Music
Weekend city guide: 23 – 25 September
It’s official! Autumn is here and so is a weekend jam-packed with cool events.
There may be a nip in the air, but plenty of things are happening across the UK to get you fired up for a good time. See some exciting theatrical productions or enjoy a competition featuring top turntablists. Learn how to trick out your home or go on a pop music tour through the decades. You’ll discover all this below – and much more in our London, Manchester and Scotland guides.
LONDON
American Idiot
Closes 25 September
Arts Theatre
Don’t be an idiot! This is your last chance to see Green Day’s brilliant Tony Award-winning musical. It boasts captivating performances by virtuoso guitarist Newton Faulkner as Johnny and X Factor finalist Amelia Lily as Whatsername.
The Libertine
23 – 25 September
Theatre Royal Haymarket
In the mood for a hedonistic drama? Get to know the most notorious rogue in Restoration England. This thrilling comic production about the Earl of Rochester (played by Dominic Cooper) just opened on Thursday and runs until 3 December. It’s sure to satisfy your appetite for excess!
Hot Dub Time Machine
23 September
O2 Forum Kentish Town
Prepare to travel through time. This dance party band will take you on a fun-filled journey with stops in the ’60s, ’70s, ’80s and ’90s… all the way up to modern day. It’s a pop music history tour you’ll never forget.
DMC World DJ Finals 2016
24 September
O2 Forum Kentish Town
Watch more than 100 of the world’s best DJs compete for DMC Champion titles. Hosted by Inja and Billy Biznizz, there’ll be performances by Invisibl Skratch Piklz and you can take part in workshops like Learn How to Beatbox and Popping & Locking.
Björk
24 September
Eventim Apollo
Expect to be blown away by the Icelandic singer known for her avant-garde musical style. And if you can’t get enough of her in concert why not go check out Björk Digital, a collection of her digital art expressions, on exhibit at Somerset House?
Marvel Universe LIVE!
Until 24 September
The O2
Marvel Super Heroes are currently on tour across the UK and will be wrapping up their London leg on Saturday. See Spider-Man, Iron Man, Hulk and Thor battle sinister villains like Loki amid loads of special effects and pyrotechnics in this epic live action arena show.
MANCHESTER
Warehouse Project
23 – 24 September
Store Street
Calling all electronic music fans! The Whp16 Launch Party is Friday with M.I.A., Mura Masa, David Rodigan, Section Boyz and Goldlink. What’s more, head back again Saturday for the Welcome to the Warehouse event featuring Adam Beyer, Joseph Captriati, Eats Everything, Ben Ufo and others.
GLASGOW
Andrea Bocelli
24 September
The SSE Hydro
The internationally beloved tenor is on tour following 2015’s smash hit album Cinema and 2016’s operatic release Aida. Come hear one of the world’s greatest voices live.
Braehead Clan v Belfast Giants
25 September
Braehead Arena
Purple Army, get ready to raise the roof! This home match – a massive Challenge Cup game for Ryan Finnerty’s team – is guaranteed to be a heated one even though the teams play on ice.
ABERDEEN
Scottish Home Show
23 – 25 September
AECC GE Oil & Gas Arena
Whether you just want to freshen up a room or give your home a major makeover, you’ll find tons of ideas and more (like Q&As with experts, self-build zones and yummy food) here.
OTHER PLACES AROUND THE UK
BIRMINGHAM & BRISTOL
Blossoms
23 – 24 September
O2 Institute Birmingham and Bierkeller Bristol
Formed in late 2013, the mosaic five-piece from Stockport is now one of the hottest live bands around. This weekend they’ll provide two cracking nights of music that are sure to blow your mind.
SWANSEA
Club MTV
24 September
Singleton Park
Get ready for seven straight hours of live music! In addition to the headliners like Example (aka Elliot John Gleave – his name comes from his initials E.G.), you’ll hear Sigma, Nervous, Professor Green and many others.
CARDIFF
Champions League of Darts
24 – 25 September
Motorpoint Arena
You’re right on target if you’re looking for a fun and addictive sport, and this tournament brings together the world’s greatest darts players. Billed as “Get the Party Started”, afternoon and evening sessions offer a toss-up of action.
BIRMINGHAM & BRISTOL
Blossoms
23 – 24 September
O2 Institute Birmingham and Bierkeller Bristol
Formed in late 2013, the mosaic five-piece from Stockport is now one of the hottest live bands around. This weekend they’ll provide two cracking nights of music that are sure to blow your mind.