Live at Leeds Festival is North UK’s leading metropolitan festival showcasing Indie and Rock music since 2007. The festival takes place in various music venues and event spaces around Leeds' city centre. The majority of venues are thus in close proximity to walk.
The line-up includes upcoming artists as well as more renowned acts from abroad with Ash, British Sea Power, The Vaccines, Idles, Circa Waves, and Pulled Apart by Horses just to name a few.
Live music takes place annually across the first Bank Holiday weekend in May with the Saturday being the focal point for breakthrough talent. As Live at Leeds is a city based festival, there are no camping facilities.
If you are heading to Live at Leeds Festival, one of the best accommodation choices is Radisson Blu. The hotel is within walking distance to major sightseeing spots such as Town Hall and Leeds Cathedral, plus in neighbourhood to record stores and numerous bars and restaurants. Also most of the festival venues can be reached easily.
Jumbo Records is a centrally located, independent record shop with a huge range of vinyl and CDs. Running for decades now, it is a real paradise especially if you are an enthusiast of old stuff or current vinyl. There are loads of records to browse. Jumbo covers the whole spectrum of Rock, Indie, and Pop to Dance, Jazz, and much more. Also strongly supporting local artists and newcomers.
Staying in Radisson Blu, Nation of Shopkeepers is just across the street. One of the best choices in Leeds for a pre festival dinner or some drinks after the show. Weather allowing, enjoy a cold drink or one of the fancy burgers in the wonderful outside courtyard. The inside is a inspiring mix of art and live music.
Irish pub Shenanigans is an overwhelmingly friendly place with Irish and Folk music sounds. Have a snack and a beer and if you're lucky, there's also some kind of live music on today's event calendar. They carefully pick their bands and musicians for their talent, so perhaps you'll discover some new favourites tunes tonight. In walking distance to Radisson Blu hotel.
When in Leeds, time to visit a historical music spot. Leeds University is not only a place to study, but also to enjoy live music in three different venues, with The Refectory the most popular one. Situated in the heart of the campus, it hosted legendary performances since the 60s such as Led Zeppelin and The Rolling Stones. The venue is highly renowned for The Who live album Live at Leeds which was recorded there. There's a plaque in front of the venue marking this legendary place of Rock history.
When the Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen opened in 2013, it responded to a need for a large-room live music venue with a decent bar, craft beer, and reliable street food. What was once a large nursery school in the city’s Northern Quarter is now a vibrant, youthful, three-storey hangout and one of the city’s best live music venues. Ultimate highlight: the spectacular roof terrace.
Leeds University, really? Yes, it's not only a place to study, but also to enjoy live music in three different venues, with The Refectory the most popular one. Situated in the heart of the campus, it hosted legendary performances since the 60s such as Led Zeppelin and The Rolling Stones. The venue is highly renowned for The Who live album Live at Leeds which was recorded there.
Brudenell Social Club is a non-profit community and live music venue northwest of Leeds city centre. It is a centrepiece of the local music scene and most famous for hosting secret gigs for bands like Franz Ferdinand, British Sea Power, and Kaiser Chiefs. It is owned and run by members, for members.
The arrival of this first large-capacity venue was undoubtedly long-overdue. Before, Leeds was left behind as huge Rock bands toured the country, who were forced to play in Sheffield, Liverpool, or Manchester, instead of the city equally famed for its contribution to music. The calendar of First Direct Arena has a strong emphasis on Rock ‘n’ Roll.
It's an impressive Gothic building that hosts O2 Academy Leeds. With global superstars as well as local newcomers on the event calendar, this is one of the most renowned venues in town. Also centrally located in walking distance to main sightseeing attractions, shopping options and numerous bars and restaurants, O2 Academy is a hotspot for both locals and tourists.
The Wardrobe offers a full event calendar of gigs, combined with excellent drinks and food. Also a great choice if you are looking for smaller shows - whether music, comedy, or art performances. The basement venue hosts bigger, yet intimate live performances. As for the kitchen, The Wardrobe provides a delicious selection of pre or post gig snacks, salads, and burgers on its menu.
Headrow House opened up in 2015 and has since become one of the most popular music venues in Leeds, helped by it’s amazing beer hall, cocktail bar, restaurant, and rooftop terraces, no doubt. For a really cool relaxed feel and definitely worth a visit. Also hosting numerous live performances from both renowned and upcoming artists and bands.
This is the place when you are fond of heavier music. May it be Punk or all variations of Heavy Metal - this intimate live music venue is all about a great gig experience.
Live at Leeds Festival (Photo by Birgit Bachmeier / Stefan Ramsthaler)
Live at Leeds Festival (Photo by Bachmeier / Ramsthaler)
