THE SUNSHINE UNDERGROUND REUNITE FOR HUGE KIRKSTALL ABBEY SHOW
- Chelsea Bakewell
- 7 days ago
- 3 min read
‘LIVE AT KIRKSTALL ABBEY’ SERIES TO RETURN IN 2026 FOR MULTIPLE DATES
The Sunshine Underground
An Exclusive Reunion Show, Celebrating 20 Years of Raise the Alarm
Saturday 25th July 2026
Kirkstall Abbey, Leeds
Plus very special guests
White Lies, Hard Fi, The Futureheads, The Twang, The Whip
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Leeds indie heroes The Sunshine Underground have announced an exclusive reunion show next year as part of the return of live music to the city's historic Kirkstall Abbey. Performing their classic 2006 album ‘Raise The Alarm’ in full as well as songs from across their back catalogue, the reunited original line-up will be joined by a massive line-up of their mid-noughties indie compatriots including White Lies, The Futureheads and Hard-Fi as part of the second Live at Kirkstall Abbey concert series.
The cult icons will return to the stage for the first time in ten years for an incredibly special exclusive show to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the classic album ‘Raise The Alarm’. An essential part of the iconic noughties indie scene in the West Yorkshire city that also birthed bands including Kaiser Chiefs, The Cribs, iForwardRussia! and The
Pigeon Detectives, The Sunshine Underground were touted as a leading light of the ‘New Yorkshire’ scene of the 2000’s while their unique ‘dance-rock’ approach and unstoppable live energy set them apart as a force to be reckoned with on their own terms.
Now with their critically acclaimed and much-loved 2006 album ‘Raise The Alarm’ turning twenty years old, the Sunnies will be returning for a one-off show in the city that played such an important part in the life of their band, bringing with them the hits ‘Borders’, ‘Commercial Breakdown’ and ‘Put You In Your Place’ along with other fan favourites.
Joining The Sunshine Underground at Kirkstall Abbey will be a massive line-up of some of the era’s finest, including post-punk / indie icons White Lies, indie-funk legends Hard-Fi and Sunderland alt-indie stalwarts The Futureheads alongside fellow mid-noughties fixtures The Twang and The Whip for an essential day of live music for any indie fan.
Taking place in the grounds of the iconic Kirkstall Abbey, the Live at Kirkstall Abbey first took place in 2024. Welcoming over 15,000 people to the grounds of the 12th century Cistercian monastery, Live at Kirkstall Abbey’s first season took place over three days, featuring headliners Madness & Embrace and a host of comedians including Katherine Ryan and Ross Noble.
General on sale will be available from Friday 12th September at 9AM here
The Sunshine Underground said:
“Well, would you look at this.. The Sunnies are coming back together for a special reunion show. As if.
2026 marks the 20th anniversary of our debut album and 10 years since our last show, so we had to do it.
As anyone who was there the first time around will know, the Leeds shows absolutely went OFF, so we couldn't pass up the opportunity to play for you again at this unique location, with some very special guests to boot.
See you next year, It’s gonna be one of them days :)”
Andy Smith - Director, Futuresound Group said:
“We are absolutely thrilled to be announcing the return of live music to Kirkstall Abbey next summer. Last year’s debut series was an incredible introduction and to be able to bring it back in this way is something we have been working towards for the last twelve months. To kick off next year’s announcement with The Sunshine Underground feels especially poignant to us - Futuresound has been involved with promoting the band in Leeds for over twenty years and we all go back a very long way. We’re very grateful to them for trusting us to stage such a special show and can’t wait to welcome them back”