A Bright Future for Futuresound: A sneak peek at Live at York Museum Gardens 2026

While many a York gig-goer may hark back to the heady days of the city’s bustling music scene, when now-closed venues like Fibbers ruled the roost, a period of relative stagnation has thankfully now been replaced. Local-led venues like The Crescent and The Fulford Arms continue to lead the way when it comes to helping homegrown talent find its feet, and our city’s live music pedigree has been bolstered significantly by the success of recent Live at York Museum Gardens events, first launched by Leeds-based promoters Futuresound in 2024.

 While Futuresound can be found promoting shows everywhere from Leeds, Sheffield, Hull and Newcastle to London, Manchester and Birmingham, its successful venture in York Museum Gardens (previous performers have included Elbow, Shed Seven, Richard Hawley, and Nile Rodgers & CHIC) has paved the way for expanded live music dates in the coming years, with the prospect of more live music in the Gardens being warmly welcomed by York Museums Trust.

What to expect from Live at York Museum Gardens 2026:

On Thursday, 9^th of July, the Museum Gardens will welcome new wave trailblazers Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark, who’ll be supported by Heaven 17, China Crisis and Andrew Cushin. On Friday 10^th, homegrown Yorkshire heroine Self Esteem will take to the Museum Gardens stage, with support from The Big Moon, Moonchild Sanelly and Joshua Idehen. Yorkies are in for a special psychedelic treat on Saturday 11^th, when the iconic Welsh outfit Super Furry Animals will be joined by new wave prince Baxter Dury and guests Los Campesinos!, Pys Melyn, and Divorce.

On Sunday, 12^th July, this year’s jam-packed programme will be rounded off with an afternoon of belly laughs, when the York Comedy Festival 2026 will bring famed and acclaimed comedians to the Museum Gardens, including Russell Howard, Ross Noble, Russell Kane, Joanna McNally, Suzi Ruffell, Jeff Innocent, Nabil Abdulrashid, and Barry from Watford.

Visit www.futuresoundgroup.com/york-museum-gardens-events to see the full programme of upcoming Futuresound Live at York Museum Gardens events, or to book your tickets.