Event Calendar

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.  

Doors - 6.00pm    Shows start - 7.30pm

Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club presents the best in live stand-up to Leeds. 

Bringing you comedians off the telly from such shows as BBC2's Mock The Week, Channel 4's 8 Out of 10 Cats, BBC1's Michael McIntyre's Comedy Roadshow. Previously they've booked the likes of Jason Manford, John Bishop, and Sarah Millican before they hit the big time. So come and see more brilliant comedians in our FD Bar!

Leeds’ highly successful apprenticeship recruitment fair returns for 2022 with over 100 organisations recruiting apprentices

Simply Red - "Due to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the easing of Covid-19 restrictions for live events in the UK, the Simply Red UK tour dates are being moved to February 2022. Whilst we are all saddened and frustrated to be bringing you the news that the shows will no longer take place in 2021, we really can’t wait to see you all there just a few months later for a huge celebration!"

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. 

It is with great regret that we have to announce the postponement of the L.O.L. Surprise! LIVE VIP Party at First Direct Arena Leeds to Saturday, February 19th, 2022 at 12pm and 3.30pm. We apologise in advance for any inconvenience this may cause, but please hold on to your tickets as they will remain valid for the new date and time  L.O.L. Surprise! LIVE VIP Party! in collaboration with Visit Malta is the UK’s first opportunity to see the most L.O.L. Surprise! characters together… LIVE.

Following the release of his critically acclaimed UK #1 sophomore album, ‘We’re All Alone In This Together’, which had the biggest first-week sales in the UK since October 2019, Dave announces a huge 2022 first direct arena date.

The Wanted are back together again after a seven year hiatus and they have announced a special tour of the UK in March 2022. MOST WANTED - THE GREATEST HITS Tour takes in many of the UK’s biggest cities and will give fans a chance to hear all their favourites live for the first time in 7 years.

The Rhinos will look to build on their impressive debut campaign in the Vitality Netball Superleague with the backing of their home supporters. With fans unable to watch the Rhinos live last year due to Covid restrictions, this season will be the first chance supporters will get to see their team in action in Yorkshire. The first direct arena in Leeds will host two showpiece events, the first of which will be against two-time champions Wasps. 

Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club presents the best in live stand-up to Leeds. 

Bringing you comedians off the telly from such shows as BBC2's Mock The Week, Channel 4's 8 Out of 10 Cats, BBC1's Michael McIntyre's Comedy Roadshow. Previously they've booked the likes of Jason Manford, John Bishop, and Sarah Millican before they hit the big time. So come and see more brilliant comedians in our FD Bar!

Stormzy has the pleasure of finally confirming his long-awaited rescheduled dates for his biggest ever UK tour which includes a night at the first direct arena in Leeds. Since the release of acclaimed debut ‘Gang Signs & Prayer’ dubbed one of the most influential UK rap projects of all time, and his critically lauded second album ‘Heavy Is The Head’, Stormzy has become solidified as a global icon. Original tickets will remain valid for the new dates

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!!

Band statement: ‘’Due to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic restrictions on global live events and travel we are forced to postpone our European arena tour that was supposed to happen in March/April 2022. We have already secured new dates and they will be revealed as soon as all the final details are set. Stay tuned, your tickets will be valid!“ Customers are advised to retain their tickets and booking details at this time and your ticket company will contact you with the new date as soon as it is confirmed.

Stereophonics have announced a date at the first direct arena in support of their new album ‘Oochya!’ following previous album ‘Kind’, which went to Number One in the UK album charts in 2019. It became the band’s 7th UK Number One album in the process. The release of ‘Oochya!’ will see the Welsh rockers return to the road for what’s sure to be another eagerly anticipated sold out UK Arena tour.

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.

Josh Warrington is set to take on Kiko Martinez at the first direct arena on the 26th March 2022 with the IBF world title up for grabs.  Ticket details will be confimed soon.

Royal Blood annonunce a huge 2022 UK arena touch including a return to the first direct arena.

On the back of a hugely successful 2021, the Giants Live World’s Strongest Man Arena Tour is launching into 2022, bigger, better – and stronger than ever! As the official World’s Strongest Man qualifying tour, the competitions will be filmed for Channel 5 for its World’s Strongest Man series. Jaw-dropping, inspirational and larger than life - this is live strength sport and entertainment at its absolute biggest and best.

The multi-award winning masterpiece returns with THE 'LIFE BEGINS AGAIN’ TOUR.  Liam Neeson returns at The Jornalist in 3D Holography & Jeff Wayne will be conducting and the first guest artist have been announced: Steps' Claire Richards as Beth, The Parson's Wife & Strictly Come Dancings's Kevin Clifton as The Artilleryman.  Final cast members will be announced soon. 

The Evanescence and Within Temptation shows can no longer take place in 2021. The show has been rescheduled to the 4th of April 2022 and all original tickets remain valid.
 

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.

Due to the ongoing Coronavirus situation and uncertainty surrounding the easing of restrictions, the Simple Minds August & September 2021 shows have been postponed. The rearranged date 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.

For the first time ever, your favourite characters will be brought to life live on stage, as different mystery celebrities are unmasked at the end of every performance*. TV host Joel Dommett will also present this first-ever live version of the unique guessing game that has gripped the nation, and will be joined by celebrity guest judges at every performance!. *We cannot guarantee the appearance of any particular cast of characters.

The Wombats kick off the most exciting phase of their constantly evolving success story today with the announcement of their headline UK arena tour in April 2022, playing a massive opening night at Leeds' first direct arena.

Supporting The Wombats on their first direct arena date is Sports Team and The Night Café

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”.

Over the last 15 years, The War on Drugs have steadily emerged as one of this century’s great rock and roll synthesists, removing the gaps between the underground and the mainstream, between the obtuse and the anthemic, making records that wrestle a fractured past into a unified and engrossing present. The War On Drugs’ 2022 tour takes the band to some of the largest venues they’ve ever played including a performance at the first direct arena, Leeds.

The incomparable, multi-award-winning and global chart-topping Sean Paul reveals ‘Scorcha’ - his new UK tour in April 2022 with Sean Kingston in support, going on sale just ahead of his 8th studio album project. Sean Paul is the undisputed biggest crossover dancehall artist of all time, a prolific talent with a staggering 6.6 billion audio streams and 4.3 billion video streams


 

Dua Lipa's performance at first direct arena, which was originally scheduled for 4th June 2020 / 22nd January 2021/ 21st September 2021 will be rescheduled again to Monday 18th April 2022. 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 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"

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 2022.

ARCHITECTS have rescheduled their dates and are coming to Leeds First Direct Arena, 2 May 2022 

Blondie, one of the most influential bands to emerge from New York’s punk scene, have announced their first direct arena date is to be postponed until May 2022, their first UK tour in 5 years. Blondie welcomes legendary guitarist, The Smiths co-founder and Blondie collaborator, Johnny Marr for the rescheduled date.

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!

The Rhinos will look to build on their impressive debut campaign in the Vitality Netball Superleague with the backing of their home supporters. With fans unable to watch the Rhinos live last year due to Covid restrictions, this season will be the first chance supporters will get to see their team in action in Yorkshire. The first direct arena in Leeds will host two showpiece events, the second of which will be this huge northern derby against three-time champions Manchester Thunder. 

Fresh from unveiling details about her second studio album titled ‘Therapy’, Anne-Marie is delighted to announce her upcoming UK & Ireland ‘Dysfunctional Tour’ that’ll take place in May 2022. Running over five dates, including her first ever visit to the first direct arena. 

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.

The Script celebrate a journey that has included five UK #1 albums, six billion streams, and over two million ticket sales with the release of the career-spanning greatest hits album ‘Tales From The Script’ The celebrations will extend deep into 2022 with the confirmation of a huge first direct arena show. The Script will be joined by special guest Ella Henderson on their arena date. 

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.

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.

Following the completion of a sold out tour across the UK, ERASURE (Andy Bell and Vince Clarke) have, due to overwhelming demand, added a date at the first direct arena for May 2022.

The chart-topping duo have just finished a run of sold out UK dates that included The O2 in London, and these newly announced dates follow their recently rescheduled European shows

EXTRA SHOW ANNOUNCED DUE TO PHENOMENAL DEMAND - Love him or loathe him, we all love Alan Partridge. Over a multi-decade broadcasting career, this wonderful and surprisingly well-read man has brought delight to millions. And now, in a country riven with discord and disease, Alan is touring the country with a message of hope. Welcome to STRATAGEM WITH ALAN PARTRIDGE, a live stage show that promises to inform, educate and entertain in approximately equal measure. 

Two acclaimed headliners from both sides of the Atlantic will be touring UK arenas in what will be 2022’s must-see event. Rock n Roll Hall of Famer Alice Cooper returns to the UK alongside Rock Icons The Cult. Renowned for their unforgettable live shows, we can anticipate a dark, twisted trip through goth, psychedelia, macabre theatre and straight-up rock anthems when these two giants take the stage.

Due to the current Coronavirus outbreak the Kings of Leon June 2021 shows have been postponed.   The rearranged dates will instead take place in June 2022.   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 Diana Ross UK Tour will now be taking place in 2022.  The event at the first direct arena will now take place on Wednesday 15th June 2022. 

All tickets remain valid for the new date.

The world’s favourite rebel Billy Idol is back and heading out on The Roadside Tour 2022 with some new music, a stack of timeless classics and his long-time lead guitarist and collaborator Steve Stevens.  Supporting Billy Idol are very special guests The Go-Go’s making their first UK appearance for 26 years. 

Due to Government guidance and the roadmap relating to coronavirus and the uncertainty regarding international travel George Benson's UK dates are being moved to 2022.  Please keep hold of your tickets as they will be 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 forthcoming Alanis Morissette tour dates have been rescheduled. All tickets remain valid for the new dates. Alanis’ says “Due to the ongoing uncertainty with full capacity events in much of Europe, as well as the logistical challenges and border crossings with a large travelling production, I have come to the difficult and heartbreaking decision to postpone my October and November UK and Europe 2021 tour 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."

One of music’s greatest icons GLADYS KNIGHT is returning to Leeds! This seven-time Grammy award winner is known for 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)  The Way We Were,   Baby Don't' Change Your Mind and You're The Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me plus many more.

Due to the continued uncertainty of the COVID-19 situation, we regretfully have to postpone the PAW Patrol Live! “Race to the Rescue” UK Tour to Summer 2022. Please note that all tickets purchased for the tour will remain valid for 2022. Please look out for an email from your point of purchase with all the information you need to know about your tickets, including what to do if you are unable to attend the new dates.

The Diljit Dosanjh tour has been rescheduled and the event at the first direct arena will no longer take place on the 14th August 2021. 

Ticket holds are advised to keep hold of your tickets, as they will be valid for the new date of Friday 26th August 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 Friday 2nd September 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. 

Due to continued uncertainty across some of the regions of our tour, Professor Brian Cox – Horizons: A 2021 Space Odyssey will be postponed until 2022. We want to ensure all ticketholders can attend and therefore the full schedule of shows will go ahead on alternate dates next year

Join Joe Lycett (the artist formerly known as Hugo Boss) doing what he does best: talking at a room of people in a queer and comedic fashion. His first tour in years promises to be packed with MORE jokes, MORE comedy anecdotes and MORE inappropriate and arguably disturbing paintings, all in the hope of answering the age-old question: How do you Lycett? How do you Lycett? 

It is with regret that due to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the easing of Covid-19 restrictions in the UK and around the world, the Queen Machine show due to take place on Friday 8th October 2021 been postponed and will now take place on Saturday 17th September 2022.  All tickets purchased for the original dates remain valid. Customers are advised to retain their tickets and ticket confirmations at this time.

One of the UK’s most exciting and successful boy bands are back! To celebrate their 20th anniversary, Blue will be joined on tour by Atomic Kitten, who will be very special guests at every date. Blue are one of the most successful British bands and have sold over 16 million albums worldwide including 3.6 million albums and 1.4 million singles in the UK. Their first 3 albums all topped the Official Album Chart and the group have worked with a variety of legends including Stevie Wonder, Elton John and Lil’ Kim.

Due to the ongoing covid situation, travel restrictions and therefore the uncertainty surrounding overseas Artists, The Temptations and Four Tops with special guests Odyssey scheduled 2021 dates are being moved into 2022. The concert will now take place on Saturday October 1st 2022 and ticket holders do not need to do anything as tickets will remain valid. 

James is disappointed to announce today that his upcoming European tour, previously set to begin in January 2022, has been postponed due to concerns about COVID-19.

Previously purchased tickets will be honoured for all-new concert dates and fans are encouraged to hold onto their tickets. 

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. 

After careful consideration of the fluid situation of the pandemic, Bon Iver have decided to reschedule their European tour dates for October 2022. The ongoing uncertainty around international travel and restrictions make any kind of international touring impossible. Unfortunately, Aaron Dessner's Big 37d03d Machine is not able to join them for the rescheduled dates.  All previously purchased tickets are valid for the new date.

Deep Purple, announce their rescheduled dates for 2022: "In light of the ongoing situation with COVID-19, the Deep Purple  UK tour can no longer take place in October 2021. The shows have been rescheduled to October 2022 and all original tickets remain valid". Special Guests will remain as Blue Öyster Cult. 

The event organisers have been in touch to let us know that the performances of Cirque du Soleil ‘Corteo’ that were due to take place in October 2022 have been cancelled. A message from Cirque du Soleil: “Cirque du Soleil apologizes for any inconvenience this cancellation may cause. The Touring Show Division at Cirque du Soleil is currently working on the next visit of one of its shows to your area.” Ticket purchasers will be refunded automatically by their point of purchase.

The UK's biggest-selling album group of the 21st century, Westlife, today announce an extensive 2022 tour as their sensational return to music continues. Westlife will once again be hitting the road next year, following their record-breaking 2019 reunion tour which saw Shane, Nicky, Mark and Kian play to over 600,000 fans across 27 countries. The Irish pop kings kick off their tour next summer performing across the U.K.

STATUS QUO are extending their ‘Out Out Quoing’ UK & Eire Spring Tour in 2022 and will now undertake an additional run of 6 high profile Christmas dates. All of these shows will feature Shakin’ Stevens as a Very Special Guest. Most shows on the February and March 2022 run are now sold out, or very nearly. The ‘Out Out Quoing’ tour marks the band’s long-overdue return to the live circuit, having not performed since their triumphant set in September 2019 in front of 65,000 fans

The Cure have announced details for their upcoming 2022 European Tour with 44 shows across 22 countries  including first direct arena, Leeds on 6th December 2022 also announced is a new 67' album and new 135' show. The Cure will be joined by special guests The Twilight Sad on their 2022 European Tour.

Sir Rod Stewart will once again hit the road with a massive U.K. Tour visitng Leeds in December 2022. Following the success of his previous sold-out tours, Rod’s 2022 shows promise to be filled with show-stopping classics and new hits in his unmissable captivating style. Rod Stewart is one of the best-selling artists in the history of recorded music, with an estimated 250 million records and singles sold worldwide.

"Regrettably we are announcing the postponement of our UK / Irish tour dates for 2021 which unfortunately will now be pushed into 2022, please find new dates below. London, Leeds, Castlebar, Kerry and Belfast ticket holders, please hang on to those tickets, we haven’t forgotten you, new dates coming shortly."

Magic Mike: The Arena Tour move their Leeds first direct arena tour date to Saturday 29th April 2023. Tickets remain valid for this new date. 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. 

Elton John has today announced that the forthcoming 2021 European and UK tour dates of his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour have to be rescheduled to 2023. Elton says: 'It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that I am forced to reschedule the 2021 dates of my Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour in Europe and the UK to 2023" The new Leeds date is Tuesday 6th June 2023

The event organisers have been in touch to let us know that The Pussycat Dolls performance at the first direct arena has now been cancelled. We will be automatically refunding your tickets to the method of payment you used to buy your tickets, so you don’t need to do anything further. Thank you for your patience and understanding.