greatest hits including 'Touch', ‘Shout Out to My Ex', ‘Black Magic’ and ‘Wings'. Little Mix have firmly established their reputation as one of the most phenomenal performers around. In summer 2018 they toured stadiums across the UK with the 'Summer Hits' Tour. They were also named the UK’s Most Watched VEVO Artist of 2017.