26 huge shows at Leeds' smaller venues in the first half of 2026 - including Tony Christie and Higher Power
When we talk about live music in Leeds, it’s easy to get distracted by the big stuff - so let’s focus on the intimacy coming in 2026.
Or, what intimacy you could get from music packed amongst a crowd at some of the city’s beloved venues that aren’t the First Direct Bank Arena, Roundhay Park or the O2 Academy.
We are talking a little more cramped, a little more sweaty (at times) and up-close-and-personal, compared to some settings such as those mentioned... and, naturally, festivals like Leeds and Deer Shed 2026.
This is a list for the people who prefer the wood-panelled charm of the Brudenell or the ear-ringing basements of The Key Club over watching a pop star through a giant screen from the nosebleed seats.
The first half of 2026 is looking massive already for some of the grassroots venues that are dotted around the city; whether it’s hometown heroes making a raucous return or global icons choosing to keep things on a first-name basis, the calendar is stacked with heavy hitters who could easily sell out much bigger rooms but choose to keep it personal.
We’ve pulled together 26 of the most essential shows hitting our favourite smaller spaces, ranging from the hometown mayhem of Higher Power to the pure, unadulterated swagger of Tony Christie.
Though admittedly there is a lot (operative word here - lot) more shows taking place, we’ve kept it to those that caught our eye so far in the first part of 2026; or, by that, shows that are taking place up to the run-up to the great, annual summer music festival season.