Key Points
- Legendary singer-songwriter Van Morrison will perform a five-night residency at the new British Airways ARC venue at Olympia, London.
- The fully seated concerts are scheduled for 23, 24, 27, 28, and 29 September 2026, marking the first-ever residency at the venue.
- The British Airways ARC opens on 16 June 2026 for live music and events.
- Tickets go on sale at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, 15 May 2026, via ticketline.co.uk or the venue directly.
- Lucy Noble, SVP UK venues at AEG Presents, stated: “We are thrilled to welcome Van Morrison as the very first artist to have a residency at our brand-new venue. The shows are set to be incredible.”
- The announcement follows Morrison’s Lifetime Achievement Award at the Jazz FM Awards 2026 last month.
- Morrison recently released a new album, Somebody Tried To Sell Me A Bridge, featuring fresh takes on blues songs by B.B. King, Buddy Guy, and Lead Belly.
- Morrison launches a European tour with two nights in Bremen, Germany, on 17 and 18 June 2026 (updated from original Berlin report).
- Additional tour dates include Grolloo Blues Festival (19 June, Netherlands), Noches del Botánico festival (30 June and 1 July, Madrid, Spain), Auditori Forum CCIB (3 July, Barcelona), Royal Park (5 July, Netherlands), Gent Jazz Festival (7 July, Ghent, Belgium), Burg Clam Castle with Ronnie Wood (16 July, Austria), and Montreux Jazz Festival (18 July, Switzerland).
London (Britain Today News) May 11, 2026 – Van Morrison is set to headline a five-show residency at the new British Airways ARC venue at Olympia, with fully seated concerts marking the first residency at the state-of-the-art London site, which opens on 16 June 2026.
- Key Points
- What is the British Airways ARC venue?
- Why has Van Morrison chosen a residency format?
- When do tickets go on sale and how to buy them?
- What is Van Morrison’s new album about?
- Which European tour dates has Van Morrison announced?
- Who is performing with Van Morrison at Clam Castle?
- What recent awards has Van Morrison received?
- How does this fit into Van Morrison’s career?
- What should fans expect from the shows?
The residency kicks off on 23 September 2026 and runs through 29 September, featuring performances on 23, 24, 27, 28, and 29 September. Tickets will go on sale at 9:00 a.m. local time on Friday, 15 May 2026, available from
or directly through the venue.
What is the British Airways ARC venue?
The British Airways ARC, unveiled by AEG Presents UK, is a purpose-built live music venue located above the historic West Hall at Olympia in West London. Set to open on 16 June 2026, it promises an unparalleled experience for fans and artists alike, with advanced acoustics and fully seated configurations for intimate performances.
As reported by staff writers at London Post, the venue represents a milestone in London’s live music scene, hosting its inaugural headliner Self Esteem on opening night before Morrison’s residency. Lucy Noble, Senior Vice President of UK venues at AEG Presents, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, saying,
“We are thrilled to welcome Van Morrison as the very first artist to have a residency at our brand-new venue. The shows are set to be incredible.”
The venue’s design emphasises comfort and sound quality, differentiating it from larger arenas and aligning with Morrison’s preference for controlled, seated environments.
Why has Van Morrison chosen a residency format?
Van Morrison, the Belfast-born icon known for classics like “Brown Eyed Girl” and “Moondance,” has long favoured residencies for their stability and fan intimacy. This five-night stand at British Airways ARC allows the 80-year-old artist to deliver extended sets without the rigours of constant travel.
According to coverage in TotalNtertainment, the fully seated setup ensures a premium experience, echoing Morrison’s past socially distanced shows at venues like Newcastle’s Virgin Money Unity Arena in 2020. Industry observers note this as a strategic move post his recent Lifetime Achievement Award at the Jazz FM Awards 2026, celebrating a career spanning over six decades.
The residency also coincides with Morrison’s return to blues roots via his new album, positioning the shows as a platform for deep cuts and improvisations.
When do tickets go on sale and how to buy them?
Fans can secure tickets starting at 9:00 a.m. on 15 May 2026, as announced across multiple outlets including London Post and TotalNtertainment. Purchases are available via
or the venue’s official channels, with no presale details confirmed yet.
Given Morrison’s enduring popularity, swift sell-outs are anticipated, similar to his recent festival bookings. The official site
advises signing up for the newsletter for updates on live dates and pre-sale access.
What is Van Morrison’s new album about?
Morrison’s latest release, Somebody Tried To Sell Me A Bridge, dropped recently and marks a blues revival. As detailed by London Post reporters, it features reinterpretations of tracks by legends B.B. King, Buddy Guy, and Lead Belly, showcasing Morrison’s gravelly vocals and harp mastery.
The album’s timing amplifies excitement for the residency, where fans expect blues-heavy sets. Exclusive vinyl editions launch on 19 June 2026, tying into the tour kickoff.
Which European tour dates has Van Morrison announced?
Beyond London, Morrison launches his 2026 European trek with back-to-back nights at Metropol Theater in Bremen, Germany, on 17 and 18 June 2026 – an update from earlier Berlin mentions.
The itinerary, listed on VanMorrison.com
, includes 19 June at Grolloo Blues Festival in the Netherlands; 30 June and 1 July at Noches del Botánico in Madrid, Spain; 3 July at Auditori Forum CCIB in Barcelona; 5 July at Royal Park in the Netherlands; 7 July at Gent Jazz Festival in Ghent, Belgium; a special 16 July show at Burg Clam Castle in Austria alongside The Rolling Stones’ Ronnie Wood; and 18 July at Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland.
As confirmed by Jambands.com, Montreux’s 60th edition from 3-18 July 2026 features Morrison amid icons like James Taylor and Sting. A complete list remains at VanMorrison.com/live
.
Who is performing with Van Morrison at Clam Castle?
The 16 July 2026 show at Burg Clam Castle in Sperken, Austria, pairs Morrison with Ronnie Wood of The Rolling Stones, promising a guitar-driven highlight. This collaboration underscores Morrison’s knack for high-profile team-ups, as noted in tour previews.
What recent awards has Van Morrison received?
Last month, Morrison collected a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Jazz FM Awards 2026, honouring his jazz and blues contributions. The London Post highlighted this as a prelude to his busy summer.
How does this fit into Van Morrison’s career?
At 80, Morrison remains prolific, blending R&B, jazz, and Celtic soul across 40+ albums. Residencies like this echo his Vegas stands and London O2 runs, prioritising artistry over arena spectacle.
The ARC booking elevates the venue’s profile, following acts like Khalid and McFly. Fans praise Morrison’s live prowess, with sets often exceeding two hours of improvisations.
What should fans expect from the shows?
Expect a mix of hits, blues from the new album, and rarities in the seated ARC intimacy. Morrison’s no-frills style – suits, harp, band – delivers raw emotion, as per past reviews.
With Europe’s summer festivals ahead, these London dates anchor a triumphant return. As Noble affirmed, the shows promise to be “incredible.”
This residency not only launches ARC’s residency era but reaffirms Van Morrison’s enduring legacy in British music.
