Book now: these are the best Leeds gigs of late 2021, from Elbow, Dua Lipa, Haim, to comedy giants Bill Bailey and Alan Carr
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With things starting to open up over the summer, it's the perfect time to book a blockbuster gig for 2021 and get back to the live music and comedy we've missed
This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.
From pop princess Dua Lipa, to beloved Mancunian rockers Elbow, national treasure Bill Bailey, to Netflix sensation Mo Gilligan, there's something for everyone happening in Leeds this year.
Here, we've rounded up some of the blockbuster events of the second half of 2021 - all well past the projected 'opening up' - so you can start booking and have something great to look forward to.
Is it safe to purchase tickets to a gig?
In the main, yes. Ticketmaster, LiveNation and ATG Tickets have guaranteed that tickets to any gig that is postponed will be honoured for the future date. In most cases they will also give you the option to ask for a refund, but this varies from gig to gig, so check the Ts & Cs before buying.
If a gig is cancelled, you will receive a refund automatically.
If you purchase a ticket through a secondary ticketing site, such as a resale site, you will likely not receive a refund – so buyer beware.
First Direct Arena Leeds, 21 September, 2021 £41.75-£138
Award-winning pop chanteuse Dua Lipa's 2020 album Future Nostalgia brought a much-needed jolt of joy into Lockdown Life last year. Now hear it live and rock out with this modern-day disco delight.
Wed 22 Sep 2021 @ 7:00 pm. O2 Academy Leeds, Leeds
Beloved British funnyman Mo Gilligan has proved a comedy sensation, with his Netflix show proving a smash hit. Come see the Bafta-nominated comic offer his idiosyncratic take on the world.
Thu 24 Jun 2021 @ 6:30 pm Millennium Square Leeds, Leeds
Talented pop rock trio Haim, three singing sisters, will be bringing their astonishing harmonies and surprisingly rocky live shows to the Millennium Square just after things open up. Not to be missed.
Tue Dec 7 2021 7:00 PM - O2 Academy Leeds
English chanteuse (and co-host of the wildly popular podcast Table Manners) Jessie Ware will be touring her latest album, a collection of dancefloor bangers, What's Your Pleasure?
First Direct Arena, Leeds, 18 December, £45
He conquered the world of dance in 2020 by winning Strictly Come Dancing, now Bill Bailey is showcasing his primary talent – comedy. Guaranteed laughs from one of the UK's best stand-ups – sure to be surreal, musical, and smart.
First Direct Arena Leeds, 24 October 2021, £30 - £64
Wisconsin indie folk band have a reputation for their moving, intimate gigs (even in larger venues). They create beautiful, building soundscapes, that start softly and then soar into electronic riffs that are overwhelming to experience.
O2 Academy Leeds, 5 & 6 September 2021
The beloved Manchester rockers will be playing two gigs, touring their late 2019 album Giants of All Sizes – though you can bet these crowd-pleasers will roll their brilliant back-catalogue, too. Get your lungs ready for a sing-along to 'One Day Like This.'
First Direct Arena Leeds, 5 November 2021, £229 - £899 We don't need to tell you anything about Elton John – he's a legend. This is purportedly his last world tour. Don't miss the chance to see this once-in-a-generation talent live.
First Direct Arena Leeds, 21 November 2021, £63-£114
Debbie Harry is still the coolest woman in rock, even at 75. The deeply stylish New York new wave band have a back catalogue of stone-cold bangers. Get in to get your groove on.
Leeds Grand Theatre, 5 September 2021, £26
It's been four years since comedian Alan Carr last went on tour, and in his latest set he promises to divulge the hilarious details on 'all sorts of dramas' – starting with the inside scoop of his wedding day, which was officiated by Adele.
City Varieties Music Hall, 14 September 2021
Irish stand-up Ed Byrne is reliably hilarious. His latest show will look at whether or not he has any traits he genuinely wants to pass onto his children. Expect oh-so-recognisable humour.
O2 Academy Leeds, 13 October 2021, £24.50
She's foul-mouthed – but furiously funny. Here, Katherine Ryan talks her way through how she went from avowed single lady to married woman, by accident.
First Direct Arena Leeds, 22 October 2021, £43 - £112
Ok, this isn't comedy, or music. But Prof Brian Cox has the popularity usually afforded to rock stars. Here the celebrated physicist will take us on an audio-visual tour of the mysteries of the universe.
First Direct Arena Leeds, 19 November 2021, £41-£114
The reunion tour for the popular British pop band. Perfect if you want a little cheesy fun. 5, 6, 7, 8!
First Direct Arena, 25 November 2021, £46.15 - £78
Fancy a little blast from the past? This Manchester double hitter is sure to take you back to the late 80s and early 90s, as James and the Happy Mondays play their crowd-pleasing hits.
First Direct Arena Leeds, November 28, £41 – £171
A live show of the hugely popular game show. Starring long-time host Sue Barker and popular team captains Matt Dawson and Phil Tufnell – along with a host of big - name guests from across the sporting world.