Not Another Pair of Socks: A Festive Gift Guide for People Who’d Rather Be at a Gig

This Christmas, ditch the panic-bought bath sets and novelty mugs. Give them something they’ll actually remember like a cracking night out, a brilliant gig or a show that leaves them full of joy!

Here’s our very festive guide to experience gifts that’ll go down better than a box of Celebrations on Christmas Eve.

For the Whole Family (and the Cool Aunt Who’s Basically a Kid) “Wait… how did he do that?”

Jack Rhodes: Part-Time Wizard, Full-Time Moron
12 February 2026 | £25 / Under 18s £15
The Britain’s Got Talent runner-up is bringing his chaotic blend of magic and comedy to Wolves. Think jaw-dropping tricks, offbeat Northern humour and laughs that land with grown-ups and kids. Perfect for families, teens, and anyone who still low-key wants to believe in magic.

Wrap it up with: a deck of playing cards and a pack of haribo!

For the Folk Lover Who Has Everything (Except These Tickets). They probably own five banjos 

Skye Consort & Emma Björling
21 March 2026 | £18
Scandi-celto-québecish neo-trad. (Say that after a mulled wine.) A gorgeous, globe-spanning chamber-folk sound, full of harmony, history and heart. For anyone who lives for ethereal vocals, unusual instruments and folk that feels fresh and timeless all at once.

Joe Broughton’s Conservatoire Folk Ensemble
15 August 2026 | £10
50 musicians. One wild folk party. Equal parts traditional reel and chaotic jam session, this is 21st-century power folk at its loudest and most joyful.

Wrap it up with: A harmonica & a handmade playlist

For the One Who’s Always Quoting Stand-Up Specials. Give them the gift of actual live laughter.

Richard Blackwood: Unfiltered
17 January 2026 | £22
No filter, no gimmicks—just Richard Blackwood delivering sharp, fearless comedy on everything from fatherhood to fame. A punchy mix of cultural commentary and proper LOLs.

Wrap it up with: A pair of wireless earbuds so they can catch up on their favourite comedy podcasts

For the One Who Always Picks the Most Thought-Provoking Show on Netflix. Big hearts, always up for something different.

I’m Muslamic, Don’t Panik
24 February 2026 | £10 / £8.50
Live music, breakdancing, comedy, and spoken word—all in one uplifting tale about finding identity in unexpected places. Plus: Persian tea and date biscuits after the show. Honestly, what more do you need?

Francis Dunnery – England’s Tales of the Council House Kid
5 February 2026 | £30
A raw, nostalgic, beautifully told story of growing up in working-class Britain—with original songs, wit, and a whole lot of heart.

Dave Rowntree: No One You Know
6 February 2026 | £14
Blur’s drummer lifts the curtain on the band’s earliest days, through never-before-seen photos and stories. A must for music fans and anyone who’s ever dreamed of being in a band.

Wrap it up with: a great book

For the Gig-Goer Who Can’t Sit Still at Christmas Dinner. They don’t want things. They want decibels.

Pygmy Twylyte perform the music of Frank Zappa
21 February 2026 | £16–£20
Deep cuts, wild arrangements and all the weird brilliance of Zappa’s legacy, brought to life by a band that knows its way around a sax solo and a wry grin.

Miles Hunt – Songs & Stories (Matinee show)
28 March 2026 | £27.50
The Wonder Stuff’s frontman looks back on 40 years in music, with tales from the road and songs you probably still know all the words to.

The Bar-Steward Sons of Val Doonican – 20th Anniversary Tour
16 October 2026 | £22.50
Comedy folk chaos in knitwear. That’s the energy. Irreverent lyrics, folk instruments, and a loyal cult following—this one’s a guaranteed good time.

Wrap it up with: a band tee & earplugs

And For the Slightly Gothy, Theatre-Loving Bookworm in Your Life… (You know the one.)

Haunted Shadows: The Gothic Tales of Edith Nesbit
28 April 2026 | £14 / £10
Ghosts, shadows, and one very brilliant one-woman show. A chilling deep dive into the darker works of the author behind The Railway Children, with spine-tingling storytelling and a sprinkle of Victorian dread.

Wrap it up with: a moody candle

So… ready to be the best gift-giver this year?
Tickets make the best presents – no wrapping, no batteries, just memories in the making. Whether it’s a quiet night out, a full-blown folk rave, or a heartfelt story that stays with them, these are the kinds of gifts people talk about long after the tree comes down.

Explore all upcoming events at Wolverhampton Arts Centre and sort your gift list the easy way – https://wolverhamptonartscentre.co.uk/whats-on/