- Making one of only a handful of UK appearances, Max Cooper brings his latest album Feeling Is Structure to Symphony Hall, alongside highlights from his acclaimed catalogue and new material (18 May).
- Grammy-winning singer and composer Arooj Aftab, renowned for her mesmerising fusion of jazz, minimalism and South Asian classical music, embarks on a rare UK tour with the London Contemporary Orchestra, stopping off in Birmingham (16 June).
- The final concert of Series 4 of The Piano comes to Symphony Hall. Hosted by Claudia Winkleman and featuring performances from Mika and a soon-to-be-announced guest artist, this event celebrates the nation’s favourite instrument (9 June).
- Elvis Costello & The Imposters take to the Symphony Hall stage with a set spanning releases from My Aim Is True (1977) to Blood & Chocolate (1986), plus a few surprises (13 June).
- The Receipts Podcast heads to Town Hall for a live show, bringing its signature mix of dilemmas, special guests and unfiltered conversation straight to the stage (5 May).
- Celebrating 50 years of Aardman, Aardman in Concert is a brand-new show for 2026. This joyful journey through five decades of British creativity combines beloved characters, iconic humour and unforgettable music, culminating in a full orchestral performance of A Matter of Loaf and Death (1 May).
B:Music, the Birmingham-based music charity behind Symphony Hall and Town Hall, has unveiled its Summer 2026 programme, bringing a vibrant mix of comedy, live music, dance and spoken word to its two iconic venues.
The new season features a wide-ranging line-up across both stages. May offers an especially diverse programme, from The Rocky Horror Picture Show: The 50th Anniversary Spectacular Tour to legendary progressive rock pioneers Jethro Tull. Audiences can also enjoy a host of cinematic and musical experiences, including Dirty Dancing in Concert and Grammy Award-winner Ray LaMontagne, who will perform his debut album Trouble in full alongside favourites from across his catalogue at Symphony Hall in June. Looking ahead to July, acclaimed American satirist and humour writer David Sedaris will take to the stage to read new and unpublished work, while The Bootleg Beatles & Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra join forces for a spectacular symphonic celebration of The Beatles’ later-era classics.
Dazzled by dance? Strictly The Professionals returns to Symphony Hall- bigger, bolder and more breath-taking than ever (15–16 May). Featuring ten world-class dancers from the hit TV series Strictly Come Dancing, alongside a sensational live band and powerhouse vocalists, the show promises an electrifying night of entertainment. Expect show-stopping choreography, dazzling costumes and a stunning set, all set to a killer soundtrack- where every move, every beat and every shimmer of sequins draws you into the heart of the action. With years of experience and undeniable chemistry, these fan-favourite dancers from the latest series will light up the Symphony Hall stage.
Crazy for comedy? B:Music is bringing the laughs this summer with a stellar line-up of top-tier stand-up. Audiences can take their pick from Jarlath Regan: Gas Man (8 May), Birmingham’s own Scott Bennett (22 May), award-winning, TikTok-viral improvised comedy Shoot from the Hip (30 May), Dropout Improv (5 June), Finland’s funniest export ISMO: Perseverance Tour (17 June), and James Acaster (20–22 July), all set to take to the Town Hall and Symphony Hall stages for the ultimate feel-good night out.
Love live music? Experience Max Cooper as he brings his latest album Feeling Is Structure to life, alongside highlights from his celebrated catalogue and new compositions that continue his exploration of the human experience through sound (18 May). Each performance is uniquely tailored to its venue, with Cooper collaborating with architecture and space to create immersive shows- blending scientific and human stories into striking sculptures of light and sound that surround the audience. B:Music is also delighted to welcome Arooj Aftab to Symphony Hall (16 June), performing with the London Contemporary Orchestra conducted by Robert Ames. This highly anticipated concert will reimagine music from across Aftab’s acclaimed catalogue, with sweeping orchestral arrangements adding new depth to her intimate and emotionally rich sound world. And on 9 June, join Claudia Winkleman for The Piano: The Final Concert at Symphony Hall. Featuring performances from Mika and a special guest artist, this celebration of the nation’s favourite instrument will see exceptional pianists journey from train stations to the Symphony Hall stage, creating a truly unique and moving evening of music.
Looking for family fun? Celebrate 50 years of Aardman with Aardman in Concert (1 May)- a cinematic and musical tribute to clay, comedy and creativity. This hilarious, heartwarming big-screen experience features beloved characters including Wallace & Gromit, Shaun the Sheep, Timmy Time, Morph and Creature Comforts, all accompanied live by a world-class orchestra- perfect for the whole family. Or head to Town Hall for the brand-new live stage show Fireman Sam: The Lost Pirate Treasure (20 June). When Norman Price sets out to win the Pontypandy Treasure Hunt, he stumbles upon clues to a real pirate treasure and ventures deep into the caves. It’s up to Fireman Sam, Elvis and Ellie to save the day. Packed with clues, pirate songs and swashbuckling adventure, this exciting new show is perfect for budding young pirates.
Looking to learn? B:Music brings a host of world-class speakers to its stages this summer, each with stories to tell. Join Sue Barker, Matt Dawson and Phil Tufnell for Sue, Matt and Phil LIVE! The Reunion Tour (5 May), as the much-loved trio return with A-list celebrity guests, fan-favourite quiz rounds and brand-new games created especially for this tour. History enthusiasts can catch one of Britain’s leading historians, William Dalrymple, live at Town Hall (8 June) with The Anarchy – The Relentless Rise of the East India Company– a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of the first global corporate power and the colonial violence that reshaped the world.
Elsewhere in the Summer 2026 season, Kate Rusby brings her radiant new tour Springshine to Town Hall (6 May), blending beloved classics with new material, delivered with the warmth, wit and northern charm that have made her one of the UK’s most treasured artists. The Warsaw Philharmonic closes the B:Classical 2025/26 season at Symphony Hall (17 May) with a programme featuring Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony- an energetic and exhilarating finale to a season of outstanding classical music. Meanwhile, Cowboy Junkies: Celebrating 40 Years and Beyond (7 May) offers a career-spanning performance, including material from their critically acclaimed 2023 album Such Ferocious Beauty. Since 1988, the band has forged a distinctive path, known for their understated, atmospheric sound and the evocative, intimate vocals of singer Margo Timmins.
To see the full programme and to book tickets, visit www.bmusic.co.uk