Must-see shows this year at LEX’s M&S Bank Arena

It doesn’t matter what you’re into or what it takes to make a great night out, you just know there’s going to be loads to entertain you at Liverpool Experience Campus’s M&S Bank Arena.

You can always rely on the top waterfront venue’s shows to have you laughing till it hurts or dancing in your seat.

And with everything from wrestling to chart-topping music and kids’ shows to cracking comedy, this year is no exception …

Liverpool’s Pride Opening Party

Tyler DaClaire, Debbie Darling and Pam Sandwich are hosting what’s going to be one of the UK’s biggest Pride events bringing together world-class artists and iconic LGBTQ+ performers for a powerful community-led opening ceremony. Organised by Sahir House and LCR Pride Foundation, amazing guests already announced for the Friday, July 24 gig include Beth Ditto, Tia Kofi and Bimini and – the headline act – the Sugababes.

Pussycat Dolls

Celebrating 20 years of their debut album PCD, the iconic group will perform their biggest hits live in Liverpool as part of a major 2026 international tour which marks the return of key members Nicole Scherzinger, Kimberly Wyatt and Ashley Roberts. You just know it’s going to be packed with stunning choreography, powerhouse vocals, and chart-topping pop anthems that defined the 2000s, like Don’t Cha, Buttons, Stickwitu and more. It’s on Saturday, October 3.

WWE

You’ll be able to see all your favourite moves from dropkicks to running shoulder tackles and four- figure leglocks when WWE returns to the city as part of its highly anticipated European Summer Tour. It promises an unforgettable night of live sports entertainment on Thursday, May 28, with larger-than-life personalities including Cody Rhodes, Dominik Mysterio, Jacob Fatu and Drew McIntyre.

Jane McDonald

National Treasure Jane McDonald will be live at M&S Bank Arena on Friday, September 11 for her Living the Dream Tour. The Cruise, Gogglebox and Jane McDonald: From Pole to Pole star will be treating fans to pop, soulful ballads, a few West End musical favourites and, maybe after her recent visit to Nashville, a few country classics.

UB40

The iconic British reggae band will return to home soil with an unmissable live show, performing classics from their back catalogue alongside brand-new tracks from their forthcoming studio album. Expect hits like Red Red Wine and Kingston Town from the Birmingham band who’ll be joined by Aswad and Maxi Priest. Catch them on Friday, June 12.

The Courteeners

Manchester band The Courteeners are arriving in the city on Friday, November 13, as part of a nationwide celebration of their 20-year career. They’ll be joined by The Lathums for their God Bless. The Band Show which features their latest single Luckiest Man Alive, along with tracks like Not Nineteen Forever and Bide Your Time.

A League of Their Own

For the first time in its 16-year history, Sky’s award-winning A League of Their Own is heading out on a UK arena tour, and it starts in Liverpool on Friday, September 4. Hosted by Jamie Redknapp, it features an all-star lineup including the city’s own Tony Bellew as Red Team Captain and ex-England footballer Jill Scott as Blue Team Captain. It’s chance to experience the chaos, the comedy, and the legendary sports challenges up close and off the screen.

Gladiators Live Tour

Here for not one but two days – and four shows! – from Saturday to Sunday, November 28-29, the Gladiators are ready to do battle. The adrenaline-fuelled two-hour event sees the legendary stars face fearless contenders in a heart-pounding live adaptation of the smash-hit TV show with breathtaking stunts, epic head-to-head clashes and the unforgettable Eliminator finale.

Bluey’s Big Play

The Emmy® award-winning children’s television series is brought to brilliant life on stage with music, laughter, and incredible puppetry. Aimed at children from two and their families, it promises songs and stories inspired by imaginative play and the opportunity, of course, to meet the Blue Heeler puppy who’s become one of Australia’s most famous exports. There are seven shows from Friday to Sunday, July 3-5, including one on Sunday, July 5, at 4pm with BSL.

Kevin Bridges

After shattering box office records with previous shows, Scottish powerhouse comedian Kevin Bridges has established himself as one of the nation’s most successful stand-ups. His relatable, hilarious and keenly observed comedy’s earned him a reputation as a crowd-favourite comedian and he’s back with a new show for 2026, Here If You Need Him. On Saturday, October 31.

The End of the World According to Jonathan Pie Live Tour 2026

Political satirist Jonathan’s returning with a brand-new live show and his trademark rants for two nights on Saturday and Sunday, November 21-22. This is his helpful and hilarious guide to surviving the impending apocalypse as he comes to terms with the horror of Keir Starmer’s Labour – and the fact that he voted for it, Reform, Trump … and the woke left who ‘still haven’t worked out how to get their head out their own a***s’.