We're looking back at everything Tramlines 2023 brought to Yorkshire, and everything to look forward to for the 2024 weekender.
Tramlines Festival took over Hillsborough park this weekend and wow, what a weekend it was.
Despite the dreary weather, the spirit of Sheffield shone through as thousands of festival-goers embraced the rain and the mud and partied to incredible performances over the three days.
Here's a roundup of what we got up to over the weekend...
Image: Tramlines
Friday
Kicking off the three-day-long festival, Scouse rockers Circa Waves took to the Sarah Nulty Main Stage and played a high energy set to get the party started.
Playing one indie smash hit after another before ending an incredible set with "T-shirt Weather", we knew this was just the start of a long list of spectacular live performances.
Next came one of the festival's biggest line-up clashes, with Pale Waves taking to T'Other Stage and the DMA's on the main stage.
Both gave electric performances to packed-out crowds, with Pale Waves front woman Heather Baron-Gracie proclaiming "Northerners do it better!" mid set, and we have to say that we absolutely agree.
At this point the rain was minimal and the festival buzz undeniable, festival goers were keeping the spirits high and enjoying the sights and sounds of Hillsborough Park.
Image: Tramlines
Continuing the party atmosphere at T'Other Stage was post-punk band Bloc Party, who recently supported Paramore on tour and pulled in a packed crowd of head-bobbing fans.
Friday headliner Richard Ashcroft sauntered onto the main stage in an iconic puffer jacket, bucket hat and sunglasses.
Playing a set which featured many of The Verve's hits, the obvious highlight was "Bitter Sweet Symphony" which not only rounded off a great set but a brilliant first day.
Saturday
Tramlines day number two saw a delayed entry of 30 minutes due to the severe rain overnight, but this of course did not dampen the fun.
To lighten up the mood, the Everly Pregnant Brothers sent waves of laughter to a packed out crowd on the main stage with their usual tongue-in cheek favourites.
Listed on the lineup as 'The Scottish Flies', a surprise set announcement of Mcfly sent ripples of excitement through Hillsborough Park.
Image: Tramlines
The nostalgic 4-piece pop rock band played a truly mesmerising set, making their way through their catalogue of absolute classics.
Having been a band for 20 years, their showmanship and professionalism shone through as their pitch perfect performance held the crowds full attention and had them joyfully jumping up and down in the mud.
Stockport lads Blossoms jumped straight in with indie hit "Your Girlfriend" and maintained a high level of energy throughout.
Announcing to the crowd that their very first festival was Tramlines back in 2014, Blossoms return to Hillsborough felt like a celebration of all their achievements thus far and the crowd met this statement with cheers of appreciation and awe.
If there's anyone who knows how to captivate a crowd from a single beat, it was Saturday's headliner, The Courteeners.
Image: Tramlines
Playing through a carefully selected set sprinkled with crowd pleasers, it comes as no surprise that "Not Nineteen Forever" resulted in the biggest eruption of excitement from the crowd.
It was not only a highlight of the set but perhaps of the whole weekend, a perfect ending to the second day of Tramlines which left festival-goers wanting more and ready for the next day ahead.
Sunday
As more rain poured and poured overnight, the festival's opening time was delayed once again with updates being given to music fans via the Tramlines social media pages.
Fortunately, thanks to the gargantuan hard work from the organisers they were able to open just ninety minutes later than planned.
As welly-wearing festival-goers made their way to the park, it became clear that no amount of rain was going to ruin their fun.
One of the most highly-anticipated acts of the weekend the Sugababes made it to the main stage for a truly spellbinding performance.
A sea of poncho clad music fans danced their heats out to the British girl band who proved why they themselves defined an era of 21st century pop.
Sheffield's own Reverend and the Makers delivered a historic performance which brought locals out from under shelter to show their support for Jon McClure and company.
Image: Tramlines
Followed by Yorkshire legends the Kaiser Chiefs who brought their cult classics such as "I Predict a Riot" and "Ruby".
Frontman Ricky Wilson gave a stellar performance and provided the energy needed to distract crowds from the relentless rain pouring down on Hillsborough Park.
Tramlines Festival 2023, although a wet and rainy one, was definitely one for the history books. A line-up which showcased an incredible array of British music, with an undeniable focus of Sheffield's roots and musical prowess.
But what stood out the most is the sheer spirit of the attendees who at no point let the dull weather dampen their spirits and who made the weekend such a memorable one.
Tramlines 2024
Next year's festival will take place from the 26 - 28th July 2024.
Super Early Bird tickets went on sale earlier this week at £89.50 plus booking fee which staggeringly have already sold out.
Now, weekend tickets have moved into tier two sales, priced at £120 and VIP, £175.
There's no indication of who we will see next year on the Main Stage, but given the breadth of talent near and far from Tramlines 2023, we're confident that the 2024 three-day festival will return with just as anticipation, excitement and exceptional music.
For the latest details on Tramlines Festival 2023, including the latest prices and what's on details, visit the Tramlines website.
Audio
Lily Allen at First Direct Arena, Leeds – tickets, setlist, stage times and more
Following one of the most iconic returns to music late last year, Lily Allen is heading to Leeds with her West End Girl UK tour.
The 'Nonmonogamummy' herself will be performing at the First Direct Arena in Leeds this weekend, following a run of intimate gig dates up and down the country earlier this year.
The demand for this British pop star to add more dates was inevitable and that's exactly what Allen did, as she now kicks off an arena tour across the UK.
Once wasn’t ‘Just Enough', and we've been blessed new Lily Allen dates, including her gig at the First Direct Arena in Leeds on Sunday 21 June.
Although the 'Smile' singer refrains from playing some of her older smash hits, this gig is still remarkable, with the Hammersmith-born singer performing the previously mentioned tongue-in-cheek LP in full.
Meet us at the ‘Pussy Palace’ for an evening of messy lyrics and quality vocals, fulfilling all of our nosey desires, she even provides text receipts for us to read.
Expect to feel like you’re having your friend relay the truth about their toxic relationship post-break up and then celebrating them finally leaving that loser - Lily just gets us.
Gig Guide | Lily Allen at First Direct Arena, Leeds
Lily Allen returns to Leeds for a gig at First Direct Arena. Credit: Henry Redcliffe
Lily Allen UK tour dates
16 June – Newcastle Utilita Arena
17 June – Glasgow OVO Hydro
19 June – Manchester AO Arena
20 June– Manchester AO Arena
21 June – Leeds First Direct Bank Arena
23 June – Nottingham Motorpoint Arena
24 June – Cardiff Utilita Arena
26 June – Birmingham BP Pulse Live
27 June – London The O2
30 June – Dublin 3Arena
Are there tickets left for Lily Allen at First Direct Arena?
Yes and it’d be a real ‘Shame For You’ to miss out on this one.
On Sunday 21 June you can get seats for £49.85, £66.35, or £88.35, or standing tickets for £66.35 - see the latest HERE.
Seriously, ‘What You Waiting For?’ - get it booked.
Lily's gone for a rather novel support act on her West End Girl tour, which is proving to be quite a laugh at arenas so far.
She's pulled in Dallas Minor Trio to warm up the crowds, a trio of cellists who perform a setlist of Lily Allen's biggest hits from through the years.
And if that's not enough, they put the lyrics on screen too, so it's like a true karaoke moment.
Lily Allen setlist for 2026 tour
The show ‘Lily Allen Performs West End Girl‘ will see the singer/songwriter play her brand-new album in its entirety, in the order the songs appear on the record:
West End Girl
Ruminating
Sleepwalking
Tennis
Madeline
Relapse
Pussy Palace
4chan Stan
Nonmonogamummy
Just Enough
Dallas Major
Beg For Me
Let You W/In
Fruityloop
Stage times for Lily Allen at First Direct Arena, Leeds
Lily Allen has announced a gig at the First Direct Arena in Leeds. Credit: Charlie Denis
These are the only times that are confirmed, but it's expected that Lily Allen will be on stage around 9pm:
Doors open 6pm
Starts 7.50pm
Getting to First Direct Arena
Bus Station
Located on Dyer Street next to Leeds City Bus Station and approx. 15min walk from first direct arena and is wheelchair friendly.
Support and help for any persons with a disability is available as the station is a registered ‘Safe place’ to come into and ask for assistance.
Nearest Bus Stops
Clay Pit Lane
Wade Lane/Lovell Park Road
Woodhouse Lane
Nearest Train Station
Leeds City Station on New Station Street is around a 15min walk from first direct arena and a major hub on the national, regional and local rail network providing connections to a wide variety of destinations.
Parking
There are over 7,500 car parking spaces within a 15-minute walk of the arena. The arena doesn’t have it’s own car park however there are lots of options nearby. To receive 5% off Q Park when attending a show at first direct arena click here
The nearest Car Park with EV charging is located on Albion Street click here.
None of the above car parks are operated by the arena so for questions, queries or comments we ask that you contact the companies directly.
Hiring Bikes in Leeds
If you’re looking to hire a bike in Leeds, here are some of the best options you can try:
Beryl bikes – you’ll find the ‘Leeds City Bikes’ from Beryl stationed throughout the city. These are all e-bikes, and they’re available to hire on a pay-as-you-go basis. It costs £1 to unlock the bikes, and then 16p per minute to use them. We’d say these are great for zipping around the city and getting from A to B.
Talio – for a wider selection of electric bikes to choose from, Talio based at Buslinthorpe Green is a great option. From this company, you can hire cruiser bikes, mountain bikes, and cargo bikes. Prices start from £20 per day for rental, but if you’re hiring for a month or longer you’ll get a good discount.
A daytime rave where you can be in bed by 8pm is returning to Leeds
Clementine Hall
The famous Day Fever is back and this time it’s set to be bigger and better than ever before.
If you haven’t heard of Day Fever before, then we are about to blow your mind.
Launched in early 2024 by actress Vicky McClure and frontman of Reverend & The Makers Jon McClure, Day Fever has become somewhat of a cultural sensation.
From its debut in Sheffield to a tour that sees thousands of ravers hitting the dance floor each month, the message is clear: people want to dance and let loose, but still be in bed before 9pm. And to be honest, we don’t blame them.
Running from 3pm to 8pm, Day Fever provides a proper night out that doesn’t completely write you off for the entire weekend.
Image: Supplied
“It started as a WhatsApp idea,” says Jon McClure. “Jonny just said, ‘A daytime disco, how good would that be?’ We’re all a bit nuts, so we just said, ‘Come on then!’
“It feels like a massive house party at your nan’s,” laughs Vicky. “No drama, no egos, just people acting daft, getting dressed up, and having the best time.”
From Leeds to Newcastle, Glasgow to Manchester, every Day Fever event has its own unique flavour.
There’ll be local DJs who know their crowds keep the energy high with a nostalgic mix of Northern Soul, disco, indie, and 90s classics. “Manchester goes mad for Oasis,” says Jon, “and if Vicky’s there, we have to play Whitney, it’s non-negotiable!”
Day Fever will be turning up the speakers at Project House on Saturday 12 September, and we will absolutely see you there.
Tickets are on sale now, and you can grab yours here.
Clementine Hall -
31st July 2023 
