Event Calendar

Camila Cabello’s show on 2nd June 2020 at the first direct arena has been cancelled.  Ticket purchasers will be given first access to tickets when new dates are announced. Refunds will be processed as soon as possible.

Unfortunately, due to the ongoing situation worldwide, the performances of Cirque du Soleil - Corteo in Leeds June 18 – 21 2020 will not be able to go ahead. We are working on new dates for the performances, and will be in touch with more information as soon as possible. 
 

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.

Due to the ongoing coronavirus (Covid-19) situation the organisers have taken the difficult decision to cancel this event.  All customers who purchased via the arena's official ticketing partner, Ticketmaster, will be refunded automatically in due course.

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.

May's planned Unibet Premier League visit to the first direct arena has been rescheduled for Thursday August 27.  The Premier League season - featuring the likes of World Champion Peter Wright and world number one Michael van Gerwen - has been suspended since mid-March following restrictions imposed due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Tickets purchased for the original league night will remain valid for the new date. 

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.

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.  All existing tickets & VIP Packages will remain valid for the rescheduled dates.

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.

‘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’

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. 

All tickets remain valid for the new date

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.

BBC Studios and concert promoter FKP Scorpio UK have announced their rescheduled tour dates as Autumn 2020 for the Planet Earth II Live in Concert arena tour of the UK & Ireland.  Hosted by science and natural history TV presenter Liz Bonnin, with behind the scenes insights from  Mike Gunton, the executive producer of the BAFTA and EMMY® award-winning BBC television series, these live concerts will highlight the incredible power and beauty of mother nature in all her glory.

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.  

The event organisers have been in touch to say that:

We’ve 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, Leeds on Friday 12th June, 2020 will be rescheduled to Friday 8th January 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.

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.

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! 

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.

Due to current restrictions relating to Covid-19, the promoters have advised that the event has been rescheduled to Wednesday 17th February 2021. "We want to reassure you that your current tickets will remain valid for the rescheduled show and you do not need to do anything to secure your booking. If you have any questions please contact your point of purchase. We look forward to seeing you soon!"

GREGORY PORTER’s  May 2020 UK shows have been rescheduled due to the current corona-virus outbreak. Hold on to your existing tickets.  They will automatically be transferred to the new date of 27th February 2021.

Thanks to everyone for your understanding and stay safe!

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."

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. 

All tickets remain valid for the new date

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.

5 Seconds of Summer (5SOS) have reschuduled their tour, planned for 2020, until April 2021.

Read the official statement from the band here.

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.

Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds have rescheduled their European and UK Tour to Spring 2021.

All original tickets remain valid.

Update: The Diljit Dosanjh tour has been rescheduled and the event at first direct arena will now take place on 24 April 2021. Tickets will remain valid for the new show date.

Statement from the production: 

We've been closely monitoring this unprecedented situation and it has become clear that it will not possible to go ahead with the show as planned on the designated date. Therefore Jeff Dunham’s performance at Leeds First Direct Arena will be rescheduled to Monday 24th May 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 coronavirus and Government guidance the Barry Manilow UK dates in August / September 2020 will not be able to go ahead and have been rescheduled to May / June 2021.

The date in Leeds is now Friday May 28th 2021.  Your current tickets and same seats will remain valid for this date.

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

AEG presents are very pleased to announce the NEW dates for the Diana Ross "Top of the World Tour" in 2021.  The show at the first direct arena on 30th June 2020 is moving to Wednesday 16th June 2021.

YOUR TICKETS REMAIN VALID FOR THE NEW SHOW DATE.

Thank you for your patience, 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… 

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. 

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.