Event Calendar

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’ .

The Award Winning Brendan O’Carroll and Mrs. Brown’s Boys invite you to their brand new production “Mrs. Brown’s Boys D’Musical?” coming to the first direct arena in 2019. Mrs. Brown’s Boys D’Musical? promises to take audiences on an exhilarating, side splitting and musical adventure. Brendan O’Carroll said: “Mrs Brown’s Boys D’Musical? will have you crying with laughter, tapping your toes and you will leave the show singing and smiling to yourself. We are having such fun doing this and can’t wait to share it not just with fans of Mrs. Brown’s Boys,  but to anyone who needs a good night out.”

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.

Leeds Tattoo Expo is returning to first direct arena for the third time! Expect to see 180+ fantastic tattoo artists, a market of traders selling everything from art prints to taxidermy, explosive live acts throughout the weekend and the ever popular tattoo competitions. For everyone from those yet to be inked to those covered head to toe, Leeds Tattoo Expo is a weekend not to be missed.  

Leeds Beckett students will graduate in Leeds city centre this summer with Graduation 2019 being held at the first direct arena between 15-18 July.

Admission by invitation and ticket only – students remember to register your place and book your guest tickets by Friday 14 June 2019.

The Come Back Tour by Junoon returns to the UK after 14 years. The most popular rock band of South East Asia is all set to perform at the first direct arena on the 26th August 2019. Salman Ahmad is the alchemist behind Junoon's sweeping melodies,bhangra rock rhythms and driving guitars. The band known to many as the "U2 of South Asia” blends a powerful, arena rock sound with the epic tranquility of Sufi Muslim love poetry .Junoon has sold over 30 million albums worldwide, including the multi-platinum albums Azadi and Parvaaz produced by bass player John Alec.

Extra date due to phenomenal demand - Taking audiences to the edge of our current understanding about the origin and evolution of our Solar System and the Universe, Professor Brian Cox offers a fascinating insight into the workings of nature at the most fundamental level. 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.

Sonu Nigam is performing at the first direct arena for the first time in 2019. The golden boy of Bollywood from Mumbai, Sonu Nigam is an Indian playback singer, composer, live performer, host and actor. While singing mostly in Hindi and Kannada language films, he has also sung in various Indian languages and in English. He is considered one of the most versatile singers of the Hindi film industry.

International multi platinum-selling artist Khalid has today announced a first direct arena date as part of his headline ‘Khalid Free Spirit World Tour’. Since releasing his debut hit single ‘Location’ in 2016 which went on to go quadruple platinum, Khalid has continued to cement his global status as one of music’s most promising breakout stars. Already accumulating a stellar array of awards and wins from the likes of MTV, Billboard and BET, his Leeds date offers his legion of loyal fans a chance to experience his latest musical offering.

Following the record-breaking success of his 2017 tour Round The World, Russell Howard returns with his biggest globe-spanning stand-up tour to date. Hot on the heels of his critically-acclaimed hit Sky One show The Russell Howard Hour, and his global smash Netflix special Recalibrate, Russell is back on stage where he belongs, making sense of a world that’s spinning out of control.It’s time for Respite. 

The Empire Strikes Back directly into arenas throughout the country live in concert this autumn. See the full film LIVE on a giant HD screen with a symphony orchestra. Journey with the rebel alliance once again as Imperial forces wrestle for control of the galaxy. Its time to feel the force of John William’s epic score.

Ol' Black Eyes Is Back as rock legend Alice Cooper plays first direct Arena as part of his 50th anniversary tour with special guests The Stranglers! & MC50! The rock legend is bringing an all-new show and promises a night to remember - full of the shocks, dark humour and guillotines alongside some of his most iconic songs.

Roy Orbison & Buddy Holly: The Rock ’N’ Roll Dream Tour, a ground-breaking new tour featuring the award-winning rock and roll legends. It is yet another chapter for the revolutionary Hologram movement. The tour will bring Orbison and Holly together for an enthralling event that will tour throughout the UK before further dates worldwide.  Eric Schaeffe, who shepherded the In Dreams event will return as the director of the shows.  It is the first time a Buddy Holly hologram has been created.  

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.

The legendary Cher has today confirmed she’s heading to the UK in 2019 for her first live dates in over 14 years.  The multi-talented Oscar, Emmy and GRAMMY Award-winning icon, is set to delight UK fans when she plays five dates across the UK in October 2019 as part of her Here We Go Again World Tour including her first ever appearance at the first direct arena. 

For the 1st time fans will experience 3 different performances of Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan with a show that will last over 3 hours. First the newly conceptualized segment of an Unplugged session with an array of talented young musicians. The Second segment will have orchestrated RFAK”s super hit Bollywood songs of this year including Dehkte Dehkte, Tere Bin from Simba, Rashke Qamar, Nit  Khair Mange plus all his hits from the past 3 decades. Lastly to what he is all about - Qawali. 

a-ha have always set themselves challenges. In 2018 their MTV Unplugged tour proved that their songs could be given new settings and remain as alive and as impactful as ever. Now, pushing even further, they are announcing that their October and November 2019 tour will be different from anything they have previously undertaken.

Featuring seven of the decade’s most popular acts, get ready for an 80s Invasion at First Direct Arena! Sister Sledge, Jason Donovan, Martika, Five Star, The Fizz, Hue & Cry, Living In A Box featuring Kenny Thomas.

WWE Live! Returns to Leeds first direct arena in November. WWE Live is a unique blend of sport and entertainment, combining in-ring match action with dramatic entertainment. Bursting with all the drama and energy of a rock concert, in a fun, lively and exciting environment, WWE Live is the ultimate in family entertainment! Click here for the most up to date line up. 

*Line-up subject to change

Gerry Cinnamon has announced a date at the first direct arena in Novemeber 2019.  The Glasgow artist has had an incredible journey from recording songs on his phone to releasing his critically acclaimed debut album Erratic Cinematic, which recently rocketed back to the top of the UK/IRE Album Charts; hitting the Top 20 following his latest sold-out UK tour. His inimitable live shows are infamous for their wild atmosphere and special sing along moments; with his crowd singing every word - to every song – many before they are even released.  

Due to scheduling commitments, the show has been moved to Sunday 10th November 2019. All previously booked tickets will remain valid for the new date with no action required. Experience James Cameron’s ground-breaking epic as you’ve never done before with Titanic Live In Concert. With a live 100-piece orchestra performing the epic score that was the soundtrack for a generation you can relive the romance, the passion and the heartbreak as never before. Please note the film is rated as 12A by the British Board of Film Classification.

Welsh Indie Rock giants Catfish and the Bottlemen come to Leeds on Monday November 11th 2019 for their first headline show in the city since 2015 and their debut at the first direct arena.

The lads have returned in 2019, following on from their platinum-certified debut album ‘The Balcony’ with a brand new, highly anticipated third album ‘The Balance’, out now!  Tickets on-sale Friday 3rd May 10am. 

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.

The Chemical Brothers have annouced a date at the first direct arena in November 2019. The legendary duo – comprising Tom Rowlands and Ed Simons  have sold more than 12 million albums and six million singles worldwide. They have had six No. 1 albums in the U.K. and were the first electronic act ever to receive a GRAMMY, winning in the Best Rock Instrumental Performance category for ‘Block Rockin’ Beats’ – the first of their four GRAMMY wins. 

The world’s biggest 90’s / 00’s concert comes to the first direct arena for the very first time in November 2019.  We’re bringing you some of the best-loved stars from the coolest couple of decades.  This live, indoor 90’s vs 00’s concert brings one of the strongest lineups ever seen together on one stage, featuring: B*WITCHED, 5IVE, S CLUB, FATMAN SCOOP, EAST 17, BLAZIN’ SQUAD, 911, BIG BROVAZ & BOOTY LUV.  

Award-winning comedian, actor and writer Jack Whitehall has announced his biggest UK and Ireland arena tour ever for 2019 with brand new show, JACK WHITEHALL: STOOD UP. Following two complete sell out arena tours, Jack Whitehall Gets Around in 2014 and Jack Whitehall: At Large in 2017, which premiered on Netflix, JACK WHITEHALL: STOOD UP promises to be the most hilarious yet from one of comedy’s most electric talents. A joy to watch on stage and a comedian who is firmly on the road to becoming a global megastar, this show is not to be missed.

Pete Tong returns with The Heritage Orchestra for a brand new show in 2019, conducted by Jules Buckley. Now firmly part of the live music calendar, the voice of Radio 1’s prestigious dance programming and Britain's most influential figures in electronic dance music, Pete Tong along with conductor Jules Buckley and 65 piece The Heritage Orchestra will be taking a fresh show of Ibiza Classics to new cities for the first time. Ibiza Classics is the world's most iconic classical electronic music event and promises to be a party like no other.

Shed Seven have announced their biggest ever UK tour to date for November and December 2019 including a home county show at the first direct arena – their first ever headline arena show! The band will be supported by special guests The Twang and Reverend & The Makers.  

The National are visiting the first direct arena for the first time in 2019. The National have established themselves as mainstays of arenas and festivals with sold-out performances and headlining slots around the world. With the release of their most recent album, 2017 Grammy® Award-winning Sleep Well Beast scored #1's in the UK, Ireland, Portugal and Canada. Both individually and collectively The National’s members have been involved in countless artistic, charitable and socio-political pursuits.

Rod Stewart returns to the first direct arena in 2019. As one of the best-selling artists in the history of recorded music, with more than 200 million records sold worldwide, his performance will include show stopping classics from his glittering career. With his signature voice, style and songwriting, Rod Stewart has transcended all genres of popular music, from rock, folk, soul, R&B, and even the American standards; making him one of the few stars to enjoy chart-topping albums throughout every decade of his career. 

We Love The 90’s, the ULTIMATE nineties tour is coming to the UK in December 2019. In a huge lineup featuring Jenny Berggren from Ace Of Base, Vengaboys, 2 Unlimited, Snap!, Whigfield, Haddaway, DJ Sash, Rednex and many more.

We are proud to welcome back Jane McDonald to the first direct arena for a special Christmas Concert this December. A not-to-be missed magical evening packed full of wonderful Christmas music, including “I wish it could be Christmas everyday”, ”Fairytale of New York” and songs from Jane's own repertoire. Jane will be performing with her live band and backing singers for a real night to remember which will have you singing and dancing along and feeling fabulously festive. TICKETS ON SALE AT 10AM ON FRIDAY 3RD MAY.
 

Tina Turner fans prepare to be blown away when brand new show What’s Love Got To Do With It? heads to Leeds as part of a massive UK tour. What's Love Got To Do With It? is the joyous new show celebrating the music of the incredible Tina Turner. And with a tour taking in more than 60 towns and cities across the UK in 2019 and into 2020, What’s Love Got To Do With It? is set to wow fans when it heads to the first direct arena on Friday March 20 2020. 

Planet Earth II Live in Concert, from BBC Studios and the acclaimed BBC Natural History Unit that created TV sensations, Blue Planet II and Dynasties, has announced a UK & Ireland arena tour for Spring 2020. Experience sensational footage from the BAFTA and EMMY® award winning BBC series which guarantees to bring audiences closer to the planet’s spellbinding animals, landscapes and wildlife dramas than ever before. Tickets on sale at 10am on Friday 14th June

Europe’s Strongest Man—part of the World’s Strongest Man Qualifying Tour—is returning to the first direct arena in 2020. 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!

The music of rock legends Queen is to be celebrated like never before as West End leading lady Kerry Ellis joins Scandinavian tribute stars Queen Machine for a fully orchestrated UK tour.The all-new tour Queen Machine Symphonic featuring Kerry Ellis will see Queen’s greatest hits performed by leading European tribute band Queen Machine accompanied by the London Symphonic Rock Orchestra and conducted by Matthew Freeman, creating an unforgettable night of rock anthems.

André Rieu, the Dutch “King of Waltz” who has made classical music accessible to ordinary people, will bring his Johann Strauss Orchestra back to Leeds in May 2020. Dubbed the Maestro of the Masses (New York Times) and a Weapon of Mass Happiness (The Spectator), André Rieu returns with his 60-piece Johann Strauss Orchestra, the largest private orchestra in the world, the Platin Tenors and many international soloists. In 2018 André performed for 100.000 UK/Ireland fans!

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."