TCT reveals curator for 2026 concert series

Robert Smith has been revealed as the next guest curator of Teenage Cancer Trust’s annual concert series at the Royal Albert Hall.

The Cure’s frontman has long been a supporter of the charity series, having previously performed two classic shows in 2014 and in 2006. He was also heavily involved in the TCT’s UNSEEN campaign during lockdown – helping the charity raise funds for those struggling during that period.

Smith is no stranger to curating events, having assembled the line-up for the 2018 edition of Meltdown Festival, which was held at the Southbank Centre and saw performances from Mogwai, The Psychedelic Furs, The Church and Nine Inch Nails.

He will personally curate the 2026 edition of Teenage Cancer Trust after series founder Roger Daltry stepped back.

Speaking about the new role, Smith said: “Teenage Cancer Trust does the most fantastic work, and it is a great honour – and a real thrill – to be asked to curate the 2026 shows at the Royal Albert Hall. I can promise it will be a very memorable week!”

Daltry, who will continue as a Teenage Cancer Trust honorary patron, has fundraised and advocated for the Trust – the only UK charity dedicated to providing specialised nursing care and support for young people with cancer – for nearly a quarter of a century.

“With The Cure’s long and outstanding support for Teenage Cancer Trust, Robert appreciates the vital work this charity does”

Since launching the series at the historic London venue in 2000, Daltrey has persuaded superstars such as Paul McCartney, Oasis, Muse, Florence + The Machine, Ed Sheeran, The Cure, Arctic Monkeys, Coldplay and Take That, to perform unique, one night only gigs to raise money for Teenage Cancer Trust, generating more than £32 million from ticket sales in the process.

“It has not been easy to find the right curator for the week of concerts in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust at the Royal Albert Hall, but it’s with great excitement that I can announce that Robert Smith has signed up for 2026,” comments Daltry.

“With The Cure’s long and outstanding support for Teenage Cancer Trust, Robert appreciates the vital work this charity does. The concerts have become an essential fixture in the music calendar, featuring some of the world’s greatest artists. It has been a challenge to find the right person to take them on – but Robert, a true musical great, is the perfect curator for the 2026 concerts.”

This year’s Teenage Cancer Trust series runs from 24–30 March, with headliners including The Who, The Corrs, James Arthur, a comedy night hosted by Micky Flanagan, as well as the Sex Pistols, who will be performing with Frank Carter.

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