Teenage Cancer Trust has revealed that Shirley Manson of Garbage will take the helm as guest curator for the shows at the Royal Albert Hall from March 15-21, 2027.
It follows the fundraising success of the 2026 concert series curated by Robert Smith.
Garbage performed at the event this year, including a cover of The Cure’s Lovesong in their set.
Shirley Manson is the second guest curator of the week-long Royal Albert Hall fundraising concert series, which was launched and curated by Teenage Cancer Trust Honorary Patron Sir Roger Daltrey from 2000 to 2025.
For the 2026 events, Robert Smith lined up headliners Wolf Alice, Elbow, Manic Street Preachers, My Bloody Valentine, Mogwai and Garbage. This year’s shows have raised £1.4 million so far for the charity, providing vital support for young people with cancer across the UK.
Shirley Manson said: “To follow in the footsteps of the great Sir Roger Daltrey and most beloved Robert Smith by being invited to curate next year’s run of shows is one of the greatest honours that has ever been bestowed upon me. I consider it an immense privilege to continue helping raise funds and awareness for our all too often forgotten teenagers in the UK who are living with cancer and the struggle that this entails. I hope to curate a fine week of entertainment, calling upon some of my favourite artists to join the cause. I am so looking forward to seeing it all come together at the Royal Albert Hall next year and I hope to see you there.”
I hope to curate a fine week of entertainment, calling upon some of my favourite artists to join the cause
Shirley Manson
Robert Smith said: “Having played a few Teenage Cancer Trust at the Royal Albert Hall shows with The Cure, it was a real honour to curate the series in 2026, bringing together so many of my favourite artists to perform for such a great cause. The response and support from the audience, in the hall itself and all around the world, was really incredible. Garbage were one of the highlights of a stellar week, and I am very sure Shirley, with her great energy, commitment and values, will do a fantastic job in 2027.”
Rob Ballantine, promoter, SJM Concerts, said: "We owe a huge debt of gratitude to Robert Smith for working so hard and making our job as promoters so much easier this year. His vision resulted in one of the most memorable weeks in the history of these shows. We are equally grateful to Shirley for agreeing to curate 2027; we are already bowled over by her energy and enthusiasm, and the planning is already well underway for another landmark year."
Jane Ashton, head of music & entertainment at Teenage Cancer Trust, said: “We are delighted to welcome Shirley as our curator for 2027. Cancer kills more teenagers and young adults in the UK than any other disease, yet cancer care wasn’t made for young people. Shirley’s passion for our cause was electrifying to see during this year’s shows and we can’t wait to see who she invites to play next year.”
Jules Worrall, interim chief executive of Teenage Cancer Trust, said: “I want to say a huge thank you to Robert Smith for the 2026 shows – together we have raised a phenomenal amount which will be truly life-changing for young people with cancer. And Garbage's performance was a stand-out moment of the shows this year, so it's incredibly exciting that Shirley Manson is taking up the baton of curating for 2027. Shirley spoke so emotionally at this year's shows about how important teenagers are for the future of the country and the importance of supporting them – and we couldn't agree more. We're delighted to have her energy and passion on board.”
Teenage Cancer Trust has raised more than £36 million to date.
PHOTO: John Stead
