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.
Scottish singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi is heading to Roundhay Park in Leeds for a headline festival performance.
Lewis Capaldi is officially back and this time he's headlining a brand-new festival in our very own Roundhay Park.
Lots of Leeds music lovers might be flocking to the beloved park this weekend, and if you are then we've got all the details you need.
Let's get into it...
Gig guide | Pitbull at Roundhay Festival, Leeds
Lewis Capaldi will be performing at Roundhay Festival this Saturday 4 July 2026.
Are there any tickets left for Lewis Capaldi at Roundhay Park, Leeds?
Yes, there are still tickets available.
General admission standing tickets cost £92.95 and you can get yours here.
Lewis Capaldi setlist for UK festival tour
Of course we can't say exactly what Lewis' set list will be, because he's not done it yet.
However, he has been kicking off his festival tour over in Dublin so we've got a rough idea of what he'll be treating us to.
Hollywood
Grace
Heavenly Kind of State of Mind
Wish You the Best
Love the Hell Out of You
Almost
Forever
Bruises
Go Your Own Way(Fleetwood Mac cover)
Pointless
Something in the Heavens
Before You Go
Fade
The Day That I Die
Hold Me While You Wait
Forget Me
Have You Ever Seen The Rain?
Survive
Someone You Loved
What other artists are on the 4 July Roundhay Festival lineup?
Conan Gray
Jessie Murph
Jacob Alon
Kerr Mercer
Nieve Ella
Ber
Maya Lane
What are the stage times for Lewis Capaldi's headline Roundhay Festival?
Last entry for all shows is 8.30pm with box office closing slightly earlier at 8pm and any headliner expected to wrap up their set by 10.30pm.
Getting to Roundhay Park
Car
Just a 10 minute walk from Roundhay Festival's West Entrance is Connaught Fields which is the closest parking option.
Or, if you're up for a walk and want something more cost-effective, Fearnville Park and Stride is a 30 minute walk away, with parking spaces on the grass fields and a scenic country path which leads you to the festival.
Accessible parking can be found on Mansion Lane with a clear pathway to the event with spaces needing to be pre-booked when purchasing your ticket at no extra cost.
Bus/ coach
A dedicated shuttle bus service has been set up to and from Roundhay Festival running every 20 minutes from 11am to 8pm on Sovereign Street, just four minutes from Leeds Train Station.
The last shuttle bus from Roundhay Park back to the city centre will depart at 12.30am with clear signposting and stewards on hand for any gig goers.
Roundhay Festival has also partnered with Big Green Coach meaning concert attendees can hop on from a wide range of pick-up points across the UK from Wakefield all the way to Coventry - more info HERE.
Car/ taxi drop off
Vehicles heading to Roundhay Festival should follow marked signs for 'Pick-up/ Drop-Off points'.
Drivers should not attempt to pick-up or drop-off from any of the nearby roads aside from those already designated via signage: North Pick-up/ Drop-off via Park View Crescent | South Pick-up/ Dro-off via Wetherby Road.
Extra Info
All travel updates and road closures on event days will be announced and regularly checked HERE.
Pitbull at Roundhay Festival, Leeds – tickets, times, setlist and more
Thomas Melia
Megastar Pitbull is heading to Roundhay Park in Leeds for a headline festival performance where you're sure to be yelling "Timber".
Lots of Leeds music lovers might be flocking to Roundhay Park for an outdoor gig like no other because this one comes with 'Hotel Room Service' - not literally, but the Cuban-American star will probably deliver a rendition of this smash hit.
Amid this current heatwave, we might even be able to change the 'International Love' lyrics from "Hotter than Miami" to "Hotter than Roundhay".
Pitbull playing out to a crowd of bald caps at Co-op Live in Manchester / Credit: The Manc Group
Pitbull UK tour dates
Tue 30 June - Belfast, UK - Ormeau Park
Wed 1 July - Bellahouston Park, UK - Glasgow Summer Sessions
Fri 3 July - Leeds, UK - Roundhay Festival
Sat 4 July - Cardiff, UK - Blackweir Fields
Sun 5 July - Lancashire, UK - Lytham Festival
Are there any tickets left for Pitbull at Roundhay Park, Leeds?
If you're up for singing"I'm on fiiiiiire" with the lively leeds crowd and Pitbull himself you can find tickets for his Roundhay Festival headlining slot HERE.
Oh and did we mention you can 'Talk Dirty' with Jason Derulo and 'Snap Yo Fingers' when Lil Jon takes to the stage, all in one day? This festival is top class.
Pitbull setlist for UK festival tour
These upcoming dates from the phenomenal Floridian are part of the Pitbull: I'm Back! tour which has already stopped off at a variety of venues stateside.
Here's all the tracks you need to get memorising ahead of Mr. Worldwide's British summertime shows:
Don't Stop the Party
International Love
Hotel Room Service
I Feel Good
Suavemente
Shake/ Culo
I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho)
On the Floor
I Like It
DJ Got Us Fallin' in Love
Feel This Moment
Gasolina
JUMPIN
Timber
Time of Our Lives
Fireball
Give Me Everything
What other artists are on the 3 July Roundhay Festival lineup?
Jason Derulo
Tinie Tempah
Lil Jon
Los Tucanes De Tijuana
Jazzie Martian
CJ. AllDayy
Dan Hills
DJ Flex
What are the stage times for Pitbull's headline Roundhay Festival?
Last entry for all shows is 8.30pm with box office closing slightly earlier at 8pm and any headliner expected to wrap up their set by 10.30pm.
Getting to Roundhay Park
Car
Just a 10 minute walk from Roundhay Festival's West Entrance is Connaught Fields which is the closest parking option.
Or, if you're up for a walk and want something more cost-effective, Fearnville Park and Stride is a 30 minute walk away, with parking spaces on the grass fields and a scenic country path which leads you to the festival.
Accessible parking can be found on Mansion Lane with a clear pathway to the event with spaces needing to be pre-booked when purchasing your ticket at no extra cost.
Bus/ coach
A dedicated shuttle bus service has been set up to and from Roundhay Festival running every 20 minutes from 11am to 8pm on Sovereign Street, just four minutes from Leeds Train Station.
The last shuttle bus from Roundhay Park back to the city centre will depart at 12.30am with clear signposting and stewards on hand for any gig goers.
Roundhay Festival has also partnered with Big Green Coach meaning concert attendees can hop on from a wide range of pick-up points across the UK from Wakefield all the way to Coventry - more info HERE.
Car/ taxi drop off
Vehicles heading to Roundhay Festival should follow marked signs for 'Pick-up/ Drop-Off points'.
Drivers should not attempt to pick-up or drop-off from any of the nearby roads aside from those already designated via signage: North Pick-up/ Drop-off via Park View Crescent | South Pick-up/ Dro-off via Wetherby Road.
Extra Info
All travel updates and road closures on event days will be announced and regularly checked HERE.
Thomas Melia -
19th December 2025 
