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REVIEW: Yungblud Opens Sold-Out UK Arena Tour With Triumphant Homecoming Show

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Yungblud Idols: The World Tour - Sheffield (Photo Credit: Tom Pallant)

Grammy-winning superstar Yungblud brought Idols: The World Tour home to the UK after a year in which he found acclaim in the US.

This year, the singer picked up the Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance and released part two of his No.1 album Idols.

The Doncaster-born musician played a completely sold-out Utilita Arena in Sheffield on Saturday, delivering a spectacular rock performance packed with mass singalongs and pyrotechnics.

The show opened with confetti cannons and an epic ‘Hello Heaven, Hello’, followed by ‘The Funeral’, ‘Idols Pt.1’ and ‘Lovesick Lullaby’.

“This album, Idols, was made in Yorkshire and we brought it home tonight,” said Yungblud.

Flames shot from the stage as the crowd chanted “Yorkshire, Yorkshire, Yorkshire.”

“I’ve been away for too long,” said Yungblud. “Does anybody want to kidnap me and take me home with them? I won’t be good though!”

A fan was brought on stage to play guitar for an explosive ‘Fleabag’, before Yungblud jumped into the crowd to meet fans.

‘Changes’ was dedicated to Ozzy Osbourne, who he said had brought many people together.

Yungblud said:

“Is this anybody’s first ever Yungblud show? Well, welcome to the family. We are so honoured to play for you tonight because this community, this family, and rock and roll are all about love. Ozzy Osbourne’s about love. Yungblud is about love. You, tonight, are about love.”

A massive ‘Loner’ preceded darkness as Yungblud left the stage, with the audience still singing. He returned for anthemic renditions of ‘Ghosts’ and ‘Zombie’, closing with a powerful encore of ‘Suburban Requiem’.

Yungblud said:

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart. This album was made in Yorkshire, we toured it all around the world, and we’d like to bring it home here tonight. If you’re from Yorkshire I love you. If you are not, I love you too but just a little bit less — I’m joking!

I cannot believe that this community, this family, is getting this big. I could cry right now. You mean everything to me.”

Support comes from The Warning and The Molotovs on the UK tour, which ends in Manchester on 25 April.

Setlist

  • HELLO HEAVEN, HELLO
  • THE FUNERAL
  • IDOLS PT.1
  • LOVESICK LULLABY
  • MY ONLY ANGEL
  • FLEABAG
  • LOWLIFE
  • CHANGES
  • I NEED YOU (TO MAKE THE WORLD SEEM FINE)
  • FIRE
  • SUPERDEADFRIENDS
  • LONER
  • GHOSTS
  • ZOMBIE
  • SUBURBAN REQUIEM

Idols UK & Ireland Tour Dates

  • 11.04.26 – Sheffield, Utilita Arena
  • 12.04.26 – Liverpool, M&S Bank Arena
  • 14.04.26 – Belfast, SSE Arena
  • 15.04.26 – Dublin, 3Arena
  • 17.04.26 – Leeds, First Direct Arena
  • 18.04.26 – Cardiff, Utilita Arena
  • 20.04.26 – Glasgow, OVO Hydro
  • 21.04.26 – Newcastle, Utilita Arena
  • 23.04.26 – Birmingham, Utilita Arena
  • 24.04.26 – London, The O2
  • 25.04.26 – Manchester, AO Arena
  • Yungblud Idols: The World Tour - Sheffield (Photo Credit: Tom Pallant)
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New Boyband December 10 Announce Headline UK & Ireland Tour

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December 10 (Photo credit: GraceyCo)

Britain’s brand-new boyband December 10 today announce December 10: The Next Step – kicking off in Edinburgh on Friday 10 July and wrapping in Dublin on Tuesday 21 July (see below for full list of dates and details).

“We loved our Introducing! run of shows – as in LOVED – that was collectively the favourite week of our lives… so it was time to take the next step and go on the road again. Hendrik came up with the name when we were at dinner yesterday in Tokyo, as this tour really feels like us taking the next step… We are buzzing to add new music to the set list and get back on the tour bus and on the road.” – December 10

General tickets for the December 10: The Next Step UK shows will be available to purchase from 10am BST on Friday 10 April HERE (UK) and HERE (Ireland). For details of a very special fan presale (from 10am BST on Thursday 2 April), head to www.december10.com.

The announcement of December 10: The Next Step arrives ahead of December 10’s upcoming O2 Priority headline show at O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire on 8 April, where demand has already exceeded capacity fourfold. It follows their first-ever festival appearance at Ultra Teen Fest in Japan and their Introducing! run in February, which saw them perform 13 sold-out shows across the UK and Ireland to more than 6,500 fans, with additional dates added twice in response to overwhelming demand.

Less than four months on from their reveal on Netflix’s global series Simon Cowell: The Next Act, and newly signed to EMI RecordsDecember 10 are moving at a relentless pace. They have already amassed millions of followers across social platformsover 600,000 monthly listeners on Spotify and over 6 million organic YouTube viewsacross the official music video and stripped-back performance for their debut single “Run My Way”; the official music video and stripped-back performance for recently released “Angel”; and their stripped-back take on NSYNC’s “Bye, Bye, Bye”.

Formed on camera during Netflix’s docuseries Simon Cowell: The Next Act, (released worldwide on 10 December 2025), December 10 have quickly built a devoted fanbase through their live shows and online following. The hugely fun, charismatic and high-energy septet consists of Cruz (19), Danny (17), Hendrik (19), John (17), Josh (17), Nicolas (17) and Seán (19).

They’re not just brilliant singers, but accomplished musicians too, playing 14 instruments between them: Nicolas plays guitar and harmonica; Danny plays guitar; Josh plays guitar, cajón and drums; Hendrik plays guitar, bass and piano; Seán plays guitar, piano and harmonica; while John was due to take Grade 8 clarinet and piano this year — until life got a bit busy.

December 10 are very much a boyband for our times: a truly inclusive group representing Chorley, Rochester, Dublin, London, Lisbon and Walsall, with Irish, Brazilian, Indian, Nigerian and Jamaican heritage between them. Their musical influences are just as expansive – from Fela Kuti, Daft Punk, Brent Faiyaz and Steve Lacy to Pearl Jam, Freddie Mercury, The Notorious B.I.G., Catfish and the Bottlemen, Sabrina Carpenter and Usher, alongside Brazilian icons like Legião Urbana and Cazuza.

Fun, high-energy and utterly endearing, December 10 are rapidly carving out their place among Britain’s most talked-about new pop bands.
DECEMBER 10: THE NEXT STEP 

Fri 10 July – Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh
Sat 11 July – O2 Academy Liverpool, Liverpool
Sun 12 July – Styles, Leeds
Mon 13 July – Electric, Sheffield
Wed 15 July – Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton
Thu 16 July – O2 Academy, Bristol
Fri 17 July – O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, London
Mon 20 July – Ulster Hall, Belfast
Tue 21 July – National Stadium, Dublin

Follow December 10 here: WEBSITE INSTAGRAM TIKTOK

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The Lilacs Announce Debut Album Ahead of UK Tour

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The Lilacs’ journey so far has seen the Wigan quartet sell-out a 2700-capacity headline show in Manchester, achieve a Top 10 Independent Albums Chart breakthrough with the ‘The 395 (To Forever)’ EP, win new admirers at every festival from the Isle of Wight to Truck, and play shows with the likes of Lottery Winners and The Lathums. Their rise so far has come in spite of immensely difficult times, with guitarist Sam Birchall recently getting the all-clear from cancer following a year of treatment – his story documented by both ITV and BBC.

But now it’s time for the indie-rock next wave hopes to look towards the future and once again raise the bar with the news that they will release their debut album ‘Keeping Up With The Joneses’ on October 2nd via Scruff of the Neck.

‘Keeping Up The Joneses’ is full of the essential qualities that have powered The Lilacs’ rise so far – insistent melodies and mega hooks focused on universal tales (and fails) of young adulthood played with youthful passion. And as the  album proves, they’re doing all of that, but with more power, confidence and verve than ever before.

‘Keeping Up With The Joneses’ was produced by Joe Cross (Courteneers, Hurts) and introduces eight brand new songs to The Lilacs’ growing songbook. It is completed by new recordings of their two biggest moments to date, ‘Vicarage Road’ and ‘Grace’ – simply the same songs that fans already know and love, but tighter and more dynamic than ever before.

Frontman Ollie Anglesea says, “It goes with out saying how f**king proud we are of this record.  Every artist, musician, painter, or whatever, reckons their latest work is their best. This one actually is. It’s a real coming of age record about growing up in a world obsessed with comparison, but never losing sight of where we’re from. And yeah, in true Lilacs fashion, there’s still a bit of classic  ‘boy meets girl’ and ‘misspent youth’ running through it.

Actual blood, sweat, tears and plenty of long nights have gone into the making of this record. Made between Manchester and Paris, which still feels a bit mad, this record is going to take me and the boys to the next level. I hope you love it as much as we do!”

Sam Birchall adds, “Being part of creating the  ‘Keeping Up With The Joneses’ album for me has been one of the most enjoyable experiences of my music career so far. It’s a real jump in maturity of The Lilacs’ sound, and everything from the lyrics to the tones and the instrumentation has been considered. Our heart and soul has really gone into making it the very best that it can be and I can’t wait to see what response it gets from our ever growing loyal fan base. It’s our first real shot at aiming for the stars and putting The Lilacs up in the charts with all the big names, and no matter where it finishes, I’m proud of how it sounds and what we have achieved!”

From the outside, The Lilacs’ rise has been rapid but ‘Keeping Up With The Joneses’ is the culmination of years of dedication. Ollie and Sam had played together in a different band before completing The Lilacs in October 2018 with the addition of Matt Johnson (bass) and Dave Gomersall (drums). They debuted the following year with ‘Vicarage Road’ and have been steadily levelling up ever since, with landmark moments coming with ‘Grace’ in 2023 and ‘The 395 (To Forever)’ EP in 2025.

‘Keeping Up With The Jones’ is now available to pre-order HERE. The band’s official store offers a CD, cream vinyl,  and signed lilac galaxy vinyl with alternate black artwork – plus a new bucket hat. Select indie stores have an exclusive red cornetto vinyl with a signed obi strip, packaged in alternate red artwork.

The Lilacs are back on the road for a headline tour next month. And there’s plenty of opportunities to see them in action elsewhere too, with a headline set at This Feeling By The Sea and many further festival dates including Leeds, Latitude and Truck on the calendar. They’re also confirmed to play a stadium show as guests to Lottery Winners, as well as further big venues with Red Rum Club, The Fratellis, Scouting For Girls and Ocean Colour Scene.

Their shows run as below, please see HERE for remaining tickets.

APRIL
3rd – Leicester, O2 Academy 2 (LOW TICKETS)
4th – Stoke, The Sugarmill (LOW TICKETS)
9th – Lincoln, Southside (SOLD OUT)
10th – Norwich, The Waterfront (SOLD OUT)
11th – Southampton, The Joiners (SOLD OUT)
17th – Bridlington Spa, This Feeling By The Sea (HEADLINERS)
18th – Glasgow, King Tut’s (LOW TICKETS)
25th – Dublin, Whelan’s – upstairs (LOW TICKETS)

MAY
1st – Plymouth, The Junction (SOLD OUT)
2nd – Cardiff, Clwb Ifor Bach (LOW TICKETS)
3rd – Liverpool, Sound City
30th – Leigh, Sports Village (with Lottery Winners)

JUNE
19th – Liverpool, On The Waterfront (with Red Rum Club)
24th – Sheffield, Tramlines (main stage)
30th – Lake District, Kendal Calling

JULY
23rd – Cheshire, In It Together Festival
23rd-26th – Oxfordshire, Truck Festival
25th – Suffolk, Latitude
30th-Aug 2nd – Derbyshire, Y NOT? Festival

AUGUST
16th – Isle of Wight, Robin Hood Adventure Park (with Scouting For Girls)
21st – Blackpool, Winter Gardens (with The Fratellis)
27th-30th – Leeds Festival
29th – Wakefield, Tileyard North (with Ocean Colour Scene)

Follow The Lilacs:
Spotify | Apple Music | Instagram | Facebook | X | Website

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Republica ’30 Years Of Ready To Go’ UK Tour this October & November

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Britpop trailblazers Republica have announced a major UK tour this autumn, marking 30 years since their explosive rise as one of the late 90s’ defining acts. Running across October and November 2026, the tour will see the band bring their unmistakable ‘techno-pop, punk rock, electronica’ sound back to stages nationwide.

Fronted by the iconic Saffron, Republica emerged alongside a wave of era-defining female-fronted bands including Catatonia, Elastica, Sleeper and Skunk Anansie, helping shape the sound and attitude of Britpop at its peak.

Their breakthrough hits Ready to Go and Drop Dead Gorgeous became instant anthems, ubiquitous across radio, MTV and global youth culture, and now firmly re-established as defining tracks of a Britpop revival surging back into fashion. With over three million albums sold and a UK Top 3 debut, their impact endures, with their music continuing to feature in major titles including Captain Marvel and hit series Yellowjackets and Ted Lasso.

That resurgence has brought renewed spotlight. Saffron recently performed as part of Alex James’ Britpop Orchestra, placing Republica back at the centre of the cultural conversation.

Renowned for their high-energy live shows, the band have played major festivals including Glastonbury Festival and Reading and Leeds Festivals, and continue to perform worldwide, including halftime performances from Saffron during the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

The anniversary tour opens on 16 October at Strings, Isle of Wight, before travelling across the UK, including a London date at The Garage on 28 November, and closing in Bristol on 29 November.

Saffron said: “It’s incredible to think it’s been 30 years. These songs still feel as urgent and exciting as they did back then—we can’t wait to celebrate with everyone.”

As Britpop finds a new generation, Republica’s 30th anniversary tour is both a celebration and a reminder of just how powerful that sound still is.
Full tour dates:

16-Oct-26 Isle of Wight Strings
17-Oct-26 Southampton The Brook
23-Oct-26 Kendal Brewery Arts Centre
24-Oct-26 Sheffield Network 2
29-Oct-26 Frome Cheese & Grain
30-Oct-26 Birmingham Hare & Hounds
31-Oct-26 Leeds Brudenell
05-Nov-26 Tunbridge Wells Forum
06-Nov-26 Brighton Chalk
07-Nov-26 Norwich UEA
12-Nov-26 Guildford Boileroom
13-Nov-26 Exeter Phoenix
14-Nov-26 Cambridge Mash
15-Nov-26 Cardiff Globe
20-Nov-26 Manchester Gorilla
21-Nov-26 Glasgow Oran Mor
26-Nov-26 Nottingham Rescue Rooms
27-Nov-26 Bedford Esquires
28-Nov-26 London The Garage
29-Nov-26 Bristol Thekla

Tickets on sale via https://linktr.ee/republicaofficial

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ZAYN Releases New Single, ‘Sideways’ – Watch the Official Visualizer

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Multi-platinum recording artist, songwriter, producer, and philanthropist ZAYN has released his new single “Sideways,” an atmospheric pop R&B record that showcases his signature breathy falsetto – listen HERE. The release also comes alongside an official visualizer featuring ZAYN, which you can watch below.

The single is the latest taste off his forthcoming fifth studio album KONNAKOL releasing April 17, 2026 via Mercury Records/Island Records UK. Pre-order HERE. “Sideways” follows the album’s lead single “Die For Me,” released last month, which left fans and critics buzzing from his long-awaited return to his pop R&B roots.

KONNAKOL is ZAYN’s most culturally inspired project to date. The pop-forward album expands on the sound fans first heard on his record breaking debut studio album, Mind of Mine. The album is co-produced by ZAYN alongside Malay (Frank Ocean, Lorde) who he previously worked with on Mind of Mine and Icarus Falls. Full tracklisting below. The snow leopard, a profound symbol in South Asia, on the album art showcases how deeply his heritage has inspired the record.

ZAYN will kick off his largest solo tour to date, The KONNAKOL Tour, on 12th May 2026 in Manchester. The tour will be making stops across the globe in London, Los Angeles, Mexico City, São Paulo, and more before concluding on Friday 20th November in Miami, FL at Kaseya Center. Earlier this year ZAYN wrapped his first-ever Las Vegas residency, where he debuted and teased unreleased material from KONNAKOL. Variety praised his performance, “he delivered pristine vocals, his signature falsetto and a noticeably stronger stage presence than on his last tour.”

The album arrives after 2024’s critically acclaimed Room Under the Stairs, which he followed with his first ever solo tour across the U.S., UK and Mexico. He most recently teamed up with BLACKPINK’s Jisoo on “Eyes Closed”, which earned a 2026 iHeartRadio Music Award nomination for Favorite K-Pop Collaboration and made an impressive global impact — debuting at #10 on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart (43.9M streams first week), #72 on the US Hot 100, #21 on Spotify Global and topping iTunes in over 40 countries.

KONNAKOL Tracklisting:
1. Nusrat
2. Betting Folk
3. Used to the Blues
4. Sideways
5. 5th Element
6. Prayers
7. Side Effects
8. Met Tonight
9. Fatal
10. Take Turns
11. Blooming
12. Like I have you
13. Loving The Way I Do
14. Breathe
15. Die For Me

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Olivia Dean leads winners at MOBO Awards 2026 with triple win in Manchester

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Olivia Dean (Photo Credit: Jack Davison)

The MOBO Awards marked their 30th anniversary in style, with a huge night of performances, big wins and standout moments in Manchester.

Hosted by Eve and Eddie Kadi at Co-op Live, the 2026 ceremony brought together some of the biggest names in music, sport and entertainment.

Olivia Dean dominates the night

Olivia Dean was the standout winner, taking home three major awards including Album of the Year for The Art of Loving, Song of the Year for “Man I Need”, and Best Female Act.

 

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Elsewhere, Jim Legxacy picked up Best Male Act, while RAYE won Video of the Year for “Where Is My Husband!”.

Central Cee continued his dominance, winning Best Hip Hop Act and securing his eighth MOBO award, while FLO celebrated their first win with Best R&B/Soul Act.

Other winners on the night included:

  • Ezra Collective (Best Jazz Act)
  • Stephen Graham (Best Performance in TV/Film)
  • DC3 (Best Newcomer and Best Gospel Act)
  • Chip (Best Grime Act)
  • Nova Twins (Best Alternative Act)

International and genre awards also went to Ayra Starr, Wizkid and Vybz Kartel.

 

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Big performances and standout moments

The night was packed with performances, streamed globally via Amazon Music.

FLO opened the show with a slick, high-energy set, debuting new track “Leak It”, while Slick Rick delivered a cinematic performance celebrating his legacy alongside Estelle.

Olivia Dean followed with a stripped-back performance of “A Couple Minutes”, bringing things down to an intimate moment before the night ramped back up.

One of the biggest highlights came from the ‘MOBO Salutes: Grime 25’ medley, curated by DJ Target, which saw Wiley, D Double E, Nolay, Scorcher and Chip take to the stage.

Performances from Tiwa Savage, Myles Smith, Aitch and Shenseea kept the energy high throughout.

Special honours and celebrations

Special awards were presented to Pharrell Williams, who received the Global Songwriter Award, and Slick Rick, who was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Beyond the main ceremony, MOBO Fringe 2026 transformed Manchester into a week-long celebration of Black music and culture, with events, workshops and talks taking place across the city.

Fans can catch more behind-the-scenes moments when “MOBO Awards 2026: Access All Areas” airs on BBC One, with additional content available on iPlayer.

Three decades in, the MOBOs proved once again why they remain one of the most important nights in UK music.

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Rock N Roll Circus Announces Massive Line-up Expansion for Norwich

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Babyshambles

Rock N Roll Circus has today unveiled its full August 2026 Norwich line-up, adding a major final wave of artists including Babyshambles, The Molotovs, The Clause and Antony Szmierek, alongside a host of emerging names from across Norfolk and beyond.

The announcement completes a hugely ambitious programme, landing as the city celebrates being named the national winner in The Sunday Times Best Places To Live Guide 2026. Together, the accolade and the scale of this line-up cement Norwich’s growing reputation as one of the UK’s most exciting cultural destinations.

Antony Szmierek

A FINAL WAVE OF MAJOR NAMES

Leading the latest additions for Friday 21 August, Babyshambles bring their unmistakable mix of raw energy and poetic songwriting to Earlham Park. Fronted by Peter Doherty, the band remain one of the most influential cult names in British indie, known for their chaotic brilliance and enduring catalogue.

They are joined by Manchester’s Antony Szmierek, whose spoken word-infused indie continues to connect with audiences across the UK, alongside genre-blurring songwriter Hak Baker and rising alternative voice Khakikid. Further additions include local talents Juliet and Lfay,building a Friday bill rich in personality and range.

Peter Doherty said: “There’s something about Rock N Roll Circus that feels a bit unpredictable in the best way. We’ve crossed paths with it before and it always leaves a mark. Bringing Babyshambles into that Big Top in Norwich feels like the kind of night that could go anywhere.”

THE NEXT GENERATION TAKES CENTRE STAGE

Across the weekend, Rock N Roll Circus continues its mission to spotlight the artists shaping the future of British music – and this year, that story begins from the very first night.

Thursday 20 August welcomes a bold wave of emerging talent led by The Molotovs, the London teenage sibling band rapidly building a reputation for their high-energy, mod-infused sound.

The Molotovs

They are joined by politically charged spoken-word artist Seb Lowe, viral breakout act Girl In The Year Above, the uncompromising energy of Girlband!, and local favourites Pleasure Inc., creating a dynamic opening night that blends urgency, attitude and new ideas.

Saturday continues that forward momentum with a standout mix of rising names and new-generation artists. Cruz Beckham and The Breakers bring a Britpop-inspired sound shaped by heritage but firmly focused on the future, while one of the UK’s most talked-about indie bands The Clause.

They are joined by The Kairos, Tom A. Smith, Leazes, Fletcher Fletchr and a strong contingent of emerging local talent including Tiny Umbrellas and Grace Calver, building a Saturday that feels both current and forward-looking.

A HUGE WEEKEND FOR EAST ANGLIA

From era-defining headliners to breakthrough new artists, Rock N Roll Circus Norwich 2026 brings together multiple generations of music across one standout weekend.

Opening night is led by Manchester legends James, one of the UK’s most enduring and beloved live bands, joined by Razorlight and The K’s.

Friday sees The Streets headline, delivering one of the most iconic British albums of the 2000s – A grand don’t come for free – in full for the first time live under the Big Top, while Saturday hosts a landmark indie celebration with The Kooks, The Vaccines and The Fratellis performing classic albums in full.

Sunday closes with a huge finale led by Madness, alongside Ocean Colour Scene, The Wailers, The Selecter and David Rodigan, complemented by a rich supporting programme rooted in ska, reggae and sound system culture.

Festival Director Ali O’Reilly said: “To be revealing this line-up in the same week Norwich has been named the best place to live in the UK feels like a real moment. There’s such a strong cultural identity here and the audience genuinely connects with what we’re building.

“Opening with James sets an incredible tone, and bringing in artists like Babyshambles, The Molotovs and The Clause alongside so many emerging names gives the weekend real depth. It’s that mix of heritage and new energy that defines Rock N Roll Circus.”

MORE THAN A FESTIVAL

Rock N Roll Circus continues to stand apart by blending world-class live music with immersive circus and theatrical performance across the site. From aerialists and fire performers to roaming spectacle, the experience extends far beyond the main stage.

All headline performances take place inside the festival’s iconic Big Top, creating an intimate, high-energy atmosphere while ensuring shows remain weather-proof.

VIP upgrades are available, offering fast-track entry, premium viewing areas, private bars, upgraded food options and dedicated seating.

FULL LINE-UP

Thursday 20 August
James
Razorlight
The K’s
Seb Lowe
The Molotovs
Girl In The Year Above
Girlband!
Pleasure Inc.

 

Friday 21 August
The Streets
Babyshambles
Antony Szmierek
Hak Baker
Khakikid
Juliet
Lfay

 

Saturday 22 August
The Kooks (Inside In / Inside Out in full)
The Vaccines (What Did You Expect From The Vaccines? in full)
The Fratellis (Costello Music in full)
Milburn (Well, Well, Well in full)
Cruz Beckham and The Breakers
The Clause
The Kairos
Tom A. Smith
Tiny Umbrellas
Fletchr Fletchr
Leazes
Grace Calver

 

Sunday 23 August
Madness
Ocean Colour Scene
The Wailers
The Selecter
David Rodigan
Millie Manders and the Shut Up
The Beat featuring Ranking Jnr
Beatles Dub Club
Sound System 79
NR Ska
The Downsetters

 

With the full line-up now revealed, Rock N Roll Circus Norwich 2026 is set to deliver one of the biggest and most exciting live music weekends in East Anglia next summer.

Rock N Roll Circus Norwich takes place at Earlham Park from Thursday 20 to Sunday 23 August 2026.

Tickets & info: rocknrollcircus.co.uk/norwich

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Newmarket Nights: Scouting for Girls Join Kaiser Chiefs For Summer Saturday Live, 22nd August

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The chart-topping, multi-platinum selling SCOUTING FOR GIRLS will join Kaiser Chiefs as special guests at Summer Saturday Live at Newmarket Racecourses on 22nd August.

Throughout their hugely successful career, Scouting for Girls have sold over two million albums and singles, earned four BRIT Award nominations and an Ivor Novello nomination, and achieved four UK Top 10 singles. Their catalogue features enduring radio favourites including ‘She’s So Lovely’, ‘Elvis Ain’t Dead’, ‘Heartbeat’ and the UK No.1 ‘This Ain’t A Love Song’.

Renowned for their high-energy, feel-good live performances, the band have sold out iconic venues including Wembley Arena and the Royal Albert Hall. Their highly anticipated new album, These Are The Good Days, will be released on Friday 27th March – a joyful celebration of living in the moment and appreciating life’s standout memories.

With their signature blend of luminous piano melodies and sun-kissed guitars, Scouting for Girls are the perfect soundtrack to a summer day on the July course.

Roy Stride, Scouting for Girls said
“Newmarket, get ready! We can’t wait to see you all at Summer Saturday Live this August. There’s nothing better than playing big outdoor shows in the sunshine and hearing a crowd sing along – it’s one of our favourite things to do. It’s going to be an incredible day, and we can’t wait to be part of it. See you there!”

Sophie Able, Newmarket Racecourses and International Director, said 
“Following their huge sold-out show at Cambridge Corn Exchange earlier this month, we’re delighted to announce the band’s return to the region this summer. Pairing Scouting for Girls with Kaiser Chiefs is the perfect line-up for Summer Saturday Live, and we know they’ll be a huge hit with fans. 

The line-up for Newmarket Nights in 2026 is incredibly strong, offering something for everyone, with headliners spanning a wide range of genres. We can’t wait to welcome many of you this summer for some remarkable evenings of music and racing.”

The Newmarket Nights series continues to set the standard for value-packed entertainment in the East, combining thrilling afternoon racing with full headline performances from some of the nation’s biggest music stars. With a single ticket granting access to both world-class racing and live music, fans enjoy an unforgettable afternoon (and night out) at exceptional value. The experience is further enhanced by a diverse range of food options, from vibrant street food offerings to Newmarket’s renowned selection of outstanding restaurants.

Tickets for Summer Saturday Live with KAISER CHIEFS and SCOUTING FOR GIRLS are on sale now via thejockeyclub.co.uk/newmarketpriced starting from £36.

Tickets for all shows in the Newmarket Nights season are also now on sale.

2026 Newmarket Nights Season
Friday 19th June – FIVE
Friday 26th June – BASEMENT JAXX
Friday 17th July – MADNESS
Friday 31st July – AITCH
Friday 7th August – JESSIE J
Friday 14th August – CRAIG DAVID’S TS5
Saturday 22nd August – KAISER CHIEFS with SCOUTING FOR GIRLS – Summer Saturday Live
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BST Hyde Park: Holly Humberstone, Caamp, Divorce, Cliffords & Stella Lefty to join Mumford & Sons

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Mumford & Sons (Press Image)

This summer, American Express presents BST Hyde Park welcomes Mumford & Sonsback to the Great Oak Stage on Saturday 4 July 2026 – ten years since their last acclaimed appearance. Today, BST Hyde Park is delighted to announce an incredible line up for the West London band’s homecoming: Holly Humberstone, Caamp, Divorce, Stella Lefty and Cliffords. They will also be joined by previously announced special guestThe War On Drugs, with final acts to be revealed. Tickets on sale now, visit www.bst-hydepark.com

Ahead of joining Mumford & Sons at BST Hyde Park, the 2022 BRIT Rising Star winner Holly Humberstone reaches a new gothic-pop peak with her forthcoming second album Cruel World, due for release on 10 April 2026. Place has always been the centre spine to Holly Humberstone’s lucid songwriting, from her breakthrough EP Falling Asleep At The Wheel, which introduced a young woman trying to understand the walls in which she grew up, to The Walls Are Way Too Thin and her critically acclaimed #3 debut album Paint My Bedroom Black, written in fragments on the road while touring with girl in red and Olivia Rodrigo. Winning the BRIT Rising Star Award in 2022, presented by Sam Fender, marked her ascent from her gothic family home in Grantham to the world stage.

Holly Humberstone (Photo credit: Silken Weinberg)

Cruel World marks a new chapter. Turning 25 and rebuilding a home in South-East London with her sisters and best friend, Holly channels a newfound sense of belonging into her most self-assured work yet. The album’s title track arrives alongside a striking Victorian theatre-inspired video, following recent singles “Die Happy” and “To Love Somebody,” a trio that signals a bold, cinematic evolution she calls “my favourite song I’ve ever written”. Alongside Hyde Park, she’ll also embark on a UK and European tour, as well as appearing at major US festivals including Coachella and The Governors Ball.

Caamp

Ohio indie-folk group Caamp continue to build on the momentum of their 2025 album Copper Changes Color, a record that saw them expand their rootsy warmth with a broader indie-rock edge, showcased on tracks like ‘Millions’ and fan favourite ‘Mistakes’. Formed by childhood friends Taylor Meier and Evan Westfall, and now comprising Matt Vinson, Joseph Kavalec and Nicholas Falk, the band have cultivated an instinctive, free-flowing live presence shaped by years of writing and playing together. That enduring chemistry was spotlighted this month in an NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert, a full-circle moment a decade on from their original submission where they blended newer material with beloved songs including ‘All The Debts I Owe’ and ‘By and By’. Fresh from touring across the UK and Europe, Caamp’s latest chapter reflects a band still evolving while remaining grounded in the connection that first defined them.

Divorce

Divorce cite a broad range of influences, from contemporary indie heavyweights like Mitski, and Big Thief, to cult icons such as Tom Waits and LCD Soundsystem. The Nottingham band burst onto the scene in 2022 with their explosive debut EP ‘Get Mean’ and continued to expand their horizons with their second EP ‘Heady Metal’ , acquiring key champions at press and radio. Moving strength to strength, they returned in 2024 with their now widely loved single ‘Gears’, and soon followed up with the indie-anthem ‘My Room’, cementing their status as one of the most exciting UK artists to watch out for. Trademark theatricality is at the forefront of every Divorce performance. With every fanciful music video, alongside consistent displays of outstanding musicality at live shows, the band have captivated audiences of thousands across the UK and Europe. With sold-out tours already behind them, Divorce released their debut album Drive to Goldenhammer to critical acclaim last year, and 2026 is shaping up to be just as big.

Hailing from Cork, Cliffords have quickly become one of Ireland’s most exciting new bands. With the release of their EP ‘Salt Of The Lee’, the four-piece have shown a remarkable ability to craft songs that feel both polished and deeply personal. Vocalist Iona Lynch leads the band with reflective, sharp lyrics, supported by Gav Dawkins on bass and trumpet, Harry Menton on guitar, and Locon O’Toole on keys. After a sold-out homecoming show at Cork City Hall, it’s clear they’ve earned a devoted following, and with their recent single ‘Marsh’ pointing toward moodier, more atmospheric territory, the band is poised for a breakthrough in 2026.

Los Angeles singer-songwriter Stella Lefty is carving out a distinctive sound that blends keen observation with raw emotional immediacy. She’s already making a name for herself onstage, turning introspective songwriting into a commanding live performance. Her latest single, “Thinking ’bout You”, released at the start of the year, has captured widespread attention on TikTok,  and with a growing fanbase and a strong creative vision, Lefty continues to establish her own unique space in contemporary pop.

The eclectic lineup will join Mumford & Sons for their huge headline show this summer. Final acts are still to be announced.

Mumford & Sons have travelled the world since 2008, headlining festivals, topping charts, and collaborating with icons like Dylan, Springsteen and Neil Young. But London has always been the band’s anchor, and Hyde Park remains one of their most cherished stages.

Last month, they claimed their fourth Official Number 1 album, and second in less than a year, with the release of Prizefighter. The acclaimed album was created with Aaron Dessner at Long Pond Studio and features Hozier, Gracie Abrams, Chris Stapleton and Gigi Perez. It follows RUSHMERE, their 2025 UK No. 1 album that powered a sold-out global arena tour.

American Express presents BST Hyde Park 2026 headliners: Garth Brooks (27 June), Maroon 5 (3 July), Mumford & Sons (4 July), Pitbull (10 July) and Lewis Capaldi (11 July and 12 July).

Tickets on sale now:

www.bst-hydepark.com | @bsthydepark

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Interview: Nova Twins on Handshakes, Heavy Riffs, and Staying True to the DIY Spirit

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Nova Twins at Epic Studios, Norwich on 19th March 2026 (Photo Credit: @ava_jphotography)

The genre-bending duo sat down with Pop Scoop and Access Creative College, Norwich for an exclusive Q&A ahead of their explosive set at Epic Studios. From avoiding industry sharks to the secret power of a “kitchen sink” production, Amy and Georgia didn’t hold back.

The energy in the room was quite anticipation as vocalist/guitarist Amy Love and bassist Georgia South of Nova Twins took to the stage, greeted by a packed crowd of aspiring music and media students. The session was hosted by the brilliant Juliet, an artist in her own right and alumni of Access Creative College (ACC) Norwich campus, who kicked things off with a refreshing level of honesty. The duo mirrored that openness immediately. “Ask us anything you want,” they told the audience. “We’ll be honest and tell you how it is.”

Nova Twins Q&A at Access Creative College, Norwich (Photo: Grace Matthews)

For a band that describes their sound as a fusion of rock, hip hop, punk and grunge, that raw honesty is exactly what has fuelled their rise. Currently touring the UK and Europe before heading out on a massive three-month stint with Evanescence, the duo took a moment to reflect on where it all began. This homecoming felt particularly special as Amy is also an alumna of (ACC) London, making the Q&A a full-circle moment for the band and the students alike.

The Handshake That Changed Everything

While many bands form through clinical auditions, the Nova Twins’ origin story is much more organic. Amy, met Georgia through Georgia’s brother, and the two quickly became like family.

“We’ve always done music from a young age,” Amy explained. “We had our own separate projects and would book open mic nights in London, specifically around Camden and the South East. We would arrive and go home together but play in different bands.”

Eventually, those projects fizzled out. It took a nudge from Georgia’s dad to get them in a room together. “He said, ‘Why are you being so unproductive? Write a tune together!’” The result was instant magic: a vocal over one of Georgia’s basslines.

“The reaction at open mic nights was always really good,” Amy recalled. “Our vision and drive were the same. It became like a marriage proposal. We did a handshake on my birthday and never looked back. We’ve been in it through thick and thin.”

Nova Twins Q&A at Access Creative College, Norwich (Photo: Ava Carrigan)

Navigating the Industry Sharks

For the students in the room, the duo had some vital advice on building a team. They admitted that finding people who truly have your back is one of the hardest parts of the journey.

“Always follow your gut,” Georgia warned, sharing a story about a manager who once tried to pressure them into signing a dodgy £5,000 publishing deal. “Luckily, we met our lawyer first. Never sign anything someone just shoves in your face. Make sure you have real legal advice, because that can really mess you up later.”

They also highlighted the importance of organisations like the Musicians’ Union and PRS for Music, especially for artists who might find the “academic” side of grant applications and contracts overwhelming. “Anything you can get, sign up for it,” they urged. “Grants were crucial to us.”

Nova Twins Q&A – The floor opened to questions from students (Photo: Grace Matthews)

The “Kitchen Sink” and the Creative Process

When the floor opened to questions, the conversation turned to the technical side of their music. One student asked about their writing process-specifically whether they still “crack the amps” in a rehearsal room.

“The last album was actually quite quiet in the studio,” Georgia revealed. “We went through an interface so the guitars were DI-ed. I think we needed that to hear the song structure.”

She laughed as she described their tendency to throw the “kitchen sink” at their early recordings. “When you’re recording at home, you overcompensate to make it sound wide. You slap on layers and layers. But when you play live, you don’t need all that. It should be the bare elements to stay clear and concise.”

Their advice for bands stuck in a creative rut? Don’t throw the song away just because the recording doesn’t feel right. “If it feels good when you’re playing it, there’s something worth saving,” Amy insisted. “Try a different arrangement. Our song ‘Monsters’ had about ten different versions before it became a single.”

Nova Twins Q&A at Access Creative College, Norwich (Photo: Ava Carrigan)

Choosing the Long Road

Perhaps the most poignant moment of the Q&A came when discussing the “long road” to success. The duo admitted that in their early days, major labels didn’t know how to market them.

“They’d say, ‘We don’t know what playlist to put you on.’ We’d say, ‘Just put us on a rock playlist!’” Amy laughed.

“We were faced with two paths: compromise your sound and soul to play songs you don’t love, or take the longer road fueled by passion. The long road is more enjoyable because the community you build will be there for you in the long run. People can see through it when you aren’t authentic.”

As they prepared to head off for soundcheck-and hopefully grab some of that Norwich ramen one of the students had recommended, their final message to the students was clear: trust your gut, nurture your identity, and the rest will eventually catch up.

Check out our photo gallery from the night!

  • Nova Twins at Epic Studios, Norwich on 19th March 2026 (Photo Credit: @gracie.witha.camera)
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