Elbow, Mogwai, Wolf Alice and more to headline Royal Albert Hall gigs for Teenage Cancer Trust
Robert Smith has unveiled a stellar 2026 Teenage Cancer Trust lineup featuring Elbow, Mogwai, Manic Street Preachers, my bloody valentine, Garbage and Wolf Alice as headline acts for a week of fundraising shows at the Royal Albert Hall.
Elbow, Mogwai, Manic Street Preachers, my bloody valentine, Garbage and Wolf Alice will headline the 2026 Teenage Cancer Trust concert series at London’s Royal Albert Hall, with the week-long run curated by The Cure’s Robert Smith.
Running from 23–29 March 2026, the shows mark the beginning of a new era for the fundraiser following Sir Roger Daltrey’s 25-year tenure as curator.
In a statement, Smith said: “Teenage Cancer Trust does absolutely amazing work, and I am very proud they asked me to be ‘Cureator’ of their March 2026 concerts at the RAH.
“I wanted to make it a truly unforgettable, unmissable week – a run of shows to dream about – and I am so grateful to all the artists who accepted my invitation to perform. These will be very special events.”
The opening night will be headlined by Elbow, and lead singer Guy Garvey promised the show - which would also include music from special guests MRCY - would be “amazing”.
He said: “We’ve never played the Royal Albert Hall before and we’ve long been supporters of Teenage Cancer Trust.
“Sharing the stage with MRCY is an honour also. It’s going to be an amazing night.”
Guy Garvey
The band are expected to perform classics including One Day Like This and Grounds For Divorce, as well as songs from their latest album Audio Vertigo.
Robert Smith’s Comedy Favourites takes over on 24 March 2026, featuring a powerhouse lineup including Stewart Lee, Bridget Christie, Dara Ó Briain, Jack Dee and more.
Mogwai return to the Hall for the first time in two decades on 25 March 2026, supported by Craven Faults and Annika Kilkenny.
Mogwai guitarist Stuart Braithwaite said: “We are extremely excited and privileged to be playing at the Royal Albert Hall in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust.
“To be asked by Robert Smith is an honour as The Cure have always been a huge influence on our music.”
Manic Street Preachers will headline 26 March 2026 with a landmark 150th Teenage Cancer Trust show, and will be joined by The Joy Formidible.
Singer James Dean Bradfield said: “We’re honoured to have been asked by the great man to join the 2026 shows.
“It’s our first time playing Teenage Cancer Trust and we’ve got a couple of surprises up our sleeves for the night.”
Then on 27 March 2026, my bloody valentine will take to the stage, performing ahead of Chvrches’ first live appearance since 2023.
Garbage headline the show on 28 March 2026, joined by Placebo, before Wolf Alice close the series on 29 March with support from Nilüfer Yanya.
Kate Collins, Chief Executive of Teenage Cancer Trust, said: “Once again, some of the biggest names from across the music and entertainment industry will be making us sing, dance and laugh - but more importantly they will be raising essential funds and shining the brightest spotlight on the needs of young people with cancer.
“We are so grateful for Robert’s support, to every artist performing and everyone who buys a ticket.
“Here’s to an astonishing week of legendary gigs, and getting young people with cancer the specialised care and support they need.”
