Peter Kay announces final leg of his arena tour

With profits shared between 12 cancer charities

Peter Kay has announced the final 11 shows in his long-running arena shows with the profits being shared between 12 leading cancer charities.

The comic said: ’It’s been the greatest privilege of my life to perform for audiences up and down the country. I’ve been completely overwhelmed by the support over the years, and it feels right to give something back. Every single penny of profit from these final shows will go to help fight cancer and support those affected.’

His Better Late Than Never tour began in 2022 and has played more than 200 arena dates, including a monthly residency at The O2 in London the only artist in the world to have secured such an appointment.

Proceeds from the last handful of dates will go to Children With Cancer UK, Teenage Cancer Trust, Kidney Cancer UK, Blood Cancer UK, Bowel Cancer UK, Prostate Cancer UK, DKMS (which seeks to encourage blood stem cell donation to combat blood cancer), Ovarian Cancer Action, Pancreatic Cancer UK, Anthony Nolan, The Brain Tumour Charity and Breast Cancer UK

Kay announced the news on The One Show on BBC One tonight, saying: ‘Unfortunately, everybody knows someone who's been affected on that list. I just hope people support it.

‘Come to the shows… You don't even have to like me to come. It goes beyond that. This is about supporting these charities. It'll be a lovely night.’

Rachel Calderon, deputy director of fundraising at Blood Cancer UK, said: ‘It’s a milestone moment to see Peter Kay on The One Show tonight, announcing plans for a final tour.

‘Everyone in the blood cancer community, whether they’re affected by leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma is genuinely chuffed and deeply grateful he has chosen to support Blood Cancer UK on his final tour through ticket sales.’

Dr Michele Afif, chief executive of The Brain Tumour Charity, added: ‘Peter Kay is one of the UK’s most beloved and successful comedians, a national treasure of stage and screen… he has our deepest gratitude for his incredible support. Thank you, Peter. From all of us.’

Kay forged a friendship with brain tumour patient Laura Nuttall, who died in May 2023 at the age of 23 and previously donated £30,000 from one of his shows to the foundation set up in her name.

Laura’s mum Nicola, said today: ‘We’re so grateful to Peter for all he’s done and continues to do to support the brain tumour community. He’s absolutely our national treasure.’

Kay titled his tour His Better Late Than Never as it came after he cancelled the his planed 92-date 2018–2019 tour Have Gags, Will Travel at the last minute, citing family reasons. Further details have never emerged as the media adhered to his requests to respect his family's privacy.

The final 2026 shows raising money for the charity are:

March 8: Newcastle Utilita Arena
March 20: Nottingham Motorpoint Arena
April 3: Glasgow OVO Hydro
April 16: Dublin 3 Arena
May 1: Birmingham Utilita Arena
June 4: Belfast SSE Arena
June 19: Liverpool M&S Bank Arena
June 20: Sheffield Utilita Arena
July 24: Leeds First Direct Bank Arena
August 7: London The O2
August 8: Manchester AO Arena