Our Press Data Future News Forward Planning database contains over 50,000 future events and news items from around the world for the next 12 months. 

Next week in view 15/08/2026 – 21/08/2026

A written ruling is expected next week after the Duke of Sussex and six other high-profile figures, including Sir Elton John, lost a High Court privacy case against the Daily Mail publisher. Judge Mr Justice Nicklin said in July that the claimants had failed to prove the allegations of unlawful information gathering. The ruling will determine the amount of the group’s legal costs payments to the publisher. It is expected to be millions of pounds.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham is expected to continue his UK “listening tour” next week. His local visits are likely to be accompanied by policy announcements centred around the cost-of-living help. They will come in the week the ONS releases its latest employment figures, on 18 August, and inflation figures on 19 August. July’s RPI figure is traditionally used to set the following year’s increase in average train fares; those remain frozen for now – until March 2027.

On 15 August, the 104th FA Community Shield football match between Arsenal and Manchester City will be held at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium for the first time in its history. The annual charity match sees last season’s Premiership champions play the FA Cup winners in the traditional curtain-raiser to the football season.

A federal multi-state trial begins in California on 18 August. Opening statements are due from representatives from some 29 state attorneys general, after jury selection last week. They accuse Meta of designing addictive features on Facebook and Instagram that harm youth mental health, as well as collecting children’s data illegally. The case could involve up to $1.4 trillion in potential damages.

An additional 50% US tariff on a range of Canadian goods set to come into effect on 19 August. US President Donald Trump signed three proclamations on 20 July, saying the move was intended to counter what Washington calls discriminatory treatment of American products. On 11 August, Canada’s minister for trade relations again met US officials to try to avert the charges.

The Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification takes place from 17 – 28 August in Mongolia. Governments will discuss the interconnected challenges of desertification, land degradation and drought. The summit aims to advance sustainable land management, ecosystem and land restoration, and implementation of land degradation neutrality targets.

Ariana Grande performs the first of ten shows on her “The Eternal Sunshine Tour” at The O2 Arena, London on 15 August. The tour marks Ariana’s first return to the stage in six years and comes ahead of her “step back from visibility” following the London shows.

Cate Blanchett, Nina Hoss and Ella Lily Hyland open in the world premiere of Benedict Andrews’ “Electra/Persona” at the Lyttelton Theatre, London on 19 August. The play, fusing Sophocles’ ancient myth “Electra” and Ingmar Bergman’s film “Persona” into one theatrical event, is currently booking until 10 October 2026.

Pixie Lott opens in the world premiere of Sharleen Cooper Cohen’s “Who Killed Marilyn?” at the Emerald Theatre, London on 15 August. The production, directed by Philip Wm. McKinley, is currently booking until 29 October 2026.

Wednesday 19 August

2026 Tour of Britain Women cycle race begins

Academy of Country Music Honors held in Nashville

As One: Remaking Suede in Conversation event at Union Chapel

Thursday 20 August

GCSE results released

Hungary celebrates State Foundation Day

Bebe Rexha plays a special “Dirty Blonde” pop up show at KOKO, London

Friday 21 August

Brit who is world’s oldest living person celebrates 117th birthday

Dutch Grand Prix begins at Circuit Zandvoort

Ronnie Wood plays a rare solo show at O2 Forum Kentish Town

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