Music
Weekend city guide: 16 – 18 September
Summer may be over but the festival spirit is alive and well in a couple of cities around the UK.
Not sure what to do this weekend? There are two brand new festivals to add to your schedule – both boasting incredible line-ups and excellent food. But that’s not all! Enjoy entertainment ranging from a comedian who uses facemasks to turn her audience into puppets and a DJ who’ll be partying in a paddock to our picks for the best theater, sport and music around.
And whether you’re planning for this weekend or another date, there are always plenty of amazing events to discover in our London, Manchester and Scotland guides.
LONDON
Shaun Escoffery
17 September
Union Chapel
Earlier this month the London-born soul and R&B singer released his fifth album Evergreen and the songs are soul stirring. What’s even better is Escoffery’s launching a UK tour on Saturday to promote it – and get this, he’ll be signing CDs after the show!
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre
Until 17 September
Sadler’s Wells
You’ve never seen anything like this. Fusing elements of African and modern dance, the troupe led by Artist Director Robert Battle always puts on performances with passionate choreography that evoke power, strength, freedom and spirit. Trust us, you’ll leave here exhilarated.
Nina Conti
Until 17 September
Criterion Theatre
With her In Your Face tour, Conti is taking ventriloquism and improvisation to hilarious new levels. Her shows feature a lot of audience participation, so be warned. Conti gives people masks, thereby transforming them into live puppets. Oh, and her trusty monkey is sure to be there too.
Breakfast at Tiffany’s
Closes 17 September
Theatre Royal Haymarket
Everyone loves Holly Golightly, a party girl with a heart of gold who lives off the wealthy men that court her and is infatuated with the jewellery store Tiffany & Co. Watch pop star Pixie Lott play this iconic role to perfection before this West End production wraps up Saturday night.
Trentemøller
18 September
Islington Assembly Hall
Trentemøller’s fourth album Fixion comes out today! So there’s no better time to catch the Danish club circuit king live so you can hear his signature hits along with the new stuff.
The Three Degrees
18 September
Jazz Cafe
Listed in the Guinness World Records as the longest-running female vocal group in history, these legends of Philadelphia soul are crossing the pond. Welcome Valerie Holiday, Helen Scott and Freddie Pool when they play this intimate live music venue.
START Art Fair
Until 18 September
Saatchi Gallery
Art aficionados, head to Saachi Gallery this weekend for START, an event showcasing emerging artists and new art scenes. There’s never been a better time to branch out and discover new talent in the capital.
MANCHESTER
Rat Boy
17 September
Albert Hall
With a stage name like Rat Boy it’s hard to know what to expect, but this 20-year-old from Essex (aka Jordan Cardy) is a brilliant vocalist who’s also mastered guitar, bass and keyboard. He’s becoming a breakout star with his blend of indie, hip hop and rock.
ABERDEEN & GLASGOW
Ronan Keating
16 – 18 September
AECC GE Oil & Gas Arena and Clyde Auditorium
It’s been a long time since his days with the ’90s Irish boy band Boyzone, but the thought of seeing Keating live still makes us want to squeal with delight. We can’t wait for him to perform songs from his latest album, Time of My Life, and hear our favourite hit, When You Say Nothing at All.
Braehead Clan v Manchester Storm
17 September
Braehead Arena
Steel yourself for a fierce match as the Clan look to score their first home win of the 2016/17 season. Be there!
OTHER PLACES AROUND THE UK
LEEDS
OnRoundhay
17 September
Roundhay Park
A sister festival to London’s OnBlackheath, this new family and food event features a fantastic line-up of artists including James, Primal Scream and Wolf Alice. Don’t miss out on one of your last festival flings of 2016 as OnRoundhay is sure to become a must-go event on the Yorkshire calendar for years to come.
BRIGHTON
Boundary Brighton
17 September
Stanmer Park
This brand new boutique festival has assembled an impressive list of headlining DJs and live acts. Along with Craig David’s TS5, you’ll find Groove Armada, Wilkinson, Seth Troxler, Jackmaster and many others on its four stages. With delicious local food and a vintage fair, Boundary Brighton is sure to be the perfect day out.
NEWBURY
Mark Ronson
Newbury Racecourse
17 September
Gallop over to Newbury Racecourse for their last Party in the Paddock event of the year. Multiple Grammy and Brit Award winning artist Ronson will perform a 90-minute DJ set following an afternoon of thrilling horse racing.
BATH
Bath Rugby v Worcester Warriors
The Recreation Ground
17 September
This is one of the weekend’s marquee clashes! In their last two matches Bath was victorious over Worcester, so come cheer the team on to a third straight win.