Event Calendar

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. 

The 16th Leeds Sports Awards will once again take place at first direct Arena on Thursday 28th February 2019, the third year the venue has staged the ceremony. Over 800 guests will be expected to attend.

The awards celebrate the achievements and contributions across the city, including grass roots, professional clubs and athletes, right through to coaches, administrators and volunteers.

The FD Bar at the first direct arena hosts Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club in association with first direct bank. All the shows are different with ever changing line ups at each night. Each show has four top professional comics including the MC. Comedians off the telly from such shows as BBCs Mock the Week, Michael Mcintyre's comedy roadshow, etc. Plus the best of the rest. The likes of Jason Manford, Sarah Millican and John Bishop all performed on Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club nights before they hit the big time. So come and see more brilliant comedians.

A not to be missed opportunity for anyone considering an apprenticeship. Now firmly established as the largest apprenticeship recruitment fair in the north, young people, parents & carers can come along to meet and speak to some of biggest and best employers in the city. Find out about the many apprenticeship opportunities that are available and have your questions answered. No need to book, just turn up.......

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.

The FD Bar at the first direct arena hosts Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club in association with first direct bank. All the shows are different with ever changing line ups at each night. Each show has four top professional comics including the MC. Comedians off the telly from such shows as BBCs Mock the Week, Michael Mcintyre's comedy roadshow, etc. Plus the best of the rest. The likes of Jason Manford, Sarah Millican and John Bishop all performed on Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club nights before they hit the big time. So come and see more brilliant comedians.

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!

One of the biggest films of all times finally reaches the shores of the first direct arena next spring with a full 100-piece live orchestra. 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.

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 FD Bar at the first direct arena hosts Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club in association with first direct bank. All the shows are different with ever changing line ups at each night. Each show has four top professional comics including the MC. Comedians off the telly from such shows as BBCs Mock the Week, Michael Mcintyre's comedy roadshow, etc. Plus the best of the rest. The likes of Jason Manford, Sarah Millican and John Bishop all performed on Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club nights before they hit the big time. So come and see more brilliant comedians.

The Greatest Showman has taken over the world, with every child in town knowing each song word for word. Now 'The Greatest Show For Families' is taking over the first direct arena for one night only - LIVE! The all singing, all dancing talented cast of 10 will pay homage to some of the most iconic songs from shows such as 'The Greatest Showman', 'Disney Classics', 'Moulin Rouge' , ‘A Star Is Born’ and many many more!

The FD Bar at the first direct arena hosts Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club in association with first direct bank. All the shows are different with ever changing line ups at each night. Each show has four top professional comics including the MC. Comedians off the telly from such shows as BBCs Mock the Week, Michael Mcintyre's comedy roadshow, etc. Plus the best of the rest. The likes of Jason Manford, Sarah Millican and John Bishop all performed on Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club nights before they hit the big time. So come and see more brilliant comedians.

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.

Mark Knopfler, one of the most critically and commercially successful artists of all time, has announced a date at the first direct arena with his band in 2019. Hailed as one of the greatest guitarists of all time, Mark Knopfler has sold in excess of 120 million albums across his Dire Straits and solo career, and many of his songs have become standards, including ‘Money For Nothing’, ‘Sultans Of Swing’, ‘Romeo & Juliet’ and ‘Walk Of Life’. He has released eight solo albums as well as recording ‘Neck And Neck’ with guitar great Chet Atkins, and collaborated with Emmylou Harris on ‘All The Roadrunning’.

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.

The FD Bar at the first direct arena hosts Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club in association with first direct bank. All the shows are different with ever changing line ups at each night. Each show has four top professional comics including the MC. Comedians off the telly from such shows as BBCs Mock the Week, Michael Mcintyre's comedy roadshow, etc. Plus the best of the rest. The likes of Jason Manford, Sarah Millican and John Bishop all performed on Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club nights before they hit the big time. So come and see more brilliant comedians.

Rita Ora has announced her Phoenix UK tour for 2019 including a date here at the first direct arena. Ora's tour comes in support of her second studio album which shares the same name. It features a host of guest artists including Avicii, Liam Payne, Cardi B, Charli XCX and Julia Michaels. The record follows up the singer's hugely successful debut album, Ora

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!

Join us for Cherish 2019 with guest speakers Priscilla Shirrer & DawnChere Wilkerson. Every year woman from all over the world gather for Cherish Conference UK. This year's conference is taking place on the 30th May - 1st June 2019. As one, it is time to unify and amplify the sound of heaven here on earth, to glorify the greatness of our God and to magnify the miracles He is doing in all of our lives.
 

Grammy-award winning global megastar Michael Bublé will return to the UK next year with a brand new tour kicking off in May 2019. Michael has already completed five sold-out world tours, won four Grammy Awards and sold over 60 million records over the course of his extraordinary career. EXTRA DATE ADDED DUE TO PHENOMENAL DEMAND 

Bill Bailey returns to the first direct arena after a triumphant 2018 performance. Larks In Transit 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. NEW DATE ADDED DUE TO PHENOMENAL DEMAND!

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+ tattoo 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.  

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.

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. TICKETS ON SALE NOW

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. 

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.

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 with a headline act still to be announced.  Tickets go on sale in March 2019

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.

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.

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."