Teenage Cancer Trust Returns To The Royal Albert Hall In 2026 With Robert Smith–Curated Line-Up

by | Dec 9, 2025

Teenage Cancer Trust’s historic annual concert series returns to the Royal Albert Hall from 23rd–29th March 2026, unveiling a hugely ambitious line-up personally curated by The Cure’s Robert Smith. Stepping into the role after Sir Roger Daltrey’s 25-year tenure, Smith delivers a week-long programme that spans alternative rock, post-rock, shoegaze, synth-pop, comedy and beyond—bringing together artists he describes as “either legendary or at the top of their game.”

The Cure @ Glastonbury Festival 2019

Robert Smith of The Cure @ Glastonbury Festival 2019 (Kalpesh Patel)
Robert Smith of The Cure @ Glastonbury Festival 2019 (Kalpesh Patel)

Across seven nights, the Hall will host performances from Elbow, Mogwai, Manic Street Preachers, my bloody valentine, Garbage and Wolf Alice, each joined by notable special guests including MRCY, Craven Faults, Annika Kilkenny, The Joy Formidable, CHVRCHES, Placebo, and Nilüfer Yanya. The series also features an all-star comedy night — Robert Smith’s Comedy Favourites — showcasing a roster of acclaimed stand-ups: Maisie Adam, Bridget Christie, Jack Dee, Andy Hamilton, Dom Joly, Miles Jupp, Athena Kugblenu, Stewart Lee and Dara Ó Briain.

The announcement also marks a milestone: Manic Street Preachers’ headline set on 26th March will be the 150th Teenage Cancer Trust show held at the Royal Albert Hall, continuing a tradition that began in 2000 and has since raised more than £36 million to support young people with cancer throughout the UK.

Manic Street Preachers @ Wembley Arena

James Dean Bradfield of Manic Street Preachers
James Dean Bradfield of Manic Street Preachers

The concerts fund Teenage Cancer Trust’s vital work providing specialist nurses, youth workers and comfortable, age-appropriate hospital units for teenagers and young adults navigating diagnosis, treatment and recovery. With cancer remaining the leading disease-related cause of death in young people, the charity stresses that the need for this work continues to grow.

Chief Executive Kate Collins emphasised the significance of this year’s series: “Some of the biggest names in music and entertainment will once again be raising essential funds and shining a spotlight on the needs of young people with cancer. We are so grateful for Robert’s support, to every artist performing and everyone who buys a ticket.”

As in previous years, the Ultimate Backstage Experience will return, offering young people supported by the charity exclusive behind-the-scenes access before taking in one of the shows from prime seats.

Blossoms for Teenage Cancer Trust 2024

Tom Ogden of Blossoms for Teenage Cancer Trust 2024 (John Stead)
Tom Ogden of Blossoms for Teenage Cancer Trust 2024 (John Stead)

Tickets go on sale at 9am on Friday 12 December via the Teenage Cancer Trust website.

Teenage Cancer Trust at the Royal Albert Hall 2026 – Dates & Line-Up:

MARCH 2026
23rd – Elbow + MRCY
24th – Robert Smith’s Comedy Favourites – Maisie Adam, Bridget Christie, Jack Dee, Andy Hamilton, Dom Joly, Miles Jupp, Athena Kugblenu, Stewart Lee, Dara Ó Briain
25th – Mogwai + Craven Faults + Annika Kilkenny
26th – Manic Street Preachers (150th TCT Show) + The Joy Formidable
27th – my bloody valentine + CHVRCHES
28th – Garbage + Placebo (stripped-back set)
29th – Wolf Alice + Nilüfer Yanya

Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds Soar To New Heights At The Royal Albert Hall For Teenage Cancer Trust

The Wildhearts @ O2 Academy Islington (Louise Phillips)

The Wildhearts vs. Meryl Streek Ignite London’s O2 Academy Islington

Tonight is The Wildhearts’ traditional December London show, a dual celebration of Christmas and Ginger Wildheart’s birthday — he turns 61 on 17th December. This year the festivities take place at North London’s O2 Academy Islington, with Meryl Streek as the sole support act.

Spike And The Gimme Gimmes @ O2 Forum Kentish Town (Nick Allan)

Here’s Another Cover: Spike And The Gimme Gimmes Turn Christmas Into A Punk Rock Singalong Riot

Spike And The Gimme Gimmes don’t just play shows – they turn rooms into shared experiences, where sweat, nostalgia, and punk energy collide at full volume. On this night, at London’s O2 Forum Kentish Town, that collision came wrapped in Christmas lights, tinsel, and unapologetic festive excess.

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club Spread Their Love To The Troxy

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club – the garage heroes who’ve ‘spread their love’ across the globe before selling out...
Drink The Sea @ Jazz Cafe (Adrian Hextall)

Drink The Sea Cast A Spell On London’s Jazz Café

London gets its first taste of Drink The Sea tonight, and it immediately feels like something special. Touring in...
Better Joy @ Hammersmith Apollo (Kalpesh Patel)

Better Joy’s Rise Continues As Manchester Indie-Pop Breakout Commands London’s Hammersmith Apollo

Better Joy’s upward momentum shows no sign of slowing as Bria Keely brings her shimmering indie-pop project to the vast stage of Hammersmith Apollo on 20th November 2025, opening for Amy Macdonald. It’s a landmark moment for the Manchester-based songwriter, whose journey from intimate rooms to arena-sized crowds has accelerated at remarkable speed over the past eighteen months.

Alabama 3 Inject A Hypo Full Of Love Into O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire

The enigma that is Alabama 3, the world’s only acid house country band, are the perfect strong finish to 2025. Holographic suits, raving to John Pine covers and even the AI resurrection of deceased co-founder Reverend D Wayne Love take second place to the overwhelming sense of joy in an eclectic community that’s coalesced around their charismatic music.

GUV (Victoria Prestes)

GUV Unveils Euphoric New Single ‘Warmer Than Gold’ Ahead of January Album Release

GUV has shared a new single, Warmer Than Gold, the latest offering from his forthcoming album of the same name, due...
Mumford & Sons @ The O2 (Kalpesh Patel)

Mumford & Sons Return Home Renewed And Reignited At The O2 Arena

Mumford & Sons often still conjure images of waistcoats, banjos and the folk revival that erupted in 2009, but...

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This

Share Thing