After a blockbuster year of live music in 2025, featuring the monumental return of Oasis and farewell shows from legends, the UK concert scene shows no sign of slowing down. 2026 is shaping up to be an even more spectacular year, with a stellar lineup of artists from pop icons to rock veterans announcing major tours across the country.
Major Headliners and Long-Awaited Returns
The coming year promises some truly unmissable live experiences. Ariana Grande will swap a traditional tour for an exclusive 10-night residency at London's O2 Arena, running from August 15 to September 1. This follows the renewed success of her 'Eternal Sunshine' album and her starring role in 'Wicked'.
In a triumphant return, Bon Jovi will hit UK and Irish stadiums after frontman Jon Bon Jovi's recovery from vocal cord surgery. Their 'Forever' tour includes dates at Edinburgh's Murrayfield Stadium (August 28), Dublin's Croke Park (August 30), and London's Wembley Stadium (September 4).
Fans of theatrical rock will rejoice as My Chemical Romance brings their 'Black Parade' 20th-anniversary tour to the UK. The band will perform the iconic album in full at select shows in Liverpool, Glasgow, and London, with tickets already in high demand.
Critically Acclaimed Comebacks and Rising Stars
Lily Allen's defining comeback continues with an expanded arena tour following the critical and commercial success of her brutally personal album 'West End Girl'. Despite frantic initial sales, some tickets reportedly remain available on Ticketmaster.
Paramore's Hayley Williams will embark on a solo tour after the surprise release of her acclaimed album. Due to 'overwhelming demand', extra dates were added in Manchester, Glasgow, and Dublin, alongside two London shows at the Roundhouse.
Rising pop-soul sensation Olivia Dean graduates to arena shows, capitalising on a stratospheric year. Meanwhile, Bad Bunny makes a long-awaited return to the UK for his biggest headline tour here yet, with only two shows scheduled at London's Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on June 27 and 28.
Established Icons and Festival Headliners
Florence and the Machine promise a gothic, cathartic stage show, supported by viral artist Paris Paloma. Westlife celebrate their 20th anniversary with a major UK tour, visiting cities from Aberdeen to Sheffield starting in September, following sold-out Royal Albert Hall gigs.
Scottish rockers Biffy Clyro will play their largest ever headline show at London's Finsbury Park, preceded by an eight-date arena run across the country, supporting their number-one album 'Futique'.
With new ticket resale rules potentially improving access, 2026 offers an unprecedented lineup for UK music lovers. From intimate arena shows to massive stadium spectaculars, the year is set to deliver unforgettable live moments.
