Art & Culture

John Cooper Clarke announces 2026 UK headline tour along with new book

'The Bard of Salford' has confirmed multiple dates in Yorkshire.

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 1st December 2025

Dr John Cooper Clarke is back with another UK headline tour in 2026, and has a brand-new book coming out too.

Now 76 and still as fiery as ever, 'The Godfather of Punk Poetry's career spans more than half a century; he's still just as worth celebrating with each passing year.

Becoming the first poet to ever headline a UK arena with his landmark show in Manchester back in March, it's been another milestone 12 months for the critically-acclaimed writer, and he clearly has no intentions of slowing down next year either.

Revealing a raft of new tour dates on Monday, 1 December, John Cooper Clarke will be bringing his spoken word stylings and latest collection - satsifyingly titled Have It - to crowds all over the country.

Confirming a total of 20 new live shows, JCC will be kicking off his next tour in October 2026 in time for the launch of his latest title.

Following on from last year's release, 'WHAT', which became an instant Sunday Times bestseller, and his memoir (published back in 2020), this will be his fifth book to date.

2025 also saw him receive the prestigious Northern Music Award (NMAs) in recognition of his phenomenal influence in the music world and art as a whole.

As for us here at Audio North, we recently also had the incredible privilege of sitting down to chat with Cooper Clarke ourselves ahead of the announcement, so keep your eyes peeled for that one...

You can see John Cooper Clarke's list of live shows in full down below.

JCC UK headline tour dates 2026

We've kindly italicised all the Yorkshire dates for you as well.

  • Wed, 7 Oct - Southend Palace Theatre
  • Sat, 10 Oct - Poole Lighthouse
  • Sun, 11 Oct - Bristol Beacon
  • Wed, 14 Oct - Brighton Theatre Royal
  • Thu, 15 Oct - London Palladium
  • Sat, 17 Oct - Sheffield City Hall
  • Tue, 20 Oct - Glasgow Pavilion 
  • Wed, 21 Oct - Carlisle Old Fire Station
  • Fri, 23 Oct - Stoke-On-Trent Victoria Hall
  • Sat, 24 Oct - Birmingham Town Hall
  • Wed, 28 Oct - Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
  • Sat, 31 Oct - Leeds City Varieties Music Hall
  • Wed, 4 Nov - Whitley Bay The Playhouse
  • Fri, 6 Nov - York Grand Opera House
  • Thu, 12 Nov - Dublin 3 Olympia
  • Sun, 15 Nov - Belfast Mandela Hall
  • Wed, 18 Nov - Blackpool Opera House
  • Sat, 21 Nov - Manchester O2 Apollo
  • Wed, 25 Nov - Leicester De Montfort Hall
  • Fri, 27 Nov - Edinburgh Queens Hall  

Tickets for Dr John Cooper Clarke in October 2026 will be available from this Friday, 5 December at 10am via Gigs and Tours, as well as his official website.

You can get ready to grab yours HERE.

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Featured Images — Publicity pictures (supplied)/Audio North

Art & Culture

Pioneering Bradford artist David Hockney has passed away aged 88

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

David Hockney, one of Britain's most influential and recognisable artists, has sadly died.

Born in Bradford in 1937, David Hockney built a career spanning more than six decades and became one of the most influential figures in contemporary art.

He was best known for his vibrant paintings, from the iconic swimming pools of Los Angeles to the sweeping landscapes of Yorkshire and Normandy.

And of course you can't forget the adorable paintings of his sausage dogs Stanley and Boodgie.

This morning on Friday 12 June, it was sadly announced that David Hockney had passed away - just one month prior of his 89th birthday.

Admired by critics and the public alike, Hockney's work was exhibited around the world and attracted record-breaking prices, cementing his place as one of the defining artists of the modern era.

Most recently, his incredibly immersive exhibition 'Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away)' was a hit across the country, proving his work still resonated with the people of today.

His work at Salts Mill has remained in exhibit for years, including his special digital drawings that he did on his iPad.

His death marks the end of a truly extraordinary career, but his influence on British culture and contemporary art will endure for years to come.

A true West Yorkshire icon that will be missed by many from across the globe. RIP David.

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Featured image - Publicity photo via Justin Sutcliffe (supplied)

Art & Culture

A breathtaking giant sculpture of the sun has arrived in Yorkshire for the summer

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

A giant model of the sun is now illuminated in Wakefield.

The sun has arrived in Wakefield… and we’re not just referring to that one that’s popped up in the sky at long last (sort of).

We’re taking about Helios, the amazing art installation that’s about to stop off at Wakefield Exchange as it tours around the UK.

Created by renowned artist, Luke Jerram, the beautiful art piece measures a whopping seven-metres in diameter and has been created using images captured by NASA.

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Helios builds on the success of Luke Jerram’s previous installations in Wakefield, including the hugely popular Museum of the Moon.

With its striking scale and rich scientific detail, the artwork provides a safe and captivating way to encounter the Sun up close, highlighting everything from solar flares to the phenomena that created the unforgettable Northern Lights visible across the UK in 2024.

Stepping beneath the breathtaking glowing sculpture, audiences can experience an atmospheric fusion of solar imagery, sunlight and a specially commissioned surround‑sound composition that brings the science and mystery of our nearest star vividly to life.

Alongside the striking sun instillation, Wakefield Exchange will present a full programme of free, family‑friendly, space‑themed activities throughout the summer.

Visitors can enjoy hands‑on workshops, creative crafts, dressing‑up sessions and playful drop‑in experiences.

Helios will be hosted by Wakefield Exchange from Friday 12 June until Sunday 6 September 2026, and you can find out more here on their website.

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Featured image - The Hoot Leeds

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