Leeds has been treated to magical music moments, and we've rounded up some of the best gigs and concerts we were lucky enough to see in 2025.
Local music establishments, give yourselves a huge pat on the back, because you've done it again, bringing together class artists for another year of phenomenal live music.
This city has hosted a wide range of bands and musicians, from US exports to hometown heroes, glam rock geniuses to soulful singer-songwriters; the list is endless.
There's been a whole host of cultural moments that have taken place in our city, so here's a look back at some of the very best throughout the year. Leeds, we've well and truly been spoiled.
Top 10 best gigs and concerts we saw in Leeds | 2025
Gracie Abrams - Leeds First Direct Arena
Gracie Abrams played a packed-out Leeds crowd at First Direct Arena back in March (Credit: Audio North)
But, just two weeks later, she took to the Leeds First Direct Arena stage and had us screaming tracks like 'Risk', 'us.' and 'Where do we go now?' at the top of our lungs.
After watching this singer-songwriter play out to the over 13,000 capacity venue, Abrams had us in awe of her talent while simultaneously wondering if we could rock a bob-cut as impressive as hers.
about-faces - Lending Room
Lending Room had Leeds local act about-faces performing back in April / Credit: (The Hoot Leeds)
Who says you're 'Too Old For Fun'? Certainly not about-faces, Leeds-based rock band, who played out at the intimate venue Lending Room back in April.
This band are no stranger to a live performance or two, closing out the year with another Leeds date at local music institution, Brudenell Social Club.
If you're yet to watch these local legends grace the stage, you're in luck, as they're heading to Huddersfield next year to support East London Desert Rockers The Howlers at The Parish - see you there.
Inhaler - O2 Academy Leeds
The Leeds crowd went crazy for Inhaler at O2 Academy Leeds back in February / Credit: The Hoot
These Irish rockers had us catching our breath when they treated us to a three-song encore consisting of 'Open Wide', 'It Won't Always Be Like This' and 'Your House'.
The O2 Academy Leeds crowd rose to the occasion when they received not one but two live debuts in the form of 'X-Ray' and 'Billy (Yeah Yeah Yeah)'.
Besides playing a packed-out Leeds gig, this February night was even more memorable for the Indie rockers as it also marked the release of their LP Open Wide.
Live At Leeds: In The Park
Live At Leeds: In The Park had an awesome line-up for the Temple Newsam crowd / Credit: The Hoot
This bi-annual music celebration makes us feel like Christmas came early - twice - with 'Live At Leeds: In The Park' in Summer and 'Live At Leeds: In The City' taking place in Autumn.
It's always a jam-packed day of music, and 2025 was no different with Bloc Party, Manic Street Preachers, Yard Act and more making up the bill.
It was a very special occasion for one artist in particular as Brit star Natasha Bedingfield celebrated 20 years of her huge hit 'Unwritten' and the Temple Newsam crowd loved every second of it.
A Day To Remember - Slam Dunk Festival North
One day later and Temple Newsam was filled with rock and alt artists for Slam Dunk / Credit: The Hoot
Movements, Neck Deep and Hot Mulligan soundtracked the start of the day before US rockers A Day To Remember closed out with an electric set, even playing a cover of 'Since U Been Gone'.
This band, paired with the almost-perfect weather, really made Slam Dunk Festival North a day to remember, excuse the pun.
Chappell Roan - Leeds Fest
Leeds Fest was iconic, and Chappell Roan wowed Bramham Park in August / Credit: The Hoot
The CEO of the 'Pink Pony Club' came to Leeds at the end of August, and she really was 'The Giver', treating us to a near 20-song setlist.
Leeds definitely earned itself some bragging rights as Chappell said our crowd were the loudest she had ever heard after she performed her yearning hit single, 'The Subway'.
The city was filled with live music from Amyl and the Sniffers, Bring Me The Horizon, AJ Tracey and Travis Scott, with this Leeds date being a European exclusive set - a stellar line-up as always.
If you received your Spotify Wrapped and this Neo-Soul queen wasn't top five, you haven't done 2025 right.
'Nice To Each Other', 'Man I Need', 'So Easy (To Fall In Love)', the number of hits Ms Dean has racked up over the course of the year is endless.
The London 'Lady Lady' took to The Wardrobe for two intimate shows ahead of the release of her latest album, The Art of Loving, which has been on repeat since it dropped at the end of September.
Get Down Services - Brudenell Social Club
Energetic and lighthearted, Get Down Services had Brudenell Social Club roaring / Credit: The Hoot
Bristol duo Get Down Services - who refer to themselves as 'Britain's best band' - visited one of Britain's best venues, Brudenell Social Club, this November.
They performed a selection of hits that were the 'Cream of the Crop', including some from their debut album, named after one of the country's favourite snacks, Crisps.
The pair might not have been wearing shirts as they paraded the stage, but they still had all their usual charm, charisma and witty lyrics.
Keo - The Key Club
The Key Club was electric as ever when Keo played an anthemic gig date in late October / Credit: The Hoot
It was a family affair at The Key Club as brothers Finn and Conor Keogh, alongside bandmates Oli and Jimmy, played a cracking Leeds gig in late October.
The band had this music venue in the palm of its 'Hands' as they jammed out with tracks like 'Kind, If You Will' and 'Only We Know'.
Of course, we have to mention the epic crowdpleaser 'I Lied, Amber', which closed out the show - please come back soon, Keo.
Kaiser Chiefs - Temple Newsam
The riot predictors, Kaiser Chiefs, celebrated 20 years of Employment at Temple Newsam / Credit: The Hoot
The hitmakers played out at Temple Newsam over the summer as they celebrated 20 years since their glorious album Employment.
This band 'Never Miss a Beat' and in case you missed it the first time round, Ricky and his band blessed the crowd with two renditions of 'I Predict a Riot'.
It's always sentimental to watch this huge band, especially in their hometown of Leeds, and even more so when they covered 'Blitzkrieg Bop' by The Ramones and brought out the Leeds United Championship trophy.
July already? We're Cruz-ing through the year. Meet this Northern Indie rock band who've been crowned Audio North's latest Artist of the Month.
Sam, Tom, Jamie and Ethan, better known by band-name Cruz, are well and truly making a name for themselves with a whole host of gig dates scattered throughout the Summer.
Live music lovers are about to become very familiar with the 'Disco Colour Beams' songwriters, as Cruz' Summer schedule includes Isle of Wight Festival, Truck Festival and two Sheffield dates.
The Sheff-based shows are special for the fourpiece as they're hometown shows at both Everywhere At Once Festival and the incredible Tramlines Festival - Congrats lads.
Cruz are feeling the love, as the reason they're heading out to Tramlines is because they were voted the Fans' Pick, and this recognition continues as they've been chosen by Audio North to be our Artist of the Month.
An interview with Cruz | Audio North's Artist of the Month: July
Cruz-ing there way from festival to festival this Summer, the Sheffield band sat down with Audio North to talk Artist of the Month title / Credit: Press Shots (supplied)
For those who don't know, introduce us to Cruz
Tom and Sam were jamming in early 2022 before deciding to start a band while looking for other members, with Ethan and Jamie finding out through friends of friends.
Ahead of their first live gig, Cruz were drummer-less, Ethan's recruitment was lifesaving for the band as he stepped up a week before and never looked back since, four years strong.
How has Sheffield shaped you as a band?
It's such a rich city full of creatives, music-based as well as even broader to art and culture, Sheffield isn't just a city, it's a support system.
When we were starting out we got involved with all the local gig venues, who are always on the lookout to champion upcoming bands, it was so nice.
Do you feel any connection to this city's musical heritage?
Pulp, Arctic Monkeys and Richard Hawley of course, Human League and Def Leppard, the list goes on.
Growing up in Sheffield and going to gigs at The Leadmill was so incredible too.
What have been some of your favourite live shows so far?
Sidney and Matilda is prominent to us because it's where we played our very first headline date. We also supported Overpass, which was our fifth show ever as the band as we know it, then playing our headline in the same room was awesome.
Sam, Tom, Jamie and Ethan, better known as Cruz, are making waves in the Sheffield music scene / Credit: Press Shot (supplied)
If someone wanted to experience the Sheffield music scene, where would you take them?
The Washington does free shows with bands and acoustic sets, making it accessible for everyone. The majority of venues in Sheffield are always hosting gigs.
Kelham Island has a lot of free entry venues too, it's great, getting to watch four or five bands playing out all on one night in this current economy is top tier.
Tramlines and Tramlines Fringe is chaotic in the best way, you never know what to expect but you'll leave with a buzz of energy every single time.
What's some of your favourite songs by these artists?
'Soundcheck Your Soul' by The North they've got so many great tunes, they're an amazing band. Montello's 'Suit and Tie', 'Runaway Instead' The Rosadocs.
Playing out at various festivals across the UK, for this Sheffield act it's Tramlines which is the most important to them / Credit: Press Shot (supplied)
What's your favourite track off your newest EP?
Jamie picked 'Man of the People' quoting it as a 'Proper anthem', 'I Get By' is Ethan's pick, it's a track which has been in the works for a while but now the band have finally cracked the code.
While Sam's favourite song is 'Amsterdam' as it's the most personal to him and it's a chilled out number.
Leeds Festival announce biggest staging and area overhaul in the festival’s 27 year history
Clementine Hall
Leeds Festival introduce five new stages for 2026, making it the biggest overhaul in the festival's history.
Leeds Festival is just around the corner now, but maybe not quite as you know it.
Organisers have announced a completely revamped stage layout that marks the biggest staging and arena overhaul in the festival’s 27 year history.
This year, Leeds Festival will see five new stages take over Bramham Park, each with their own new identities offering an experience never seen before.
Let's break them down...
The Grid
The home of the festival’s main stage, The Grid is where iconic headline moments happen. Expect to witness headliners Charli xcx, Fontaines D.C., Dave, Raye, Florence + The Machine and Chase & Status alongside Sombr, Skepta, Role Model, Loyle Carner, Blossoms, Declan McKenna, Jade, Maisie Peters, Keo and more soundtracking The Grid this year.
Not only that, but Kasabian will be making history as the first ever Thursday night headliner of Leeds Festival.
The Gallery
A brand new stage for 2026, The Gallery is an undercover immersive stage. Innovative LED screen lights and immersive production runs throughout the entire stage.
The Gallery is ready to create iconic moments from Josh Baker, Geese, Kneecap, Skye Newman, Kettama and Holly Humberstone among others.
The Warehouse
The Warehouse is a brand-new purpose-built home for dance music with viewing platforms behind the decks, plus huge screen production welcoming special sets from Skepta b2b Prospa, Hybrid Minds, Hedex, Silva Bumpa and Rossi.Â
As the name might suggest, for the first-time ever Leeds Festival will have a transformed stage complete with unique chandeliers and draping that plays host to artists who are defining and dominating 2026.
The Ballroom is primed for legendary breakthrough sets from YT, Florence Road, Niko B, Paris Paloma, Bassvictim, Overpass, SPEED, Frost Children, Bleech 9:3, Westside Cowboy, Chloe Qisha, Radio Free Alice, dexter in the newsagent, WHATMORE and Clementine Douglas amongst others.Â
The Canopy
The Canopy will welcome a new chapter for new music - with a stage dedicated to festival fans’ next favourite artists. It will play host to the likes of Violet Grohl, Villanelle, December 10, Camille Blackman, Kibo, Finessekid, Cruz Beckham and The Breakers and more.Â
These new stages are joined at Leeds Festival by the return of fan favourites LS23 and Piccadilly Circus, with full programming to be revealed in the coming weeks.
We hope you're just as excited as we are, find out more here. We'll see you on the fields.
Thomas Melia -
19th December 2025 
