Audio

Loyle Carner at Kirkstall Abbey – the perfect match of artist and venue

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall - 2nd August 2026

One of Britain's best performed to a pack-out crowd at Leeds' historic Kirkstall Abbey.

If there was ever a venue designed to make you feel like you've accidentally wandered into the coolest history lesson of your life, it's Kirkstall Abbey.

Ancient ruins, blazing sunshine, pints in plastic cups and thousands of people flocking for the one and only Loyle Carner? Not a bad way to spend a Saturday we think.

And it wasn't just Loyle who we were treated to either, the entire day as part of Above All Else Festival saw a bill of groove-fuelled acts take to the stage.

Bricknasty, Kofi Stone, Kokoroko and Jordan Rakei delivered fabulous sets and warmed us up very nicely indeed for the man himself.

Fresh from the release of Hopefully!, Carner arrived to deafening cheers, wasting little time before settling into the laid-back confidence that has become his trademark.

And he didn't waste time getting into his catalogue of hits either as he seamlessly transitioned from one banger to the next.

It really felt like a celebration of his work, and he himself welled up at the sea of people singing his songs back to him over and over again.

Of course, highlights included Loose Ends and Ottolenghi but dedicating Hate to Nigel Farage was nothing short of iconic.

This is a rapper that has executed the delivery between syncopation and rhythm perfectly, but it's his lyrics that keep you going back for more.

Of course Kirkstall Abbey itself deserves plenty of credit, as the sun went down the abbey was lit up and created probably the most cinematic backdrop for a gig you can imagine.

What stood out most, though, was the atmosphere. There was a proper sense of community throughout the evening, with strangers dancing together and friends rapping every word arm in arm.

Loyle Carner has long been regarded as one of Britain's most thoughtful voices in hip-hop, but nights like this show why his appeal stretches far beyond the genre.

What's next for Loyle Carner? We're not sure, but we feel very lucky to have shared this moment with him, and you could tell he did too.

Read more: The Maccabees at Kirkstall Abbey – musical reunion of the decade?

Featured image - The Hoot Leeds

Audio

The Maccabees at Kirkstall Abbey – musical reunion of the decade?

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson The Maccabees live at Kirkstall Abbey, Leeds

When bands reunite, it's usually pretty easy to guess what the motive is. A looming tax bill, an incoming divorce, a tanking solo career, for example.

But with The Maccabees, those scenarios feel a long way removed.

This is a band that called it a day at the top of their game - and then have returned even stronger, and seemingly because they just missed being on stage together.

Addressing the near-decade apart while on stage at Kirkstall Abbey, The Maccabees frontman Orlando Weeks sums it up simply: "For a long time we were a band, and then we weren't a band for a bit, and now we're a band again."

He's as softly-spoken a frontman as they come, but then The Maccabees never have leaned entirely on their frontman for their live energy - not when he's flanked by the White brothers.

Felix White spends half the gig sporting an ear-splitting grin, and the other half screaming words of encouragement at the audience like a crazed Top of the Pops presenter. The organised-fun patter might grate if he weren't so phenomenal the moment the music starts again.

Then brother Hugo is a brooding, powerful figure, usually standing with his legs so wide apart I'm surprised he doesn't split his trousers. His stage presence is so cool, so confident, it's hard to take your eyes off him.

Orlando's otherworldly voice is really allowed to shine through with songs like Spit It Out, when the stage reduces to a single spotlight and the other band members actually squat down to minimise the distractions.

The tempo shifts of Marks to Prove It, the urgency of X-Ray and the layered beauty of Wall of Arms all underline just how tightly the band play together.

There will be new music on the way, eventually, and they give us a glimpse into that with The Ballad of So Long, a swooping epic that suggests they still have somewhere new to go.

It's hard to complain that they don't have much more to show us yet - not when the alternative is a greatest hits, belt-every-word live show.

By the end of the night, as The Maccabees wrap up their show at Kirkstall Abbey, there's a quiet confidence about them. They know this comeback works, and we'll be lapping it up for as long as they'll stick around.

Judging by the reaction inside Kirkstall Abbey, everyone else does too.

Read more: Loyle Carner at Kirkstall Abbey, Leeds – tickets, times, setlist and more

Featured image: The Hoot Leeds

Audio

Loyle Carner at Kirkstall Abbey, Leeds – tickets, times, setlist and more

Lydia Mastrolonardo Lydia Mastrolonardo

Everyone's favourite hip-hop and chilled rap artist is coming to Leeds for one night and one night only, make sure you don’t miss out.

That’s right, Loyle Carner is set to headline for ‘Above All Else,’ a brand-new event set up by local promoters ‘Futuresound,’ joined by the extremely talented Jordan Rakei, KOKOROKO, Kofi Stone and Bricknasty - what a treat.

As one of the UK’s most influential and inspiring young writers, producers and musicians, Loyle has recently been nominated for a bunch of awards in the past year, including the MOBO and BRIT awards, following the release of his most recent full album ‘Hopefully!’ which has become his highest-charting release to date. 

He has also been in the media for being a fantastic role model for younger generations, using his platform to champion emotional vulnerability through his emotive lyrics. As well as utilising his platform to discuss mental health awareness, toxic masculinity, neurodiversity, and generational healing - what a good egg he is.

The gig is set to take place this Saturday 1 August, and will be an all-day outdoor celebration, with gates opening at 4pm and performances blending into the evening. 

Gig guide | Loyle Carner at Kirkstall Abbey, Leeds – all you need to know

Are there still tickets for Loyle Carner in Leeds?

Yes, there are currently still tickets available to see Loyle Carner but hurry.

General admission and accessible tickets are priced at £67.20, with premium admission standing priced at £100.20.

ou can see the latest availability and grab your tickets HERE.

Stage times 

Gates Open: 4:00 PM

Bricknasty: 4:45 PM – 5:15 PM

Kofi Stone: 5:40 PM – 6:10 PM

Kokoroko: 6:40 PM – 7:25 PM

Jordan Rakei: 7:55 PM – 8:40 PM

Loyle Carner: 9:15 PM – 10:30 PM

Loyle Carner expected setlist

We are unsure on the exact set list for the concert but many are expecting a lot from Loyle’s most recent album ‘Hopefully!’ which centres around topics of family relations, with thought provoking and emotional lyrics, in true Loyle fashion. 

Fans have also been eagerly awaiting to see whether Loyle will bring out Joe James to promote his newest collaboration on the single Ignorance Was Never Bliss.

What does a Premium ticket get you?

If you're thinking of making your night a little fancier, there's a Premium area in Kirkstall Abbey that includes all of this:

  • Premium Entrance (please note this opens at the same time as all gates)
  • Premium Hang Out Area located in the Historic Abbey’s Cloister with Private bar and toilets.
  • Premium food vendors.

Live at Kirkstall Abbey map

Getting to Kirkstall Abbey

You can pre-book parking for only £11, which will open at 3.30pm. However, it’s important to note that no overnight parking is allowed and vehicles left overnight will be towed - don’t say I didn’t warn you. 

Entry to Kirkstall Abbey Car park is located next to Abbey House Museum on Abbey Walk in Kirkstall (LS5 3EJ).

Fans are urged to use public transport or travel on foot wherever possible.

Kirkstall Abbey has two local train stations nearby; Kirkstall Forge is located approximately 1.3 miles from Kirkstall Abbey and Headingley Station is approximately 0.7 miles.

There are several bus stops near Kirkstall Abbey too, for more information visit here.

Read more:

Featured image - Supplied

More Audio

Audio

Shortlist for 2026 Mercury Prize announced with several northern names making the cut

Audio

The Maccabees at Kirkstall Abbey, Leeds – stage times, lineup, setlist and tickets

DMA'S announce VERY intimate Leeds gig ahead of major tour

Audio

DMA’S announce VERY intimate Leeds gig ahead of major tour