Westlife in Birmingham: An evening of major pop hits on the Westlife 25 tour
Irish pop group Westlife will perform on Friday, October 16, 2026, at Utilita Arena Birmingham in Birmingham, United Kingdom, as part of their "Westlife 25: The Anniversary World Tour". The concert is the first of three consecutive performances by the group in the city, and audiences can look forward to a programme combining their greatest hits with newer songs. From the ballads "Flying Without Wings" and "My Love" to the more energetic hits "World of Our Own" and "Uptown Girl", Westlife bring a repertoire that has shaped the musical memories of several generations of listeners.
The tour has been conceived as a celebration of 25 years of musical success, but it is far more than a retrospective. In 2026, the group released the compilation album "25 - The Ultimate Collection", featuring new songs, and their current concert programme has already been presented to audiences in Dublin and other British cities. Birmingham occupies an important position on the UK tour schedule, before the concerts continue in Cardiff, Manchester and cities across Europe.
What makes this concert special is its combination of distinctive vocal harmonies, songs that audiences can sing along to from beginning to end, and production designed for large indoor arenas. For visitors who have followed Westlife since their earliest singles, the concert offers an opportunity to revisit the songs of their youth, while newer listeners can discover the group's repertoire in a live setting.
Tickets for the Birmingham performance are already on sale. As the schedule covers three evenings, it is important to check the exact date and seating category when selecting tickets.
Westlife 25: A tour connecting different stages of the group's career
Westlife built their international success on melodic pop, emotional ballads and multi-part vocal harmonies. The group attracted a large following in the late 1990s and early 2000s, when songs such as "Swear It Again", "If I Let You Go", "Flying Without Wings" and "My Love" became defining features of the pop music scene of that era.
Their music often relies on a simple but effective combination: a clear melody, gradually developing arrangements and a powerful final chorus. This is precisely why many of their songs work so well in live performances. When thousands of people sing the chorus of "You Raise Me Up" together, the focus shifts from the performers alone to the participation of the audience.
According to information published in connection with the tour, Westlife have achieved 14 number-one singles on the UK charts, sold more than 55 million records and performed before millions of concertgoers. Following their reunion in 2019, the group continued performing in Europe, Asia and other parts of the world. "The Wild Dreams Tour" further confirmed that interest in their concerts extends beyond the generation that followed them at the beginning of their career.
The current tour features Shane Filan, Nicky Byrne and Kian Egan. Their performances together in Dublin during September 2026 marked the beginning of a new chapter of live shows, while Mark Feehily participated in recording new material released as part of the anniversary collection.
Which songs are Westlife performing on their current tour?
The best indication of what audiences can expect in Birmingham comes from concerts already held on the tour. During their September series of performances at Dublin's 3Arena, Westlife presented a programme covering different periods of their career, from their earliest singles to songs from more recent releases.
According to the recorded setlist from the concert held in Dublin on September 25, 2026, the songs performed included "World of Our Own", "Uptown Girl", "Bop Bop Baby", "What About Now", "When You're Looking Like That", "Queen of My Heart", "Chariot", "My Love", "Flying Without Wings" and "Hello My Love". The closing part of the programme also featured "You Raise Me Up" and "Swear It Again".
This selection demonstrates how Westlife structure the rhythm of their concerts. Faster songs encourage the audience to dance and join in the choruses, while ballads place greater emphasis on vocals and melody. "What Makes a Man" and "Queen of My Heart" represent the more intimate side of their catalogue, while "Uptown Girl" and "Bop Bop Baby" showcase the playful pop sound for which they are also known.
Particular attention has been drawn to "When You're Looking Like That", which appeared during the Dublin performances alongside a guitar motif associated with "Sweet Child O' Mine" by Guns N' Roses. Such live details demonstrate that the programme is not simply a reproduction of familiar studio recordings.
The Dublin setlist provides a useful guide, but it does not mean that every song listed will be performed in the same order or with unchanged arrangements in Birmingham. Concert programmes may vary between individual dates on the tour.
The new album "25 - The Ultimate Collection" and the song "Chariot"
The current tour is connected to the release of "25 - The Ultimate Collection", which came out on May 8, 2026. The album brings together 21 familiar songs from the group's discography alongside four new recordings. It reached number two on the UK Albums Chart, demonstrating that the anniversary release was more than just a symbolic reminder of the past.
Among the new songs, "Chariot" holds a particularly prominent place. It was written by Ed Sheeran, Johnny McDaid and Will Reynolds, with Steve Mac, a longtime Westlife collaborator, also contributing to the songwriting and production. The song was conceived as an emotional pop anthem about love, family and the moments in life that remain important despite the passage of time.
The album also includes "Your Love Amazes Me", alongside the new songs "First Time Feeling" and "Beautiful Life". Their inclusion alongside established hits gives audiences the opportunity to hear how the group's characteristic sound fits into more contemporary production.
"Chariot" has already found a place in the tour's concert repertoire. For audiences in Birmingham, this creates an interesting contrast: alongside songs that have been heard on radio stations and pop charts for decades, the group performs material recorded specifically for their anniversary period. Fans of more recent albums will also recognise "Starlight" from "Wild Dreams" and "Hello My Love" from "Spectrum".
From Dublin to Birmingham: How the anniversary tour is developing
In September 2026, Westlife performed a series of concerts at Dublin's 3Arena, with a total of 13 announced performances representing a record-breaking run for the group at that venue. The concerts were an important starting point for the tour, as they gave audiences their first opportunity to experience the fully developed anniversary programme.
The Irish dates were followed by performances in British cities, including Aberdeen, Glasgow, Newcastle, Leeds, Sheffield and London. Birmingham appears on the schedule after Brighton and Bournemouth and before the concerts in Cardiff and Manchester. The European leg of the tour also includes Paris, Hamburg, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Oslo, Amsterdam, Antwerp, Cologne and Zurich.
Concerts in Birmingham have been confirmed for October 16, 17 and 18, 2026. This gives audiences several opportunities to attend, with Friday marking the beginning of Westlife's three-day engagement at Utilita Arena Birmingham.
The three-day stay in the same city is also significant for visitors travelling from other parts of the United Kingdom or from abroad. Rather than having to plan around a single date, they can choose between Friday and the weekend, depending on ticket availability, transport and accommodation.
Birmingham is also well connected by rail to other British cities. The concert takes place in a central part of the city, meaning visitors do not need to plan a journey to a remote complex outside the urban area.
Ana Sky as the supporting act and the opening of the concert evening
Ana Sky has been confirmed as the supporting act for "Westlife 25: The Anniversary World Tour". Her name appears in the announcement for the Birmingham concert, making it clear that the evening's programme includes a performance before the main act.
Arriving on time is particularly important for visitors who want to enjoy the entire musical programme rather than only Westlife's performance. An earlier arrival allows time for security checks, finding the correct section, purchasing refreshments and settling into a seat before the music begins.
The exact times when the supporting act and Westlife will take the stage should be checked against the updated event schedule. The published door-opening time is not the same as the start time of the headline performance.
Utilita Arena Birmingham: A major venue in the heart of the city
Utilita Arena Birmingham is one of Britain's well-known indoor concert venues. It opened in 1991 under the name National Indoor Arena and has hosted sporting competitions, concerts and other international events over the years. Today, it forms part of the NEC Group and regularly welcomes performers from a wide range of musical genres.
The arena can accommodate approximately 15,800 visitors, depending on its configuration. The exact number of places available for a concert is determined by the layout of the stage, stands, floor area and production equipment.
An important feature of the venue for Westlife's performance is that it is an enclosed arena with tiered seating surrounding the concert floor. This configuration offers different viewing perspectives: audiences in the lower sections are closer to stage level, while the upper tiers provide a broader view of the venue and its production.
The acoustic experience will depend on seat location, the sound system and the concert arrangements. Ballads such as "Flying Without Wings" and "You Raise Me Up" particularly highlight the vocal parts, while faster songs place greater emphasis on rhythm and audience singalongs.
The arena is situated beside the city canal, not far from the Brindleyplace district and the International Convention Centre complex. Visitors can combine attending the concert with dinner or a short walk through the city centre.
It is worth securing tickets in good time, particularly if choosing between seated sections and the standing floor area is important, or if a larger group is planning to attend together.
How to reach Utilita Arena Birmingham and where to park
The arena is located at King Edwards Road, Birmingham, B1 2AA. Thanks to its central location, it can be reached on foot from several transport routes, making it convenient for visitors arriving by train or staying in city-centre hotels.
According to information provided by the arena, railway stations within walking distance include Birmingham New Street, Moor Street, Snow Hill and Five Ways. Taxis and local public transport are available for travellers with luggage or reduced mobility.
Visitors arriving by car should anticipate traffic congestion, particularly immediately before the concert begins and after it ends. Birmingham operates a Clean Air Zone, where additional charges may apply to vehicles that do not meet the required standards.
The venue has North, South and West car parks. West Car Park is intended for pre-booked parking spaces and certain premium packages, while advance booking is also recommended for the other car parks.
Useful information for planning your arrival:
- Venue address: King Edwards Road, Birmingham, B1 2AA, United Kingdom.
- Arrival by train: Birmingham New Street and other stations in the central part of the city.
- Parking: North, South and West car parks, with advance booking recommended.
- Parking payment: By card or contactless payment methods.
- Accessibility: Designated access routes, dedicated parking spaces and staff assistance for visitors who need it.
For those arriving in Birmingham earlier, Brindleyplace offers restaurants, bars and canal-side walkways. The area is located next to the arena, making it possible to arrange a meal before the concert without a long journey to the venue.
Schedule, entry to the arena and visitor regulations
The Westlife concert takes place on Friday, October 16, 2026. Some earlier ticket listings show a time of 18:30, while the arena's current announcement states that doors open at 18:00 and the programme begins at 19:25. Because of these differences in the published schedule, visitors are advised to check the latest information associated with their own tickets shortly before arrival.
The organiser states an event curfew of 23:00, but this should not be interpreted as confirmation of the exact duration of Westlife's performance.
Security checks are carried out at the entrance, including bag inspections. The arena recommends arriving without a bag whenever possible. If a visitor must bring one, restrictions apply to its size and number of compartments.
Age restrictions have also been published for this concert. Children under 14 are not permitted in the standing floor area, while visitors aged 14 and 15 may enter that area only when accompanied by an adult. In seated areas, children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult holding a valid ticket.
Before setting off, it is useful to check the following:
- The date and ticket category, including the exact seating section or standing-area designation.
- The latest entry times and programme start time.
- The bag size limit of 21 x 30 x 19 cm and a maximum of two compartments.
- The prohibition on large backpacks, outside food and drinks, and professional cameras with interchangeable lenses.
- Age restrictions for seated and standing areas.
- Plans for returning by public transport or collecting a vehicle after the concert.
Food and drink outlets and concert merchandise stands are available inside the arena. Visitors with additional needs should check the most suitable entrance and accessible sections before arriving.
Why does a Westlife concert appeal to different generations?
Westlife's catalogue has several characteristics that explain its enduring appeal in concert. Their songs are generally built not around complex instrumental parts, but around melody, emotional interpretation and memorable choruses. This approach is precisely what allows audiences to participate actively.
For some visitors, "Swear It Again" and "If I Let You Go" are associated with the early years of the group's career. Others feel a stronger connection to "Hello My Love", "Starlight" and the new single "Chariot". The anniversary tour brings these periods together within the same concert programme.
At previous concerts on the tour in Dublin, audiences were able to hear both emotional ballads and more rhythmic songs, with changes in the pace of the performance throughout the evening. This structure creates room for moments of collective singing as well as performances in which attention is focused on the voices of the group members.
For fans of pop music from the 1990s and 2000s, this is an opportunity to hear much of the group's recognisable repertoire live. At the same time, the newer songs demonstrate how Westlife continue to develop their musical identity without abandoning the melodic style that made them famous.
Birmingham as a destination for a concert weekend
The concert at Utilita Arena Birmingham can form part of a short city break. Birmingham is one of England's major urban centres, and its canal-side districts are particularly suitable for walking, dining and evening entertainment.
Brindleyplace is located immediately beside the arena and the International Convention Centre. Its surrounding area offers restaurants, cultural attractions and waterfront walkways. For travellers planning an overnight stay, accommodation in the city centre or somewhere with easy access to Birmingham New Street railway station is a practical choice.
When booking accommodation, it is worth considering that Westlife are performing in Birmingham on three consecutive evenings. Friday and the weekend may attract additional concert visitors, so it is useful to compare the hotel's location with plans for arrival and departure.
The October 16 concert opens a three-day series of performances in Birmingham and offers fans of the group an opportunity to hear the songs that have defined their career alongside new material from 2026. Tickets should be selected according to the preferred location within the arena and the desired concert experience, while the latest schedule should be checked before travelling.
Sources:
- Utilita Arena Birmingham - announcement of Westlife concerts from October 16 to 18, 2026, supporting act Ana Sky, schedule, programme, entry regulations and tour information. https://www.utilitaarenabham.co.uk/events/detail/westlife
- Westlife - schedule for "Westlife 25: The Anniversary World Tour" and information about music releases. https://www.westlife.com/
- Official Charts - release date, contents and chart position of the album "25 - The Ultimate Collection". https://www.officialcharts.com/albums/westlife-25-the-ultimate-collection-0/
- RTÉ - report on the beginning of the anniversary tour and the record-breaking series of Dublin performances in September 2026. https://www.rte.ie/entertainment/2026/0910/1591004-westlife-begin-record-breaking-3arena-residency/
- setlist.fm - setlist and running order of Westlife's performance at Dublin's 3Arena on September 25, 2026. https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/westlife/2026/3arena-dublin-ireland-4b4ed79e.html
- Utilita Arena Birmingham - capacity, venue history, transport, parking and security regulations. https://www.utilitaarenabham.co.uk/about-us; https://www.utilitaarenabham.co.uk/visit/getting-here; https://www.utilitaarenabham.co.uk/visit/venue-security
- Visit Birmingham - information about the Brindleyplace district, canals, restaurants and the urban surroundings of the arena. https://visitbirmingham.com/inspire-me/areas/brindleyplace/