Event Calendar

Concert promoter FKP Scorpio UK has announced that the ‘Planet Earth II Live in Concert’arena tour of the UK & Ireland has been postponed due to the growing concern posed by the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

We will update with more information on rescheduled dates as soon as possible. All tickets for rescheduled shows will remain valid.

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. The promoters are working to try and reschedule as quickly as possible so that people can exchange their tickets into new dates, but where that is not possible, refunds will be issued from your point of purchase. 

Due to the increasing spread of COVID-19 and expanding restrictions on domestic and international travel, and in accordance with national and local governments recommendations against large group gatherings, Disney On Ice presents Magical Ice Festival scheduled on April 9th - 12th, 2020 at First Direct Arena in Leeds has been cancelled.

All tickets will be automatically refunded by your point of purchase.

Snoop Dogg has announced a date at the first direct arena in April 2020 to celebrates 25 years of the Snoop Dogg, a career tha thas seen the Doggfather cement his undisputed influence on music with chart-topping, multi-platinum records. Snoop Dogg enlists a selection of his key collaborators from the breadth of his iconic music career including  West Coast hip hop royalty; Warren G, Tha Dogg Pound, Obie Trice and D12. They will also be joined by the multi-million streamed Irish rapduo Versatile. 

This Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club event scheduled for 23rd April has been postponed. All tickets purchased for the original date remain valid for any future Comedy Club date. Customers are advised to retain their tickets and ticket confirmations at this time.

Due to the rapidly evolving nature of current events Evanescence and Within Temptation are forced to postpone their massive co-headline European tour until later this year. The tour which, which was due to kick off in Brussels on April 4th, will now move to later this year. Specific information dates for the rescheduled shows will be available shortly.  All existing tickets & VIP Packages will remain valid for the rescheduled dates.

Celebrated blues-rock guitarist and singer-songwriter Joe Bonamassa will return to perform at the first direct arena in Leeds . The UK tour will feature Joe performing alongside a hand-picked group of world-class musicians playing material from Joe’s latest studio album “Redemption” and his 2016 milestone album “Blues of Desperation”, plus classic Bonamassa fan favourites and surprises. As Joe Bonamassa approaches his 27th year as a professional musician, he continues to blaze a remarkably versatile artistic trail, and amass an authentic, innovative and soulful body of work.

Gregory Porter, international best selling artist and two time Grammy Award-winning  jazz/soul  singing sensation, is honoured to announce a thirteen date UK tour -inclding a return to the first direct arena.  With his irresitable warm baritone vocals, Porter  continues to perform to sell out audiences around the world and has achieved international recognition and acclaim, with  both his Grammy winning selling albums ‘Liquid Spirit’  and ‘Take Me To The Alley’.  

Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds - "We have taken the decision to reschedule the Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds European and UK Tour. While hugely disappointing, this feels the best course of action to keep you all as safe as possible. We are working hard to finalise when the rescheduled shows will take place, and will share detailed information with you all as soon as we have it.  All existing tickets will remain valid for these rescheduled shows."

The world’s best darts players will return to Leeds on Thursday May 14 as the first direct arena prepares to host the final league night of the 2020 Unibet Premier League.  The ten-player tournament, featuring the likes of Michael van Gerwen, Rob Cross and Peter Wright, visits arenas across the UK, Ireland, Netherlands and Germany across four months as the sport’s biggest names battle for the prestigious title. 

5 Seconds of Summer (5SOS) have announced their highly anticipated return to the UK including a date at the first direct arena.  5SOS have sold more than eight million equivalent album units and sold over two million concert tickets worldwide, while cumulative streams of their songs now surpass seven billion. 

The Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club events scheduled for Thursday 16th May have been postponed. All tickets purchased for the original date remain valid for any future Comedy Club date. Customers are advised to retain their tickets and ticket confirmations at this time.

The Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club events scheduled for Thursday 16th May have been postponed. All tickets purchased for the original date remain valid for any future Comedy Club date. Customers are advised to retain their tickets and ticket confirmations at this time.

Three-time GRAMMY® Award-nominated, multi-platinum and chart-topping singer-songwriter Camila Cabello has announced she is bringing The Romance Tour to the first direct arena in June 2020. Camila is currently the most listened to female artist in the world on Spotify and broke the record for the most monthly listeners for a female artist in Spotify history.  She is the first female artist since Adele to triple up atop Billboard’s Hot 100, Billboard 200 & Artist 100 charts. 

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! 

Considered one of the most influential British comedians since Charlie Chaplin, (he received the Charlie Chaplin Britannia Award for Excellence in Comedy 2016 BAFTA/LA) Ricky Gervais is returning to stage with ‘SuperNature’ once again in 2020, following the global success of his recent Netflix stand-up special ‘Humanity’, which was his first in 7 years. 

An award-winning stand-up comedian, don’t miss your chance to see Ricky Gervais live in 2020.

Corteo, the most enchanting of Cirque du Soleil’s arena productions is set to charm UK audiences for the very first time. A welcome addition to Cirque du Soleil’s 30th anniversary in the UK, the show will visit Leeds from 18 to 21 June. This unique production, directed by Daniele Finzi Pasca, first premiered in Montreal under the Big Top in April 2005. Since then and including its transformation into an arena show in 2018, the show has amazed audiences of over 9 million people, in 20 countries, on 4 continents.  There are even child discounts available for 12 and unders
 

The legendary George Benson proudly announces a date at the first direct arena in June 2020. 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… 

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees, The Isley Brothers, have announced their return to the UK for the first time in over a decade as part of their 2020 European tour, following on from their ‘You Make Me Wanna Shout’ US tour earlier this year celebrating the 60th anniversary since they first released their classic single ‘Shout’. Formed in the early 1950s in Cincinnati, Ohio, The Isley Brothers are today considered one of the most important and influential groups of the last half-century, and true pioneers of pop.

Diana Ross returns to the U.K. and visits the first direct arena for the first time with an electrifying tour of music, memories and career magic. Diana Ross is an icon and international treasure with a lifetime of music including, “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” “I’m Coming Out,” “Stop! In The Name of Love,” “Upside Down,” “I’m Still Waiting,” “Chain Reaction” and many many more.

The seventh annual Leeds Tattoo Expo will be held on 4th and 5th of July at the first direct arena! Leeds Tattoo Expo will see around 190 top artists working under one roof to showcase some of the best in tattooing both locally and internationally. It is also home to a carefully selected market of boutique traders and a host of exciting entertainment across the weekend, along with the ever popular competitions for tattoo artists, held on Saturday and Sunday evenings. The Third Leeds Beard Competition will also be on stage on Sunday afternoon. 

CHS Leeds, formally known as The Conference and Hospitality Show, is the event for Event Planners, Agents, Venue Finders and Event Agents/PAs. Over the last 10 years, this flagship event in Leeds has been hosting outstanding hotels, venues and event suppliers as well as attracting the best event planners and buyers from around the UK.

In light of the UK Government’s advice about mass gatherings, the date of CHS Leeds has been moved to the 7th of July 2020.

Kings of Leon will return to the first direct arena for the first time since their sold out show in 2017.  Their 7th album WALLS was their first to simultaneously debut at #1 in the UK and USA. It also continued a run of 5 consecutive albums to debut at #1 in the UK. 

It's the day of the Great Adventure Bay Race between Adventure Bay’s Mayor Goodway and Foggy Bottom’s Mayor Humdinger, but Mayor Goodway is nowhere to be found. PAW Patrol to the rescue! Ryder summons Marshall, Chase, Skye, Rubble, Rocky, Zuma and Everest to rescue Mayor Goodway and to run the race in her place. Using their unique skills and teamwork, the pups show that “no job is too big, no pup is too small,” and share lessons for all ages about citizenship, social skills and problem-solving as they make several heroic rescues on their race to the finish line.

The biggest global Punjabi Superstar Diljit Dosanjh is bringing his record breaking live concerts back to the UK in 2020 with a special show at the first direct arena. In 2019 Diljit took his live shows to new heights surpassing the levels of production in Indian music history. The shows which are complete experiences for the whole family from children to the elderly include incredible visuals and the most elaborate production elements seen for asian shows. Now Diljit Dosanjh and his team are set to unveil the grandest production ever seen for his new 2020 tour in conjunction with Empreo Events.

Given the government’s latest advice regarding COVID-19, the Giants Live team in discussion with the athletes, supporters and our crew realise we have no option other than to postpone Europe’s Strongest Man on April 4th.

The event will now take place on Saturday, August 8th, 2020.

Barry Manilow’s upcoming May 2020 UK shows have been rescheduled due to the current corona-virus outbreak.

Barry Manilow will be joined by special guest Curtis Stigers

New date - Saturday 29th August 2020

American rock supergroup Hollywood Vampires are coming to Leeds. Rock and roll royalty Joe Perry, Hollywood superstar Johnny Depp and shock rock icon Alice Cooper tour in support of their critically acclaimed new studio album “Rise”. The three legends first came together to record in 2015, bonding over a shared love of their favourite songs and a desire to celebrate their ‘dead, drunk friends’ by playing the songs of the fallen heroes.  Riotous performances ensued around the world. Joining Hollywood Vampires are special guests Primal Scream.

Set to be one of the most highly anticipated tours of 2020, Stormzy has announced a huge 55-date ‘H.I.T.H. World Tour’. With shows spanning across Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, North America, UK & Ireland and Africa, the tour marks Stormzy’s biggest live offering to date. 

RESCHEDULE: Sam Fender will now perform at Leeds first direct arena on Monday 14th September.

All tickets remain valid.

André Rieu and his Johann Strauss Orchestra are postponing their UK/Ireland tour to September because of the coronavirus pandemic.

André Rieu and his Johann Strauss Orchestra will now be performing at the first direct arena on Friday 18th September 2020

Rock On Music and Whiterock Entertainment present Neha Kakkar who will appear at the first direct arena for the very first time on Saturday the 26th September. 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.

Jeff Dunham: "Greetings friends, As we all know, things are a bit crazy for most of us right now. So due to the current pandemic, my show at Leeds First Direct Arena on Sunday, May 17th, has been postponed until Sunday, September 27th of this year. Hang on to your tickets, as they will be honored on that new date."

New date - Sunday 27th September 2020

‘Due to the precautionary measures taken by the UK Government it will not be possible to move forward with What’s Love Got To Do With It? currently scheduled for Friday 20th March 2020. The show will be rescheduled to Thursday 1st October 2020. Please 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’

Having recently announced details of their eagerly anticipated new album ‘A Celebration of Endings’, Biffy Clyro now reveal details of their first full-scale UK arena tour since 2016 and return to Leeds in October 2020. Biffy Clyro remain at the top of the powers. ‘Instant History’ was premiered as Annie Mac’s Hottest Record in the World and was added straight to Radio 1’s B-list. It also went straight to the A-list at Absolute, Radio X and Virgin. 

Deep Purple is heading back to the first direct arena  in 2020 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. 

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 hitsincluded ‘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... 

Simply Red reveal the details of a highly anticipated 13-date UK and Ireland 2020 arena tour. Hailed as one of the most successful live acts ever to come out of the UK, they will be firing on all cylinders delivering their all-time classic hits from a stellar career, such as ‘Stars’, ‘Holding Back The Years’, ‘Fairground’ and ‘Money’s Too Tight To Mention’, as well as some raw and soulful new grooves. 

Following the latest government advice we are very sad to announce that we are rescheduling our upcoming April / May UK 2020 tour as the safety and health of our fans is our utmost priority.  We can’t wait to see you in Oct/Nov, only 6 months away. Until then, keep yourselves safe and look after each other. All our love Tom, Danny, Harry & Dougie. 

Paul Heaton & Jacqui Abbott - "Due to the ongoing situation across the world, and in particular the inaction by our own government, we feel we have no choice but to reschedule the forthcoming UK & Ireland tour dates immediately. The shows will now take place in October and November, with all tickets remaining valid for these new dates"

New date - Thursday 22nd October 2020

It’s with a heavy heart Rick Astley has had to announce the postponement of his upcoming UK Tour. Rick Astley -  "I’m absolutely gutted but in the times we are living in right now we have to think of everybody’s health and safety. We are going to do the dates later on this year so hold on to your tickets and we’ll see you soo" Rick Astley will be joined by special guest KT Tunstall  New date - Friday 23rd October 2020

The Black Crowes' Chris and Rich Robinson will herald the thirty-year anniversary of their landmark quintuple platinum debut album Shake Your Money Maker with a UK & European tour in October 2020 including their first ever show at the first direct arena on Saturday 24th October 2020. 

Following the latest government advice we are very sad to announce that we are postponing our upcoming UK and Ireland tour. We're heartbroken that we will not be able to perform next month, but the safety and health of our fans is of course our No.1 priority. We look forward to seeing you all at the rescheduled dates in October. In the meantime please stay safe and look after yourselves. Love Pussycat Dolls. New date - Wednesday 28th October 2020

A night of charity boxing in aid of Rub Burrow and Mose Masoe. Fights already confirmed: Chev Walker vs Andy Wray, Danika Priim vs Rhiannon Marshall, Steve Pryce vs Craig Booth, Shaun Kenny-Dowall vs Elijah Niko, Paul Wood vs Fetuli Talanoa, Weller Harauki vs Gareth Hock, Dave Peterson vs Liam Hood & Brendan Tuuta vs Nathan Wood.

Motown legends The Four Tops and The Temptations, return to the first direct arena in 2020 bringing with them the magic of 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 and they are delighted to be returning to the UK. 

2020 is a big one for Deacon Blue. They have announced a new album CITY OF LOVE which sees the multi-million selling band deliver eleven brilliant new tracks tethered by a singular belief - that even in the corners of a town or a life where no light falls, hope can prevail. Supported by a huge tour, the band will be coming to our city of love in November 2020. 

Sunday Times Best Selling Author Ant Middleton has announced a brand new tour including a date at the first direct arena November 2020.  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.

JLS announce their eagerly awaited comeback with their 'Beat Again' 2020 UK and Ireland Tour including a return to the first direct arena.

With Thunder marking three incredible decades as one of Britain’s finest rock acts, AEG Presents, Live Nation & Orchard Live are delighted to announce that the band will visit the first direct arena in November 2020.  These will be the first fully electric, full-on Thunder headline rock shows in the UK since 2017. Thunder have proved time and time again that they have the hits, the chops and the flair to blow the roof off, and these 5 shows will be no exception. Thunder celebrated thirty years at the top of the tree at the end of September, with the release of ‘The Greatest Hits’ album through BMG.

Genesis, who are among the biggest selling recording artists of all time and one of Britain's most internationally renowned bands, will be touring for the first time in 13 years. The Last Domino? Tour 2020 starts on 16 November and will be Tony Banks, Phil Collins and Mike Rutherford’s first live outing together since the globe-trotting, sell-out Turn It On Again: The Tour in 2007. They will be joined on stage by Nic Collins on drums, and the bands long time guitar and bass player Daryl Stuermer. Tickets will be on general sale at 9am on Friday 6 March

Genesis, who are among the biggest selling recording artists of all time and one of Britain's most internationally renowned bands, will be touring for the first time in 13 years. The Last Domino? Tour 2020 starts on 16 November and will be Tony Banks, Phil Collins and Mike Rutherford’s first live outing together since the globe-trotting, sell-out Turn It On Again: The Tour in 2007. They will be joined on stage by Nic Collins on drums, and the band's long time guitar and bass player Daryl Stuermer. 

Elton John will return the first direct arena as part of his colossal Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour. Speaking of the UK dates Elton John says “The Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour will take us to many places that have meant a lot to me over the last fifty years, but these UK shows will be incredibly special. The UK is home, and where my heart will always be."

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. So, come dressed to impress as we celebrate the golden age of Disco! With songs such as Never Can Say Goodbye, On The Radio, Hot Stuff, Car Wash, Boogie Wonderland and many, many more!

UB40 have announced their return to the first direct arena in December 2020.  The reggae veterans from Birmingham celebrated 40 years as a band in 2019 with a huge UK tour and are back to do it again in 2020. The tour will see the group perform songs from their last record For The Many from 2019, as well as the likes of 'Kingston Town', 'Food For Thought', 'One In Ten', 'I Can't Help Falling In Love With You', 'Don't Break My Heart', 'Sing Our Own Song' and 'Red, Red Wine'.

Jools Holland and The Rhythm & Blues Orchestra will once again take their much-loved annual tour around the UK featuring dazzling long-term vocalist Ruby Turner, with her breathtaking gospel, soul, blues vocals and songs written with Jools, as well as Louise Marshall, whose mellifluous voice illuminates all she sings. Also on tour is original Squeeze member and powerhouse Gilson Lavis on drums.  In addition, for the very first time, the tour will be joined by singer-songwriter Leo Sayer and Chris Difford.  

Bon Iver - "It is with great care and empathy to all involved that we announce the rescheduling of our spring tour in Europe and the UK to January 2021. The entire Bon Iver team has been closely monitoring this unprecedented worldwide health situation, and it is under the guidance of those more knowledgeable than us, that we have determined rescheduling to be the safest path forward for all involved. We hope that this is the best preventative action we can take against the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19)."

Dua Lipa at the first direct arena on the 4th June 2020 has been rescheduled to 22nd January 2021.  Your ticket will be honoured for the rescheduled date.

Due to the current Coronavirus outbreak and the government measures implemented to limit its spread, the Simple Minds April 2020 shows have been postponed.   The rearranged date will instead take place at the first direct arena on February 12th 2021.   Customers are advised to keep hold of their tickets as they will be valid for the rescheduled dates.

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

David Gray - "Hello again everyone, I’m delighted to be able to announce the rescheduled dates for the U.K. and Ireland White Ladder Arena Tour. All the shows will now be happening in March 2021 so please hold on to your tickets as they will remain valid for the new dates. A special thank you to all of those who have been working round the clock, in testing circumstances, to put these dates together In the meantime, please look after yourselves and each other and I’ll see you on the other side."

Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of ‘The War of The Worlds’ - Alive on Stage! returns to Leeds in 2021. Based on HG Wells’ dark Victorian tale, it remains a firm favourite to millions around the world, exciting audiences of all ages. In 2006 TWOTW was already considered a cutting edge production with six trucks filled to the brim. But in 2021, which marks a momentous 15 years of live touring, the production be up to 12 trucks, and with it, a host of ingredients and special effects that will challenge and excite the senses. A stellar cast will also be announced in the next few weeks.

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.

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

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.  Tickets on sale at 10am on Friday 28th Febraury 2020.