Earlier in the year, it was revealed that Robert Smith of The Cure would be the new curator of the annual Teenage Cancer Trust concerts at the Royal Albert Hall, and today (December 8) we have news of the acts playing the gigs.
In 2026, the headliners for each day include Elbow, Mogwai, Manic Street Preachers, my bloody valentine, Garbageand Wolf Alicewho will all play during the run of shows between March 23-29 next year.
Also included in this timeframe is a night of stand-up comedy, featuring some of Robert Smith’s favourite names, with Maisie Adam, Brudget Christie, Jack Dee, Andy Hamilton, Dom Joly, Miles Jupp, Athena Kugblenu, and Dara Ó Briain all on the bill.
As mentioned, it’s the first time Robert Smith has put together the bill for Teenage Cancer Trust, taking over from longtime curator and founder of the initiative, Sir Roger Daltrey. 2025 was The Who frontman’s final year curating the lineup, with performances from The Sex Pistols, James Arthur, The Corrs, GK Barry, and The Who.
This year, the Manic Street Preachers’ gig will mark the 150th show at the Royal Albert Hall in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust. The shows have run since 2000, raising funds for the charity that provides specialised nursing care for young people diagnosed with cancer.
Full lineup for Teenage Cancer Trust concerts in 2026
March 23 – Elbow and MRCY
March 24 – Robert Smith’s Comedy Favourites – Maisie Adam, Bridget Christie, Jack Dee, Andy Hamilton, Dom Joly, Miles Jupp, Athena Kugblenu, Stewart Lee, and Dara Ó Briain
March 25 – Mogwai, Craven Faults and Annika Kilkenny
March 26 – Manic Street Preachers and The Joy Formidable
March 27 – my bloody valentine and Chvrches (stripped back performance)
March 28 – Garbage and Placebo (rare, stripped back performance)
March 29 – Wolf Alice and Nilüfer Yanya
When do tickets to the Teenage Cancer Trust concerts in 2026 go on sale?
Tickets for all dates of the Teenage Cancer Trust gigs go on sale this Friday, December 12, and you can find all ticketing information on the Royal Albert Hall website.
Speaking on the news, Robert Smith said: “Teenage Cancer Trust does absolutely amazing work, and l 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; every band, both headliners and special guests, and every comedian too, is either legendary or at the top of their game… indeed in most cases, they are both! It is going to be a fabulous 7 nights, and I can hardly wait to experience it all. See you there!”
You can find out more about Teenage Cancer Trust and donate directly at their website.
