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Major Leeds Festival artist cancels string of dates after losing voice

'Really f**king bummed'

Daisy Jackson - 26th August 2026

Rising rock star Violet Grohl has addressed fans after cancelling a series of sold-out gigs just hours before fans entered the venue.

The singer (who, yes, is the daughter of Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl) had been set to perform to a packed-out crowd at Band On The Wall in Manchester last night.

But just hours before doors opened, Violet announced that the show would be postponed, along with tonight’s show in Glasgow.

She said in a statement that she was ‘really f**king bummed’ to be cancelling the shows.

Violet told fans that the gigs had to be cancelled because she ‘doesn’t have a voice right now’.

She is due to perform on The Canopy stage at Leeds Festival this Friday, and its sister site Reading Festival on Sunday.

The star added ‘it pains me to make this decision’ as she officially postponed her Manchester show.

Those who had tickets will receive updated information soon, with the plan to reschedule them.

She wrote: “hey everyone. really f**king bummed to have to let yall know i’m canceling tonight and tomorrow’s shows in Manchester and Glasgow.

“i don’t have a voice right now and it pains me to make this decision, but i just can’t perform.

“we’re rescheduling these shows and everyone who bought a ticket will receive the updated info. looking forward to seeing you soon xx i’ll be back!!!”

Violet Grohl released her debut album, Be Sweet To Me, back in May, produced at the home of acclaimed producer Justin Raisen.

Her music takes influence from late 80s and early 90s rock, including Pixies, Soundgarden, Bjork, PJ Harvey, and more.

When she announced her UK tour dates, demand was so overwhelming her Manchester show was upgraded from The Deaf Institute to Band On The Wall.

Read more: Leeds Festival 2026 – lineup, tickets, travel, stage times, and more

Featured image: Bella Newman

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‘End of an era’ as beloved Leeds bar announces move after 15 years

Clementine Hall

One of Leeds' most loved late-night bars has announced it will be moving on from its current location after more than a decade.

Known for its eclectic party atmosphere, fabulous cocktails and fun DJs, Wax has long been a go-to spot for Leeds night owls looking for a big night.

The New Briggate bar has built up a loyal following over the years, becoming something of an institution on the city’s nightlife scene.

And now, Wax has announced that it will be moving location, bringing an end to an era at its current home at the top of town.

Image: Wax Bar

Taking to Instagram, Wax shared the news with its loyal customers, stating: “Wax is moving!!!

"Thats right folks, our time on New Briggate is coming to an end. For 15 years many a drink we have drunk, many a dance we have shared, many a hangover we have nursed.... so let’s keep that going in our new home.

"Don't worry you can get your OG Wax fix for the next few months. More info announced soon. See you around. X"

Of course, in classic Leeds fashion, customers flocked to the comments to express their support.

One person said: "So many memories, will forever have a very special place in my heart" whilst another expressed that "Change is good! Long live Wax Bar."

We'll keep you updated with where Wax is moving to as and when we find out, but we're sure its loyal fans will follow them wherever they go.

For now, it’s business as usual at New Briggate - so if you’ve got memories to make (or simply want one last night in the OG Wax), you’ve still got a few months to do so.

Read more: Major Leeds Festival artist cancels string of dates after losing voice

Featured image - Wax Bar (supplied)

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The Wombats at The Piece Hall – indie anthems light up Halifax

There are few better settings for a summer gig than The Piece Hall, and on Friday 21 August, The Wombats showed exactly why.

Swapping the enclosed surroundings of an arena for the open air grandeur of Halifax’s historic Piece Hall, the indie favourites delivered an energetic headline performance packed with big choruses, infectious hooks and plenty of moments for the crowd to sing back.

From the moment The Wombats walked onto the stage, the atmosphere was electric. Thousands of fans filled the courtyard, surrounded by the impressive stone architecture of one of Yorkshire’s most distinctive venues. With the evening sun fading and the stage lights taking over, the setting became every bit as memorable as the music.

The outdoor venue gave the gig a completely different feel to a traditional arena show. There was a sense of freedom throughout the evening, with fans dancing, singing and enjoying the warm August atmosphere. The historic walls seemed to amplify the sound, creating a huge backdrop for some of the band’s biggest songs.

The Wombats have always been masters of turning indie melancholy into something uplifting, and that was clear throughout the set. Familiar favourites sparked some of the loudest singalongs of the night, while songs from their more recent work fitted comfortably alongside the classics.

The support acts also helped build the atmosphere. Circa Waves brought plenty of energy to the stage, while Cherryholt and The Caymans helped get the crowd warmed up earlier in the evening. By the time The Wombats appeared, the audience was more than ready.

And they didn’t disappoint.

The band performed with the confidence of a group that knows exactly how to connect with a live audience. Their upbeat sound, catchy melodies and relentless energy made the most of the enormous outdoor space, with songs travelling across the courtyard and bouncing back from the surrounding stone walls.

As darkness settled over Halifax, the visual side of the performance became even more impressive. The combination of stage lighting, thousands of fans and The Piece Hall’s historic architecture created a spectacular atmosphere that simply wouldn’t have been possible inside an arena.

That’s what made this show work so well. The Wombats are a band built for communal moments, and The Piece Hall provided the perfect environment for them. Rather than feeling like a concert contained within four walls, the evening felt like a huge summer celebration in the heart of Halifax.

By the closing songs, the crowd was completely involved, singing along and making the most of every final moment. It was loud, joyful and full of the kind of energy that makes live music so enjoyable.

The Wombats have played some of the UK’s biggest venues, but their night at The Piece Hall proved that sometimes a band and a venue simply fit together.

A stunning outdoor setting, a brilliant crowd and a headline performance full of indie anthems made Friday 21 August a night to remember.

The verdict: a vibrant, energetic summer gig that showed The Wombats at their best in one of Yorkshire’s finest outdoor venues.

Read more: Leeds Festival 2026 – lineup, tickets, travel, stage times, and more

Featured image: The Hoot Leeds