5 of the best female artists touring the UK in 2025

Lady Gaga
Credit: Frank Lebon

Since the 2020 pandemic, the music industry has shifted strongly towards live events, with concerts and festivals becoming essential for reconnecting with audiences.

 In 2023, 19.2 million fans attended live music concerts across the UK, generating a record £7.6 billion ($9.2 billion U.S.) for the economy. That year also featured Taylor Swift’s massive “Eras” tour, which likely added even more to those impressive numbers.

The numbers alone may have been the biggest draw for the average music fan — especially after reading that paragraph. But here at Xs Noize, it’s about more than just figures; it’s celebrating girl power.

Taylor Swift’s record-breaking tour captured how 21st-century female artists have shattered significant barriers to cement their place alongside the brightest stars in a traditionally male-dominated industry.

Fans have even more reasons to be excited, with several female artists preparing to launch tours that promise to break records, redefine genres, and set new standards.

From Beyoncé’s genre-bending performances to Billie Eilish using her tour as a platform for sustainability and humanity and the long-anticipated return of UK fan favourite Katy Perry, UK audiences are in for something special. A wave of iconic female stars is set to take over cities nationwide, bringing unforgettable live shows to centre stage.

In this article, we analyse five of the best female artists touring the UK in 2025

Katy Perry — “The Lifetimes Tour”

Katy Perry, one of the best-selling music artists ever, has announced “The Lifetimes Tour”, set to hit The O2 in October 2025.

The tour will showcase a spectacular career-spanning show featuring hits from her multi-million selling albums. Starting in Glasgow at the OVO Hydro on October 7, the UK leg will visit Manchester, Sheffield, and Birmingham and end at London’s O2 Arena on October 13. This UK tour follows sold-out shows in Australia in June 2025, with extra dates added due to high demand.

On returning to the UK for her first tour in over seven years, Katy expressed excitement: “I’m so incredibly chuffed to bring “The Lifetimes Tour” to the UK! I can’t wait to have a big singalong of all the songs you love and more! It’s going to be a giant dance party, and everyone’s invited!”

Recently, Katy made a grand return to the MTV stage for the first time since 2017, accepting the 2024 Video Vanguard Award and performing a career-spanning medley of hits, including two tracks from her new album, “143”, which is packed with the celebratory, provocative pop fans love.

Katy started her UK live journey with shows at Water Rats in Kings Cross and London’s Scala in 2008. For this tour, she pledged £1 from every UK ticket sold to Music Venue Trust, a charity supporting grassroots music venues across the UK. Katy said, “I’m proud to donate £1 from every ticket on the UK leg of “The Lifetimes Tour” to Music Venue Trust so that venues like Water Rats and Scala, where I played my first UK shows, can continue to usher in the next generation of music talent.”

With 115 billion streams, over 70 million adjusted album sales, and 143 million track sales worldwide, Katy Perry ranks among the top-selling music artists ever. She is one of just twelve artists to have surpassed 100 million certified units globally.

Lady Gaga — “The Mayhem Ball”

London’s O2 Arena will host Lady Gaga’s “The Mayhem Ball” for four nights—September 29 and 30 and October 2 and 4, 2025—during the UK leg of her tour. With a capacity of 20,000, the venue fits Gaga’s vision for a “closer, more connected” experience.

“This is my first arena tour since 2018,” Gaga said. “There’s something electric about a stadium, and I love every moment of those shows. But with “The Mayhem Ball”, I wanted to create a different kind of experience—something more intimate—closer, more connected—that lends itself to the live theatrical art I love to create.”

Her album “MAYHEM” has taken the world by storm, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, marking Gaga’s seventh consecutive chart-topping album. It remains a significant release in its second week, holding top positions such as No. 2 on the Billboard 200, Digital Albums, and US LP Vinyl Albums charts. It also retains No. 1 on the Billboard Top Pop Albums and Top Dance/Electronic Albums charts, earning Gaga her eighth No. 1 on this tally, making her the most successful artist ever in that chart’s history. She now holds the record for the most No. 1 albums on the Dance/Electronic Albums chart.

“MAYHEM” signals a return to Gaga’s pop roots, reaffirming her skill in reinvention. The album is bold, eclectic, and deeply personal, celebrating artistic freedom by embracing the fragmented parts of oneself to create something unique and beautiful. Gaga likens it to assembling a shattered mirror: “Even if you can’t put the pieces back together perfectly, you can create something memorable and whole in its own way.”

These shows mark Gaga’s first O2 performance since 2014’s “ArtRave: The Artpop Ball”, making it a homecoming for UK fans. Due to overwhelming ticket demand, she announced a fourth date on her social media platforms.


Beyoncé — “Cowboy Carter and The Rodeo Chitlin’ Circuit Tour”

Beyoncé has officially confirmed her return to London this summer with the “Cowboy Carter and The Rodeo Chitlin’ Circuit Tour” at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The 35-time Grammy winner will headline six shows at the N17 venue during the UK leg of her “Cowboy Carter World Tour.” This follows her U.S. kickoff, which starts April 28 at Inglewood’s SoFi Stadium with multiple dates until May 9, then continues through major cities, including a four-night run at Chicago’s Soldier Field (May 15–18) and a week at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford (May 22–29).

UK fans will finally see Queen Bey live again beginning June 5 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with additional shows on June 7, 10, 12, 14, and 16, and a final date on June 19, making for a seven-night residency. The performances promise an unforgettable spectacle.

Regarded as the most excellent pop star of the 21st century, Beyoncé holds the record for the most Grammy nominations ever. Each of her eight solo albums has debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. In 2024, she made history with “Texas Hold ‘Em”, becoming the first Black woman to top the Billboard Country Chart. This track is part of her critically acclaimed “Cowboy Carter” album, which won Album of the Year at the Grammys.

Tottenham Hotspur Stadium previously hosted Beyoncé for five sold-out shows during 2023’s “Renaissance World Tour”, the only venue to do so. That week, Haringey Council noted a 60% rise in foot traffic on Tottenham High Road, with over 104,000 extra visitors compared to the previous week.

This summer, Beyoncé joins an impressive 2025 lineup at the stadium, featuring 50 Cent, Imagine Dragons, Catfish & The Bottlemen, and K-Pop sensation Stray Kids. Tottenham Hotspur Stadium continues to be a cultural, sporting, and musical powerhouse, contributing £344 million annually to the economy and supporting 3,700 full-time equivalent jobs—Beyoncé’s return only strengthens its growing legacy.

Billie Eilish — “Hit Me Hard and Soft Tour”

Billie Eilish is set to dazzle fans at Glasgow’s OVO Hydro on July 7 and 8, promising immersive shows packed with chaotic energy and the signature Eilish blend of “madness and accepted sadness.” Known for her electrifying performances—complete with screaming, spontaneous dancing, and fans flinging underwear on stage—she’s expected to deliver another unforgettable experience in Scotland.

Before heading into the arena, concertgoers can grab a bite at the Clydebuilt Bar and Kitchen, situated by the east entrance of the SEC Armadillo. While her supporting acts across the UK leg remain unconfirmed, whether it’s The Marias, Towa Bird, or Ashnikko, the talent level is expected to be exceptional.

Eilish’s UK tour will continue with a highly anticipated six-night residency at London’s O2 Arena on July 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, and 17. Fans with Billie Eilish tickets are bracing for a sonic and emotional rollercoaster as the venue’s acoustics perfectly complement her raw, unfiltered vocals. During her last visit to the O2, demand outstripped supply, leading her to partner with Apple Music to release a film version of one of her shows.

Following London, the nine-time Grammy Award winner heads to Manchester for a four-night stand at the Co-op Live arena—Europe’s largest indoor venue—on July 19, 20, 22, and 23. Located next to the Etihad Stadium, the 23,500-capacity arena has recently dealt with delays and technical issues, affecting acts like Rick Astley and Peter Kay. However, venue officials have assured fans that it is fully prepped for significant events.

With such an emotionally charged and high-energy artist closing out her UK leg in Manchester, fans can expect nothing short of a thunderous finale from Billie Eilish.


Olivia Rodrigo — “GUTS World Tour”

Following prolonged delays at Manchester’s Co-op Live arena, Olivia Rodrigo has officially announced new dates for her previously cancelled “GUTS World Tour” shows. Originally scheduled for May 3 and 4, 2024, the concerts were cancelled due to ongoing technical problems at the newly built venue.

The 21-year-old pop sensation is now set to perform at Co-op Live on Monday, June 30, and Tuesday, July 1, 2025, concluding her tour on a high. With these dates falling in the same week as Glastonbury Festival—set for June 25 to 29—speculation is mounting about Rodrigo potentially appearing at the iconic music event.

Rodrigo had earlier expressed her frustration about the cancellations, calling herself “so disappointed” and attributing the decision to unresolved technical setbacks at the arena. Those issues peaked in early May 2024, when a section of the HVAC system collapsed during a pre-show soundcheck, forcing Rodrigo’s shows to be pulled and affecting other acts like Keane and Take That, who eventually moved to the AO Arena.

The Co-op Live arena finally launched on May 14, 2024, with Manchester band Elbow becoming the first official act to perform there. When Rodrigo’s new dates were released, the venue confirmed that tickets from the original shows would still be valid, stating via X that they would be automatically transferred. June 30 will replace the May 3 booking, while July 1 will remain for May 4.

Rodrigo—who penned most of her “GUTS” album at 19—has been lauded for her emotional songwriting and commanding live presence. The LP, released on September 8, 2023, explored themes of teenage angst and growth, with Rodrigo describing it as a reflection of a confusing but formative year.

Fans in Manchester who missed out earlier will now have the chance to experience the raw energy she’s delivered in other UK cities such as London, Birmingham, Glasgow, and Dublin during her electrifying 2024 shows. The 23,500-seat Co-op Live arena is now cleared for large-scale events, assuring that previous logistical hitches have been resolved.

No further action is needed for ticket holders, as their original passes will grant access on the new dates. Others hoping to attend can still buy from trusted resellers like seatsnet.com. Meanwhile, Glastonbury enthusiasts are watching closely—Rodrigo’s rescheduled tour finale might coincide with a surprise festival slot.

 

 

Xsnoize Author
Mark Millar is the founder of XS Noize and host of the XS Noize Podcast, where he interviews top music artists and emerging talent. Known for insightful, in-depth conversations, Mark brings a passionate, fan-first approach to music journalism. Favourite album: Achtung Baby by U2. Follow on X: @mark_xsnoize.

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