Music Venue Trust (MVT), the UK charity representing and supporting Grassroots Music Venues (GMVs), has announced a UK tour by British soul legend Omar Lye-fook MBE, supported by MVT’s Liveline Fund.
Running across May and June 2026, the Brighter The Days tour will see Omar perform in intimate grassroots venues nationwide, reconnecting with the spaces that continue to sustain live music communities and artist development across the UK. The tour includes a Southampton date on Friday 12 June at The Brook.
Celebrating 40 years as a recording artist, Omar’s Brighter The Days tour supports the release of his ninth studio album of the same name – a critically acclaimed project he describes as his “magnum opus”. A defining voice in British soul, Omar’s career spans four decades, with collaborations including Stevie Wonder, Erykah Badu, Angie Stone, Leon Ware, Robert Glasper, Paul Weller and India.Arie.
The tour is supported by Liveline, a vital funding initiative developed by Music Venue Trust in partnership with live music advocates Save Our Scene (SOS). Liveline delivers direct financial backing to grassroots venues, touring artists and promoters, funded through contributions from arena and stadium ticket sales. Major artists including Sam Fender, Katy Perry and Enter Shikari have adopted the Grassroots Levy to support the scheme, alongside Coldplay, who pledged 10% of profits from their recent UK stadium tour to Liveline.
Touring exclusively through grassroots venues, the Brighter The Days run brings Omar back to the heart of local communities. A performer of effortless class and deep musicality, Omar’s live shows are a masterclass in groove, soul, and sincerity. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience a genuine British icon performing new material and timeless classics live.
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