What a way to say goodbye to an incredible summer of music.
Another August Bank Holiday weekend can only mean one thing...Leeds Festival takes over Bramham Park for three days of mud, mayhem and music.
Thousands of post-GCSE teens flocked to see a huge variety of acts, from global superstar Travis Scott to sequin spangled Chappell Roan - and let us tell you, it was an absolute triumph.
But let's talk about the camping first, this year's festival saw one of the biggest overhauls in Leeds Festival's history.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Campers said goodbye to soggy tents and smelly Portaloos and instead welcomed real flushing toilets (yes, really), decent showers and specially curated 'get ready with me' stations with plug sockets and soap.
There was even morning yoga sessions, film screenings and run clubs taking place at the five brand-new campsites designed to suit every style of camper.
So it's safe to say that baby wipe showers are a thing of the past, and we're sure that the majority of punters felt pretty chuffed about that.
Now, onto the music.
By 12pm on Friday, Bramham Park was a sea of bucket hats and £7 pints, with D-Block Europe and Trippie Redd laying down the bass-heavy groundwork on the Main Stage.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Amyl and the Sniffers got the mosh pits forming like clockwork whilst Girls Don't Sync and Sammy Virji turned the Chevron Stage into an electric rave full of nostalgia.
But it's safe to say, the night belonged to Travis Scott - a rare European festival exclusive - that delivered a firestorm of energy and enough pyros to make you think it's bonfire night.
A great start to a brilliant weekend.
Onto Saturday and the bucket hats turned into sparkly, sequinned, furry cowboy hats. Who for? Well the incredible Midwest Princess, Chappell Roan, of course.
Dripping in glitter, pride flags waving, and a stage presence that screamed nothing other than 'global superstar’, Chappell's set was a theatrical masterpiece and a frontrunner for the best of the weekend. Camp, chaotic and completely euphoric.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
And if that wasn't enough, then came Hozier - the Irish singer-songwriter performed a politically-charged set that sent tingles down spines and tears into eyes, a really beautiful set that felt like a welcomed moment of stillness over the weekend.
Elsewhere, The Kooks had everyone shouting 'Naïve' like it was 2006 again, and AJ Tracey packed out the Chevron Stage with his blend of grime and swagger.
By Sunday it's safe to say there were a few jaded festival-goers trudging round the park, but that didn't stop an incredible crowd forming for Yorkshire's own Bring Me The Horizon.
Oli Sykes growled, screamed and shouted through a set that reminded us of their reputation as one of the best Rock bands in the country...and dare we say, the world?
Each song was performed like it was their last, complete with enough fire and confetti canons to match.
Before that, Limp Bizkit transported us back to the 90s whilst Becky Hill played banger after banger on the Chevron Stage as the sun went down over another fabulous Leeds Fest weekend.
So, same again next year?
To find out more about Leeds Festival 2026, take a look at their website.
Korn have announced a major Manchester gig as part of a new UK tour – their first in more than a decade.
The nu metal legends will be heading to the First Direct Bank Arena later this year, making a monumental return to British shores.
And they’ve announced very special guests will be joining them on the tour too – support will come from Architects, as well as Youth Code.
Korn burst onto the scene back in 1991 with their seminal self-titled debut album, and have gone on to release a whopping 14 studio albums.
The Californian group have sold more than 40 million albums worldwide, collected two Grammy Awards, and headed out on countless world tours.
They’re often cited by newer bands as a major influence and have pushed the limits of the rock, alternative and metal genres.
The Ringer has described Korn as ‘a genuine movement in a way bands cannot be now’.
As well as performing in Leeds, Korn will play at venues across the UK including in Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle, and London.
They’ll be joined by Architects, a British metalcore band who have continued to top the charts even after the tragic death of founding member, guitarist, and principal songwriter Tom Searle.
Korn will be at our very own First Direct Bank Arena on Monday 26 October, with pre-sale tickets available from Tuesday 17 March at 8am, before a general on-sale from Friday 20 March at 8am.
Run, don't walk - as we reckon these tickets will fly off the shelves.
Audio North’s Artist of the Month: Cole LC | March 2026
Thomas Melia
The North is full of amazing artists, and we’re spotlighting one every single month – it's time to go 'Rollin' with Cole LC
Leeds' own Cole LC has got very far doing his "little music thing" and has seen him reach all new heights as his upcoming project suggests with its title West Yorkshire to Westend Show
This musician has built a pretty distinctive artistic style that fuses rap, all while making sure his West Yorkshire identity was kept in the forefront.
That's because, all of Cole's visuals have been filmed across the city at some pretty recognisable spots like Kirkgate Market, City Varieties and Belgrave Music Hall.
So far, this local lad has captured the attention of music lovers with songs like 'Westbrook' and 'Your Tings My Ting' both having over one million streams.
Now, Cole LC sits down to talk all about being Audio North's ‘Artist of the Month’ and shares more teasers about his highly-anticipated EP.
An interview with Cole LC - Audio North's Artist of the Month
Audio North's Artist of the Month: Cole LC | March 2026 / Credit: Supplied via Press shots
What can we expect from your upcoming EP?
This is my first big release in quite a while after the release of Favourite Version in 2023 and I've done a lot of growing. I started writing last Summer when I was going through a tough period but it's gone onto create some of my best songwriting stories. It's a one big note to self that I hope helps other people out.
What is it like being a Northern independent artist?
I grew up in Roundhay with my family and Leeds as a city has had a monumental impact on what I do as an artist. By being close to the city centre, it has allowed me to be exposed to different types of music, soaking up all these genres has helped influence what I do now.
How do you think Leeds is shaping the UK music scene?
This city is a big credit to music and it's a testament to the musicians of Leeds having that talent but also being hardworking. It's also about authenticity and that's what we've got. The climate of music in general is very intense and there's lots of competition but the sheer talent here in Leeds makes it impossible for us to go unnoticed.
Cole LC has played a key part in Leeds' music scene / Credit: Supplied via Press shots
Who are some up and coming artists you're checking out?
Ellur and you spell it "Ell-uh" because she's from Bradford. She's an Alt-pop artist who I've been listening to a lot. I've also loved Charlotte Plank, especially her latest single 'crybby blue'. There's even Aaron Rowe who supported Lewis Capaldi.
What does a performance day look like for you?
I don't have a specific routine before a show. Practicing my lyrics is a big one and having a mint tea too.
What is your ultimate dream musically?
I'd love to perform whenever I like and just know people would be there and support me. I'd love the financial freedom to be able not worry and creative new tracks whenever whereever I want. Music is so powerful and speaks to everyone, I want to keep improving my quality and progress.
If you could collaborate with anyone who would it be?
Probably Justin Bieber because of how much I love him, he's the greatest of all time, he just is. When I was 14 I was so fuming watching him and seeing how good he is, I thought he'd put be out of a job forever. He has some unreal albums.
What's next for Cole LC?
I can guarantee you new music every single month for 2026. I know a lot of people have been getting in touch regarding a headline show so I'm hoping to organise a gig. I'm also going to make sure I keep the connection with people who enjoy my music whether that's in person or online.
Clementine Hall -
27th August 2025 
