The lineup for the 2026 Teenage Cancer Trust concert series has officially been revealed by this year’s guest curator, Robert Smith.
Running 23–29 March 2026, the week-long series will welcome an extraordinary number of artists handpicked by The Cure frontman: Elbow, Mogwai, Manic Street Preachers, my bloody valentine, Garbage, and Wolf Alice. A packed night of comedy – Robert Smith’s Comedy Favourites – will also bring some of the country’s finest stand-ups to the Royal Albert Hall stage. Tickets go on sale Friday, 12 December at 9am.
This new chapter arrives after Sir Roger Daltrey stepped down earlier this year, having curated the concerts for 25 years and helping raise over £36 million for Teenage Cancer Trust since 2000.
A New Era Begins Under Robert Smith
Speaking about taking the reins, Smith said:
“Teenage Cancer Trust does absolutely amazing work, and I am very proud they asked me to be ‘Cureator’ of their March 2026 concerts at the RAH. I wanted to make it a truly unforgettable, unmissable week… and I can hardly wait to experience it all. See you there!”
Smith’s first year as curator has yielded a formidable lineup – artists he describes as “legendary or at the top of their game… in most cases, both.”
Elbow Launch the Series (23 March)
Elbow – finally making their long-awaited Royal Albert Hall debut – will open the week. Fans can expect classics like “One Day Like This” and “Grounds for Divorce”, alongside material from their latest album Audio Vertigo.
Guy Garvey reflected:
“We’ve never played the Royal Albert Hall before and we’ve long been supporters of Teenage Cancer Trust. Sharing the stage with MRCY is an honour also. It’s going to be an amazing night.”
Joining them are special guests MRCY, rising stars mixing soul tradition with contemporary production.
Comedy Royalty Takes Over (24 March)
Smith’s curated comedy night will feature an unbeatable lineup: Maisie Adam, Bridget Christie, Jack Dee, Andy Hamilton, Dom Joly, Miles Jupp, Athena Kugblenu, Stewart Lee, and Dara Ó Briain.
Mogwai Return After 20 Years (25 March)
Scottish post-rock titans Mogwai will play their first Royal Albert Hall show in two decades. With them: electronic shapeshifter Craven Faults and rising Irish singer-songwriter Annika Kilkenny.
Frontman Stuart Braithwaite called the invitation “an honour,” citing The Cure as a huge influence.
Manic Street Preachers Hit a Milestone (26 March)
The Manics’ headline performance will become the 150th Teenage Cancer Trust show at the venue. After a huge year – including their acclaimed album Critical Thinking – they promise surprises.
James Dean Bradfield said:
“It’s our first time playing Teenage Cancer Trust as a band… and we’ve got a couple of surprises up our sleeves. No excuses. See you there.”
Support comes from Welsh power trio The Joy Formidable.
A Sonic Barrage from my bloody valentine (27 March)
Following their explosive return to the live stage, my bloody valentine will bring their iconic volume and beauty to the Hall, with a special performance from CHVRCHES, who play their first show since 2023 – stripped back yet fiercely electronic.
“It feels even more special,” CHVRCHES said of their return.
Garbage + Placebo: A Dream Double Bill (28 March)
The legendary Garbage, fresh off the acclaim of their 2025 album, headline Saturday night.
Shirley Manson said:
“We are honoured… Robert Smith is a highly revered figure in our world. I hope our people will come out in support. Should be a great night—in the Royal Albert Hall no less.”
They will be joined by Placebo, who will perform a rare stripped-back set as they mark their 30th anniversary.
Wolf Alice Close Out the Week (29 March)
Fresh from releasing their bold fourth album, The Clearing, Wolf Alice will bring the series to a powerful close with a headline show, joined by West London genre-hopper Nilüfer Yanya.
A Vital Cause Behind the Music
Every note played throughout the week supports Teenage Cancer Trust, the only UK charity dedicated to specialised cancer care for young people. Money raised funds:
- specialist nurses
- youth workers
- 28 NHS hospital units
- support programmes for patients and families
Last year’s series raised a record-breaking £2.05 million.
Kate Collins, the charity’s CEO, praised Smith’s vision:
“Once again, some of the biggest names in music and entertainment will be raising essential funds and shining the brightest spotlight on the needs of young people with cancer. Here’s to an astonishing week of legendary gigs.”
Royal Albert Hall’s Ongoing Commitment
The partnership has become one of the Hall’s most celebrated traditions.
James Ainscough OBE, its Chief Executive, said:
“We’re incredibly proud to have hosted these shows for a quarter of a century.”
Tickets & Info
Tickets go on sale Friday 12 December at 9am GMT.
For full lineup and ticket links, visit:
Featured image courtesy of Outside Organization
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