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The Kooks, Miles Kane and Milburn to open Rock n Roll Circus as the festival expands to four days

Is it summer yet?

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall - 2nd March 2026

Just when it you thought that the Rock N Roll Circus Sheffield line-up was complete, organisers have confirmed a major expansion for 2026.

That's right, the festival will now open a day earlier on Thursday 27 August.

The brand-new opening night will be led by The Kooks, Milburn and Miles Kane - this is going to be a bank holiday weekend you'll never forget.

Further artists for Thursday 27 August - and across the entire four-day weekend - will be announced in the coming weeks, so keep your eyes peeled.

It's a welcome addition to what was already shaping up to be one of the standout festival weekends of the summer.

Image: Supplied

Friday will see The Streets headline with a special performance of A Grand Don’t Come For Free in full. Saturday will be led by one of the UK’s most exciting modern guitar bands, Wunderhorse, supported by Baxter Dury, Mercury Prize winners English Teacher, and London favourites Fat Dog, whilst Sunday will be closed by the one and only Richard Ashcroft.

Festival Director Ali O’Reilly said: “Opening the weekend with The Kooks performing Inside In / Inside Out in full, Milburn returning home and Miles Kane joining the bill feels like a statement night for Sheffield.

“What makes Rock N Roll Circus special is that we can celebrate iconic albums and artists that shaped a generation, while also giving space to the next wave of talent coming through. That mix of heritage and hometown pride is exactly what this festival is about.

“Sheffield has always brought an incredible atmosphere to Don Valley Bowl, and expanding the programme this way gives us even more room to create something memorable for the Bank Holiday weekend.”

Rock N Roll Circus Sheffield takes place at Don Valley Bowl from Thursday 27 to Sunday 30 August 2026, and you can get your tickets here.

Read more: Wunderhorse confirmed as final headliner for Rock N Roll Circus Sheffield 2026

Featured image - Supplied

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Audio North’s Artist of the Month – Kenzo Jae | September 2026

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia

Kenzo Jae is a creative who wants to put Bradford on the music map through his alternative-rap tracks and now he's Audio North's Artist of the Month.

This multi-tasking mastermind doesn't only record his own music, he's also a digital illustrator and graphic designer - Oh, and he even directs his own music videos (Leave some talent for the rest of us - We're begging).

Embarking on The Sloth Tour with three UK based dates in Manchester, Leeds and London throughout October, where Kenzo Jae will be playing out hits like 'Softly', 'Chicken Bagel', 'End of the World' and more.

This storytelling songwriter now sits down with Audio North to chat all things Artist of the Month and share a little more insight into his music career so far.

Audio North's Artist of the Month - Kenzo Jae | Interview

How much does being from Bradford influence the music you release?

All aspects of my personality have been influenced by Bradford,  and I’m never more myself than when I’m writing. So lyrically Bradford has had a big impact. 

What’s it like being an artist from Bradford? 

At first it felt like something I had to hide. Now it’s something I wear as a badge. There’s not many of us in the grand scheme of things. It’s a niche club and I love that. The underdogs. 

What northern artists are you loving at the minute?

Ellur and Wilfred.

If you could describe your artistry in three words what would they be and why?

Honest - I try not to hide behind anything in my music even when it’s critical of myself. If something has happened to me or I’m feeling something, I’d rather put it into a song exactly as it is. Might take me a few years but once it’s in the song I can get over it 

Colourful - The vision of the world of my music to me feels saturated and bright. the occasional darkness but for the most part. 

Arrogant - I think it takes a level of arrogant to do and say certain things in my music. Even to do the visual aspects too painting myself pink, wearing a sloth hat etc Takes an arrogance to think yeah I can put myself in such a weird position and believe it’s going to work 

You’ve already amassed over 100k streams on SLOTH - How are you feeling about its reception so far?

It’s been great to see that people have really resonated with the story and the arc I have been on. I want to push it further and hope it reaches everyone that needs it 

How fulfilling is it for you to release the SLOTH mixtape, a title you’ve held onto since you were 16?

The most cathartic feeling. Especially when it’s you know you’ve made it exactly the way I intended. It’s also a learning curve for things I will do differently for the next one. 

You posted a reel describing how you spent two weeks animating a music video for yourself- How important is being hands-on in all aspects of your music career?

I’m a control freak. And if something is in my head, it’s a lot easier to do it myself. Don’t get me wrong , I work with a lot of hard working talented people that I can now trust and delegate work to. But on this instant, I love animation and I find the most enjoyment in editing visuals 

Since you have a track titled ‘Chicken Bagel’, where are some of your favourite brunch or general food spots in West Yorkshire?

I grew up on chicken shops and Salah's is the goat. In terms of restaurants, Classic Persian is the best for me. 

You’re not afraid of risk-taking and standing out, even going as far as painting yourself pink for one of your visuals - what advice would you give to any emerging artists who want to be as confident as you?

You have to be willing to embarrass yourself. The stuff that feels slightly uncomfortable, is usually the stuff that people remember.

And confidence doesn’t necessarily mean thinking you’re amazing. Sometimes it’s just being willing to say, “I don’t care if this is weird, I like it.”

It’s also it’s just more fun to feel like your outside of the box

Read more: Innovative Leeds music venue TESTBED announces launch party lineup

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Leeds and West Yorkshire, subscribe to The Hoot Leeds WhatsApp broadcast HERE.

Featured Images - Press Shots (via Supplied)

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Innovative Leeds music venue TESTBED announces launch party lineup

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia

Ever-evolving Leeds music hotspot TESTBED is making its grand return to Leeds city centre with an impressive launch party lineup.

Recognised as a cultural venue for bringing people together via music, TESTBED has hosted a variety of club nights in its warehouse location since 2024.

Back in April, it was announced that the team behind this rave-centric club were transforming this space from it's 'Phase 1.3' to 'Phase 2.0'.

Now, TESTBED has released the full lineup for its upcoming launch party which will show off some of the venue's latest features like its 360-degree DJ booth, improved acoustics and 5,000 sq ft mezzanine and balcony area.

Annie Mac is headlining the TESTBED Leeds launch party joined by Horse Meat Disco / Credit: Press Shots (via supplied)
Annie Mac is headlining the TESTBED Leeds launch party joined by Horse Meat Disco / Credit: Press Shots (via supplied)
Annie Mac is headlining the TESTBED Leeds launch party joined by Horse Meat Disco / Credit: Press Shots (via supplied)

Previous performers include Liverpool dance music duo Camelphat, house music DJ Alisha, Netherlands-own Chris Stussy and more, so it will come as no surprise that this relaunch features an equally-stellar lineup.

Fronting the bill for the TESTBED Launch Party is none other than EDM connoisseur and influential figure Annie Mac, who's hosted a variety of radio shows across the BBC as well as curating a set or two herself.

Also in attendance is Horse Meat Disco, a group who put disco and queer culture at the forefront of each and every high-energy set.

Irish selector Shee is also showing off his music expertise and already having collaborations with the likes of A-trak and Karma Kid, expect to hear some tunes.

Shee and Junior Simba will be taking to the decks to wow the crowds over at TESTBED Leeds / Credit: Press Shots (via supplied)
Shee and Junior Simba will be taking to the decks to wow the crowds over at TESTBED Leeds / Credit: Press Shots (via supplied)
Shee and Junior Simba will be taking to the decks to wow the crowds over at TESTBED Leeds / Credit: Press Shots (via supplied)

Seasoned club DJ and presenter Marcia Carr, known for playing live sets with vinyl records, will also be soundtracking the night too, playing out everything from Afrohouse to dubstep.

Of course, it wouldn't be a Leeds-based party without some local talent courtesy of Junior Simba who's quickly become a key player in the house music scene.

And if that wasn't enough raving for you, TESTBED has already announced even more insane nights of music madness featuring ROSSI., Interplanetary Criminal and Obskür.

TESTBED's opening party is taking place on Saturday 3 October from 2pm til 12am and you can grab tickets from as little as £20 HERE.

Read more: Jane McDonald at First Direct Arena, Leeds – tickets, times and more for UK tour

Featured Images: Press Shots (via Supplied)

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