The Skids formed in 1977 in their home town of Dunfermline, Scotland by Richard Jobson, Stuart Adamson, Bill Simpson & Tom Kellichan. After releasing an independent single the band were played by John Peel, supported The Clash in concert and then were signed to Virgin Records in 1978. Their first singles were ‘Sweet Surburbia’, ‘The Saints are Coming’ and ‘Into the Valley’ - the latter reaching the UK Top Ten in early 1979. Their seminal debut album ‘Scared to Dance’; came out in 1979 and was quickly followed by two chart singles – ‘Masquerade’ and ‘Working for the Yankee Dollar’. Both singles were taken from the Bill Nelson (Be Bop Deluxe) produced second album ‘Days in Europa’. The album also featured new member Rusty Egan of Rich Kids & Visage fame after the departure of Tom Kellichan. The band released two more albums ‘The Absolute Game’ (1980) and ‘Joy’ (1981) before splitting. Stuart Adamson went on to have worldwide success with his new band Big Country. The Skids were at the heart of the punk scene in Scotland and took their music to London where they were signed by Virgin records. They made 4 albums and had numerous hit singles including Into the Valley, The Saints are Coming, Masquerade and Working for the Yankee Dollar.

One of Britain's most loved and influential musicians takes to the road again with a brand new show entitled The Francis Rossi Songbook: Quo – Past, Present, Future. This is a great opportunity for fans to hear many all-time favourites from one of rock's greatest songwriters, as well as some unexpected gems, it's a journey through the incredible career of a true one-off artist.

The exceptional classical guitarist Miloš Karadaglić will return with one of the UK’s top chamber orchestras. The Montenegran guitar hero with the chiselled jaw and perma-stubble brings his artistry to music from the baroque period to the 1960s, with a chamber orchestra at his back.

Armed with his signature wit, razor-sharp storytelling, and a complete inability to take himself seriously, Shane is back with his brand new stand up show. Shane Todd hosts the massively popular Tea With Me podcast and performs in some of the worlds most famous comedy clubs.

Aye aye! Ahoy hoy! The unstoppable talking panjandrum is back in town! Celebrating 50 years afloat on the showbiz seas! Dead men tell no tales – so might as well get ’em all told now! Avast! Two thundering hours guaranteed!

Some people are built to Embrace the Chaos. Jason Fox is one of them, having survived some of the most hostile outposts on Earth as an elite operator, documentary maker and expedition leader. Jason will share a series of never-told-before stories, his close brushes with enemy gunmen, terrorist bomb makers and cartel leaders, while revealing his strategies for surviving — and thriving — in environments as life-threatening as the Arctic Circle and Afghan badlands. Though, as you’ll learn, nothing is as terrifying as the rogue celebrity on SAS: Who Dares Wins… Challenge your limits, change your habits and transform your life.

Taking us through the summer of music is none other than Toots and the Maytals. A Grammy award winner, his sound is a unique and original combination of Gospel, Ska, Soul, Reggae and Rock. Maytal’s influence on popular music is undeniable. Considered a musical legend, the artist’s catalogue has been covered by artists from Amy Winehouse to Sublime.

Gotobeat by arrangement with Mister Ibé presents Ibrahim Maalouf 'Trumpets Of Michel-Ange'. Ibrahim Maalouf, a trailblazing figure in French music, achieved global recognition over the past decade. In 2022, his album "Queen of Sheba" earned him a historic Grammy nomination, followed by another nod in 2023 for "Capacity to Love." His extensive career includes being the first jazz musician to fill France's largest concert hall, receiving multiple Victoires du Jazz and Victoires de la Musique awards, and international honors like the Echo Jazz in Germany. Collaborating with renowned artists and supported by Quincy Jones, Maalouf continues to break musical boundaries, as seen in his sold-out 2023 Accor Arena performance and the announcement of his 2024 world tour in the United States and Canada. With the release of his new album TRUMPETS OF MICHEL ANGE, Ibrahim Maalouf will embark on an exciting Asian tour at the end of 2024, followed by two sold-out shows at La Salle Pleyel in Paris in December. Presented by Gotobeat. U14's to be accompanied by an adult

Police Dog Hogan are a high-energy and eclectic eight-piece, combining fiddle, trumpet, mandolin, drums and guitars with four-part harmonies in an exuberant and genre-defying fusing of country, pop, folk, and rocking urban bluegrass. Much-loved Guardian columnist Tim Dowling adds his banjo to the musical mix. The Sunday Times has described them as “wonderful”; the Telegraph named them one of its ‘favourite new bands”; Mark Radcliffe on Radio 2 said a “great night out was guaranteed” at their joyful shows; and veteran DJ Johnnie Walker praises their gigs as “a really good, fun time”. Eliot James (of Kaiser Chiefs, Bloc Party, Noah and the Whale, and Two Door Cinema Club fame) produced the band’s second CD, and Al Scott (Seth Lakeman, Oysterband, The Levellers, Asian Dub Foundation) oversaw the new album, ‘Wild By the Side of the Road’, which spent several weeks in the official UK Americana charts. Police Dog Hogan were one of only three UK bands invited to Nashville to perform at the prestigious Americana Music Association Awards, where DJ Bob Harris – in town for the awards – snapped them up for a recording that has become one of the most-watched YouTube videos on his “Under the Apple Tree Sessions” channel.

Mark Radcliffe and Marc Riley in Carry on an Audience with Mark and Lard. Like the day Neil Armstrong stepped on to the moon (if you were born then, if not, skip this bit) or when Alan Bradley got run over by a Blackpool tram on Coronation Street (ditto) – everybody can remember where they were on that fateful day in Radio 1 history. Listening to the radio. Obviously. Now, following high level negotiations after a chance meeting between Fat Harry White and Scoff Cruddle at a Bedford Rascal Enthusiasts rally, Mark and Marc have been coaxed back to wrestle once again on the sheepskin rug of light entertainment.

DHP Presents : Rodney crowell With very special guest Presented by DHP FAMILY. 14+ (under 16s to be accompanied by an adult)

Mike Bubbins, star of hit podcast The Socially Distant Sports Bar, and of BBC television comedies Mammoth, Tourist Trap and The Unexplainers, unleashes Throwback, his first ever solo UK stand-up tour. And things may never be the same again. Throwback is a powerful, thought-provoking, visceral hour of stand-up comedy, that pushes boundaries, defies neat descriptions and challenges the audience... As if it is! It’s actually an hour and a half of really funny stories, pretty impressive characterisations, possibly a song (he said he’ll see how that goes), a bit of nostalgia about the good old days, a bit of optimism about the good new days, and Mike generally having a laugh about life and not taking himself, or anything else, too seriously. Having said that, he may, at some point in the show, get very annoyed at berks, whether in the past, the present, or the future. Very annoyed. So basically Throwback is a comedy show about Bubbins sharing, and bringing to life, the stuff that he finds funny. As comedy concepts go, it’s a pretty straightforward one, really.

Walter Trout's backstory is a page-turner you won't want to put down. Five decades in the making; it is equal parts thriller, romance, suspense and horror. There are musical fireworks, critical acclaim and fists-aloft triumph, offset by wilderness years and brushes with the jaws of narcotic oblivion. There are feted early stints as gunslinger in bands from John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers to Canned Heat, and the solo career that’s still blazing a quarter-century later. The veteran bluesman has seen and done it all - plays earth shattering blues rock music. In only a little over a decade, Dan Patlansky has become one of the busiest and most respected blues artists to ever come out of South Africa. After his debut album which garnered Dan a reputation as a Blues-phenomenon, and his subsequent “Readers Choice” vote as “Best Blues Guitarist in Southern Africa”, Dan’s second album was released by EMI on the famed Blue Note label. Dan is one of the only South Africans to ever achieve “Blue Note” status and one of only six Fender endorsed guitarists in South Africa. Dan Patlansky, #1 Blues Rock Album 2016 by Blues Rock Review.

New stand-up tour show from Mike Wozniak in which a story about a bench will be prominent. Previous experience of or strong opinions about benches not required. Let Mike worry about that. As seen on Taskmaster, Man Down and Junior Taskmaster. As heard on Three Bean Salad podcast.

Voted ‘Musician of the Year’ at the Scots Trad Music Awards 2023, and with a career spanning several studio albums and numerous high-profile collaborations, Julie Fowlis ‘crystalline’ and ‘intoxicating’ vocals have enchanted audiences around the world. Her music is deeply influenced by the Hebridean islands where she grew up and the Highland landscapes where she now resides, and she will forever be recognised for singing the theme songs to Brave, Disney Pixar’s Oscar-, Golden Globe- and BAFTA-winning animated film set in the ancient highlands of Scotland. A winner of ‘Folk Singer of the Year’ at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, Julie has graced stages around the world, from village halls in the Highlands to Carnegie Hall in New York, the Mozart Concert Hall in Vienna, the Philharmonie de Paris, Shakespeare’s Globe in London and the World Festival of Sacred Music in Fez, Morocco.

Starting out as the bedroom project of Jazz pianist Scott Bradlee and rapidly growing into a viral and real-world sensation, the US group's vintage-pop mash ups have racked up over 811 million views on YouTube. Imagine marrying the 21st century party vibe of Miley Cyrus or the minimalist angst of Radiohead with the crackly warmth of a vintage 78 or the plunger-muted barrelhouse howl of a forgotten Kansas City jazzman. Bradlee's choice of material ranges from the '80s hard rock of Guns N' Roses to hits as recent as Taylor Swift's controversial "Look What You Made Me Do." They're rendered by a rotating cast of musicians and singers in fashions that date back to a time when Axl, Slash and T-Swift's parents had yet to be born - a time of street corner harmonies and torch singers, blues belters and golden-voiced crooners.

GoGo Penguin have been internationally hailed as electrifying live performers, innovative soundtrack composers, and as a collective who channel electronic and club culture atmospheres alongside minimalist, jazz and rock influences to create music that pulses and flows from the dancefloor to meditative inner-worlds, transporting us into brand new realms.

Literary phenomenon John Cooper Clarke is a British cult hero. Known as the “Godfather of Punk Poetry” and the original people’s poet, John’s cultural influence spans literature, music and fashion. From creating some of the most iconic poetry of the modern era, including the world’s most popular wedding poem “I Wanna Be Yours” (which has over a billion streams in its incarnation as a hit record by the Arctic Monkeys) to sharing his life story through his best selling memoir of the same name which is full of John’s much-loved sardonic wit and hilarious ponderings on modern life. John is referenced as a major influence not just by the Arctic Monkeys but also by artists across the globe… As well as musicians like Alex Turner, The Sleaford Mods and Plan B, his legendary number “Evidently Chickentown” plays out the penultimate episode of The Sopranos. Watching John Cooper Clarke perform is an opportunity to see a living legend at the top of his game. Doctor John Cooper Clarke shot to prominence in the 1970s. Captivating audiences with his unique poetry and delivery style, he clawed his way up from working men’s clubs and cabaret venues in his native Salford and Manchester, to become one of the most prolific figures in punk. John’s early live shows were renowned occasions, and headline gigs were supported by many soon-to-be superstars including Joy Division, New Order and Duran Duran, as well as playing as special guest on shows by the Sex Pistols, Buzzcocks and The Clash. After the release of his seminal album on CBS “Snap, Crackle and Bop” where John’s poems were put to music by the legendary music producer Martin Hannett, he was firmly established as one of the most important artists of the Punk era. His recorded album was followed by the release of his first collection 10 Years in an Open Necked Shirt. The book is one of the best-selling poetry anthologies ever in the UK, Canada and Australia. As relevant and vibrant as ever, John Cooper Clarke’s influence is just as visible in contemporary pop culture, with his trademark ‘look’ resonating with fashion-conscious individuals across all demographics and his poetry features in the UK national curriculum syllabus. Having had a groundbreaking effect on modern music, his influence can be eard within the social observations of the Arctic Monkeys, amongst many others. His sense of humor resounds throughout his career, and his latest live show is a mix of classic verse, new material, hilarious ponderings on modern life, good honest gags, riffs and chat.

Men want to be him, Women want their boyfriends to stop showing them his videos. The King of the Internet Jungle is back where he belongs, doing stand-up in front of a live audience. After the whirlwind success of his chart-topping podcast Fin vs History and interview series Fin vs the Internet, it’s his biggest tour yet. But with the shows on-sale so far in advance, the question remains: will he fall off the tightrope before the curtain comes up?  It’s the pre-emptive comeback special.  As seen and heard on Live At The Apollo, Have I Got News For You, The Last Leg, Roast Battle, The Mash Report, 8 out of 10 Cats, Have a Word, Parenting Hell.

Sleeping At Last, the stage moniker of Chicago-based singer, producer and composer Ryan O’Neal, has captivated worldwide listeners for the past 12 years with its enchanting and emotive sound. O’Neal is known for his ability to craft introspective and cinematic compositions, which have featured in films and series including The Fault in Our Stars, The Twilight Saga and Grey’s Anatomy. Over the last decade, O’Neal has released three full-length albums, performed with the likes of Alanis Morissette and Christina Perri, scored the feature documentary film Many Beautiful Things, and recorded a podcast in which he explains the process and inspiration behind his music, one song at a time. In this performance, he shares music from his Atlas project, which has spanned the past 11 years and seen him release an ongoing series of EPs and garner a loyal following.

At the forefront of the UK’s world and roots music scene matching fiery intensity with exquisite finesse.

Edinburgh Comedy Award winning comedian and ARIA award-winning broadcaster John Robins embarks on his first stand-up tour since 2019. If you’ve seen him before you know what to expect; rage, anxiety and a lot of laughs. If you haven’t seen him before, strap the fk in.

Chart topping podcasters I'm Grand Mam are back with a bang. The two lads, originally from Cork, have a cuppa and catch up each week while exploring the collective life landmarks that accompany growing up gay in the world today. Join Kevin and PJ as they navigate their way through life, whilst battling with the internal shared struggle that every Irish gay man deals with - ‘what would Mam think?’

The London African Gospel Choir, backed their excellent band will perform Paul Simon’s classic record Graceland live from start to finish, alongside a collection of their own tunes. The choir’s re-imagining will take us from smash synth driven You Can Call Me Al to haunting acapella Zulu folk song Homeless and everything in between. The London African Gospel Choir is a collective of African singers, musicians and dancers who specialise in African gospel music. They have performed with the likes of Emeli Sandé, Mumford and Sons and, Annie Lennox, recorded with Idris Elba and John Legend, and are due to headline their own show at the prestigious Barbican Centre, have toured the US, Ireland, France and Romania, and were a feature of the Monte Carlo Jazz Festival. Masks must be worn unless exempt, eating, drinking, seated or dancing.

Never failing to delight crowds with a glorious mix of fiddle and foot tapping, guitar, accordion, piano, bass, hurdy-gurdy and wonderful four-part harmonies, the band delivers catchy songs and tunes inspired and influenced by Québec’s traditional folk styles. Having performed across Canada, the US and in over 15 European countries, Le Vent du Nord is considered a driving force in progressive folk, capturing the energy and mirth of a Saturday night kitchen party, infusing old Québec with a breath of fresh, cosmopolitan air.

Hey! Manchester & Edge Street Live Presents: Cowboy Junkies: Celebrating 40 Years & Beyond In 1988, Cowboy Junkies proved that there was an audience waiting for something quiet, beautiful and reflective. The Trinity Session was like a whisper that cut through the noise -- and it was compelling. Since its release, they have enjoyed an enduring career in which they have stayed their course, maintaining a low-impact excavation of melody and evocative language delivered sotto voce in singer Margo Timmins’ feathery alto. Formed in Toronto in 1985, Margo was joined by siblings Michael Timmins on guitar, Peter Timmins on drums, and Michael’s lifelong friend Alan Anton on bass to begin a journey that has evolved over 29 albums. There’s an appreciation of each other that keeps them constantly working. “It’s that intimacy and understanding of what each one of us brings to the table,” says Michael. An evening with Cowboy Junkies promises a career-spanning show, including songs from their recent album, ‘Such Ferocious Beauty’, which was released in 2023, to universal critical acclaim. Presented by Hey Manchester & Edge Street Live This is an 14+ event

Shawn Colvin returns for a rare tour of the UK Over the course of three decades, Americana queen Shawn Colvin has established herself as a captivating performer and a revered storyteller, well-deserving of the commendation of her peers and the devoted audiences who have been inspired by her artistry. And as she enters her thirtieth decade as a songwriter and performer, she continues to reaffirm her status as a vital voice in music.

Hailed as the greatest cover band in the world, Australian collective Hindley Street Country Club are heading across the UK in autumn!

Join the Down for the Count Swing Orchestra for a celebration of one of the most iconic figures in swing music history: the incomparable Nat King Cole. Enjoy timeless classics such as Mona Lisa, Let’s Face the Music and Dance and L-O-V-E lovingly brought back to life by the instrumentalists and vocalists of this sensational 30-piece orchestra – one of the few UK jazz ensembles to feature a string section. This is not a tribute show, but rather a vibrant celebration of Nat King Cole’s life and music; a journey through the great man’s repertoire, from the intimate trio recordings he made early in his career to the later luscious orchestral work with arrangers such as Nelson Riddle and Gordon Jenkins. Compèred by musical director and conductor Mike Paul-Smith, the performance blends anecdotes from Nat King Cole’s life with recreations of some of his greatest recordings, as well as original arrangements of other classics penned by members of the orchestra. The Down for the Count Swing Orchestra is one of the UK’s leading swing ensembles with performance credits including Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, the London Jazz Festival, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall and Twinwood Festival. Join them for this one-of-a-kind celebration of a true musical legend in 2026. Programme Includes:
Mona Lisa, When I Fall In Love, Straighten Up and Fly Right, Let’s Face the Music and Dance, L-O-V-E, and many more! Performers: Down for the Count Orchestra, Mike Paul-Smith, conductor, Marvin Muoneké, vocals, and further guest vocalists to be announced.

Acclaimed actor, singer, musician and writer — and proud Geordie icon — Jimmy Nail heads out on the road in 2026 with Stories and Songs, a series of intimate retrospective shows reflecting on an extraordinary seven-decade career. From the landmark television series Auf Wiedersehen, Pet to Spender and then Crocodile Shoes — which spawned multi-platinum albums and chart-topping singles — Jimmy Nail has left an indelible mark on British popular culture. His career spans hit records, television series, major film roles including Evita and Still Crazy, and leading performances on both Broadway and London’s West End. Following a recent run of sell-out shows in Newcastle, celebrating the songs of Crocodile Shoes, Jimmy now brings audiences something more personal. Stories and Songs is a warm, witty and revealing evening that blends music, memories and rarely seen images. Audiences can expect candid anecdotes, moments of reflection, and a hand-picked selection of songs drawn from across his remarkable career. And with a catalogue this rich, no two nights will be quite the same. From the 1992 UK number one “Ain’t No Doubt”, to “Love Don’t Live Here Anymore”, “Crocodile Shoes”, “Cowboy Dreams”, “Big River”, and music from film and stage, the choices are many—and the stories behind them just as compelling. Jimmy will be joined on stage by long-time collaborator Tony Davis on keyboards and accordion, adding texture and atmosphere to these stripped-back, intimate performances. An evening of Stories and Songs is not just a concert, it’s a journey—through music, memory, and a life lived on stage and screen.

The comedy podcast that takes history seriously is going on tour!

The world is in chaos. Inequality is widening, autocracy is rising and political parties are collapsing. In these divided times, what this country desperately needs is Angry Humour From a Really Nice Guy (in many ways it's actually the last thing this country needs, but it's what it's getting so tough luck). The UK’s leading political comic Nish Kumar – co-host of hugely popular podcast Pod Save the UK, former host of axed BBC show The Mash Report, and one of Taskmaster’s greatest losers – is back on tour with a formidable batch of passionate, progressive stand-up for the ages. Kumar is 40. His mind is breaking. His body is worse. Expect existential angst and political disquiet from comedy's cheekiest boy. Nish Kumar was named one of the 50 Best Comedians of the 21st Century by both The Guardian and The Telegraph, with his previous tour playing to sold out crowds across the UK, North America, Australasia and mainland Europe.

The '60s group Manfred Mann is now considered, more than ever, one of the finest and most respected bands from that era. Their numerous hits were R&B based with an undercurrent of jazz - a very unusual but winning combination of playing style and substance. As a result, their records have a timeless quality and, some 55 years on, The Manfreds, with original front man, Paul Jones, will be performing many of their hits, including ‘Do Wah Diddy Diddy’, one of the most popular and instantly recognisable songs of the ‘60’s,and still the biggest audience pleaser at their concerts, along with a mix of Jazz and Blues covers and tracks from their individual solo albums. Paul Jones, with his unique harmonica sound, will be joined by Mike Hugg on keyboards, Tom McGuinness on guitar, Rob Townsend on drums, Marcus Cliffe on bass, and Simon Currie on saxophone/ flute.

PorkPie stand proudly at the heart of the UK's modern ska revival, blending the fire of classic 2-Tone with their own unmistakable energy. Over the last three years the band have stepped firmly into their stride, releasing two full-length albums and an EP that have cemented their reputation as one of the most dynamic ska outfits on the circuit. Their self-titled EP 'Skandemic' marked a turning point for Porkpie, showcasing sharp songwriting, powerful brass arrangements, and the band's signature ability to fuse social bite with irresistible rhythm. Building on that momentum, 2025 saw the release of their acclaimed second album '9 On the Tiles', a record that broadened their sound while staying true to the ska roots that first inspired them. The album's standout single 'Bones' became a breakout success and was picked up as a favourite by Craig Charles on BBC Radio 6 Music, earning the band new listeners across the UK and beyond. Known for their electric stage presence, polished musicianship, and a commitment to making every gig feel like a celebration, PorkPie continue to rise through the ska scene with confidence and flair. In April 2026, they'll bring their unmistakable stomp to the London International Ska Festival, appearing alongside reggae and roots luminaries Misty in Roots and The Cimarons a milestone that marks just how far the band have come. With momentum on their side and a loyal, ever-growing fanbase, PorkPie are skanking forward with purpose-ready to bring their brass, bounce, and big-hearted spirit to audiences everywhere.

One of the most outstanding instrumentalists in rock over the past 40 years, Texas guitarist Eric Johnson was already a legend before he recorded his first album. By the early 1980s, many celebrated guitarists were singing the praises of this skinny kid from Austin with the mind-melting chops. Since 1986 Eric has released seventeen albums, in addition to albums with other artists such as Eclectic with jazz guitarist Mike Stern, and the platinum-selling G3 Live with Joe Satriani and Steve Vai. Eric has received eight Grammy nominations along with numerous other recognitions, awards and wins in various polls and magazines. Over the course of more than four decades, Eric Johnson has been traveling on a prolific odyssey. Along the way, his creations have cross-pollinated the various musical genres which include rock, blues, jazz, fusion, soul, folk, new-age, classical, and even country. Presented by The Gig Cartel. This is a 16+ event. You may be asked to prove your age and if you’re unable to show valid ID, you may be refused entry. Valid ID includes passports, driving licences, 16+ Zip Oyster photocards and CitizenCards. Photocopies will not be accepted.'

Mario Biondi first came to international prominence in 2006 with the release of his, now classic, debut single 'This is What You Are' on the Schema label. The same year's debut album Handful of Soul went quadruple platinum and introduced his distinctive warm, sensual voice to the world. Further albums I Love You More, If and Due featured collaborations with Burt Bacharach, Amalia Gre and The Duke Orchestra cementing his position as one of the world's most exciting new vocalists. In 2010, Mario Biondi dueted with Chaka Khan on a version of Boz Scaggs' 'Lowdown' for Incognito's Transatlantic RPM album.

Programme: - MENDELSSOHN Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage - SCHUMANN Cello Concerto - WIDMANN 5 Albumblätter (UK Premiere) - DEBUSSY Petite Suite Maxim Emelyanychev conductor Philip Higham cello From a daring maritime adventure to a captivating showcase for the soulful cello – in the company of vibrant Principal Conductor Maxim Emelyanychev and exceptional SCO Principal Cello Philip Higham. An international soloist as well as a pivotal SCO musician, Philip Higham takes centre-stage for the poetry and passion of Schumann’s entrancing Cello Concerto, written in a two-week burst of inspiration. German composer Jörg Widmann pays affectionate homage to Schumann in his witty Albumblätter, receiving its first UK performance, while Debussy takes us dancing and sailing in his charming Petite Suite. Mendelssohn weighs the anchor for more distant shores, however, in his thrilling celebration of seafaring heroism.

Programme: Couperin arr Adès: Les barricades mystérieuses Vaughan Williams: Suite for Viola and Small Orchestra (Selection) Tippett: Fantasia on a Theme of Corelli Rameau: Les Sauvages Lindberg: Viola Concerto (Scottish Premiere) Lawrence Power director/viola Kaleidoscopic hues and big emotions sit side by side in this vibrant concert weaving together the Baroque era and the present day, directed by outstanding British viola player Lawrence Power. After two catchy tunes by Baroque masters Couperin and Rameau – the first in a witty arrangement by contemporary British composer Thomas Adès – Tippett spins visionary tendrils of sound in his rapturous Corelli-inspired Fantasia, while Vaughan Williams saved some of his most memorably melodic music for his rarely-heard Suite. Power himself is the dedicatee of the Viola Concerto by Finnish powerhouse composer Magnus Lindberg: expect scintillating soundscapes and perfumed harmonies in this deeply charismatic music. The performance of Tippett's Fantasia on a Theme of Corelli is supported by the Michael Tippett Musical Foundation.

Programme: Kaprálová: Suite en Miniature Op.1 Martinů: Violin Concerto No.2 Martinů: La revue de cuisine Dvořák: Czech Suite Jonian Ilias Kadesha director/violin No thunderbolts and lightning, maybe, but plenty of kaleidoscopic colour, whirling rhythms and strong flavours as flamboyant Greek-Albanian violinist Jonian Ilias Kadesha directs a concert dedicated to the gutsy glories of Czech music. Dvořák takes your hand for a set of exhilarating dances from his Bohemian homeland, while Martinů whisks you away for exotic travels in his ravishingly beautiful, deeply romantic Second Violin Concerto. Sample absurdist comedy in Martinů’s surrealist La revue de cuisine – a jazz-flavoured love story for everyday kitchen utensils. To begin, an exquisite, evocative Suite from lost Czech voice Vítezslava Kaprálová, who died aged just 25.

On 5th April 2026, at the magnificent Queen’s Hall, Red Events presents a luminous Edinburgh premiere — Giovanni Battista Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater, performed by the worldwide-acclaimed Belgian ensemble La Chapelle Sauvage under the direction of Karel De Wilde, featuring soprano Abigail Barker and countertenor Gleb Zakharov as soloists. This Easter offers a once-in-a-generation moment. In 2026, we mark 290 years since Giovanni Battista Pergolesi composed Stabat Mater — a work written in the final weeks of his life and forever associated with the Easter season. To hear this sacred masterpiece during Easter, in this anniversary year, is a unique opportunity to experience Stabat Mater exactly as it was intended: as a deeply human meditation on grief, faith, and transcendence.

Our dementia-friendly concert series are relaxed afternoon concerts featuring classical favourites and familiar tunes, introduced and performed by SCO musicians, along with tea and biscuits that can be enjoyed as part of the concert experience. The concert series has been co-created with people living with a dementia, through our partnership with Alzheimer Scotland and the Scottish Dementia Working Group. Representatives from 'Playlist for Life' will be there to talk through the brilliant work they do, helping people affected by dementia to live well with the support of personal playlists. Kindly supported by the Queensberry House Trust and Mrs Elizabeth Lornie's Charitable Trust.

Find tickets and full event details for The Manfreds: Get Your Kicks On Tour '26 live in the UK, including venues, performance dates, and accessibility information.

Last year, after the release of ON PAIN, the focus was on putting a band together for the first time in a very long time, and it went quite well! Now Lloyd Cole will be taking his One Man Show out on the road in the UK this September. Two sets from him with no support, for a show that is different from anything he's done recently.

Following a revered debut at The Roundhouse in April 2024, a string of sold out performances and widespread critical acclaim, The Songs of Joni Mitchell returns this autumn with an extraordinary lineup of artists paying tribute to one of the greatest songwriters of all time. Jesca Hoop, Kate Stables (This Is The Kit) & Lail Arad, acclaimed singer-songwriters in their own right, will perform intimate interpretations of their favourite Joni Mitchell songs in a loving ode to one of the finest songwriters of all time. They will be joined by Richard Sears on piano and Lisa Hannigan & Loah as special guests in London and Dublin. The Songs Of Joni Mitchell, originally conceived and curated by Lail Arad to mark Joni Mitchell’s 80th birthday and hosted by Cerys Matthews, was described as “a perfect celebration of Joni Mitchell” (Get In Her Ears), packed with “heartfelt and intricate performances” from Emeli Sandé, Eska, Jesca Hoop, Kate Stables, Lail Arad, Olivia Chaney, Sam Amidon and Vashti Bunyan. Jesca Hoop, just a few months prior, presented Legend: The Joni Mitchell Story, the award-winning 6-part BBC Radio documentary and podcast about the life of Joni Mitchell lending further gravitas to the event. Born out of a mutual love of Joni Mitchell – and tour bus bonding over their other favourite artists – Hoop and Arad are joining forces to launch Songs Of, a rolling concert series celebrating the world’s finest songwriters, through the unique voices of those they’ve inspired.

Building on the lo-fi, sparse aesthetic of his early work as Smog toward the lush instrumentation and masterly command of structure (and beautiful production) evidenced on his latest records, Bill Callahan has released consistently excellent albums for two decades. He can safely be spoken of as one of America’s great songwriters. His songs have been covered by Gil Scott Heron, Cat Power and the Flaming Lips, and featured in films such as 'High Fidelity'. Emotive and beautifully arranged, 2009’s “Sometimes I wish we were an Eagle” is a great gateway to Bill. It’s fair to say that the snare sound here is exquisite! Before starting to release music under his own name in 2007, Bill Callahan recorded as Smog. Sample lyric: “My foolish heart had to go diving… diving, diving into the murk”…

Pronoter EP Musician, singer, songwriter, and Lifetime Achievement Award winner at the inaugural RTÉ Folk Awards, Andy has had an amazing musical career over the past 50 years. At the helm of legendary bands like Sweeney’s Men in the mid 60s, to the enormous success of Planxty in the 70s, and then Patrick Street, Mozaik, LAPD and recently Usher’s Island, Andy is both a world music pioneer and an icon for traditional music and musicians. Andy is one of the great Irish singers, his voice one of a handful of truly great ones that gets to the very soul of Ireland. He has been hailed as “a tradition in himself”. Musician, singer, songwriter, Andy has maintained his highly individual performing skills throughout his over 50-year career. As a soloist, Andy fills the role of the archetypal troubadour with a show and a travelling lifestyle that reflect his lifelong influence, Woody Guthrie. To quote the Irish Times, “Often copied, never equalled”, his repertoire consists of Irish traditional songs, dexterous Balkan dance tunes and a compelling cannon of his own self-penned songs.

An unholy musical melting pot, Detroit’s Electric 6 blitzed their way to worldwide success with 2003’s ‘Danger! High Voltage’.

See legendary British Blues guitarist Robin Trower as he graces audiences with his incendiary back-catalogue that saw the British music scene shift from a pop to rock prevalence. Heralded as one of the most influential guitar players, hear the signature sound and style of the man who was tagged by the press with the nickname of ‘The White Hendrix' back in the 70's. Expect a mix of Trower's solo work as well as celebratory performances of certain Procol Harlem tracks. This is a night in the rock calendar not to be missed.

Usual tags such as ‘singer-songwriter', ‘folk-soul', ‘troubadour' are perceived with a considerable amount of cynicism these days, especially since the music scene has been saturated with middle of the road artists, marketed as such by traditional record label formulae. Someone with a discerning ear and trust in their own taste should be able to spot who's the real deal and who's not. Leaving tags aside, Foy Vance operates in his own parallel universe. His music is an evolving journey, a constant search for artistic expression captured in the moment, operating well away from industry standards. Surely you'll hear echoes of Otis Redding, Richie Havens, Tom Waits and Van Morrison in Foy's music, legends he's already being compared to and definite influences. An ever so modest Foy will laugh at these comparisons, but then again that's what makes him so special. With his distinctive, cracked, soulful voice and a skill to write profound storytelling songs, Foy Vance belongs to a calibre of artists that stand the test of time, irrespective of trends or fads, delivering heartfelt songs about the human condition that everyone can relate to.

How can it be you have spent a whole ten minutes staring at a banana? Why do you always do stuff like that? Why do you never do the other really great things where it’s much, much better - and afterwards you don’t want to saw off your own face and post it back to yourself with not quite enough stamps? Also, learn how to make breakfast not even knowing you are out of bed. Diagnose the mirror, reason with the mice and boil yoghurt blindfolded. Enjoy the fruits of hurtling cognitive decline and your neighbour’s sprawling ghastliness, absence of humanity and so, so much more. These times have not been easy. We Got This is the brand new show from BAFTA and Perrier award winning comedian Dylan Moran. It promises to be a joyously furious romp through the frustration and folly of modern day life.

Since the release of Kingfish, his Grammy-nominated 2019 Alligator Records debut, guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Christone “Kingfish” Ingram has quickly become the defining blues voice of his generation. From his hometown of Clarksdale, Mississippi to stages around the world, the now 22-year-old has already headlined two national tours and performed with friends including Vampire Weekend, Jason Isbell and Buddy Guy.

Horse makes an exciting return with the 30th year anniversary celebrations of the first Horse album The Same Sky. This is a rare chance to share and relive memories from the evocative and formative first Horse album. In March 1989, the first single You Could Be Forgiven was released. It was so different from anything else – and with thrilling first plays on Radio 1, this track absolutely set the bar. The first major UK tour followed. In 1990 the album followed and tours across Europe opening for artists such as Tina Turner and BB King. The standout song from this album and arguably, of any of her albums, is Careful, a beautiful and timeless song, which will forever be her My Way. A special night which will inevitably conjure up treasured times from over the years for her entire audience. It’s the full band show, playing the album in its entirety with B-sides and a best of the rest – a set choc-full of classic songs. A very special evening indeed.

It’s not often one encounters an imagination with the depth and prolificacy of Jacob Collier’s. The London-based 26-year-old is dubbed by many as one of the most innovative musicians of his generation. In 2012, Jacob’s self-made YouTube videos achieved legendary status in the music world, attracting the praise of such luminaries as Herbie Hancock and Quincy Jones, who manages Jacob to this day. Jacob’s debut album, In My Room, crafted entirely in his room at home, went on to win two GRAMMY’s. His success has led to musical collaborators and fans including the likes of Coldplay, Ty Dolla $ign, Tori Kelly, Daniel Caesar, Charlie Puth, Jessie Reyez, T-Pain, and SZA (to name a few). In January of 2018, Jacob began designing and creating a recording project on an unprecedented scale –a quadruple album called DJESSE: 50 songs, divided between four volumes, with each operating within a separate musical universe of sound, style and genre. Scattered across the four volumes are 30+ collaborators from across every facet of the music world. Djesse Volumes 1 & 2 both have earned him a GRAMMY each, affirming that Jacob has never lost a Grammy in a category he’s been nominated in. Djesse Vol. 3 is currently nominated for an additional three Grammys, including Album of the Year.

Alabama sextet mixing old time American soul with rock 'n' roll confidence.

Passionate and poetic singer-songwriter with a funky, soulful voice Born and raised in Canton, Ohio, Macy Gray – real name Natalie Renée McIntyre – moved to Southern California in the '80s to attend university. She studied scriptwriting and was even in film classes with Ally Sheedy and Rob Lowe. Her own debut album album On How Life Is arrived in 1999 and was a massive success thanks to the single I Try, which peaked at No.6 on the UK albums chart and went on to score her a Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.

Get ready to lift your voices and celebrate the festive season with The Big Christmas Sing-a-Long. Starring much-loved performers and presenters Aled Jones and Alexander Armstrong, this heartwarming live experience promises an unforgettable evening of music, laughter and Christmas cheer. One of the UK’s most iconic voices, Aled Jones will perform some beloved highlights including his signature rendition of Walking in the Air, alongside a selection of classic carols that have become synonymous with the festive season. Joining him on stage is English comedian, actor, television presenter and bass-baritone singer Alexander Armstrong, whose rich vocals and natural charm promises to bring humour, warmth, and festive sparkle to every performance. Audiences will be invited to put on their favourite Christmas jumper and sing along with them both to a joyful mix of traditional Christmas carols, modern festive favourites, and timeless seasonal classics in the most Christmas of settings. Aled Jones MBE has had an extraordinary career over the past four decades. He is the original crossover star, has sung for the Pope and the Royal Family, has received an MBE, released over 40 albums, with over 10 million album sales and has over 40 Silver, Gold and Platinum Discs. After beginning his career at the age of 12, Aled became one of the world’s most successful boy sopranos, releasing 12 hit albums in 4 years, he was the first classical artist to have 2 albums in the Top 5 of the Official Album Charts. Aled has built an extensive career as a TV and radio presenter and hosts one of the nations most loved Classic FM shows and BBC1 Songs of Praise - all whilst continuing to record and tour. Last year, Aled also released his third book, Aled’s Book of Blessings for 2026 and is working on his next book release. Alexander Armstrong is best known as one half of the comedy duo Armstrong and Miller, who had series on Channel 4 and BBC1. As well as hosting Classic FM’s flagship weekday mid-morning programme, Alexander continues to be a regular on the BBC series Have I Got News For You, having hosted more than 40 times and helms the hugely popular TV quiz show Pointless on BBC1. More recently, he has found success as a travel presenter, he makes his 5th travel series for Channel 5 in the US in Summer ‘26. He published his bestselling debut children’s novel, Evenfall: The Golden Linnet, in 2024 and the follow-up in the Evenfall series, The Tempest Stone in February 2026. The Big Christmas Sing-a-Long will capture the true spirit of Christmas, offering a magical evening filled of festive cheer and uplifting songs that everyone can join in with!