Two of the world’s greatest pop-punk bands, Busted and McFly, have just announced details of an unmissable head-to-head tour.
Busted last night stormed the stage at McFly’s 21st birthday show to announce Busted Vs McFly, which will include huge arena shows in Manchester, Leeds and Sheffield.
The two groups, which are collectively behind some of the biggest pop-rock hits of the last two decades, will be visiting some of the biggest venues around the UK.
The shows announced (so far) on the Busted vs McFly tour include the AO Arena in Manchester, the Utilita Arena in Sheffield and the First Direct Arena in Leeds .
Image: Publicity Picture
It’s all set to take place next autumn, with both groups challenging each other to a live battle on stage.
Speaking of the tour, McFly threw down the gauntlet and commented: “Busted gatecrashed our show tonight (not cool), and challenged us to a VS tour next year. They’re old men now, and we are gonna blow them and their carers off the stage next year.
“We’ve had a great time celebrating our 21st birthday this week and next year is going to be even better. P.S. Busted Suck.”
Busted fought back and added: “There’s been a lot of talk recently…. This is where the talking ends….! We are ready to show who is the better band once and for all. McFly suck and Busted Rock!”
Image: Publicity picture
Busted’s biggest hits over the years have included Year 3000, Crashed The Wedding, and Air Hostess, while McFly have been responsible for hits like All About You, Five Colours In Her Hair, and Star Boy.
Just last year Busted scored a number one album position with Greatest Hits 2.0, and sold out 26 UK arena gigs.
Meanwhile McFly’s seventh album Power To Play hit the number two spot on the UK Albums Chart last year, joined by a run of massive shows, including two sold-out gigs at the O2 Arena to mark 21 years since the release of their debut.
Tickets for the unmissable Busted vs McFly tour go on sale via artist pre-sale HERE from 9am on 16 October, and general tickets are on sale on 18 October at 9am HERE.
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.
Dermot Kennedy at First Direct Arena, Leeds – tickets, times, setlist and more for UK tour
Thomas Melia
Irish singer-songwriter Dermot Kennedy is bringing The Weight Of The Woods tour to Leeds for a night of powerful ballads and bangers.
After busking for a considerable time, Kennedy took to streaming platforms to upload his music before dropping notable tracks like 'Power Over Me' and 'Giants'.
Since then, this Irish performer has amassed a total of 9 million monthly listeners and multiple songs with over 100 million streams across three chart-topping albums.
In 2023, Dermot Kennedy teamed up with electronic music group Meduza for a monster of a collaboration titled 'Paradise' which peaked at 5 on the UK Official Charts.
Gig guide | Dermot Kennedy at First Direct Arena, Leeds
Dermot Kennedy UK tour dates
Fri 29 May - Glasgow, UK - OVO Hydro
Sat 30 May - Manchester, UK - AO Arena
Mon 1 June - Cardiff, UK - Utilita Arena
Tue 2 June - Leeds, UK - First Direct Arena
Thu 4 June - Birmingham, UK - Utilita Arena
Fri 5 June - London, UK - The O2
Are there any tickets left for Dermot Kennedy at First Direct Arena?
Hoping for some 'Better Days'? Well maybe that can happen by getting the chance to see Dermot Kennedy live on his latest The Weight Of The Woods tour.
Don't be 'Outnumbered' and grab a ticket or two for Dermot Kennedy on Saturday 30 May at First Direct Arena in Leeds HERE.
What are the stage times for Dermot Kennedy in Leeds?
First Direct Arena has a strict curfew of 11pm, meaning you'll be leaving the venue reminiscing 'An Evening I Will Not Forget' before the sun's up.
Supporting Dermot Kennedy on the night will be Irish three-piece band Amble who will be taking the Leeds crowd on a journey to 'Mary's Pub' and reflecting on 'Schoolyard Days'.
How to get to First Direct Arena
Bus Station
Located on Dyer Street next to Leeds City Bus Station and approx. 15min walk from first direct arena and is wheelchair friendly.
Support and help for any persons with a disability is available as the station is a registered ‘Safe place’ to come into and ask for assistance.
Nearest Bus Stops
Clay Pit Lane
Wade Lane/Lovell Park Road
Woodhouse Lane
Nearest Train Station
Leeds City Station on New Station Street is around a 15min walk from first direct arena and a major hub on the national, regional and local rail network providing connections to a wide variety of destinations.
Parking
There are over 7,500 car parking spaces within a 15-minute walk of the arena. The arena doesn’t have it’s own car park however there are lots of options nearby. To receive 5% off Q Park when attending a show at first direct arena click here
The nearest Car Park with EV charging is located on Albion Street click here.
None of the above car parks are operated by the arena so for questions, queries or comments we ask that you contact the companies directly.
Hiring Bikes in Leeds
If you’re looking to hire a bike in Leeds, here are some of the best options you can try:
Beryl bikes – you’ll find the ‘Leeds City Bikes’ from Beryl stationed throughout the city. These are all e-bikes, and they’re available to hire on a pay-as-you-go basis. It costs £1 to unlock the bikes, and then 16p per minute to use them. We’d say these are great for zipping around the city and getting from A to B.
Talio – for a wider selection of electric bikes to choose from, Talio based at Buslinthorpe Green is a great option. From this company, you can hire cruiser bikes, mountain bikes, and cargo bikes. Prices start from £20 per day for rental, but if you’re hiring for a month or longer you’ll get a good discount.
Daisy Jackson -
10th October 2024 
