The ten best gigs this week that you can actually get tickets for

Another week, another crop of ace London gigs. Out of everything that isn’t sold out, here’s our top ten – just click on the red headers to read more.

10. Seth Lakeman

Strident West Country singer and multi-instrumentalist who shifts confidently between folk and pop. Union Chapel. Highbury & Islington. Tue Dec 13.

9. Handel's 'Messiah'

Let the majestic ‘Hallelujah Chorus’ rush to greet you courtesy of Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Royal Albert Hall. South Kensington. Mon Dec 19.

8. Buika

Concha Buika returns to the UK this month, with her affecting, uplifting blend of flamenco rhythms, lilting vocals and funk grooves. Eventim Apollo. Hammersmith. Tue Dec 13.

Buika

7. Placebo

Nineties glam grunge stars continue to entice fans of strop pop. No promises they will drop ‘Nancy Boy’ or ‘Every You Every Me’. Wembley Arena. Wembley Arena. Thu Dec 15.

6. Cate le Bon

Welsh singer who boasts a beguiling voice and some truly bewitching psychfolk-pop numbers. Islington Assembly Hall. Highbury & Islington. Wed Dec 14.

5. ScHoolboy Q

A serial collaborator, ScHoolboy Q performs tracks created with Vince Staples, Kanye West and Anderson Paak, amongst others. O2 Academy Brixton. Brixton. Wed Dec 14.

Cate le Bon

4. Rising Stars

The final – and biggest – farewell edition of the series showcasing six emerging, unsigned musicians. 229. Great Portland St. Tue Dec 13.

3. Primal Scream

Bobby Gillespie’s ragtag bunch continue to serve up scruffy rock anthems, baggy house and grubby electro. O2 Academy Brixton. Brixton. Thu Dec 15.

2. The 1975

Manc rock band with a knack for catchy radio-friendly hits play this extra date of their biggest headline shows to date. O2 Arena. North Greenwich. Thu Dec 15.

Julius Eastman

The best gig this week: London Contemporary Music Festival

This respected festival includes three nights of musical premieres by a forgotten genius of ’70s postminimalism: the pioneering and captivating Julius Eastman. Second Home Holland Park. Holland Park. Thu Dec 15-Sun 18.

...and here are loads more gigs this week. Don’t say we’re not good to you.

All events were available to book at time of writing.