In a move that has left fans both joyful and teary-eyed, Westlife—one of the defining boybands of the late 1990s and 2000s—has officially announced “Celebration II”, their new farewell tribute tour, set to take place in 2026. While the name evokes closure, the announcement is meant both as a celebration of their legacy and a heartfelt goodbye to the stage (at least in this form). Here’s everything we know so far: the cities, dates, the context, what to expect—and what this farewell means for fans and the band alike.
A Bit of Context: From 25 Years to Final Bow
Before diving into the tour details, it’s worth setting the stage (pun intended) on how Westlife has arrived here.
- Earlier in 2025, the band confirmed that they’d be marking their 25th anniversary with new music, special performances, and surprises. (Radio Times)
- Among those plans were two very special anniversary concerts in London: October 27 and 28, 2025, at the Royal Albert Hall, backed by the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra. (Stereoboard.com)
- However, one member—Mark Feehily—has been unable to join the celebrations due to health concerns. He formally stepped back from touring in early 2024. (Music News)
- Despite Mark’s absence, the remaining three members—Shane Filan, Kian Egan, and Nicky Byrne—have carried on, dedicating the anniversary shows to fans and memories. (Stereoboard.com)
Given that backdrop, “Celebration II” is being positioned not just as a concert series but a farewell tribute—an acknowledgment of a career spanning decades and a final opportunity for fans to celebrate with them live.
Cities & Dates: What’s Confirmed for 2026
As of now, the specifics of “Celebration II” are somewhat speculative; official tour dates and full city lists have not been reliably confirmed by the band or their promoters. Indeed, many websites list “register your interest” forms and speculation about possible venues. (Corporate Hospitality & VIP Tickets)
However, promotional pages and fan-oriented sites have compiled likely locales and the tour trajectory. Some key takeaways:
- The UK (particularly England) is expected to feature prominently, with speculation that iconic arenas like Wembley, The O₂, Manchester, Birmingham, and Glasgow may be among the stops. (Corporate Hospitality & VIP Tickets)
- At the moment, these UK venues are not confirmed; many sites invite fans to register for ticket announcements. (Corporate Hospitality & VIP Tickets)
- Overseas expansion may be limited, compared with some of their earlier global tours—but the focus is expected to remain on markets where Westlife has historically strong fan bases (UK, Ireland, possibly parts of Europe).
Because no official press release with full routing has yet surfaced, fans are urged to watch for updates from Westlife’s official channels. It seems the team is deliberately rolling out information gradually to build anticipation.
What to Expect (On Stage and Off)
Though the tour has not yet opened its doors to full disclosure, we can make reasoned guesses based on past Westlife tours and the tribute / farewell framing.
Possible Show Structure & Setlist
- Best-of medleys + fan favorites: A “tribute” tour format would likely lean heavily on their biggest hits—“Flying Without Wings,” “Swear It Again,” “If I Let You Go,” “My Love,” etc.
- Rearranged, orchestral or acoustic versions: Given that their 2025 shows at Royal Albert Hall were backed by the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, it’s plausible that orchestral elements or reimagined arrangements will be an artistic thread in “Celebration II.” (Stereoboard.com)
- Tributes & reflections: Between songs, one might expect storytelling, retrospective video montages, or moments to reflect on the journey—especially given the farewell nature.
- Production scale: From their past tours (such as The Wild Dreams Tour), we know Westlife has not shied away from large-scale staging, lighting, visual effects, and theatrical elements. (Wikipedia)
Logistical Notes & Special Features
- Because this is a farewell, many shows may offer VIP packages, meet-and-greets, special merchandising, memorabilia and possibly cinema screenings of select concerts (already being done for their London shows). (HelloRayo)
- Ticket demand is expected to be extremely high—especially for key cities and arenas.
- Given that Mark Feehily is not performing, the shows will be delivered by the trio (Shane, Kian, Nicky). (Music News)
- Some shows might offer recorded live albums or concert films as parting keepsakes.
The Emotional & Fan Significance
A farewell tour always carries emotional weight—for both artists and fans. Here are a few dimensions of what “Celebration II” likely represents:
- A closure plus a celebration: It’s not just “the end” but a curated way to give fans one last live memory—and for the band to thank their audience in a grand way.
- Mark’s absence looms large: The fact that one founding member is not participating adds poignancy. Fans will inevitably reflect on what might have been and grieve the missing presence, even as they cheer the trio’s performances.
- Legacy solidification: A farewell often crystallizes a band’s legacy. “Celebration II” will likely be a moment for Westlife to restate their impact, milestones, and influence.
- Community experience: For longtime fans, attending a farewell concert is more than a show—it’s a communal moment of nostalgia, shared memory, and catharsis.
What’s Next & Tips for Fans
Until the full schedule is confirmed, here are steps fans should take to stay ahead:
- Watch official channels
Follow Westlife’s official website, social media accounts, and their mailing list. These will be the first outlets for announcements. - Register interest / pre-sale alerts
Many ticketing sites and Westlife’s UK promoters encourage fans to register interest so they can be first in line for pre-sales. (Corporate Hospitality & VIP Tickets) - Plan around rumored cities
Even though nothing is confirmed, major arenas in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, and perhaps Dublin are strong possibilities. - Budget accordingly
Expect premium pricing for closer seats or special packages. Also factor in travel, lodging, and associated costs. - Collect and preserve memories
For many fans, a farewell concert is a once-in-a-lifetime closure. Consider documenting your experience—photos, video, merchandise, journal entries, group meetups with other fans.
Looking Ahead: What This Means for Westlife
Assuming “Celebration II” is indeed the final major tour in their current configuration, what might come next?
- Solo projects / hiatus
The trio may pursue solo work, collaborations, or breaks from large touring. - Legacy engagements
Occasional one-off appearances, tribute events, or special anniversary concerts could still happen. - Recording vs performing
Even without large-scale tours, they might release new music, reissues, or archival materials.
In many ways, “Celebration II” could serve as a capstone—not a full stop. It’s a way for Westlife to exit the touring stage on their own terms, with gratitude and ceremony.
If you like, I can build a speculative full itinerary based on rumors and venue capacity, or track updates as the official schedule emerges. Would you like me to do that?
