The Last Dinner Party is a band that seems to be on every radio station recently.
And for good reason.
The British indie rock band is still less than three years old and has already signed to one of the world's biggest record labels; won a BRIT award; performed at Glastonbury and followed Hozier, Lana Del Ray and Florence & The Machine on tour in the past twelve months.
After months of teasing fans at shows across the UK, including right here in Leeds at Live At Leeds: In The City, now their debut album has been released - and the momentum just keeps building from here.
The Brudenell partnered with Crash Records for a one-off show as part of an intimate album launch: and it was safe to say the afternoon was a truly personalised experience, showing a different, simpler version of the band that showed off their vocal ranges and plethora of musical talents without being tempted to hide behind stage theatrics. This was all about the album.
Having sold out tickets in a matter of days, the album launch was always going to be busy, but I certainly didn't expect to find myself in a queue snaking around the Brudenell Social Club. At least half of those with tickets had turned up early to try and bag the best seats in the 400-capacity room.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The five-piece, made up of Abigail Morris (vocals), Georgia Davies (bass) and Lizzie Mayland (guitar), Aurora Nishevci (keyboards) and Emily Roberts (guitar), were wooed on stage before Abigail immediately clarified the concert would be a completely acoustic performance: "it's something we've been testing out on this album tour and we've been really enjoying it, before bursting into Beautiful Boy.
Next up was On Your Side, a song that's slower melody lends itself perfectly to an acoustic set: taking listeners on an emotional journey of healing, heartbreak, and that haunting feeling being awake in the middle of the night an bring.
Now the 'more depressing' songs were out of the way (according to the band), it was time to focus on bringing that tempo up and having a good sing-a-long.
Caesar On A TV Screen had the crowd roaring with lyrics that brought the Roman Empire back to life, with a longing for power and attention:'When I put on that suit / I don't have to stay mute / I can talk all the time / 'Cause my shoulders are wide'.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Turns out Sinner is actually a homage to our own West Yorkshire, told guitar and vocalist Lizzie Mayland, who is originally from Halifax. She explained that the song was all about her move from the Yorkshire hills to London (where she met the other members of The Last Dinner Party whilst at university).
The lyrics 'There's nothing for me / Here, where the world is small / But how you touch me /For that I'd leave it all / Back in the city /Cold eyes and lips of dust' seemed to mean even more coming from Emily during the acoustic performance, featuring an unrecorded introduction that the band would love to release in the future. We can only hope.
Mirror was written by Abigail aged seventeen, making it the oldest album on the track by a fair few years, explaining she was "so pleased [her] teenage angst had been put to good use".
Admittedly the song drew parallels of Chris Isaak's Wicked Game: the sexy guitar, dark lights and moody lyrics, and led very quickly into the 2006 hit single.
Nothing Matters was the obvious choice for the band's final song, the single threw the band to success in 2022, and was the first to be released after signing with internationally-renowned label, Island Records.
Unlike some of the other intimate launch afternoons there was no signing or time with the band, pre or post-performance.
The Last Dinner Party will return to Leeds and play the O2 Academy on 24 September 2024, and in the meantime will play in nearby Hebden Bridge at the Trades Club as part of War Child BRITs Week.
Feature Image - The Hoot Leeds
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Iconic band Blossoms set for BIG return to Leeds Festival this year
Stockport-originating band Blossoms have just announced their big return to Leeds Festival, as the four-day music event continues to impress with its stacked line-up.
They might have a 'Joke About Divorce' from time to time but when it comes to entertaining a Leeds Festival crowd, Blossoms take it very seriously, playing at Bramham Park three times in the past decade.
This band have captivated audiences since the rise of standout track 'Charlemagne' and more recently with the addition of their fifth album studio album, Gary, named after an eight-foot-tall gorilla.
Known for always putting on a stellar performance, Tom, Joe, Charlie, Myles and Josh are bringing a brand-new set to Leeds when they pay us a visit this August.
As well as releasing new music, Blossoms are making a big return to Leeds Festival 2026 / Credit: Publicity Picture (Supplied)
Currently, Leeds Festival 2026 has seven headline acts spanning all genres from Dance and EDM to Pop and Rap with the likes of Charli XCX, Raye, Dave and more topping the bill.
The Stockport five-piece are featured alongside three other insane artists as 'Special Guests', appearing next to Skepta, Sombr and Role Model.
Also listed on the line-up are rising stars like R&B vocal powerhouse Skye Newman, pop princess Jade, Merseyside indie rockers The K's and Wigan-formed The Lilacs with more to be announced.
Although nothing is confirmed yet, this upcoming Leeds Festival set from Blossoms will contain high energy and obviously all their biggest and best bangers from across their four chart topping albums as well as new music.
Leeds Festival 2026 is set to be a belter with the addition of Stockport band Blossoms returning for a fourth time / Credit: Publicity Video (Supplied)
Whether you're there for 'Your Girlfriend' or 'What Can I Say After I'm Sorry', one thing's for sure, you're guaranteed to have an absolutely spectacular night.
Blossoms are making their big return to Leeds Festival 2026 which is taking place from 27 to 30 August at Bramham Park with tickets live HERE.
Dermot Kennedy at First Direct Arena, Leeds – tickets, times, setlist and more for UK tour
Thomas Melia
Irish singer-songwriter Dermot Kennedy is bringing The Weight Of The Woods tour to Leeds for a night of powerful ballads and bangers.
After busking for a considerable time, Kennedy took to streaming platforms to upload his music before dropping notable tracks like 'Power Over Me' and 'Giants'.
Since then, this Irish performer has amassed a total of 9 million monthly listeners and multiple songs with over 100 million streams across three chart-topping albums.
In 2023, Dermot Kennedy teamed up with electronic music group Meduza for a monster of a collaboration titled 'Paradise' which peaked at 5 on the UK Official Charts.
Gig guide | Dermot Kennedy at First Direct Arena, Leeds
Dermot Kennedy UK tour dates
Fri 29 May - Glasgow, UK - OVO Hydro
Sat 30 May - Manchester, UK - AO Arena
Mon 1 June - Cardiff, UK - Utilita Arena
Tue 2 June - Leeds, UK - First Direct Arena
Thu 4 June - Birmingham, UK - Utilita Arena
Fri 5 June - London, UK - The O2
Are there any tickets left for Dermot Kennedy at First Direct Arena?
Hoping for some 'Better Days'? Well maybe that can happen by getting the chance to see Dermot Kennedy live on his latest The Weight Of The Woods tour.
Don't be 'Outnumbered' and grab a ticket or two for Dermot Kennedy on Saturday 30 May at First Direct Arena in Leeds HERE.
What are the stage times for Dermot Kennedy in Leeds?
First Direct Arena has a strict curfew of 11pm, meaning you'll be leaving the venue reminiscing 'An Evening I Will Not Forget' before the sun's up.
Supporting Dermot Kennedy on the night will be Irish three-piece band Amble who will be taking the Leeds crowd on a journey to 'Mary's Pub' and reflecting on 'Schoolyard Days'.
How to get 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 LeedsÂ
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.
Sophie Smith -
12th February 2024 
