UK reggae icons UB40 have just announced a massive run of domestic arena dates, including a huge show right here in Leeds.
The Brummy veterans of the British reggae and ska scene have been going for more than four decades now, blending both pop and rocksteady styles, as well as other Caribbean influences into their music.
A cult favourite group since their inception, whose lineup has always remained fluid – sometimes featuring more than nine different musicians on stage – they’re known for their brilliant live sets just as much as their studio material.
Started by the Campbell family, with four founding members remaining and singer Matt Doyle now serving as the modern lead singer since 2021, there’s still plenty of energy, youth and experience to their spirited gigs.
We’re pleased to announce our June, 2026 UK Arena Tour with special guests @MaxiPriest & @aswadband! Sign up to our newsletter via the link below for more info on how to access the ticket pre-sale and to find out more about how to pre-order our new studio album coming in 2026.
Revealing a return to Leeds with a gig at the First Direct Bank Arena on Monday morning, 3 November, UB40 have confirmed a total of 13 domestic dates.
While the 66-year-old hasn’t strictly ‘reunited’ with the group, he does star as the main featured artist on the upcoming 2026 tour.
He will also be joined by R’n’B/reggae-fusion artist Maxi Priest, as well as fellow contemporaries, Aswad – another seasoned act who have been making music in the genre and performing live since 1975.
Speaking on the comeback, co-founder Robin Campbell said: “For more than 40 years, we’ve been one of the hardest working touring bands in pop music.
“We aim to have a party every show. As much as we enjoyed our Zoom chats [about more shows] during lockdown, there’s no substitute for the relationship and synergy we have with our live audiences.”
Dropping a definitive UB45 compilation featuring their greatest hits back in April 2024 – and celebrating as many years in their recording career – UB40 are also set to release another new album next year, in line with the fresh UK tour dates.
You can see the rest of their dates, including several up in the North, down below.
British pop-rock legends Duran Duran are heading out on tour and coming to Leeds.
The ‘Rio’ and ‘Girls on Film’ singers are still going strong nearly five decades on, after releasing their 16th studio album, Danse Macabre, back in October 2023.
Later this year, Duran Duran will be heading to first direct bank arena for a spectacular live show, bringing decades of chart-topping hits, legendary performances and unmistakable style to our city.
It's set to be a very special evening, as their night in Leeds will act as the closing night of the UK Tour.
Formed in Birmingham in 1978, Duran Duran became one of the defining bands of the 1980s and helped shape the global New Romantic movement.
Across a career spanning more than four decades, the band has sold over 100 million records worldwide and earned multiple BRIT Awards, Grammy Awards and an enduring reputation as one of Britain’s most influential pop-rock acts.
Known for their truly groundbreaking music videos, electrifying live shows and timeless catalogue, it's safe to say that Duran Duran continue to captivate audiences across generations.
Fans can expect an unforgettable night featuring some of the band’s biggest hits including Hungry Like the Wolf, Rio, Girls on Film, Ordinary World, The Reflex and Save A Prayer.
Duran Duran will perform at Leeds' first direct bank arena on Saturday 24 October and they will be joined by special guests Pigeon.
Duran Duran tickets at Leeds' first direct bank arena go on general sale this Friday 5 June 2026, and you can get yours here.
Iconic band Blossoms set for BIG return to Leeds Festival this year
Thomas Melia
Stockport-originating band Blossoms have just announced their big return to Leeds Festival, as the four-day music event continues to impress with its stacked line-up.
They might have a 'Joke About Divorce' from time to time but when it comes to entertaining a Leeds Festival crowd, Blossoms take it very seriously, playing at Bramham Park three times in the past decade.
This band have captivated audiences since the rise of standout track 'Charlemagne' and more recently with the addition of their fifth album studio album, Gary, named after an eight-foot-tall gorilla.
Known for always putting on a stellar performance, Tom, Joe, Charlie, Myles and Josh are bringing a brand-new set to Leeds when they pay us a visit this August.
As well as releasing new music, Blossoms are making a big return to Leeds Festival 2026 / Credit: Publicity Picture (Supplied)
Currently, Leeds Festival 2026 has seven headline acts spanning all genres from Dance and EDM to Pop and Rap with the likes of Charli XCX, Raye, Dave and more topping the bill.
The Stockport five-piece are featured alongside three other insane artists as 'Special Guests', appearing next to Skepta, Sombr and Role Model.
Also listed on the line-up are rising stars like R&B vocal powerhouse Skye Newman, pop princess Jade, Merseyside indie rockers The K's and Wigan-formed The Lilacs with more to be announced.
Although nothing is confirmed yet, this upcoming Leeds Festival set from Blossoms will contain high energy and obviously all their biggest and best bangers from across their four chart topping albums as well as new music.
Leeds Festival 2026 is set to be a belter with the addition of Stockport band Blossoms returning for a fourth time / Credit: Publicity Video (Supplied)
Whether you're there for 'Your Girlfriend' or 'What Can I Say After I'm Sorry', one thing's for sure, you're guaranteed to have an absolutely spectacular night.
Blossoms are making their big return to Leeds Festival 2026 which is taking place from 27 to 30 August at Bramham Park with tickets live HERE.
Danny Jones -
3rd November 2025 
