By Grand Central Rail
The summer season is well and truly upon us, and what better way to spend it than experiencing live music with the people you love most. Whether it be an extra special date night, or a long overdue catch up with friends, explore all the live music venues in Yorkshire, complete with the full timeline of summer events, how to get there, and things you can do to extend your day further in the area.
Quick round-up of some of the best live music venues in Yorkshire
- Bradford Live
- Tileyard North, Wakefield
- York Museum Gardens
Bradford Live
Bradford's historic Odeon building was famously restored and reopened as Bradford Live in Autumn 2025. Situated in the heart of Bradford, it has a capacity of 7,500+ people and is home to a vibrant mix of live music and entertainment, making it the perfect backdrop for summer concerts in Yorkshire.
Bradford Live events in summer 2026:
Blue 25th Anniversary Tour: Thursday 21st May 2026
The Elvis Tribute World Tour: Thursday 21st May 2026
Nick Mohammed is Mr Swallow: Show Pony: Saturday 23rd May 2026
Jasper Carrott with special guests strictly ABBA: Wednesday 27th May 2026
Midge Ure - A Man of Two Worlds: Friday the 29th May 2026
Led Zeppelin: II classic albums live: Sunday 28th June 2026
OMD’s (Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark) Summer of Hits: Wednesday 8th July 2026
Getting there with Grand Central
We offer direct journeys to Bradford from London King’s Cross on our West Riding service, which serves major stations like Halifax, Wakefield, Pontefract, Doncaster and Peterborough, with 3-4 return services daily. Hop on the train to Bradford Interchange, and you’ll be just a 10-minute walk from the venue. If you don’t fancy the walk, regular local buses stop at the train station, so you can jump on one of those and take a short journey to Thornton Road, the home of Bradford Live.
Extend your day in Bradford
Discover the best things to do in Bradford during your visit and make the most of your trip:
Learn about the city's industrial history at the Bradford Industrial Museum
Discover the beauty of Bradford Cathedral
Catch a show at the Alhambra Theatre
Explore the National Science & Media Museum
Spend a few hours at the Impressions Gallery
Take a summer stroll through Lister Park
Tileyard North, Wakefield
Tileyard North is right in the heart of Wakefield City Centre, at the former Grade II-listed Rutland Mills. The iconic venue is home to a creative community and is one of the most unique and impressive live music venues in Yorkshire.
Discover summer concerts & festivals at Tileyard North this summer:
RNB Mania - Wakefield's R&B Festival: Saturday 25th July 2026
Our House Festival: Saturday 1st August 2026
Road to Nashville Festival: Saturday 8th August 2026
The Stranglers, Buzzcocks, FEET & Adore: Friday 21st August 2026
Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Scouting For Girls, Deco & Lois: Thursday 27th August 2026
The Fratellis, The Twang, The Subways & The Cheap Thrills: Friday 28th August 2026 (August Bank Holiday weekend)
Ocean Colour Scene, The Lilacs, M60 & Quayside: Saturday 29th August 2026 (August Bank Holiday weekend)
The Vaccines 15th Anniversary Show: Sunday 30th August 2026 (August Bank Holiday weekend)
Getting to Wakefield with Grand Central
Grand Central trains arrive at Wakefield Kirkgate 8 times every day, and from there you can be at Tileyard North singing your heart out in no time. For those travelling from London, you can arrive in Wakefield from the capital city in as little as 2 hours.
Once you step off the train at Wakefield Kirkgate, you can take a small walk and arrive at Tileyard just 7 minutes later. If you don’t fancy walking or the weather's not on your side, it’s super easy to hop in a taxi right outside the station that will take you to the entrance of the venue.
Extend your day in Wakefield
Thinking of making a full day or even a full weekend of any of the above events? If so, explore our top recommendations for things to do in Wakefield during your stay:
Visit the Hepworth Gallery (conveniently placed right next door to Tileyard North)
Discover stunning architecture at Wakefield Cathedral
Explore the historic Sandal Castle and enjoy views over Calder Valley
Watch a show at Theatre Royal Wakefield
Spend a day at the Wakefield Museum and enjoy interactive exhibits
York Museum Gardens
York Museum Gardens is a unique and historic outdoor venue that hosts concerts, festivals and community events throughout the summer. The Yorkshire Museum and Museum Gardens are open to visitors all year round, offering a charming blend of history and nature.
Explore the live music for you to enjoy this summer in York Museum Gardens:
OMD’s (Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark) Summer of Hits: Thursday 9th July 2026 (the following day after their performance at Bradford Live)
Self Esteem Concert (featuring The Big Moon, Moonchild Sanelly and Joshua Idehen): Friday 10th July 2026
Super Furry Animals (also featuring Baxter Dury, Los Campensinos!, Divorce and Pys Melyn): Saturday 11th July 2026
Getting to York with Grand Central
We operate around 5 trains daily to York station, departing directly from London King’s Cross and calling at other major locations along the way. Once you step off the train at York, you’ve got a few options for getting to the Museum Gardens. You can take a nice 10-15-minute walk, ideal for summer days when the sun has got its hat on. Alternatively, several buses run directly from the station to Exhibition Square, the bus stop nearest the venue.
Check our timetable for precise daily times for our trains to Bradford, Wakefield and York.
Extend your day in York
Why not make a weekend of your event in York and explore all this historical city has to offer? You won’t be short of things to see and do:
Spend an hour or two at the National Railway Museum
Learn about the city's fascinating history at the JORVIK Viking Centre
Discover the famous Gothic York Minster
Walk along York’s oldest street, the Shambles, and stop off at the cosy pubs and shops along the way
Explore Clifford's Tower
Let us take you direct to live music in Yorkshire
Let us take you direct to live music in Yorkshire this summer. Whether that be a festival with friends who’ve been away at uni all year or a concert with your person, we want you to enjoy stress-free journeys this year on the way to what matters the most. Plan your journey today and book direct to live music with Grand Central. Don’t forget to take full advantage of our Student Central offering and enjoy 25% off Advance fares, and up to 50% off when you use it alongside a valid railcard!