Winter events
No, we can’t believe it either, but we are fast heading towards the end of the year. So as we wave goodbye to 2019, we are planning to round off the year as we started it by packing our diaries with some memorable nights out.
1. Stereo MCs
In the 1980s, Stereo MCs were at the forefront of the UK hip hop scene and achieved mainstream success with the release of their third album Connected. Now they have gone full circle launching a new record label and are back performing at Brudenell Social Club.
November 15th, brudenellsocialclub.co.uk
2. Diversity
There aren’t many who manage to forge a career after finding fame on a TV talent show. Hats off then to Diversity who are marking 10 years since their appearance on Britain’s Got Talent with a new show which comes to Harrogate Convention Centre.
November 15th, harrogatetheatre.co.uk
3. Liam Gallagher
We’ve finally stopped hoping the Gallagher brothers will put their differences aside and reunite. The next best thing is seeing one or other of them live and as a pre-Christmas treat, Liam plays Sheffield’s FlyDSA Arena.
November 18th, flydsaarena.co.uk
4. The Chemical Brothers
Tom Rowlands and Ed Simons have sold more than 12 million albums and six million singles worldwide. Now the legendary duo come to Leeds’ First Direct Arena for what promises to be an unforgettable night of dance anthems.
November 21st, firstdirectarena.com
5. Jools Holland
Does Jools Holland ever sleep? Judging by his touring schedule we think not. Along with his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra and singers Ruby Turner, Louise Marshall and Eddi Reader, he makes a welcome return to Bradford’s St George’s Hall.
November 21st, bradford-theatres.co.uk
6. Sigrid
Norwegian pop sensation, Sigrid, continues her ascent to the top with her biggest headline tour to date. Her appearance at Leeds O2 Academy follows the release of her debut album, Sucker Punch and acclaimed support slots for George Ezra.
November 23rd, academymusicgroup.com
7. The Bodyguard
Alexandra Burke once again follows in the footsteps of Whitney Houston as she returns to the role of Rachel Marron in Bodyguard. The musical version of the hit film stormed the West End and the UK tour stops off at Bradford’s Alhambra.
November 26th to December 7th, bradford-theatres.co.uk
8. Band of Gold
Based on Leeds screenwriter Kay Mellor’s breakthrough 1995 TV series set in Bradford’s red light district, this new stage adaption which premieres at Leeds Grand Theatre, promises the same gritty drama as the original.
November 28th to December 4th, leedsgrandtheatre.com
9. Bastille
To mark the release of their third album Doom Days, Bastille announced a nine-date tour in support of venues more intimate than their usual arena gigs. The band stop off at St George’s Hall in Bradford warming up with a DJ set before playing the album in full.
December 3rd, bradford-theatres.co.uk
10. Jack Whitehall
Stood Up, the comedian’s third UK arena tour, comes to Leeds for two consecutive nights. The talented stand-up, actor and writer, Whitehall is as talented as he is prolific and everything suggests he remains on top form.
December 4th & 5th, firstdirectarena.com
11. Henning Wehn: Get On With It
He might have spent much of his life in Germany, but Wehn has become a bit of a national treasure. His latest show is described as a ‘much needed call for arms’ for people to stop prevaricating and start doing.
December 5th, bradford-theatres.co.uk
12. Primal Scream
Inarguably one of Britain’s finest bands, Primal Scream are back where they belong with a headline tour which will see them perform many of their greatest hits. If you have never seen Bobby Gillespie live, book tickets now.
December 6th, academymusicgroup.com
13. Bootleg Beatles
We’re generally not big fans of tribute bands, but it’s almost Christmas and these are one of the best. The fake Fab Four will be performing a number of dates in Yorkshire this month, starting at Bradford’s Alhambra.
December 6th, bradford-theatres.co.uk
14. Dido
She will probably be forever known as the singer who provided vocals on Eminem’s Stan, but to mark the release of Still On My Mind – her first album in five years – Dido is back on tour, stopping off at Sheffield City Hall.
December 7th, sheffieldcityhall.co.uk
15. The Heritage Orchestra
Pete Tong has reinvented Ibiza dance classics of the 80s and 90s thanks to the Heritage Orchestra. Along with conductor Jules Buckley and 65 musicians, he now brings a brand new show to the Leeds arena.
December 6th, firstdirectarena.com
16. Guys and Dolls
Looking for a night at the theatre, but not a fan of panto season? Can we suggest a trip to Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre where you can lose yourself for an hour or two in 1930s New York watching the hit musical Guys and Dolls.
December 7th to January 18th, sheffieldtheatres.co.uk
17. Ben Elton
Along with Alexi Sayle and Rik Mayall, Ben Elton was one of a new wave of alternative comedians who tipped traditional stand-up on its head in the late 80s. Back with his first tour in almost 15 years as he tries to make sense of a world gone mad.
December 8th, bradford-theatres.co.uk
18. Rod Stewart
Sometimes the old ones really are the best. Having enjoyed chart-topping albums throughout every decade of his career, Rod Stewart will be belting out some classics with those trademark gravelly vocals at Leeds’ arena.
December 11th, firstdirectarena.com
19. Love Actually
Seeing this Hugh Grant feelgood classic on the big screen has become a Christmas tradition in its own right. The place to see it this year is at Sheffield City Hall where the screening will be accompanied by a live orchestra.
December 17th, sheffieldcityhall.co.uk
20. The Darkness
They started out as a bit of a novelty band, but 16 years after releasing I Believe in a Thing Called Love, The Darkness are still there, tight outfits and all, and will be ushering in Christmas at York Barbican.
