Legendary pop group Westlife have just announced the European leg of their 25th anniversary tour, which will include an arena gig in Leeds.
The beloved boyband will be hitting the road from September next year to celebrate a quarter-of-a-century of timeless ballads and chart-topping pop songs.
Westlife, which is made up of Nicky Byrne, Shane Filan, Kian Egan and Mark Feehily, are behind massive hits like You Raise Me Up, Uptown Girl, Flying Without Wings, Swear It Again, and If I Let You Go.
The upcoming Westlife 25: The Anniversary World Tour will include shows right across the UK, including in Manchester, Leeds and Sheffield.
The news comes just ahead of the group performing two sold-out nights at the Royal Albert Hall, and sell-out success in Dublin and Belfast already.
Over the last 25 years, Westlife have become one of the most successful pop groups of all time, with three billion streams globally, 36 number one albums worldwide, and 14 UK number one singles (ranking only behind Elvis Presley and The Beatles).
Westlife remain the UK & Ireland’s top-selling album group of the 21st century.
Westlife have also just released new single Chariot, written by Ed Sheeran, Johnny McDaid and Will Reynolds and co-written and produced by Steve Mac.
And in February next year (just in time for Valentine's Day), they'll release 25 - The Ultimate Collection, a greatest hits album of 21 fan favourites.
Westlife said: "This year marks 25 years since we started this incredible journey together and it still feels like only the beginning.
"The support from our fans has been unbelievable, and to celebrate with this world tour, new music, and a brand-new album feels truly special.
"We can’t wait to see you all on the road and share this next chapter together."
Westlife will perform at the First Direct Arena in Leeds on 6 October 2026.
General sale tickets will go on sale on Friday 31 October at 10am HERE.
Westlife UK and Ireland tour dates
15 September 2026 – Dublin – 3Arena
16 September 2026 – Dublin – 3Arena
18 September 2026 – Dublin – 3Arena
19 September 2026 – Dublin – 3Arena
20 September 2026 – Dublin – 3Arena
22 September 2026 – Dublin – 3Arena
23 September 2026 – Dublin – 3Arena
24 September 2026 – Dublin – 3Arena
25 September 2026 – Dublin – 3Arena
26 September 2026 – Dublin – 3Arena
29 September 2026 – Aberdeen – P&J Live
30 September 2026 – Glasgow – OVO Hydro
3 October 2026 – Newcastle – Utilita Arena
6 October 2026 – Leeds – First Direct Bank Arena
7 October – Sheffield – Utilita Arena
9 October – London – The O2
13 October – Brighton – Centre
14 October – Bournemouth – International Centre
16 October – Birmingham – Utilita Arena
19 October – Cardiff – Utilita Arena
23 October – Manchester – Co-op Live
27 October 2026 – Belfast – SSE Arena
28 October 2026 – Belfast – SSE Arena
29 October 2026 – Belfast – SSE Arena
30 October 2026 – Belfast – SSE Arena
31 October 2026 – Belfast – SSE Arena
Featured image: Supplied, publicity picture
Audio
New grassroots music space aiming to make DJing and music more accessible opening in Headingley this month
A new grassroots music space is opening in Headingley with a mission to make DJing, vinyl and music culture more accessible.
Meanhood Studios, founded by long-time LS6 residents Jim and Katie Young, will combine a professional DJ rehearsal studio, record shop, performance space and tuition hub all under one roof.
Their aim is simple, "to level the playing field in a scene that has often felt exclusive and gatekept.”
Meanhood started as a guerrilla pop-up record shop in lockdown when Jim started selling records from his personal collection.
Built solely on quality and word-of-mouth reputation, the venture quickly grew into a respected local record spot known for its carefully curated vinyl selection.
Images: Supplied
Jim’s roots trace back to Manchester’s late-90s free party scene, he began DJing at 17 and from Hyde Park house parties to residencies at legendary clubs, he went on to host nights featuring artists who would later become major names in UK dance music.
Katie grew up in rural Cumbria, discovering music through pirate radio, library tapes and out-of-town raves. After moving to Leeds for university, she built a 20-year corporate career while supporting events, fly-posting for club nights and working behind the scenes.
“DJing is so much more than pushing buttons,” says Jim. “You’ve got to love it when no one’s watching. We want to share that knowledge and remove some of the barriers we experienced.”
Meanhood Studios will open on Friday 13 March and will offer access to equipment, rehearsal space, vinyl records and tuition for aspiring DJs and music lovers.
It's more important now than ever to support grassroots music venues, and we can't wait to check out this new space.
The Kooks, Miles Kane and Milburn to open Rock n Roll Circus as the festival expands to four days
Clementine Hall
Just when it you thought that the Rock N Roll Circus Sheffield line-up was complete, organisers have confirmed a major expansion for 2026.
That's right, the festival will now open a day earlier on Thursday 27 August.
The brand-new opening night will be led by The Kooks, Milburn and Miles Kane - this is going to be a bank holiday weekend you'll never forget.
Further artists for Thursday 27 August - and across the entire four-day weekend - will be announced in the coming weeks, so keep your eyes peeled.
It's a welcome addition to what was already shaping up to be one of the standout festival weekends of the summer.
Image: Supplied
Friday will see The Streets headline with a special performance of A Grand Don’t Come For Free in full. Saturday will be led by one of the UK’s most exciting modern guitar bands, Wunderhorse, supported by Baxter Dury, Mercury Prize winners English Teacher, and London favourites Fat Dog, whilst Sunday will be closed by the one and only Richard Ashcroft.
Festival Director Ali O’Reilly said:“Opening the weekend with The Kooks performing Inside In / Inside Out in full, Milburn returning home and Miles Kane joining the bill feels like a statement night for Sheffield.
“What makes Rock N Roll Circus special is that we can celebrate iconic albums and artists that shaped a generation, while also giving space to the next wave of talent coming through. That mix of heritage and hometown pride is exactly what this festival is about.
“Sheffield has always brought an incredible atmosphere to Don Valley Bowl, and expanding the programme this way gives us even more room to create something memorable for the Bank Holiday weekend.”
Rock N Roll Circus Sheffield takes place at Don Valley Bowl from Thursday 27 to Sunday 30 August 2026, and you can get your tickets here.