This year's Leeds Festival is shaping up to be another belter as even more acts have been added to the R&L lineup for 2025.
While the biggest named heading to Reading and Leeds has already been confirmed, with the second wave having officially dropped back in February, the annual music and culture festival has now released a third.
More than 80 additional artists have been added to the Leeds Fest lineup this summer, with the return of The Aux Stage, as well as a flurry of other famous names from the entertainment world.
We have a feeling this year is going to be another turn up for the books.
Announced on Friday, 20 June, former Little Mix star turned solo artist Leigh-Anne joins the likes of Skye Newman, Waterparks, Demae, Still Woozy, Bartees Strange and more gracing the R&L fields.
Leeds also has the exclusive bonus of being the only city that gets to see rising British-Malaysian alt pop star, Chloe Qisha, who is making some serious waves here in the UK.
Perhaps the most exciting action, we would argue, is once again taking place over on the BBC Introducing stage, formerly playing to host everyone from Ed Sheeran and Bombay Bicycle Club to the likes of Wunderhorse, more recently.
On the subject of ever-growing post-punk and grungey, guitar-driven bands, another name playing that very same stage has caught attention: Keo, who have already been dubbed 'the next Wunderhorse.'
Nxdia, Brummy boys Overpass, and Sunday are other ones to try and make time for if you can, and there's even an extended list of non-music acts, including US comedian and social media personality, Brittany Broski (debut), as well as JaackMaate’s Happy Hour podcast.
Speaking on the third wave, Melvin Benn - Managing Director of Festival Republic - said: "Reading & Leeds never stands still. We’re always listening to the audience and thinking of how to deliver the value and experiences that they demand."
"This summer, we’re adding a new underground electronic stage at both sites and boosting our late-night offering for those who want to dance into the early hours...
"Our free, overhauled camping options are also really resonating. With nearly half of Leeds weekend ticket holders having already signed up and Reading close behind, our investment in elevating what general camping at UK festivalscan be is paying off."
"To have a weekend with historic headline moments like Chappell Roan, alongside emerging talent and influential voices, I am proud of R&L’s continued development, and I can’t wait to see fans embracing it all."
Are you a fan of travelling? Got a bit of a competitive streak in your nature? Well, this might just be your calling then.
The BBC is, once again, casting for the next series of Race Across the World.
The BAFTA-winning hit show draws in thousands of viewers each week, and now producers are on the look-out for ‘intrepid duos’ of all ages who reckon they’re ready to take a step into the unknown, and embark on an epic race across land and sea for the next seried – and that includes Yorkshire residents.
With applications for the next series of the massively-popular show now open, nomadic people from Yorkshire are being encouraged to take part.
On a limited budget and away from the luxuries of modern technology and conveniences, those lucky applicants selected to take part in the next series will get the chance to experience life in some of the world’s most beautiful and remote locations.
Adventurous Mancs are needed to take part in the next series of Race Across the World / Credit: BBC
Navigating their way across thousands of miles, they’ll travel through spectacular scenery and dynamic cities, visit ancient wonders, learn local customs, and take part in time-honoured traditions.
But, as producers are keen to point out, ‘the physical journey is only half of the story’. That’s because, as the contestants take on the challenge of travelling across the world, the greatest thing they’ll discover along the way could actually be about themselves and one another.
Putting out a UK-wide casting call on the BBC website this week, producers Studio Lambert wrote: “We are now accepting applications for the next series of Race Across the World. This experience is open to all, whether you’re a seasoned traveller or total novice.
“We want to hear what undertaking a trip like this would mean to you, and with a cash prize at stake, what lengths you would go to to win.”
Fancy it then? Applications for the next series of Race Across the World are now open for anyone over 18 years of age, with a deadline date of 29 March 2026, and you can find out more information and apply via the BBC website.
You may have heard of the funny Star Wars stripper show or even seen clips of it online, but rumour has it that nothing can quite prepare you for the cheekiness of seeing this romp in the flesh.
In case you’ve been completely immersed in the dark side until now, here’s what you can expect:
Now well over a decade into its success and more than 200 Las Vegas shows, ‘The Empire Strips Back’ made its long-awaited transatlantic debut earlier this year.
Getting away at London’s Riverside Studios from May and enjoying a run until this past August, the comedy-driven twist on the classic Star Wars stories and beloved sci-fi characters was an instant hit with us Brits.
It started in Australia way back in 2011 and has gone not only to tour across Europe, but land a coveted residency at the Rio Hotel and Casino in Nevada.
Now set to seek out new padawans and storm-strippers all over the cosmos, and by that we mean the UK, ‘The Empire Strips Back: Burlesque Parody’ is coming to Manchester.
Set to land at TESTBED in February from from Thursday 12 to Sunday 22 specifically, we cannot wait to see how this goes down with Northern crowds.
It’s also worth noting that this two-hour show, including intermission, is a strictly 18+ only event; if you’re interested, you can find out more info and grab your tickets right HERE.
Danny Jones -
20th June 2025 
