CMAT - Live - 18th July 2026

Scarborough Open Air Theatre

Story by Beth Shubart

20/07/2026

If there was any lingering doubt that CMAT has become one of the most captivating live performers in pop, her dazzling headline show at Scarborough Open Air Theatre put it to bed in spectacular fashion.

The Irish singer-songwriter – born Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson – arrived on the Yorkshire coast armed with razor-sharp wit, infectious charisma and a catalogue that's rapidly becoming one of modern pop's strongest. Across a joyous two-hour set, CMAT effortlessly mixed humour, heart and country-pop brilliance, giving fans a career-spanning celebration of her remarkable rise. Walking on stage to the irresistible Jamie Oliver Petrol Station, she immediately had the crowd eating out of her hand. "Scarbados, I said Scarbados!" she laughed. "My name is CMAT, this is the very sexy CMAT and we have a great show for you tonight." The self-proclaimed "Dunboyne Diana" barely paused for breath as she tore through fan favourites including When A Good Man Cries, Running/Planning and Have Fun!, each one met by a crowd who knew every word. Material from her acclaimed albums If My Wife Knew I'd Be Dead, Crazymad, For Me and her Ivor Novello-winning triumph EURO-COUNTRY showcased exactly why she's become one of the UK's most celebrated songwriters. One of the night's most memorable moments arrived when Take A Sexy Picture Of Me transformed the open-air arena into one enormous singalong, its empowering chorus echoing across the coastline as thousands of voices joined in. Later, young fan Monty from Hartlepool was invited on stage to play guitar during Euro-Country, providing an unforgettable feel-good moment before CMAT launched into a euphoric finale. Closing with I Wanna Be A Cowboy, Baby and Stay For Something, she leapt into the audience to create an impromptu catwalk through the crowd, bringing the night to a joyous, unforgettable conclusion. Earlier, Katy J Pearson delivered a beautifully understated opening set, providing the perfect introduction before one of the summer's most exhilarating headline performances.