Rising star Jerub to join James Arthur as special guest for Yorkshire dates

Summer in Yorkshire is already shaping up to be a big one for music, and the news just keeps getting better. Get this: the multi-platinum selling artist James Arthur is heading for two huge outdoor shows, and he’s not coming alone. Joining him as a very special guest will be the rising star Jerub, a singer-songwriter who is definitely one to watch. The pair are set to play a massive gig at the TK Maxx presents Scarborough Open Air Theatre on Friday 3 July, followed by another show at the TK Maxx presents Live at The Piece Hall, Halifax, on Saturday 4 July. It’s a double-header that combines a household name with one of music’s most exciting new voices.

Image: James Arthur

A bit about the main man, James Arthur

You’d have to have been living under a rock not to know about James Arthur. The Middlesbrough-born lad shot to fame back in 2012 when he won The X Factor, and his winner's single, a cover of 'Impossible', went straight to number one. It was a sign of things to come. Since then, he’s become one of the UK’s most successful solo artists, with his tunes racking up an incredible 15 billion streams worldwide. His track 'Say You Won’t Let Go' is a global anthem, the kind of song that gets played everywhere from weddings to radio shows. But James is no one-trick pony; he has six top-10 albums to his name, proving he has real staying power.

Last year’s album, Pisces, showed a more personal side to the singer-songwriter. It was a record that explored his own growth, with heartfelt songs inspired by his experiences as a dad, a partner, and a friend. After last playing the iconic coastal theatre in 2018, his return to the Scarborough Open Air Theatre is a big deal, especially for a local hero. Fans have been waiting for this one, and with Jerub now on the bill, it’s set to be an unforgettable night of music in Yorkshire.

So, who is this rising star, Jerub?

Okay, so you know about James Arthur, but what about Jerub? His name is everywhere at the moment, and for good reason. Born in Nigeria and now based in Nottingham, his music is packed with soul and honesty. His sound has been compared to some of the biggest names in the game, including Lewis Capaldi and Teddy Swims, blending raw emotion with tunes that are perfect for the charts. It's the kind of music that gives you goosebumps.

He’s already sold out his own headline tours across the UK and Europe and has supported some major artists. You’ve probably seen him on TV without even realising it. He performed with Pete Tong and the Heritage Orchestra to open the King’s Coronation Concert on the BBC, and has also appeared on Children In Need and Comic Relief. The guy is seriously going places. In just two years, he has gained over 75 million streams online, with huge support from platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music, not to mention a load of love from BBC Radio 1. His single 'Kumbaya' even made history by becoming the first ever Number 1 on the new Official UK Christian and Gospel Singles Chart. Having Jerub as a special guest is a brilliant move, giving fans a chance to see a future superstar before he starts selling out arenas himself.

Image: JERUB

Scarborough's absolutely massive summer of music

The James Arthur and Jerub show is just one part of a record-breaking summer lineup for TK Maxx presents Scarborough Open Air Theatre. Honestly, the list of names heading to the Yorkshire coast is just incredible. It’s a real statement that this outdoor theatre is one of the best music venues in the country. There is something for pretty much everyone, from 80s legends to current chart-toppers and indie favourites. The shows in both Scarborough and Halifax are part of a summer series that showcases a brilliant range of music.

Just look at the other headliners gracing the stage at the Scarborough Open Air Theatre this year. There’s pop royalty with Rick Astley and Anastasia, indie rock heroes Bastille, and rising Irish star CMAT. And if that wasn’t enough, the soulful American singer Teddy Swims is also booked for two dates. The whole summer is stacked with brilliant gigs. The show at The Piece Hall in Halifax is also part of an amazing run of events at another of Yorkshire's most stunning venues. It's clear that this summer is going to be massive for live music fans. Here's a look at the full schedule for the theatre – it’s a long one!

• June 5 – Rick Astley
  Support: Lottery Winners + The Covasettes

• June 6 – Madness
  Support: Hollie Cook + The Beat feat. Ranking Jnr

• June 12 – Paul Weller
  Support: Miles Kane

• June 18 – The Kooks

• June 20 – Skunk Anansie + Garbage
  Support: Du Blonde

• June 21 – Anastacia
  Support: Heather Small

• June 26 – Pete Tong Ibiza Classics
  Support: Danny Rampling

• June 27 – Richard Ashcroft
  Support: Tom Meighan + Apollo Junction

• June 28 – Billy Ocean
  Support: Marti Pellow + Katie Owen

• July 2 – Bowling for Soup
  Support: Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls + American Hi-Fi

• July 3 – James Arthur
  Support: Jerub

• July 4 – David Gray
  Support: The Divine Comedy

• July 5 – Alanis Morissette

• July 6 – Michael Bublé
  Support: Appleton

• July 10 – Deacon Blue
  Support: Lightning Seeds

• July 11 – Bastille
  Support: Nectar Woode

• July 17 – Alex James’ Britpop Classical

• July 18 – CMAT
  Support: Katy J Pearson

• July 22 – Teddy Swims
  Support: Jordan Rakei

• July 23 – Teddy Swims
  Support: Jordan Rakei

• July 25 – James Taylor + his All-Star Band

• July 26 – Tom Jones
  Support: Stone Foundation

• August 1 – The Streets
  Support: Casisdead + Jimothy Lacoste

• August 2 – Sex Pistols
  Support: The Stranglers + The Undertones

• August 8 – Scissor Sisters
  Support: Bimini (Live) + The Hidden Cameras

• August 14 – Holly Johnson
  Support: ABC + Heaven 17

• August 15 – Hollywood Vampires
  Support: The Damned

• August 22 – Nile Rodgers & Chic
  Support: Brand New Heavies + James Emmanuel

With a lineup this strong, it's clear that the TK Maxx presents series is pulling out all the stops. Whether you’re a fan of pop, rock, indie, or soul, there are plenty of artists to get excited about. The addition of Jerub to the James Arthur dates just makes a brilliant gig even better. Catching both of them in such amazing outdoor settings is what summer memories are made of. Final tickets are available now for what promises to be two of the standout nights in the Yorkshire music calendar.