Music

Weekend city guide: 30 September – 2 October

Game on! The first weekend in October is packed with rip-roaring sport and mind-blowing music.

Get ready for a good time because plenty of things are happening around the UK. Sport fans can enjoy a veritable cornucopia of match-ups – everything from basketball and American football to Absolute Championship Berkut fighting. Along with an explosive theatre debut, you’ll discover cool concerts and an early autumn festival in the Scottish Highlands.

Searching for more of the best city events across the UK? Look no further than our London, Manchester and Scotland guides.

LONDON

NFL International Series
2 October
Wembley Stadium

American football has touched down in London for its 11th straight year. This weekend features the first of three action-packed games with the Indianapolis Colts taking on the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Murder Ballad
30 September – 1 October
Arts Theatre

Love. Obsession. Murder. Sounds like the makings of a seriously good show, doesn’t it? Recently opened, this steamy musical tale about a love triangle gone wrong was written by award-winning American playwright Julia Jordan and stars West End sensation Kerry Ellis.

Andrea Bocelli
1 October
The O2

Come get an earful of one of the world’s greatest voices. The internationally beloved tenor is on tour following 2015’s smash hit album Cinema and 2016’s operatic release Aida.

The AMP All Day Raves
1 October
Tobacco Dock

Dance music’s first lady Annie Mac has created a series of mini festivals where you can hear a mix of international heavyweights and brand new talent. This one features huge sounds from the likes of Basement Jaxx, Eats Everything, Kolsch, Monki, Slimzee and many more.

Matt Goss
1 October
The SSE Arena, Wembley

Having rose to fame in the late ’80s in the boy band Bros, Goss is now often touted as the British embodiment of Frank Sinatra thanks to his Vegas headline gig. See the soulful crooner in a special birthday show celebrating 30 years in the music industry.

London Lions
2 October
Copper Box Arena, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

Basketball fans, get ready for a slammin’ day out! After winning their first game of the season, the Lions have another home court battle ahead – this time against the Bristol Flyers.

BIRMINGHAM & MANCHESTER

Of Mice & Men
30 September – 1 October
O2 Academy Birmingham & O2 Apollo Manchester

The American metalcore band smashed it in their headlining spot at this year’s Reading & Leeds Festivals. Tonight they’re launching their biggest UK tour to date at the O2 Academy Birmingham. Can’t get enough of their intense, super-heavy riffs? Catch them again tomorrow night at the O2 Apollo Manchester.

ULLAPOOL & GLASGOW

Loopallu
30 September – 1 October
Ullapool

Now in its 12th year, this intimate two-day music festival is set in the Scottish Highlands. Loopallu attracts about 2,500 people – essentially doubling the population of the remote village. And that’s no surprise considering the line-up boasts Feeder along with The Selecter, The Wonder Stuff and Lucy Spraggan.

ACB Glasgow
1 October
The SSE Hydro

With the mantra “less show, more fighting”, MMA fans can expect an exciting card when Absolute Championship Berkut debuts in the UK. Scottish MMA star Rob “The Hammer” Whiteford will be showcased in the main bout along with the best of British and Russian fighting talent.