Two more iconic music acts have been announced to headline Scarborough Open Air Theatre’s summer season next year.
Scottish legends Deacon Blue, along with special guests Lightning Seeds, will play the outdoor venue on Friday 10 July 2026.
It’s also been revealed that the multiple Grammy award winner and singer-songwriter James Taylor will perform in Scarborough with his All-Star Band on Saturday 25 July 2026.
Speaking about hitting the road, Deacon Blue frontman Ricky Ross said: “No one knows where The Great Western Road ends up, least of all us!
“For now the road goes on and next summer we are taking the shows to some beautiful outdoor venues. We can’t wait to see you there and we promise to make every night very special.”
The headline show will celebrate 40 years since Ross and Dougie Vipond first formed the band, and will be a night of career-spanning hits including Chocolate Girl, Wages Day and Fergus Sings The Blues — alongside highlights from The Great Western Road, their most successful studio release in more than three decades, reaching Number 3 in the UK and topping the Scottish Album Chart.
As a recording and touring artist, James Taylor has touched people with his warm baritone voice and distinctive style of guitar-playing for more than 50 years.
Over the course of his celebrated songwriting and performing career, Taylor has sold more than 100 million albums, earning gold, platinum and multi-platinum awards since the release of his self-titled debut album in 1968.
Deacon Blue and James Taylor join Alex James’ Britpop Classical, Paul Weller, James Arthur, Billy Ocean, Pete Tong’s Ibiza Classics, David Gray and American vocal powerhouse Teddy Swims among the first headline announcements for Scarborough Open Air Theatre 2026.
Julian Murray, of Scarborough OAT promoters Cuffe and Taylor, said: “Summer 2026 is shaping up to be a season of hits on the Yorkshire coast. We’re delighted to be working with Deacon Blue again on what I am sure will be another incredible night with this band.
“James Taylor is a living legend,” Julian added. “We are very excited to be bringing him to Scarborough in 2026 and look forward to what will be a truly unforgettable evening.”
Tickets for both shows will go on sale this Friday, 7 November, via the Scarborough Open Air Theatre website.
