See The Kooks Play Inside In / Inside Out in Yorkshire 2026

Remember that one album from your teenage years? The one that seemed to be playing everywhere – at parties, on the radio, through your mate’s tinny phone speakers. For a whole generation, that album was Inside In / Inside Out by The Kooks. Well, hold onto your hats, because something special is happening. The indie rock legends are celebrating the 20th anniversary of that very album, and they’re bringing the party to Yorkshire for two massive headline shows in the summer of 2026. It’s a chance to relive some memories and make some brand new ones.

A proper celebration in Yorkshire

So, where is this all happening? The band has lined up two incredible nights in two of Yorkshire’s best outdoor venues. First up, they’re heading to the coast to play the Scarborough Open Air Theatre on Thursday, 18th June. The following night, Friday 19th June, they’ll be taking the stage at the stunning historic venue, The Piece Hall, in Halifax. These aren't just any gigs; they're special headline shows specifically to mark two decades since their groundbreaking debut album changed the indie landscape.

The announcement comes hot on the heels of a massive UK arena tour for the Kooks, who are clearly on top form. With a top-five album, Never/Know, released earlier this year, the band is proving they’ve still got it. And now, they’re ready to celebrate their roots with these shows in Yorkshire. Tickets are set to go on general sale at 10 am on Friday, so it's a good idea to get ready.

Twenty years of Inside In / Inside Out

It's hard to believe it’s been twenty years since Inside In / Inside Out first hit the scene. Back in 2006, the album was an instant classic, selling over two million copies and becoming the soundtrack to a generation’s coming-of-age. Songs like ‘Naïve’ and ‘She Moves In Her Own Way’ were absolutely everywhere, and their jangly, Britpop-infused sound was infectious.

But what’s really cool is that it’s not just the original fans who are excited. A whole new audience is discovering the band, meaning the crowds at their shows are a brilliant mix of ages. Everyone, young and old, sings along to every word. The band themselves have continued to evolve, drawing inspiration from everything from classic songwriters like Bob Dylan to synth-pop and Krautrock. It shows they’re not just a nostalgia act; they are, once again, the sound of right now. This 20th anniversary tour feels less like looking back and more like a victory lap for one of Britain's most enduring bands.

What the organisers are saying

The people putting on these huge gigs are just as buzzed as the fans. Julian Murray, from the promoters Cuffe and Taylor, had this to say about the Scarborough show:

“We are delighted to bring The Kooks to Scarborough OAT for their debut show here on the Yorkshire coast and to help celebrate 20 years at the top of indie rock. Their live show celebrating Inside In / Inside Out is sure to be a highlight of the summer and we cannot wait to hear their iconic hits.”

And Nicky Chance-Thompson MBE DL, who is the CEO of The Piece Hall Charitable Trust, shared the excitement for the Halifax date:

“We’re celebrating so many amazing milestones at next year’s shows and marking 20 years since The Kooks went stellar is going to be a big one. But this show isn’t just about looking back to classic hits and former glory, this band’s star is back in ascendance in a big way right now. It’s the perfect time to welcome them to our award winning venue and I know they’re going to love it as much as we will.”

A massive summer of music for 2026

The Kooks’ shows are part of an absolutely packed summer schedule of live music across both venues, presented by TK Maxx. It looks like Yorkshire is the place to be for music lovers in 2026. Just look at the line-ups!

TK Maxx Presents Scarborough Open Air Theatre 2026

• JUN 18: THE KOOKS
• JUN 26: PETE TONG IBIZA CLASSICS
• JUN 28: BILLY OCEAN + MARTI PELLOW
• JUL 3: JAMES ARTHUR
• JUL 4: DAVID GRAY + THE DIVINE COMEDY
• JUL 22: TEDDY SWIMS + JORDAN RAKEI
• JUL 23: TEDDY SWIMS + JORDAN RAKEI

TK Maxx Presents Live at The Piece Hall 2026

• JUN 6: SHED SEVEN + SEB LOWE + THE GUEST LIST
• JUN 13: EMBRACE + IDLEWILD + THE HAZY JANES
• JUN 19: THE KOOKS
• JUN 20: ETHEL CAIN
• JUN 21: BELLE AND SEBASTIAN + SAINT ETIENNE
• JUL 4: JAMES ARTHUR
• JUL 5: DAVID GRAY + THE DIVINE COMEDY
• JUL 10: BILLY OCEAN + MARTI PELLOW
• JUL 12: BILLY OCEAN + MARTI PELLOW
• JUL 26: TOM GRENNAN
• AUG 1: OPETH
• AUG 8: THE K’S

Both venues offer a fantastic experience. The Scarborough Open Air Theatre is Europe's largest, while The Piece Hall is a Grade I listed Georgian cloth hall – basically a stunning historic courtyard that’s been transformed into an award-winning cultural hub.

The people making it happen

Putting on events of this scale takes a big team. The summer series is presented by TK Maxx, a brand many people will know for its treasure-hunt shopping experience. Along with its sister brand Homesense, it's part of TJX Europe, which in turn belongs to the global retail giant, The TJX Companies, Inc. They focus on an 'off-price' model, which means offering big brands at lower prices.

The events themselves are organised by Cuffe and Taylor, one of the UK’s top live music promoters. They’re part of the Live Nation family and have a history of working with some of the biggest names in music. Their roster is a who's who of global superstars, including pop icons like Britney Spears and legends such as Diana Ross and Rod Stewart. They know how to put on a show, from stadium tours to incredible nights at historic sites, making sure these Kooks gigs will be unforgettable.