Event Calendar

Tears for Fears have been forced to postpone their forthcoming sold out UK & Ireland arena tour due to unforeseen health concerns and on doctor’s orders. The concert has been rescheduled to Saturday 9th February 2019.

Russell Peters will be at the first direct arena for the first time with THE DEPORTED WORLD TOUR. After taking time off since filming Almost Famous for Netflix. THE DEPORTED WORLD TOUR will also feature one of David Letterman’s favourite comics, the legendary raconteur of weird stories, comedian Jake Johannsen. We ask that you keep personal belongings to a minimum and only bring your essentials. Please do not bring any backpacks or large bags, as these will not be allowed into the arena. More information regarding show times and our security policy is here

Manic Street Preachers are set to return to the first direct arena in 2018 with support from The Coral, it's sure to be their biggest live show for over a decade. Manic Street Preachers recently received the Inspiration Award at the Q Awards at the Roundhouse in London. Previous winners include U2, David Bowie and Patti Smith. Support on all dates comes from very special guests The Coral.

Rock icons Nickelback will visit the first direct arena as part of their massive ‘Feed the Machine’ Tour on May 5th 2018 with their biggest and boldest production yet. Nickelback are delighted to announce Seether will be performing as very special guests across all shows on the tour - following their own massive sold out headline UK Tour earlier this year. With more than 23 chart-topping singles and fans spanning the globe, Nickelback boasts twelve consecutive sold-out world tours, playing to well over eight million diehard and adoring fans.

Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds soar into the slipstream of exhilarating new album, Who Built The Moon? and is set to return to the first direct arena in May 2018.Please note there is an ID policy for this show, please read T&Cs HERE before purchasing tickets.  

Due to phenomenal demand Michael McIntyre has announced an extra date at the first direct arena. After two sold out shows here in 2015 tickets for Michael McIntyre's return are going to be in some demand. Michael currently presents his own television show Michael McIntyre's Big Show on BBC1. The last series averaged over 6.5 million viewers and recently received two BAFTA nominations.

The world famous Harlem Globetrotters, featuring some of the most electrifying athletes on the planet, will bring their spectacular show to the first direct arena during their 2018 World Tour. As the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters look toward the 92nd season of entertaining fans 2017 is not over yet.  Proving once again to be a busy year for the Globetrotters their 2017 World Tour sees them play in over 250 North American markets and 30 countries worldwide, and has the iconic team putting smiles on people’s faces across the world. 

Direct from the USA - the world's most successful Elvis tribute artiste of all time, Shawn Klush, and the incredible Dean Z, also Grand Champion of The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Contest are bringing this incredible show to the Leeds First Direct Arena on Wednesday May 23rd 2018. Shawn Klush first exploded onto the scene when 6 million UK viewers tuned in to see him win the BBC One search for “The World’s Greatest Elvis”, hosted by Vernon Kaye. 

first direct arena will once again be hosting one of the stages at this year's Slam Dunk Festival. Slam Dunk North is held in the City Centre of Leeds, West Yorkshire. The festival include sites such as Millennium Square, first direct Arena, O2 Academy Leeds, Leeds Beckett University and a number of outdoor stages built especially for the festival. Slam Dunk, now in its twelfth year, is known for attracting some of the biggest names in pop punk, emo and hardcore.

Multi-million selling recording artist Bryan Adams is back at the first direct arena in May 2018. Bryan Adams is one of the most exciting live musicians in the world and his energetic performance, effortless stage presence and incredible vocals are guaranteed to thrill and entertain.The Ultimate Tour will see the showman perform a rip-roaring set of material from his forthcoming new album Ultimate aswell as his incredible back-catalogue including “(Everything I Do) I Do It For You”, “Can’t Stop This Thing We’ve Started”, “Summer of ‘69”, “Heaven” and more. 

Punjabi superstar, singer & style maven (GQ India, 2017) Diljit Dosanjh is set to return to the UK this May. After selling out his 2016 tour, UK folks are to expect an astounding live spectacle as Diljit wows his fans with his overwhelming stage presence whilst performing his greatest and latest hits. Bank Holiday Monday (28th May) at the First Direct Arena, Leeds. As per his previous tour, it is predicted that the tour will sell out and therefore it’s strongly advised to book early to get the best seats.

Bill Bailey returns to the first direct arena after a triumphant 2016 performance. Larks in Transit is a compendium of travelers’ 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 McDonald, and a re-imagines the Stars and Stripes.

Grammy Award-winning folk comedy duo Flight of the Conchords (aka Jemaine Clement and Bret McKenzie) had to postpone their UK and Ireland edition of the “Flight of the Conchords sing Flight of the Conchords Tour” due to Bret’s hand injury. Thankfully, bones heal. And now, FOTC is pleased to announce their newly rescheduled date at the first direct arena on Sunday 24th June 2018. All tickets remain valid for the rescheduled date.

Earth, Wind & Fire has become one of the world top-selling musical groups of all-time since its formation in 1969 in Chicago visiting the first direct arena for the first time this July 2018.  The band sold over 100 million albums world-wide. The Earth, Wind & Fire renown signature sound is beyond music  genre or category.  Their music has become the soundtrack of many lives for over four decades and will continue to have a long and lasting impact on popular culture for many generations to come.

Leeds Tattoo Expo will be returning to the first direct arena on 7th and 8th July 2018! We are super excited for the fifth edition of the convention, with over 170 incredible artists from the UK, Europe and beyond visiting Leeds for two days of fantastic tattoos! There will be live music and entertainment including fire breathers and a piercing show not to be missed, as well as a market of hand picked traders selling everything from t-shirts to taxidermy. Each day will finish with the ever popular Tattoo Contests, showcasing the best of the work from the weekend.

Legendary singer-songwriter and multiple Grammy award winner, James Taylor & His All-Star band, has teamed up with Bonnie Raitt (and her band) to announce a special show at the first direct arena in July 2018. James Taylor released his 17th studio album, ‘Before This World’, in 2015.  Bonnie Raitt released her 20th album , ‘Dig In Deep’ in 2016.

WALKING WITH DINOSAURS - The Arena Spectacular, is back for the last time! The dazzling £20 million production has been seen by over 9 million people in more than 250 counties around the world. Watch them walk, hear them roar, and see their fight for survival and supremacy depicted in almost cinematic realism. It’s the must-see live arena experience for audiences of all ages, so book your tickets now... before they become extinct! 

Paw Patrol Live! returns to the first direct arena in August 2018. In PAW Patrol Live! “The Great Pirate Adventure,” Mayor Goodway is getting everything shipshape for a big Pirate Day celebration in Adventure Bay. However, when Cap’n Turbot falls into a dark and mysterious cavern, it’s PAW Patrol to the rescue! Chase, Marshall, Rubble, Skye, Rocky and Zuma save Cap'n Turbot and discover a secret pirate treasure map that leads them on an epic adventure.

The League of Gentlemen will return to the stage in 2018 for their first UK tour in over 12 years with their brand new live show ‘The League of Gentlemen Live Again!’. Visting the first direct arena in September 2018, the tour will see BAFTA Award winning comedy legends Reece Shearsmith, Steve Pemberton, Mark Gatiss and Jeremy Dyson bring their dark and unhinged fictional village of Royston Vasey to theatres and arenas across the country.

Due to overwhelming demand, GRAMMY®, TONY®, and EMMY® Award-winning pop superstar Barry Manilow has announced a return to the first direct arena in Septermber 2018. Manilow is known for his classic hits such as ‘Mandy’, ‘Copacabana’, ‘Can’t Smile Without You’, ‘Could It Be Magic’, and many more.With worldwide record sales exceeding 85 million, Barry Manilow is ranked as the top Adult Contemporary chart artist of all time with over 50 Top 40 hits. Special guests Collabro will joining Barry Manilow in Leeds.

The League of Gentlemen will return to the stage in 2018 for their first UK tour in over 12 years with their brand new live show ‘The League of Gentlemen Live Again!’. Visting the first direct arena in September 2018, the tour will see BAFTA Award winning comedy legends Reece Shearsmith, Steve Pemberton, Mark Gatiss and Jeremy Dyson bring their dark and unhinged fictional village of Royston Vasey to theatres and arenas across the country.

Cirque du Soleil is delighted to announce a brand-new UK arena tour with OVO. Next summer OVO, a celebration of nature and co-existence will bring its fun-filled production for the whole family to arenas around the country. Having thrilled more than 5 million people worldwide since the show premiered in Montreal in 2009 as a Big Top show, OVO embarks on a journey, offering the same captivating production as the Big Top performances, but on a larger scale now

Hacienda Classical with Manchester Camerata, the city’s experimental orchestra, will be returning with a new set and soundtrack next year for shows that see the concert return to first direct Arena in September 2018. Hacienda Classical which sees the clubs original DJ partnership, Graeme Park and Mike Pickering reinterpret seminal dance classics with the orchestra, conductor  Tim Crooks has received rave reviews since its first Bridgewater Hall concerts only 20 months ago. In less than two years since it has performed 25 concerts playing to audiences totalling around 150,000 in total.

Jason Derulo’s European tour has been rescheduled to September 2018 as he finalises plan for his new album coming late summer. The new date will now take place on Sunday 30th September. Existing tickets will be valid for the rescheduled show. Jason Derulo is an American singer, songwriter, and dancer. Since the start of his solo recording career in 2009, Derulo has sold over 30 million singles and has achieved eleven Platinum singles, including "Wiggle", "Talk Dirty", "In My Head", and "Whatcha Say". 

Please click here for the full statement from Peter Kay 

 Kylie Minogue, currently on a high with her brand new track 'Dancing', will bring her extraordinary creativity as a live performer to the first direct arena in 2018. Kylie, who always raises the bar with her live performances, promises a brand new extravaganza for this production which will be centred around her new album 'Golden', although of course her amazing back catalogue will be embraced.

EARLY DOORS, Britain’s best loved pub sitcom is to tour the country this year for the very first time. The live incarnation of the BBC TV favourite.Tickets go on sale at 10am on Friday 16 March. Commissioned by leading West End producer Philip McIntyre to adapt their award winning television series for the stage, Craig Cash and Phil Mealey have written a brand new story featuring the same hilarious characters from the TV show.

Jeff Lynne's ELO makes a triumphant return to the first direct arena in 2018. More popular than ever, Jeff Lynne’s ELO have always been known for their epic live shows and with a distinct style that seamlessly and innovatively blends rock, pop and classical, ELO has had twenty six UK Top 40 singles, making Lynne's sweeping productions some of the most recognisable music of the last forty years and helping sell over 50 million records worldwide. 

Following the huge success of his Channel 4 show, Professor Noel Fitzpatrick, The Supervet, is delighted to be bringing his first ever live stage show Welcome to My World to major arenas and theatres across the UK & Ireland next year.This groundbreaking new show - a must for all animal lovers and fans of the TV show alike - will see Noel enlighten audiences with his incredible life story and explain how he became The Supervet we know and love. 

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.

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

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.

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. 

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.

This Christmas will see J.M. Barrie’s magical story of Peter Pan brought to life in gigantic proportions on some of the biggest stages in the country. Starring Martin Kemp and Milton Jones, Peter Pan – The Arena Adventure will play Leeds' first direct arena between 21-23 December .Reprising his role as the ultimate baddie Captain Hook is acclaimed actor and Spandau Ballet star Martin Kemp. Playing Hook’s simple-minded right-hand man Mr Smee,  the pun-tastic hilarious comedian and star of BBC Two’s Mock The Week, Milton Jones.

The one and only Frank Turner & the Sleeping Souls are coming to first direct arena in January!

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.

Please click here for the full statement from Peter Kay

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!