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Professor Brian Cox is bringing his ‘most ambitious’ live arena show to date to Leeds

Ready to have my mind blown.

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 29th September 2025

The legendary Professor Brian Cox is coming to Leeds with a brand-new arena show, and he says it’s his most ambitious one to date.

The physicist and presenter will be bringing Emergence to the First Direct Bank Arena next year as part of a huge world tour.

Prof Brian Cox has spent his entire career bringing fascinating, ground-breaking science into the public realm through TV programmes, radio, and live shows.

That’s included performing his smash-hit show Horizons to nearly half a million people, winning the Peabody Award for Wonders of the Solar System, to appearing in the hit BBC series The Planets.

He’s headlined cultural festivals, sold out arenas globally, and now he’s ready to do it all again with Emergence.

This show all began in the winter of 1610, when Johannes Kepler was crossing Prague’s Charles Bridge when he noticed a snowflake land on his arm. Why, he asked, are all snowflakes six-cornered? “I do not believe,” he wrote, “that even in a snowflake, this ordered pattern exists at random.”

Now, 400 years later, we have part of the answer, and Emergence will be celebrating such intricacies and exploring the laws of nature that sculpted the universe.

Professor Brian Cox will touch on everything from the cosmic web all the way down to the structure of the human brain, including black holes and snowflakes, to ‘observe a world of dazzling complexity underpinned by magnificent simplicity’.

Professor Brian Cox said: “I’ve loved creating Emergence – it’s the most ambitious live show I’ve ever written.

“I’ve been very lucky to collaborate with a wonderful group of scientists, musicians, filmmakers and graphic artists to bring cosmology, biology, philosophy and history to the largest and most advanced LED screens available, with the best sound and lights I could find.

“I hope the show is an all-encompassing experience, and I hope it leaves everyone, whether they love science or music or history, or simply contemplating the beauty of Nature, with something new to think about.”

Professor Brian Cox will bring Emergence to the First Direct Bank Arena on 10 October 2026 – tickets will go on sale on 3 October at 10am

Professor Brian Cox Emergence – UK and Ireland 2026 tour dates

  • 7 and 8 October – Edinburgh Playhouse
  • 9 October – Manchester Co-op Live
  • 10 October – Leeds First Direct Arena
  • 11 October – Derby Vaillant Live
  • 15 October – Sheffield Utilita Arena Sheffield
  • 16 October – Liverpool M&S Bank Arena
  • 17 October – Newcastle Utilita Arena Newcastle
  • 18 October – Glasgow OVO Hydro
  • 21 and 22 October – Brighton Centre
  • 23 October – London The O2
  • 24 October – Plymouth Plymouth Pavilions
  • 29 October – Nottingham Motorpoint Arena Nottingham
  • 30 October – Birmingham Utilita Arena Birmingham
  • 31 October – Hull Connexin Live
  • 4 November – Cheltenham The Centaur
  • 5 and 6 November – CardiffUtilita Arena Cardiff
  • 7 and 8 November – Bournemouth BIC
  • 11 November – Swansea Swansea Arena
  • 13 November – Belfast SSE Arena Belfast
  • 14 November – Dublin 3Arena

Read more: Skinny Living announced as latest headliner for new Wakefield music venue

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A daytime rave where you can be in bed by 8pm is returning to Leeds

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

The famous Day Fever is back and this time it’s set to be bigger and better than ever before.

If you haven’t heard of Day Fever before, then we are about to blow your mind.

Launched in early 2024 by actress Vicky McClure and frontman of Reverend & The Makers Jon McClure, Day Fever has become somewhat of a cultural sensation.

From its debut in Sheffield to a tour that sees thousands of ravers hitting the dance floor each month, the message is clear: people want to dance and let loose, but still be in bed before 9pm. And to be honest, we don’t blame them.

Running from 3pm to 8pm, Day Fever provides a proper night out that doesn’t completely write you off for the entire weekend.

Image: Supplied

“It started as a WhatsApp idea,” says Jon McClure. “Jonny just said, ‘A daytime disco, how good would that be?’ We’re all a bit nuts, so we just said, ‘Come on then!’

“It feels like a massive house party at your nan’s,” laughs Vicky. “No drama, no egos, just people acting daft, getting dressed up, and having the best time.”

From Leeds to Newcastle, Glasgow to Manchester, every Day Fever event has its own unique flavour.

There’ll be local DJs who know their crowds keep the energy high with a nostalgic mix of Northern Soul, disco, indie, and 90s classics. “Manchester goes mad for Oasis,” says Jon, “and if Vicky’s there, we have to play Whitney, it’s non-negotiable!”

Day Fever will be turning up the speakers at Project House on Saturday 12 September, and we will absolutely see you there.

Tickets are on sale now, and you can grab yours here.

Read more from The Hoot Leeds: Grassroots Leeds music venue secures long-term future as part of community ownership scheme

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Global pop superstar Olivia Rodrigo says she ‘really wants to go to Leeds’ in 2026

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

American pop sensation Olivia Rodrigo has outlined her ambitions for 2026 - and one of them involves a trip to Leeds.

It's safe to say the concept of Olivia Rodrigo taking a stroll down Briggate or waiting for a train at Platform 16 is one we're struggling to get our heads around, but we're absolutely not mad about it.

The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter is known for her love of the UK, having been spotted spending chunks of time in both Manchester and London over recent years.

But in a recent interview with Hits Radio UK, Olivia Rodrigo stated she wanted to explore more of the UK. And the city at the top of her list? Leeds.

@hitsradiouk let us know if you need a tour guide @Olivia Rodrigo 😌x Friday Fry-Up with Olivia Rodrigo drops on our YouTube channel at 10am BST tomorrow! 🍳✨ #oliviarodrigo #youseemprettysadforagirlsoinlove #UK #leeds ♬ original sound - Hits Radio UK

When asked if she has a favourite area of the UK, she said: "I spent some time in Manchester which was really nice. Very inspiring, so many great bands from there.

"I spent some time in Wales too, which was fun. I've been around but I need to go and see more things. I really want to go to Leeds this year. I think that'll be fun. Just like as a spectator, I think that'll be cool."

You know what Olivia, it absolutely will.

Interviewer Will Best then suggests she attends a Leeds match to which she responds "yes" enthusiastically.

So next time we're at Elland Road we'll definitely be keeping a firm eye out for Miss Rodrigo who we've no doubt will look exceptional in a Leeds United jersey.

Read more: Grassroots Leeds music venue secures long-term future as part of community ownership scheme

Featured image - Hits Radio UK

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