Teenage Cancer Trust 2026: A Historic Week of Music and Comedy at Royal Albert Hall
Curated by Robert Smith, this year’s edition marks a major milestone—and an unforgettable lineup
The 2026 Teenage Cancer Trust concert series at the Royal Albert Hall promises to be one of the most remarkable yet, with a week-long lineup personally curated by The Cure’s Robert Smith. Announced today, the shows will run 23–29 March 2026, with tickets on sale from 9am, Friday 12 December.
Smith has gathered an eclectic, generation-defining lineup of music and comedy, including headline sets from Elbow, Mogwai, Manic Street Preachers, my bloody valentine, Garbage, and Wolf Alice—alongside an all-star comedy night and standout support acts.
The Cureator’s Vision
Robert Smith, the first guest “Cureator” to take the reins from Sir Roger Daltrey (who led the series from 2000 to 2025), called the lineup “a run of shows to dream about,” adding:
“These will be very special events… every band, both headliners and special guests, and every comedian too, is either legendary or at the top of their game… indeed in most cases, they are both!”
This year is historic in more ways than one: Thursday night’s show with Manic Street Preachers will mark the 150th Teenage Cancer Trust concert at the Royal Albert Hall.
The Full Week of Shows
Monday 23 March
Elbow make their long-awaited debut at the Royal Albert Hall, joined by rising duo MRCY, blending soul, hip-hop and introspective lyricism.
Tuesday 24 March
Robert Smith’s Comedy Favourites presents a handpicked bill featuring Maisie Adam, Bridget Christie, Jack Dee, Andy Hamilton, Dom Joly, Miles Jupp, Athena Kugblenu, Stewart Lee, and Dara Ó Briain.
Wednesday 25 March
Post-rock pioneers Mogwai return to the Hall after 20 years. Support comes from modular synth mystics Craven Faults and Ireland’s poetic newcomer Annika Kilkenny.
Thursday 26 March
Manic Street Preachers, fresh off their 15th album and bestselling biography, headline the landmark 150th show with support from Welsh alt-rock heroes The Joy Formidable.
Friday 27 March
A sonic masterclass from my bloody valentine, who recently returned to live shows, supported by Chvrches in a rare stripped-back set—marking their first live performance since 2023.
Saturday 28 March
Garbage headline with fierce presence, joined by Placebo, performing a special unplugged set to begin their 30th anniversary year.
Sunday 29 March
Closing the series is Wolf Alice, showcasing material from their latest album The Clearing, with genre-blending support from Nilüfer Yanya.
A Cause That Changes Lives
Teenage Cancer Trust funds specialist nurses, youth workers and hospital units across the UK, supporting young people through one of the toughest challenges they’ll ever face. Since the concert series began in 2000, it has raised over £36 million.
The 2025 edition raised a record-breaking £2.05 million, and with Smith’s all-star lineup in 2026, hopes are high to surpass that milestone.
“Once again, some of the biggest names… will be making us sing, dance and laugh – but more importantly, they will be raising essential funds,” said Kate Collins, CEO of Teenage Cancer Trust.
Show Dates Recap
- Monday 23 March: Elbow + MRCY
- Tuesday 24 March: Robert Smith’s Comedy Favourites
- Wednesday 25 March: Mogwai + Craven Faults, Annika Kilkenny
- Thursday 26 March: Manic Street Preachers + The Joy Formidable
- Friday 27 March: my bloody valentine + Chvrches (stripped back)
- Saturday 28 March: Garbage + Placebo (rare, stripped back)
- Sunday 29 March: Wolf Alice + Nilüfer Yanya
Tickets on sale 9am Friday 12 December
teenagecancertrust.org/gigs
