Teddy Swims - Live - 22nd July 2026

At Scarborough Open Air Theatre

Story by Tony Cunningham

23/07/2026

With the sun beating down on the Yorkshire coast, Teddy Swims brought arena-sized soul to Scarborough Open Air Theatre, kicking off the first of two sold-out nights with a performance that showcased exactly why he's become one of the biggest breakout stars of recent years.

Backed by his band Freak Freely, the GRAMMY-nominated singer mixed powerhouse vocals with effortless charisma across a slick 90-minute set, effortlessly switching between heartfelt ballads and anthemic crowd-pleasers. There was no gentle introduction. Charging on stage with The Door, Hammer To The Heart and Are You Even Real, alongside collaborator Devin Velez, Swims immediately had the packed-out crowd in the palm of his hand. His unmistakable voice soared across the open-air venue, sounding every bit as commanding live as it does on record. The momentum barely dipped as he powered through a set packed with fan favourites. Bed On Fire, Bad Dreams and Funeral all landed with huge emotional weight, highlighting the blend of soul, pop, rock and R&B that has made Swims one of modern music's most distinctive voices. Between songs, his easy-going charm and genuine gratitude only strengthened the connection with the audience, making the vast venue feel surprisingly intimate. As the evening reached its climax, there was only one way it could end. The opening notes of the multi-platinum smash Lose Control sparked the loudest singalong of the night, with thousands of fans bellowing every lyric back towards the stage. Clearly overwhelmed by the response, Swims closed by telling the crowd: "Thank you Scarborough, I love you. You guys are the best!" Earlier, Jordan Rakei delivered a beautifully understated support set, with the New Zealand-Australian singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist providing the perfect contrast before the evening's main event. On the evidence of night one, it's little surprise Swims has become one of live music's hottest tickets. Combining immense vocal talent with genuine warmth and infectious energy, he turned Scarborough Open Air Theatre into one giant summer celebration—and left plenty of reasons for fans to envy those returning for night two.