Robert Smith has revealed the lineup for the 2026 Teenage Cancer Trust concerts at London’s Royal Albert Hall, taking place from March 23-29. The week-long series, curated by the Cure frontman, promises an unforgettable blend of music and comedy, with headline performances from Elbow, Mogwai, Manic Street Preachers, my bloody valentine, Garbage, and Wolf Alice. Smith has also assembled a night of stand-up comedy, Robert Smith’s Comedy Favourites, featuring some of the UK’s top comics. Tickets go on sale at 9am on Friday, December 12, and are expected to sell out quickly.
The Royal Albert Hall series has been a cornerstone of Teenage Cancer Trust fundraising since its launch by Sir Roger Daltrey in 2000. The concerts raise crucial support for specialized cancer care for teenagers and young adults, funding specialist nurses, youth workers, and hospital units across the UK. Smith, taking on the role of guest curator for the first time, described his vision for the week: “I wanted to make it a truly unforgettable, unmissable week—a run of shows to dream about. Every band, both headliners and special guests, and every comedian is either legendary or at the top of their game… it is going to be a fabulous seven nights.”
The series kicks off on Monday, March 23, with Elbow, who will perform alongside special guests MRCY. Elbow, led by Guy Garvey, have enjoyed a two-decade career filled with Mercury Prize recognition, Brit Awards, and Ivor Novello Awards. Fans can expect classic hits like ‘One Day Like This’ and ‘Grounds For Divorce’ alongside material from their recent album, Audio Vertigo. Guy Garvey 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.” MRCY, a duo combining the timeless warmth of Marvin Gaye with modern influences like Khruangbin and Anderson Paak, said they were thrilled to contribute their perspective as emerging artists.
Comedy fans will be treated on March 24 to Robert Smith’s Comedy Favourites, featuring a lineup of stand-ups including Maisie Adam, Bridget Christie, Jack Dee, Andy Hamilton, Dom Joly, Miles Jupp, Athena Kugblenu, Stewart Lee, and Dara Ó Briain. Smith personally selected the comedians, emphasizing his goal to mix established legends with contemporary voices for a night of laughter that complements the week’s music offerings.
Mogwai, the Glasgow post-rock veterans, will perform later in the week. The band, consisting of Stuart Braithwaite, Barry Burns, Dominic Aitchison, and Martin Bulloch, are known for their dynamic range, from delicate melodies to powerful distortion. Their performance marks their first Royal Albert Hall show in 20 years. 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.”
Other highlights of the week include performances by the Manic Street Preachers, Garbage, Wolf Alice, and my bloody valentine. The Manic Street Preachers’ headline set on March 26 will mark the 150th show in the series’ history, cementing the concert series as a major UK music institution. Each night, audiences can expect a mix of classic tracks, new material, and unforgettable collaborations across genres.
The 2026 Teenage Cancer Trust series underscores the charity’s mission to combat the devastating impact of cancer on young people. Teenage Cancer Trust is the only UK charity dedicated entirely to this cause, funding specialist nurses, youth workers, and hospital units across the country. By combining world-class music and comedy, the Royal Albert Hall shows not only entertain but also raise vital awareness and resources for this life-saving work.
Fans eager to attend should act quickly when tickets go on sale on December 12. With legendary acts, rising stars, and a charity mission at its heart, the 2026 Teenage Cancer Trust concerts promise a week of unforgettable performances and meaningful impact.
