Music

Weekend city guide: 2 – 4 December

The first weekend of December rocks with great music (thanks to massive UK tours by Biffy Clyro, Deacon Blue and Placebo) and gripping sport. 

Of course, the holiday season has also arrived and brings with it an array of festive entertainment including spectacular light displays, ice skating and a perennial favourite – The Nutcracker ballet.

Here’s a peek of some of the fun you can have across the UK this weekend, and visit our Winter, London, Manchester and Scotland guides to discover even more activities.

Your only challenge? Choosing between them all!


LONDON

Champions Tennis
30 November – 4 December
Royal Albert Hall

Tennis fans, you’re in for a treat! The season-ending finale to the ATP Champions Tour is celebrating its 20th anniversary with an ace line-up of legendary players including John McEnroe, Tim Henman, Pat Rafter, Juan Carlos Ferrero, Greg Rusedski and many others.

Brian Cox

Professor Brian Cox
2 December
Eventim Apollo

In the mood for some enlightening entertainment? Join Brian Cox on a journey through space and time. The physicist and international media star has a way of making the complex science of our cosmos both accessible and mind-blowingly cool.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Opens 2 December
Ambassadors Theatre

See the classic picture book brought to life in this glowing stage adaptation. Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia uses puppetry in black light to depict the adventures of a tiny, ravenous caterpillar who ultimately transforms into a beautiful butterfly.

Old Mutual Wealth Series: England v Australia
3 December
Twickenham Stadium

Don’t miss the fourth and final Autumn International. It’s sure to be a grudge match as England try to avenge their 13-33 loss to Australia in a critical pool game during Rugby World Cup 2015.

The Libertine
Closes 3 December
Theatre Royal Haymarket

Debauchery, depravity, drunkenness… this sharply written period play by Stephen Jeffreys boasts them all! And this is your last chance to catch smoldering Dominic Cooper as the nefarious Earl of Rochester.

Christmas at Kew
Until 2 January
Kew Gardens

For the fourth straight year, these world-famous gardens are featuring an after-dark experience. Enjoy a botanical wonderland as you walk along playfully lit paths. Plus, you can toast marshmallows, ride a Victorian carousel, pay a visit to Santa and much more.


GLASGOW

Placebo

Placebo
2 December
The SSE Hydro

Placebo rose to prominence in the ’90s with their post-punk music and androgynous appearance. Now they’re kicking off the UK leg of a world tour celebrating the 20th anniversary of their platinum-selling self-titled album. See Placebo in Glasgow on 2 December or head to Leeds’ First Direct Arena on 3 December.

Braehead Clan
3 December
Braehead Arena

Calling all Clan fans! Join Head Coach Ryan Finnerty and the players for another big Gardiner Conference game when they take on the Dundee Stars.

Deacon Blue
4 December
Barrowland

This is Deacon Blue’s first Barrowland show in 20 years! In support of their recently released eighth album Believers, the Scottish band launched a full UK tour earlier this week commemorating their 30th anniversary. Deacon Blue are also appearing at Usher Hall on 1 December and Aberdeen’s AECC GE Oil & Gas Arena on 3 December.


MANCHESTER 

Pete Tong Presents Ibiza Classics
2 December
Manchester Arena

Club music and classical instrumentation come together here. Enjoy an unforgettable dance party that features DJ Pete Tong, the 60-piece Heritage Orchestra, conductor Jules Buckley, lots of synths and special guests Candi Staton and Jessie Ware.


NEWCASTLE 

Biffy Clyro

Biffy Clyro
2 December
Metro Radio Arena

Following storming sets at Reading & Leeds Festivals and Bellahouston Park last summer, the three rockers debuted their Ellipsis Tour in the UK earlier this week. Along with this stop in Newcastle, Biffy Clyro will be performing on 3 December at Manchester Arena and 4 December at Leeds’ First Direct Arena.


BIRMINGHAM

The Nutcracker
Until 13 December
Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre

Birmingham Royal Ballet’s festive production of The Nutcracker is a 25-year tradition. With gigantic sets, lavish costumes, 60 dancers and a full orchestra, it’s a beloved Christmas treat perfect for the entire family.


Visit our Winter, London, Manchester and Scotland guides to discover even more activities.