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Back in 2009, The Circus Live set a new precedent for stadium pop; it was not just a hit; it was a phenomenon of sorts, smashing records by selling 600,000 tickets in under five hours. It wasn’t just about the music; it was also the immersive spectacle, crowned by the unforgettable sights of the band riding a 30-foot mechanical elephant through stadiums packed with a million fans screaming. This time around, band members Gary Barlow, Howard Daniel, and Mark Owen have promised something “bigger, braver, and bolder”, a contemporary show which will be laced with nostalgia, and an opportunity for the band to showcase something fresh to their fans who have been waiting for the last 17 years.

 

 

 

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The 11-date tour kicks off on May 29 2026, at St Mary’s Stadium in the port city of Southampton, making its way through iconic venues like Manchester’s Etihad Stadium, Hampden Park in Glasgow, and the London Stadium, before concluding in Dublin’s Aviva Stadium on July 4. Support acts will include The Script, who had also supported the original 2009 tour, returning alongside the iconic Belinda Carlisle, guaranteeing a multi-generational feast of pop classics.

General sale opens on Friday, September 26, at 09:30 BST. Fans who pre-order their forthcoming tenth studio album from their official website, titled ‘TT10’, before 17:00 BST on Tuesday, September 23, will receive a code, allowing them to participate in the pre-sale, which begins at 09:30 BST on Thursday, September 25.

Much like the scene in Derry Girls, Take That’s revival of The Circus Live taps into collective memory. It’s about more than nostalgia; it is about how pop culture is lodged in the contemporary pop landscape. As the pre-sale frenzy grips, Take That isn’t just simply reviving a tour; they are resurrecting a feeling of joy, spectacle, and shared celebration. Whether this tour soars or merely glimmers will depend on how much risk they take and how well they live up to the expectations, as it seeks to create a shared spectacle of British pop theatre at its grandest.

With a completion time of just 15 minutes, this survey is designed to be accessible to all UK residents who care about the future of live music. The collected data will be utilised to advocate for change at multiple levels, from local councils to national government policies and within pockets of the industry itself. The initiative is particularly crucial as grassroots venues continue to struggle, and parts of the country become increasingly isolated from live music experiences.

https://t.co/BYZ8hwVRw7  Music Fans’ Voice is a comprehensive quantitative survey, with qualitative elements, has been designed by CGA by NiQ, and has undergone four rounds of music industry feedback, with input from members of the LIVE and UK Music trade bodies.

— Music Fans’ Voice (@MusicFansVoice) February 3, 2025

Live music venues across the UK face mounting challenges, including rising operational costs, declining venue numbers, and accessibility concerns. Reports indicate that many regions are seeing a slump in touring circuit stops, leaving entire communities without access to live performances. Addressing these concerns is a priority, and the Music Fans’ Voice Survey aims to provide the public a data driven voice in meaningful policy change.

Commissioned by Greater Manchester Combined Authority, The Mayor of London, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, West Midlands Combined Authority, Tees Valley Combined Authority, Cardiff City Council, Belfast City Council, and Glasgow Music City, this initiative reflects a collective effort to sustain and improve live music nationwide. It has naturally seen enthusiastic support from key UK city leaders, who have emphasised the importance of live music and this survey’s potential to shape the future of the UK music industry. 

The Music Fans’ Voice survey was commissioned by @greatermcr, @MayorofLondon, @LpoolCityRegion, @WestMids_CA, @TeesValleyCA , @CdiffMusicCity, @belfastcc and @GlasgowCC pic.twitter.com/T2E3b6JNVD

— Music Fans’ Voice (@MusicFansVoice) February 3, 2025

These leaders recognise the significance of live music in their communities and are encouraging fans to participate:

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, highlighted the cultural and economic importance of music to the region: “Music has always been central to Greater Manchester, whether through culture, identity, or its huge economic contribution. However, music is nothing without its fans. We want to hear from music fans across Greater Manchester and the country to properly understand their views and thoughts about the UK music sector.”

Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, emphasised the urgency of supporting grassroots venues: “Our live music industry is world-renowned, with an incredible diversity of artists performing in venues of all sizes every night. However, grassroots venues continue to face significant challenges. This survey is a fantastic opportunity for music lovers to have their voices heard, helping us build a better London for everyone.”

Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, reinforced Liverpool’s legacy in live music: “The Liverpool City Region has always been at the heart of live music in the UK, and I’m proud to support this initiative, which will give music fans a real voice in shaping the future of our vibrant music scene.”

Katie Duffy, Senior Arts and Music Programmes Manager at Glasgow Life, highlighted Glasgow’s rich music heritage: “As the UK’s first UNESCO City of Music, Glasgow offers one of the most immersive live music experiences in the world. Live music is part of our city’s identity, bringing communities together, supporting jobs, and driving our visitor and night-time economies.”

 

 

 

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The Music Fans’ Voice Survey is modelled after successful Football Supporters’ Association surveys, which have significantly influenced football governance and fan engagement. By adopting a similar approach, the initiative seeks to ensure that music fans are at the heart of discussions about ticketing, venue accessibility, and the future of live performances.

Music lovers across the UK are encouraged to take part in this first-of-its-kind survey. Their feedback will be instrumental in shaping the policies and initiatives that will sustain and improve the UK’s live music ecosystem.

For more information and to take the survey, visit: Music Fans’ Voice Official Website.

This is an unprecedented opportunity for fans to make a real impact on the future of live music in the UK. Don’t miss your chance to have your say. 

The Boileroom was founded in 2006 by Dominique Frazer. She is the manager and owner of The Boileroom Music And Cultural Arts Space in Guildford. Not only leading Guildford’s live music scene, in late 2021, her team took over the derelict New House Art Space in the centre of Guildford. Earmarked to be demolished, the building was refurbished to accommodate 20 artist studios as well as fitted with a new foyer, reception, gallery for rent, and art exhibition / creative workshop space.

New House Art Space is the perfect venue to see an exhibition dedicated to 18 years of the Boileroom in all its glory. In 2023, the 275-capacity venue won ‘Grassroots Champion’ of the year at the Live music industry Venues and Entertainment Awards. When accepting their award, they held a silent protest highlighting to the industry the closure of Moles – live music venue in Bath – and how it symbolised the crisis grassroots venues face.

It has never been easy being a grassroots venue. However, with the effects of the pandemic, Brexit and the cost of living, we are seeing venues close doors at an alarming rate. In 2023, 120 venues closed and, in a report made by the Music Venues Trust (MVT), it was predicted the sector would be at risk of losing 10% of its venues by the end of 2024. Grassroots venues are the life blood of the live industry and it is where industry professionals and bands “cut their teeth” to gain invaluable experience and build loyal fanbases.

It is important to note some of the artists who have previously played at the Boileroom. They highlight the importance of these venues, as a jumping off point for artists like: Ed Sheeran, Foals, The Bronx, First Aid Kit, Lucy Rose, Wolf Alice, Sugarhill Gang, Lee Scratch Perry, You Me At Six, Bastille, The 1975, David ‘Ram Jam’ Rodigan OBE, Declan McKenna, Tony Christie and The Amazons.

With the themes of this exhibition equally prescient: People, Place and Presence. The impact of these three things within a community are substantial and, from a perspective of a grassroots venue, absolutely fundamental. Grassroots venues need a community to represent, and bring in communities to attend or run events. Without a local venue, you would miss out on localised scenes and sub-cultures giving your area a truly unique sense of self. Imagine the Madchester scene without the Haçienda!

It should be the norm to celebrate venues like The Boileroom!

You can find out more about the exhibition here: Boileroom 2006-2024.

This trend aligns with a recent study by The Association of Independent Festivals (AIF), which reported that over 40 UK festivals have cancelled their 2024 editions. The cancellations were largely attributed to high production costs and insufficient ticket sales, painting a grim picture for the festival circuit.

David Borrie, CEO of PIRATE.COM, emphasised the need for government intervention to sustain the festival scene. “There’s a strong culture among musicians and music fans to support the acts, promoters, and venues they love, whether by buying tickets, merchandise, or records. However, with ticket prices being what they are, the scene can’t sustain the festival circuit on its own. Government support is now essential,” he said.

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Despite the financial strain, the survey revealed that 47% of respondents still plan to attend at least two festivals in 2024, demonstrating a resilient demand for live music experiences. However, 27% of festivalgoers have opted out entirely this year, likely deterred by the steep rise in ticket prices. For instance, a Glastonbury ticket now costs £355, a significant increase that has priced out many fans.

When it comes to spending limits, nearly half of the respondents (49%) indicated they wouldn’t pay more than £200 for a festival ticket. Breaking it down further, 31% are capping their spend at £199, and 18% won’t go over £100. On the other hand, 27% are willing to stretch to £299, and a small group (15%) might even consider spending as much as £399. The survey also highlighted a shift in festivalgoers’ preferences, with 29% choosing to stick with their favourite festivals rather than exploring new ones.

Jack Robinson, Managing Director of The Pack Group, which handles marketing for festivals like Cross the Tracks and City Splash, noted a significant increase in the uptake of early bird deals and payment plans. These options have become essential for many fans trying to manage the financial burden of attending festivals.

The findings underscore a critical juncture for the UK’s festival industry. While the passion for live music remains strong, the financial realities are forcing fans to make tough choices, indicating that without substantial support, the vibrant festival culture that has long been a hallmark of the UK’s music scene may face an uncertain future.

It is the UK’s largest festival that celebrates African and Caribbean music and culture. In the spirit of celebrating Oye’s philosophy, which is considered to be: ‘free and open to all’, the event will be free of charge. Their funding partners are officially listed and they include the Arts Council England and Liverpool City Council.

The festival originally began in 1992 in the form of small performances in the heart of Liverpool’s city centre, and over the decades it has risen in popularity. To account for the growing audience, the festival moved to Sefton Park in 2002.

Headlining Acts

It was announced 3 days ago (27th February) that the two headlining acts will be Les Amazones d’Afrique and Julian Marley. Les Amazones d’Afrique are an all female, contemporary world-music group who embrace international voices to blur cultural boundaries, and will close the show on the 22nd. Julian Marley, the ninth son of the beloved and late Bob Marley (1945-1981) who helped introduce Reggae music to the world, will perform the following day. He will be glistening in his post-Grammy glow for Best Reggae Album which was awarded to him on February 5th, 2024. More of the main stage artists are yet to revealed, but will be very soon. 

According to BBC, the art director of the festival, Paul Duhaney, said: 

“Les Amazones d’Afrique are the definition of a supergroup – so much talent coming together to create something really special … And with Julian Marley you’ve got a reggae superstar who has truly emerged from his father’s shadow … You don’t win Grammys without being an incredible talent in your own right and it’ll be a Sunday night for the history books when he closes the festival this year”.

Transcending Cultural Boundaries

This festival is more than a tribute to African culture. It will challenge misrepresentations of African culture, which in the narrow Eurocentric view is attached to images of war, poverty, famine and diseases. (It can also be understood as a way to challenge Bob Geldof’s representation of famine in Band Aid’s 1984 Christmas classic ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas?’) Therefore, the festival aims to challenge these images and assumptions of reality through their beautiful and eclectic abundance of foods, intricate cultures, artists and music. There will be a total of 90 stalls which will sell the most popular African food and drinks, as well as fashion and arts and crafts.

According to The Sunday Times: “This isn’t just the largest festival of African and Caribbean music in Britain, it’s the best.” 

Overall, Liverpool is the place to be this summer season. This festival is more than a performance of international voices, but sets an intention to transcend assumptions and celebrate multi-culturalism without geographical boundaries.

This esteemed platform not only provides an opportunity for emerging talent to shine but also welcomes established artists from across Northern Ireland to captivate audiences with their artistry.

The festival will feature performances in various locations throughout Portrush and Portstewart, know as the music trail. With a lineup of 40 artists and more than 20 venues, the event spans across three days, providing a broad platform for both emerging talent and established artists from all corners of Northern Ireland.

Venues will include the recently renovated Portrush Playhouse, The Station, and Elephant Rock. These additions to the music trail are set to enhance the overall experience. Snow Water, in collaboration with Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, has meticulously curated this year’s festival program. It will showcase esteemed acts from previous Atlantic Sessions, known for consistently delivering sold-out shows.

Renowned artists such as, The Bonnevilles, No Oil Paintings, and esteemed singer-songwriters like Ciaran Lavery, Matt McGinn, and ROE, will grace the stage, presenting their latest albums from 2022 and unveiling new releases. Notably, select performances will be featured during the highly anticipated ‘Sunday Session’ hosted by Ralph McLean.

The Atlantic Sessions has transcended from more than a mere music festival, as it embodies a profound appreciation for Northern Irish culture and offers a captivating exploration of the region’s rich musical heritage. Attendees are invited to embark on an enchanting musical odyssey, tracing pathways that wind through esteemed music venues, exquisite restaurants, luxurious hotels, and vibrant bars, resulting in a riveting tapestry that entwine music and local culture seamlessly.

Ever since his first album drop he has delivered absolute crackers to the scene and has, in the meantime, released a second studio album last year (2022) called Sonder. Reaching successful levels of feedback and a great deal of critical acclaim, the Irishman continues his pop journey to a steady fame. Bringing him to headlining position at his coming festivals.

The festival All Points East is an annual event prepared to, over the course of 10 days, show the public how to put on a show. Based in London’s Victoria Park it allows the audience to indulge in an alternative rock affair with a beautiful combination of other popular music artists.

As Dermot Kennedy joins the club we can officially accept that the lineup has been rounded up. This includes Stormzy, Kehlani, Sampha, Knucks and more on the first day (18th August). The second day (25th August) consists on a different approach to the stage with bands such as The Strokes, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Girl In Red, Amyl And The Sniffers, Black Midi and many, many more good acts.

The third day (26th August) is where our friend Kennedy steps in who will be playing alongside Olivia Dean, AURORA, SG Lewis, Novo Amor and more to be announced. Finally the final day (28th August) will be showcasing Haim, Girl In Red (again apparently), Tove Lo, Confidence Man, Snail Mail, Tamino, Romy and too many more to continue. It is quite a freely directed festival and the layout of the acts seems to work perfectly amongst each other.

Dermot Kennedy will make his appearance in London as a grand finale to finish off his mammoth tour around the globe. Having already commenced, today (4th April) he will be playing at the International Centre in Bournemouth, he will be making his way through several cities in the UK before crossing the pond to the US all the way through May and June. Once his American tour comes to an end in the Big Apple his trip returns to Ireland, Scotland and finally, the Big Smoke.

Tickets are already available to buy for all his shows, including All Points East.

Click here for tickets.

UK Tour Dates: 

04/04/2023 – International Centre – Bournemouth
05/04 – Plymouth Pavilions – Plymouth
07/04 – AO Arena – Manchester
08/04 – International Arena – Cardiff
10/04 – First Direct – Leeds
11/04 – Motorpoint Arena – Nottingham
13/04 – Resorts World Arena – Birmingham
14/04 – The O2 – London
15/04 – Royal Albert Hall – London
23/06 – Marlay Park – Rathfarnham
24/06 – Marlay Park – South Dublin
07/07 – Thomond Park Stadium – Limerick City
08/07 – Thomond Park Stadium – Limerick City
09/07 – Thomond Park Stadium – Limerick City
13/07 – Esplanade Castle – Edinburgh
14/07 – Scarborough Open Air Theatre – Scarborough
27/08 – All Points East – London

Line-up revealed for BBC Radio 2 Live festival in Leeds https://t.co/fN8UMYW0oE

— BBC News (UK) (@BBCNews) June 14, 2022

Leader of the Leeds City Council, Councillor James Lewis has given a statement concerning the event’s new home, “It’s hugely exciting to see such a star-studded line-up of world-class artists being announced and we can’t wait to see them in Leeds for what will be an incredible occasion for music lovers and for the city as a whole. It’s also a massive endorsement for Leeds and its growing reputation as the place to see some of the biggest names in music. Temple Newsam is the ideal stage for this kind of spectacular event too and we can’t wait to give these amazing acts a proper Leeds welcome.”

The impressive line-up announced by veteran DJ Zoe Ball reads like a who’s who of popular music, set to take the stage on Sunday are Melanie C and Mark Owen. Joining the Spice Girl and former Take That band member are George Ezra, Nile Rodgers & Chic, Emeli Sandé, Olly Murs and M People frontwoman Heather Small. Further legendary British artists are set to perform on Saturday, scheduled to perform on the event’s first day are Simple Minds, Tears For Fears, iconic girl group Bananarama, Ella Henderson, “Ruby” hitmakers Kaiser Chiefs, Craig David and Sophie Ellis-Bextor.

Concerning the upcoming event, Head of Music for Radio 2 Jeff Smith has given the following statement, “We’re so pleased to be announcing the stellar artist lineup for Radio 2 Live, as our annual event spreads its wings for the first time across the UK. This year we will be in Leeds with two days of incredible music from an amazing lineup of musicians. Having been without it for so long we all really appreciate how important live music is to all our lives and so we invite everyone to join us for Radio 2 Live in Leeds at Temple Newsam Park or to listen or watch our weekend via BBC Sounds or iPlayer.”

JUST ANNOUNCED

JUST ANNOUNCED
BBC Radio 2 Live is heading to Leeds! Don’t miss…
Simple Minds
Tears for Fears
Nile Rodgers & CHIC
… and many more!

Temple Newsam Park
17 and 18 September.

On sale this Thursday 08:00 >> https://t.co/NsIQyQDJiM pic.twitter.com/WfDJF9JgpW

— ticketmasteruk (@TicketmasterUK) June 14, 2022

br>BBC Radio 2 Live is heading to Leeds! Don’t miss…
Simple Minds
Tears for Fears
Nile Rodgers & CHIC
… and many more!

Temple Newsam Park
17 and 18 September.

On sale this Thursday 08:00 >> https://t.co/NsIQyQDJiM pic.twitter.com/WfDJF9JgpW

— ticketmasteruk (@TicketmasterUK) June 14, 2022

The annual event will be returning to a traditional live format this year after the COVID-19 pandemic forced previous years to be reconfigured to meet the then-established guidelines. In 2020 and 2021 the event was renamed BBC Radio 2 Live at Home and consisted of concerts held in Cardiff, Manchester, Belfast and Glasgow. Further details concerning the lineup are yet to be announced, BBC radio 2 have established that two more acts for both dates will be confirmed in the coming weeks.

For those unable to attend, the event will be broadcasted live across the BBC’s network stations. The live music extravaganza will also be made available to watch on-demand via BBC Sounds and BBC iPlayer. Music fans will also be able to catch the festival’s highlights on 24th September 2022 via BBC Two. Tickets will be available to purchase from Thursday 16th June 2022 at 8 am via this link.

Welcome to El Mocambo 1977
A brand new live album featuring the legendary 1977 shows!
Pre-order now on deluxe 2CD, classic black 4LP & limited neon 4LP:https://t.co/M5VbDPtUF0
Doors open May 13th.. pic.twitter.com/oOzcLTqjne

— The Rolling Stones (@RollingStones) March 25, 2022

The upcoming album marks the first full release of both concerts; only four tracks have appeared on a previously released album. “Mannish Boy”, “Crackin’ Up”, “Little Red Rooster” and “Around And Around” were included in the 1977 release Love You Live. The live recordings made at El Mocambo took place during two days; the collection features the full set played on 5th March and three bonus tracks heard on 4th March.

The new addition to the band’s long list of live albums has been newly mixed by Bob Clearmountain. The Grammy Award-winning producer and engineer known for his work with music’s most influential artists. Along with his work on David Bowie’s 1983 album Let’s Dance, Clearmountain also previously worked with The Rolling Stones on their 1981 album Tattoo You.

Live At The El Mocambo features a tracklist of twenty-three songs which provide an insight into a pivotal moment in the group’s career. During the late 1970s, the band were at the height of fame and at the brink of their commercial era, followed by the release of the band’s sixteenth studio album Some Girls in 1978. After a long period of immense popularity, genres such as punk and disco threatened to destroy the group’s sound, after the release of the album’s title track and “Miss You”, the band proved that they were not just adaptable but permanently relevant.

Welcome to El Mocambo 1977
A brand new live album featuring the legendary 1977 shows!
Pre-order now on deluxe 2CD, classic black 4LP & limited neon 4LP:https://t.co/M5VbDPtUF0
Doors open May 13th.. pic.twitter.com/oOzcLTqjne

— The Rolling Stones (@RollingStones) March 25, 2022

The live music included within the new collection was recorded at a uniquely promoted event, to ensure its secrecy the band disguised themselves by using the band name Cockroaches. The Toronto shows were advertised via a radio contest which offered listeners the chance to win tickets to see Canadian rock group April Wine. The Cockroaches were then announced as the band’s supporting act.

Those lucky enough to attend the shows were delighted with the live debut of “Worried About You”. The track was featured within the band’s album Tattoo You and went on to become a favourite to play throughout their tours. Both Canadian sets included such hits as “Let’s Spend The Night Together“, “Tumbling Dice”, “Brown Sugar” and “Jumpin’ Jack Flash”.

The album is available to pre-order now and will be released in various configurations including both digital and physical formats. Live At The El Mocambo will be available on wax as a 4 LP Black Vinyl and 4 LP Neon Vinyl,  and included within the physical release is a double CD. The album will also be accessible to stream, download and buy across multiple digital platforms.

Click here to pre-order Live At The El Mocambo.

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Kilimanjaro and Action! Promoter Alan Day has provided a statement concerning the group’s successful tour, “Bring Me The Horizon were the first band in the UK, possibly the world, to complete a full non-rescheduled arena tour after the height of the pandemic. Their vision from the start was to produce the tour as environmentally friendly as possible, whilst still giving the audience the best spectacle achievable. From savings in plastic waste, to transport, to accommodation, to stage production and more, I am proud to have produced such a landmark tour and hopefully an example for the future.”

During the 2021 tour, the band reduced their touring emissions by 38% and cut 27.97 tonnes of CO2e. The British rockers also implemented plans to ban plastic bottles, this meant that a total of 3,322 plastic bottles weren’t used. According to the report published by the non-profit organisation, the band’s dedication to an eco-friendly tour also extended to travel plans. Instead of using traditional trucking fuel, the Sheffield formed group opted to use HVO Renewable Diesel. The fossil-free source is one of the cleanest fuels available and is a safer renewable diesel which has proven to eliminate 90% of CO2 and also aids to reduce nitrogen oxide and carbon monoxide emissions. A Greener Festival also took to Twitter to confirm the group’s impressive percentage of reduced emissions.

Bring Me The Horizon @bmthofficial have shown what is possible and how we can change things for the better. According to a report put together by A Greener Festival @agreenerfest, the band reduced their total emissions by an incredible 38%. @rocksound #bmth #bringmethehorizon pic.twitter.com/uOsZbCnCHw

— IDIOTEQ.com (@IDIOTEQ) February 21, 2022

Along with the band’s contribution, changes and assistance were also supplied by Raw Power Management, United Talent Agency and promotion company Kilimanjaro and London’s The O2. The three companies and live venue all shared the occurred costs associated with a tour impact audit and sustainability implementation advice. A spokesman from Raw Power Management, Matt Ash has given the following comment concerning the tour, “Working with an artist in BMTH and a tour production team that was fully behind the approach to sustainable touring was something that we absolutely endorsed and are keen to implement on all future touring whenever possible.”

Claire O’Neill, CEO of A Greener Festival has also given the following statement concerning the actions taken to include sustainability and eco-friendly changes within the live music and event industry, “During the pandemic, the touring music industry came together on the important topic of sustainability. We’re so happy with the results from walking the talk with the first UK arena tour off the mark. The report shows a direct link between well-being, stress, and environmental sustainability. Culture change and industry restructuring is essential to achieve a green future for artist touring. There is much still to be done, but these results are undeniable evidence that we can take huge strides to reduce emissions and protect ecosystems immediately. There’s no excuse to delay.”

Click here to request the report by A Greener Festival