Direct to live music in the UK: Last-minute summer plans

Although it may feel like summer has only just begun, September will be here before we know it, so there’s no better time than the present to be spontaneous and find some last-minute summer plans! 

And what better way to spend the last weekends of summer than enjoying live music throughout the UK? 

Explore exciting venues across major cities throughout the UK hosting live music this month, complete with a timeline of events and ways you can extend your day in each area. 

A round-up of live music in the UK this August 

• Wakefield: The Stranglers, Sophie Ellis-Bexter, Scouting For Girls, The Fratellies and Ocean Colour Scheme
• Bradford: Lucy Spraggan, The Hoosiers, Mantra, Mehfil and Crobot
• York: The Cover Culprits, Ed Sheeran and Coldplay Classical Tribute, Recall The Remains and Nathan Dunn
• London: The Weekend, Ariana Grande, Stonebwoy and MOGmusic 

Live music in Wakefield 

The city of Wakefield has a vibrant music culture, with newly opened venues like the Wakefield Exchange in 2025 and Tileyard North in 2023 hosting a series of exciting shows: 

• The Stranglers at Wakefield Exchange: Friday 21 August 2026 

• Sophie Ellis-Bexter and Scouting For Girls at Tileyard North: Thursday 27 August 2026

• The Fratellis at Tileyard North: Friday 28 August 2026 (August Bank Holiday weekend) 

• Ocean Colour Scene at Tileyard North: Saturday 29 August (August Bank Holiday weekend)

• The Vaccines 15th Anniversary Show at Tileyard North: Sunday 30 August 2026 (August Bank Holiday weekend)

Make the most of your day in Wakefield 

There’s much to explore in this historic cathedral city, so be sure to leave some spare time before your event to discover all that Wakefield has to offer: 

• Visit the Wakefield Museum 

• Explore the Hepworth Gallery 

• View local maker displays at the Art House 

• Enjoy shopping at the Wakefield Open Market 

• Discover the Chantry Chapel 

Live music in Bradford 

Between the restored cinema that is now the iconic Bradford Live and the lively courtyard of Darley Street Market, Bradford offers an exciting mix of music venues featuring impressive performers throughout August: 

• Lucy Spraggan at Darley Street Market: Saturday 15 August 2026

• The Hoosiers at Darley Street Market: Sunday 16 August 2026 

• Mantra (Bring Me The Horizon Tribute) at the Nightrain: Saturday 22 August 2026 

• Mehfil at Bradford Live: Tuesday 25 August 2026 

• Crobot with The Damn Truth at the Nightrain: Sunday 30 August 2026 (August Bank Holiday weekend)

Extend your time in Bradford 

And don’t let the fun stop there! There’s plenty to do in Bradford to extend your trip further: 

• Explore the famous Saltaire Village UNESCO World Heritage Site 

• Spend a few hours at the National Science and Media Museum 

• Visit Cartwright Hall Art Gallery 

• Watch a performance at the Alhambra Theatre 

• Unwind at the North Parade