Event Calendar

This show has been postponed and a new date will the announced in due course.  All tickets will remain valid for the new date

"We are very disappointed to announce that the Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds 2021 UK and European tour can no longer go ahead due to the ongoing situation with Covid-19. The complexity and scale of the tour we had planned, combined with the continued uncertainty around the pandemic means that despite the hard work of everyone involved we have not been able to guarantee that the shows can happen. All tickets will be refunded. We are continuing to work on alternative plans for 2021 and 2022 and hope to announce some better news next year. Sending love to you all. Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds."

Artist statement: “Hey everyone! Due to current UK Covid restrictions, our upcoming UK dates in April and May will sadly not be able to take place as scheduled. Looking to reschedule these for later in the year and will announce new dates/ticket info asap - all tickets will be valid for new dates x”

The Professional Darts Corporation have confirmed that all of the 2021 Unibet Premier League season is to be staged in April and May in Milton Keynes. This means that the Premier League will not return to the first direct arena in Leeds until 2022.  Next year's schedule has already been confirmed, with the first direct arena set to host the Premier League on Thursday April 7. Ticket bookings for the 2020/2021 Premier League nights will be moved to the 2022 event.

Pussycat Dolls will no longer be playing as scheduled on 25th May 2021 at the first direct arena. The event organiser is working to reschedule and ticket purchasers will be contacted very soon with a new date, so hang on to your ticket – it will be valid for the new date. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

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

The organsiers have been in touch to say; "We are rescheduling the Diana Ross UK tour. The dates have been moved to next summer, June and early July 2022 due to the UK government guidelines and notifications.  All tickets will remain valid for the new shows, with the exact dates being announced soon.  We appreciate your patience, and 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 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. 

The organisers have been in touch to say that: "We are beyond disappointed to announce that the Hollywood Vampires must cancel our rescheduled European tour this Summer. We kept trying to make it happen, but unfortunately due to the uncertainty of Covid-19 travel restrictions, it is just not possible. Full refunds will be honored through your original point of purchase. (insert local information here). Thank you for understanding, and we WILL be back rocking with you once the world returns to normal!"

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.

Europe's Strongest Man at the first direct arena will now take place on Saturday 4th September 2021, all tickets remain valid.

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.

In light of the ongoing situation with COVID-19, the McFly UK tour can no longer take place in May 2021. The shows have been rescheduled and all original tickets remain valid.

McFly will be performing at the first direct arena on 22nd September 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 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"

The event organisers have been in touch to say that: "Due to this unprecedented and changing situation, it was not possible to go ahead with the show on 21st April 2021. Therefore Genesis’ performance at the first direct arena, originally scheduled for 2nd December 2020 and then moved to 21st April 2021, has been rescheduled to 27th 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: "Due to this unprecedented and changing situation, it was not possible to go ahead with the show on 22nd April 2021. Therefore Genesis’ performance at the first direct arena, originally scheduled for 3rd December 2020 and then moved to 22nd April 2021, has been rescheduled to 28th 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... 

Paul Heaton & Jacqui Abbott: “We’re very sorry and enormously frustrated to have to make this announcement, but due to the ongoing situation & social distancing rules around the UK & Ireland we have once again been forced into rescheduling our forthcoming tour dates. We’ve now moved the UK dates to October 2021 Your tickets remain valid for all the new dates. We‘re extremely sorry for any inconvenience caused by this but can’t wait to see and perform for you all. ‘Til then stay safe.”

Horizons. A 2021 Space Odyssey with Professor Brian Cox to take audiences on a dazzling cinematic journey.  Having set two Guinness World Records with his previous sell-out World Tour, Professor Brian Cox is back with a brand-new Arena show for 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."

Rick Astley reschedules his tour date at Leeds first direct arena to 28th October 2021. 

March Multi BRIT and MOBO Award winning boy band JLS have announced the full list of  rescheduled shows for their eagerly awaited Beat Again UK and Ireland tour in line with the latest government guidelines. The revised tour dates are also released alongside news that JB, Aston, Marvin and Oritsé will also return with new music later this year having signed a deal with BMG Records.

TIM MINCHIN, award-winning comedian, actor and composer, has confirmed new UK dates of his BACK tour this autumn including his first ever visit to the first direct arena.  BACK is billed as "Old Songs, New Songs, F*** You Songs", with a set list of material from all corners of Minchin's eclectic - and often iconoclastic - repertoire.  

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.  

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. 

James have announced a huge UK arena tour for November and December 2021 with very special guests Happy Mondays. The new dates mark 33 years since the two Factory label mates toured together back in 1988 and promises to be an exciting reunion of two of Manchester’s most celebrated bands.

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.

BBC’s A Question of Sport – the world's longest running TV sports quiz – is hitting the road in 2021 for its biggest ever live tour.  Starring long-time host Sue Barker and popular team captains Matt Dawson and Phil Tufnell – along with a host of big - name guests from across the sporting world to be announced – A Question of Sport Live is the perfect way for fans to see the hit show up close in a thrilling live environment.  

Iconic punk rock bank The Offspring announce their 'Let The Bad Times Roll Rour' for November 2021.  Unmissable support comes from Swedish rockers The Hives.

Tickets go on sale at 10am on Friday 9th April.

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. 

The organisers have been in touch to say that; "Due to the ongoing situation relating to the Covid-19 pandemic and as a precaution to the safety of our audiences, artists and staff, we will be postponing the upcoming UB40 Tour to later in 2021. This show has now been rescheduled to Wednesday 8th December 2021. Please note, all tickets purchased for the 2020/21 tour will remain valid for the new dates, so please hold on to them!"

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.

The event organisers have been in touch to let us know that they've announced a new date for this show, which was originally due to take place on Friday 11th June 2021 -  it will now be taking place on Saturday 11th December 2021.  If you've already received your tickets, they're still valid for the new date - you just need to show up on the night and they'll be accepted.

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.   

We are proud to welcome back Jane McDonald to the first direct arena for a special Christmas Concert on Sunday 19th December 2021. 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 an amazing night to remember which will have you singing and dancing along and feeling fabulously festive. 

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.  

James Blunt's show at the first direct arena has been rescheduled for Friday 11th February 2022.  All tickets remain valid for the new date. 

Following on from the release of their UK number 1 album 'For Those That Wish To Exist', ARCHITECTS have announced a UK arena tour for February and March 2022.

The promoters of the show have been in touch to say that; "Please note that the current Snoop Dogg ‘I Wanna Thank Me’ UK & Ireland tour date at the first direct arena has been rescheduled to Monday 7th March 2022. The UK has made incredible progress with the COVID vaccinations but unfortunately, as this progress is not yet global, international travel to reach these shows and others in the EU cannot be guaranteed at this time."  All tickets remain valid for the new date. 

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!!

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 2020 tour was previously postponed twice and rescheduled to March 2021 following government advice and the closure of venues across the UK, as part of the nationwide effort to combat the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). Due to the continuing uncertainty regarding the unlocking of mass gatherings for arena events in the entertainment sector, it has been decided to reschedule the shows again to March 2022.

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"

The schedule for the 2022 Premier League darts season has been confirmed, with the tournament set to visit the first direct arena on Thursday April 7.  Ticket bookings for the 2020/2021 Premier League nights at the first direct arena have been moved to the 2022 event automatically.

The organisers have been in touch to say that: “Due to the current Coronavirus outbreak and the government measures implemented to limit its spread, the 5 Seconds of Summer April 2021 shows have been postponed. The rearranged dates will instead take place in April 2022. Customers are advised to keep hold of their tickets as they will be valid for the rescheduled dates. Please see artist website and social media for further statement”.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic André Rieu’s postponed 2020 UK/Ireland tour, scheduled for 2021, has been rescheduled to 2022. Current ticket holders should retain their tickets as they will be automatically honored for the new dates.

It is with regret that due to the continued situation with regard to coronavirus in the UK and around the world, Craig David’s ‘Hold That Thought’ UK tour has unfortunately been postponed and will now take place in April 2022.

All tickets for the original shows remain valid.

Artist Statement: "You know how much we love being on the road and performing every night for you all. However, due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, we must prioritise the safety of our fans and crew and help to stop the spread. Therefore we’re so sad to say that the Confetti tour will be postponed to April 2022. All tickets will be valid for the corresponding rescheduled dates. We can’t wait to see you when it is safe to do so! Lots of love The girls x"

GREGORY PORTER’s upcoming Feb/March 2021 UK tour has been rescheduled due to the ongoing corona-virus outbreak. Please hold onto your existing tickets, they will automatically be transferred to the new date of 7th May 2022.  Thanks to everyone for your continued understanding and stay safe!

Statement from the production: 

It is with regret that due to the ongoing situation with regards to coronavirus in the UK, the upcoming JEFF DUNHAM show at Leeds first direct Arena on Monday 24th May 2021 has been rescheduled and will now take place on SUNDAY 15TH MAY 2022. All tickets will remain valid for the new show date. Customers are advised to retain their tickets and ticket confirmations at this time.

With two hugely successful films starring Channing Tatum and the hit productions of MAGIC MIKE LIVE in London, Berlin, Australia and Las Vegas, MAGIC MIKE has turned up the heat across the globe. Now we’re bringing the sexiest, most spectacular new dance show in the world to the first direct arena. 

In light of the ongoing situation and threat of COVID-19 globally, the THUNDER UK tour can no longer take place in May 2021. The show at the first direct arena has been rescheduled to Sunday 22nd May 2022 and all original tickets remain valid. 

Directed by Strictly's Creative Director of Choreography Jason Gilkison, the show will feature a stunning line-up of pro dancers ready to race back to the dancefloor.

Tickets on sale at 10am on Friday 16th April 2021.

Due to the ongoing Coronavirus outbreak and the government measure implemented to limit its spread, the David Gray September 2021 shows have been postponed.  The rearranged dates will instead take place in May 2022.  Customers are advised to keep hold of their tickets as they will be valid for the rescheduled dates.

The organisers have been in touch to say that due to the ongoing COVID pandemic and the restrictions on major events they are having to move Barry Manilow’s UK Concerts…one more time. Keep your tickets, they are valid for the new concert dates.The following is a message from Barry Manilow’s management; "All of us share your disappointment. When we are finally able to return in 2022, we look forward to seeing everyone again healthy, happy, and ready to celebrate when the good times come again. We can’t wait to see you all in 2022."

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic impacting earlier dates in the Jason Manford Tour, unfortunately, dates later in 2021 have had to be rescheduled. Jason Manford is now scheduled to perform at the first direct arena on the rescheduled date of the Friday 14th October 2022.

All tickets will be valid for the new date. 

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.