Alex James 2026 'Britpop Classical' UK tour: Presale, dates, venues, and more explored

Blur bassist Alex James has officially announced the first-ever Britpop Classical UK tour for 2026. The live shows will feature some of the most beloved anthems from the 1990s Britpop era with a complete orchestra.

After premiering the concept at his Big Feastival this summer, Alex James is now all set to take the project on the road across the UK next year. So far, 14 shows have been confirmed from March to July 2026.

Each night on the tour will feature Alex James alongside an orchestra, live band, and notable special guests including Phil Daniels, Saffron from Republica, and Gary Stringer of Reef. James said in a statement:

"Somehow all of these songs mean more to people now than they did when they were first released. They really resonate with my kids' generation too. Bringing them back to life with a symphony orchestra, a great band, and some old friends totally blew the roof off at Feastival, and I can't wait to get this show on the road."

Alex James' upcoming 2026 UK run was announced via an official Instagram post, which read:

"Britpop like you have never heard it before 🎸🎻 Alex James' Britpop Classical is coming to a venue near you in 2026. Performed by Alex James, this epic show features over 40 performers live on stage, including a full orchestra, live band and guest vocalists Phil Daniels, Saffron (Republica), Gary Stringer (Reef). Experience unforgettable hits from Blur, Oasis, Pulp, Supergrass and more as the defining era meets orchestral brilliance ✨ Sign-up now to access pre-sale tickets first 🎟️"

Alex James first rose to fame as the bassist of Blur. It was one of the most notable acts of the 1990s Britpop movement. He performed alongside frontman Damon Albarn, guitarist Graham Coxon, and drummer Dave Rowntree. Notably, Blur's rivalry with Oasis became a significant chapter in UK music history.

Complete list of dates and stops for Alex James' 2026 UK Britpop Classical run

Below are all confirmed tour stops for the 2026 Britpop Classical UK tour, including indoor and outdoor shows.

March 2026

Tuesday, March 11, 2026, London, at Royal Albert Hall (with Phil Daniels, Saffron, Gary Stringer)
Wednesday, March 12, 2026, Birmingham, at Symphony Hall
Friday, March 14, 2026, Manchester, at O2 Apollo
Saturday, March 15, 2026, Brighton, at Brighton Centre
Monday, March 17, 2026, Nottingham, at Royal Concert Hall
Tuesday, March 18, 2026, Newcastle, at O2 City Hall
Wednesday, March 19, 2026, Glasgow, at the Royal Concert Hall
Friday, March 21, 2026, Sheffield, at Sheffield City Hall

June 2026

Saturday, June 13, 2026, Southampton, at Guildhall Square (TK Maxx Presents Southampton Summer Sessions)
Thursday, June 18, 2026, Lincoln, at Lincoln Castle
Saturday, June 28, 2026, Llangollen, at Llangollen Pavilion

July 2026

Friday, July 17, 2026, Scarborough, at Scarborough Open Air Theatre
Sunday, July 19, 2026, Halifax, at The Piece Hall
Friday, July 24, 2026, Margate, at Dreamland (Margate Summer Series)
Sunday, July 26, 2026, Suffolk, at Latitude Festival

Presale and ticket info

Tickets for Alex James' Britpop Classical will go on general sale at 12 p.m. GMT on Friday, October 31, 2025. Fans can purchase them via Britpop Classical's website and other authorized ticketing outlets.

The following presales will precede the general sale: