Nile Rodgers & Chic Announce Scarborough Open Air Theatre Summer Party 2026

Get ready for some serious good times, because a true music legend is heading back to the seaside. The one and only Nile Rodgers, along with his incredible band CHIC, have just announced they’re bringing their ultimate summer party to the Yorkshire coast. Mark your calendars for Saturday, 22 August 2026, because the TK Maxx presents Scarborough Open Air Theatre is set to host an unforgettable dance party. And as if that wasn’t enough, they’re bringing iconic acid jazz group The Brand New Heavies along for the ride. This isn't just a gig; it’s a masterclass in feel-good music from one of the most important hitmakers of all time.

So, who is this Nile Rodgers chap?

Ever heard a song that just makes you want to move? There’s a good chance Nile Rodgers had something to do with it. This man is more than just a musician; he's a living legend whose funky guitar sound, or 'groove', has defined pop music for decades. As the co-founder of CHIC, he gave the world era-defining anthems like 'Le Freak' and 'Good Times'. That last one is so important that its bassline was used to create one of the first-ever hip-hop hits, 'Rapper's Delight'. That's right, he helped start a whole new genre of music!

But his work with CHIC is just the start. Think of some of the biggest artists ever. He’s worked with them. He produced David Bowie’s biggest-selling album, 'Let's Dance'. He was behind Madonna’s 'Like a Virgin'. He even wrote and produced massive hits for Diana Ross, including 'I'm Coming Out'. His list of collaborations is insane, selling over 500 million albums worldwide. And he’s not slowing down. More recently, he won a GRAMMY for his work with Daft Punk on 'Get Lucky' and has been in the studio with everyone from Beyoncé to K-pop stars. His incredible contribution to culture has made him one of the most respected hitmakers in history.

What to expect from the ultimate dance party

When someone says Nile Rodgers & CHIC are putting on a show, they mean it. This will be their third time playing at the Scarborough Open Air Theatre, and there’s a reason they keep getting invited back. Their gigs are pure joy from start to finish. It’s a non-stop parade of massive hits that everyone knows, whether they realise it or not. The atmosphere is electric, turning the entire venue into one massive dance floor. It truly is the perfect summer party.

Julian Murray, from the show's promoters Cuffe & Taylor, sums it up perfectly.

“Nile Rodgers & CHIC always present the best party. These shows are filled with hit after hit and are sure to create a brilliant atmosphere.”

“To welcome an artist back for their third show at a venue is testament to the success and huge popularity of them and we can’t wait to do this with Nile Rodgers next year.”

So, expect an evening packed with legendary music, an irresistible groove, and pure dance-floor magic under the stars at the Scarborough Open Air Theatre.

And what about the brand new heavies?

Warming up the stage for the main event are The Brand New Heavies, who are legends in their own right. They were pioneers of the acid jazz scene in the early '90s. What's acid jazz? Think of it as a cool mix of '70s funk, soul, and jazz, creating a sound that’s both smooth and super groovy. After starting out as friends just jamming in a bedroom, they broke into the mainstream with massive hits like 'Dream On Dreamer' and 'Midnight At The Oasis'. Their music is sophisticated but has a soulful beat that’s impossible not to move to. They are the perfect support artists to get everyone in the mood for the good times ahead, creating a full evening of incredible, era-defining music.

A massive summer of music for the yorkshire coast

The announcement of Nile Rodgers & CHIC is the 25th for the TK Maxx presents Scarborough Open Air Theatre 2026 season, and the line-up is looking absolutely huge. It seems the promoters, Cuffe & Taylor, are pulling out all the stops to bring a diverse range of artists to the community. Here’s a look at who else is playing:

Date	Artist(s)
JUN 5	RICK ASTLEY + LOTTERY WINNERS
JUN 6	MADNESS + HOLLIE COOK + THE BEAT FEAT. RANKING JNR
JUN 12	PAUL WELLER
JUN 18	THE KOOKS
JUN 20	SKUNK ANANSIE + GARBAGE
JUN 21	ANASTACIA + HEATHER SMALL
JUN 26	PETE TONG IBIZA CLASSICS
JUN 27	RICHARD ASHCROFT + TOM MEIGHAN + APOLLO JUNCTION
JUN 28	BILLY OCEAN + MARTI PELLOW
JUL 2	BOWLING FOR SOUP + FRANK TURNER & THE SLEEPING SOULS
JUL 3	JAMES ARTHUR
JUL 4	DAVID GRAY + THE DIVINE COMEDY
JUL 6	MICHAEL BUBLÉ
JUL 10	DEACON BLUE + LIGHTNING SEEDS
JUL 11	BASTILLE + NECTAR WOODE
JUL 17	ALEX JAMES’ BRITPOP CLASSICAL
JUL 18	CMAT
JUL 22	TEDDY SWIMS + JORDAN RAKEI
JUL 23	TEDDY SWIMS + JORDAN RAKEI
JUL 25	JAMES TAYLOR + HIS ALL-STAR BAND
AUG 1	THE STREETS
AUG 2	SEX PISTOLS + THE STRANGLERS + THE UNDERTONES
AUG 8	SCISSOR SISTERS
AUG 14	HOLLY JOHNSON + ABC + HEAVEN 17
AUG 22	NILE RODGERS & CHIC + THE BRAND NEW HEAVIES

More than just a gig: TK Maxx, Homesense and the community

It's great to see big names like TK Maxx getting involved in live music and supporting local culture. As part of the wider company TJX Europe, which also includes the popular store Homesense, they are committed to being a responsible part of the community. You might know them for their amazing bargains on brand name and designer products, offering that 'treasure hunt' feeling every time you pop in. This sponsorship, TK Maxx presents, is another way they contribute. By helping promoters like Cuffe & Taylor bring legendary artists like Nile Rodgers & CHIC and even stars like Diana Ross to places like the Yorkshire coast, they ensure amazing live music is accessible to everyone. The partnership between TJX Europe, TK Maxx, and events like this summer party shows a real commitment to enriching the cultural life of the community.