Sounds of the City is back in Leeds - and we've got the lowdown.
McFly, Bastille, The Wombats, Shed Seven, Morrissey, Blossoms and Kasabian will all be taking to the stage over the next fortnight.
From what time to get to the gates to whether or not its worth catching the bus to Millennium Square, keep reading to find out everything you need to know about this season's open air gigs...
Image: Leeds City Council
Who’s headlining Sounds of the City on which date?
Kicking off Sounds of the City on Thursday 6 July, McFly will be taking to Millennium Square, followed by a sold out performance from Kasabian on Friday 7 July and Blossoms on Saturday 8 July.
The following week begins with a performance from Morrissey on Wednesday 12 July, followed by Bastille and The Wombats on the Thursday and Friday respectively before Shed Seven close the series on Saturday 15 July with a sold out show.
Thursday 6 July: McFly will be supported by New Hope Club and Skinny Living
Friday 7 July: Kasabian will be 'joined by special guests TBA'
Saturday 8 July: Blossoms will be supported by Miles Kane and Stone
Wednesday 12 July: Morrissey will be supported by The Slow Readers Club and Lottery Winners
Thursday 13 July: Bastille will be supported by Orla Gartland and Etta Marcus
Friday 14 July: The Wombats will be supported by Circa Waves and The Royston Club
Saturday 15 July: Shed Seven will be supported by Cast and Skylights
McFly kick off the series tonight. / Image: Supplied
How do I buy tickets?
There are still tickets left for McFly, Blossoms, Morrissey, Bastille and The Wombats but Kasabian and Shed Seven have now both sold out.
Thursday 6 July: McFly tickets are £44.45 each and available via See Tickets here
Friday 7 July: Kasabian tickets are sold out but you can join the waitlist via See Tickets here
Saturday 8 July: Blossoms tickets are £41.15 each and available via See Tickets here
Wednesday 12 July: Morrissey tickets are £66.45 each and available via See Tickets here
Thursday 13 July: Bastille tickets are £44.45 each and available via See Tickets here
Friday 14 July: The Wombats tickets are £41.15 each and available viaSee Tickets here
Saturday 15 July: Shed Seven tickets are sold out but you can join the waitlist via See Tickets here
What are the stage and venue times?
Doors to the venue are expected to open at 6pm for most of the concerts.
Millennium Square has confirmed that each event should finish by approximately 10.30pm.
Each artist is likely to announce their individual stage times on social media in the coming days, but you can probably expect headliners to take to the stage between 8.30pm and 9pm most nights.
Anything I can't bring?
Millennium Square says in its Summer Series FAQ that 'Backpacks of any size or large bags will not be allowed into the arena. You are permitted to bring small bags or handbags no larger than 21cm x 29cm (approx. A4 size piece of paper)', but mention that as all bags are subject to a search, it's much easier not to bring a bag at all to speed up entry into the venue.
As for banned items, the list is pretty self explanatory: alcohol, glass, cans, chairs, portable furniture, large umbrellas, parasols, tents, gazebos, laser pens, air horns, fireworks, flares, smoke canisters, BBQs, paper lanterns or any lighting with a naked flame.
How do I get to Millennium Square?
Millennium Square is located in Leeds city centre, and is around a ten minute walk from Leeds train station.
Buses: The nearest bus stops from Millennium Square are located where East Parade meets The Headrow; Civic Hall; Woodhouse Lane and the Merrion Centre.
Buses 5, 19 and 19A go from near the train station (stop Station B) to The Headrow, where you'll have to walk from there. This particular route is an 8 minute journey and it's 11 to walk - so not much of a time saver but handy as an option.
The full address for you to pop into maps is: Millennium Square, Leeds LS2 3AD
British-based reggae band UB40 are coming to Leeds for a celebration of all their greatest hits live at First Direct Arena.
Formed in Birmingham in the late 70's, this predominantly dub and reggae band has gone onto achieve much success including 50 UK charting singles.
UB40 have also sold over 100 million records as well as keeping a consistent line-up for almost 30 years, before lead vocalist Ali Campbell decided to leave the band.
Now, the band's lead vocalist is former Kioko lead singer Matt Doyle, who's taken on this role since mid-2021 and is ready to soundtrack your night while you enjoy some 'Red Red Wine'.
There's no official setlist confirmed for their latest tour, however, this 11-piece band have played an array of European dates with a pretty consistent roster of tracks:
Here I Am (Come and Take Me)
Maybe Tomorrow
Homely Girl
Sing Our Own Song
One in Ten
Home
Please Don't Make Me Cry
Many Rivers to Cross
Higher Ground
The Way You Do the Things You Do
I'll Be Your Baby Tonight
Cherry Oh Baby
Johnny Too Bad
Red Red Wine
Food For Thought
Forever True
Kingston Town
Can't Help Falling in Love
What are the stage times for UB40 in Leeds?
Anyone up for seeing UB40 play out at Leeds' impressive over 13,500 seater First Direct Arena will have to get there a tad early.
Doors will open at 6pm with a gig start time of 6.45pm due to the special guests who will be taking to the stage before them.
Make sure you get down early as you really won't want to miss the phenomenal duo Aswad, as well as standout vocalist Maxi Priest - It really is a reggae revolution.
Located on Dyer Street next to Leeds City Bus Station and approx. 15min walk from first direct arena and is wheelchair friendly.
Support and help for any persons with a disability is available as the station is a registered ‘Safe place’ to come into and ask for assistance.
Nearest Bus Stops
Clay Pit Lane
Wade Lane/Lovell Park Road
Woodhouse Lane
Nearest Train Station
Leeds City Station on New Station Street is around a 15min walk from first direct arena and a major hub on the national, regional and local rail network providing connections to a wide variety of destinations.
Parking
There are over 7,500 car parking spaces within a 15-minute walk of the arena. The arena doesn’t have it’s own car park however there are lots of options nearby. To receive 5% off Q Park when attending a show at first direct arena click here
The nearest Car Park with EV charging is located on Albion Street click here.
None of the above car parks are operated by the arena so for questions, queries or comments we ask that you contact the companies directly.
Hiring Bikes in Leeds
If you’re looking to hire a bike in Leeds, here are some of the best options you can try:
Beryl bikes – you’ll find the ‘Leeds City Bikes’ from Beryl stationed throughout the city. These are all e-bikes, and they’re available to hire on a pay-as-you-go basis. It costs £1 to unlock the bikes, and then 16p per minute to use them. We’d say these are great for zipping around the city and getting from A to B.
Talio – for a wider selection of electric bikes to choose from, Talio based at Buslinthorpe Green is a great option. From this company, you can hire cruiser bikes, mountain bikes, and cargo bikes. Prices start from £20 per day for rental, but if you’re hiring for a month or longer you’ll get a good discount.
Featured Images - Press Shot (Mara Publicity via supplied)
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Iconic band Blossoms set for BIG return to Leeds Festival this year
Thomas Melia
Stockport-originating band Blossoms have just announced their big return to Leeds Festival, as the four-day music event continues to impress with its stacked line-up.
They might have a 'Joke About Divorce' from time to time but when it comes to entertaining a Leeds Festival crowd, Blossoms take it very seriously, playing at Bramham Park three times in the past decade.
This band have captivated audiences since the rise of standout track 'Charlemagne' and more recently with the addition of their fifth album studio album, Gary, named after an eight-foot-tall gorilla.
Known for always putting on a stellar performance, Tom, Joe, Charlie, Myles and Josh are bringing a brand-new set to Leeds when they pay us a visit this August.
As well as releasing new music, Blossoms are making a big return to Leeds Festival 2026 / Credit: Publicity Picture (Supplied)
Currently, Leeds Festival 2026 has seven headline acts spanning all genres from Dance and EDM to Pop and Rap with the likes of Charli XCX, Raye, Dave and more topping the bill.
The Stockport five-piece are featured alongside three other insane artists as 'Special Guests', appearing next to Skepta, Sombr and Role Model.
Also listed on the line-up are rising stars like R&B vocal powerhouse Skye Newman, pop princess Jade, Merseyside indie rockers The K's and Wigan-formed The Lilacs with more to be announced.
Although nothing is confirmed yet, this upcoming Leeds Festival set from Blossoms will contain high energy and obviously all their biggest and best bangers from across their four chart topping albums as well as new music.
Leeds Festival 2026 is set to be a belter with the addition of Stockport band Blossoms returning for a fourth time / Credit: Publicity Video (Supplied)
Whether you're there for 'Your Girlfriend' or 'What Can I Say After I'm Sorry', one thing's for sure, you're guaranteed to have an absolutely spectacular night.
Blossoms are making their big return to Leeds Festival 2026 which is taking place from 27 to 30 August at Bramham Park with tickets live HERE.
Sophie Smith -
6th July 2023 
