Welsh rock legends Stereophonics brought their 2025 tour ‘The Sky’s Edge’ to Sheffield, delivering a night filled with nostalgia, stadium-sized energy and timeless anthems.
Following a hugely successful summer of outdoor shows, the band arrived at the Utilita Arena armed with hits from across their 30-year career.
Despite being three decades in, they remain impressively current, still releasing bangers that resonate with old fans and new.
Their 13th studio album, Make ’Em Laugh, Make ’Em Cry, Make ’Em Wait, debuted at the top spot earlier this year, marking their ninth official number one album - a feat that few guitar bands can claim in today’s landscape.
One of the most striking aspects of the night was the diversity in the crowd.
Generations stood side by side, families and fans of all ages united by the voice of Kelly Jones, whose raw, unmistakable tone remains as powerful as ever. Every song felt like a shared memory.
The setlist was stacked with classics: 'Bartender and the Thief', 'Just Looking', and 'Local Boy in the Photograph' hit just as hard as they did in the late ’90s.
The band’s musical tightness and stage presence ensured that these tracks didn’t just spark nostalgia; they felt alive, urgent and fresh.
And then came 'Dakota'. Hearing it live remains one of rock’s greatest live experiences, and Sheffield agreed.
As soon as the opening riff hit, the entire arena erupted into a mass sing-along.
The finale delivered bursts of colour, giant balloons cascading from above and a spectacle that perfectly matched the emotion of the song.
More than a closer, 'Dakota' became a reminder of personal memories - where you were, who you were with, and the first time you heard it.
Stereophonics weren’t just ticking off yet another big gig, they were cementing a legacy with a set that balanced reflection, celebration and pure rock energy. Once again, they proved why they matter so much to so many.
Even after all this time, their sound still hits hard, their storytelling still resonates, and their connection with fans remains undeniable. Long live the 'Phonics.
Get ready for an out-of-this-world experience Leeds.
The mobile planetarium will be popping up at Millennium Square where visitors can explore the wonders of the universe this summer.
Planetarium Go UK will arrive just next month, promising immersive astronomy and science-based experiences using the latest technology to capture the stunning far reaches of space.
The attraction employs high-resolution digital projections all housed within an impressive portable dome structure and will screen a programme of films for visitors of all ages.
Image: Supplied
From Friday 4 until Wednesday 26 September, Planetarium Go UK will host screenings every day between 11am and 6pm Sunday to Friday and 10am to 8pm on Saturdays.
José Jiménez, CEO of Planetarium Go UK said: “Our objective is clear: to bring science to places where it has not reached before.
“We want children, young people and families to enjoy an immersive experience that sparks scientific curiosity and brings the universe closer to everyday life, regardless of where they live.”
Image: Supplied
The planetarium is part of the programme of summer events which have taken place on Millennium Square this year, including another belting series of concerts and performances which attracted audiences of thousands.
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for economy, said: “Millennium Square continues to host an exciting and diverse programme of events and activities at the heart of the city centre each and every year and this summer has been no exception.
“Giving families the opportunity to explore the fascinating wonders of space and astronomy will be an incredible experience and will hopefully help to inspire the next generation of young scientists in Leeds.”
Tickets for Planetarium Go UK are priced from £8 and you can find out more and buy your tickets here.
Inside the Leeds factory that makes and supplies classic jukeboxes
Thomas Melia
This Leeds-based family-owned business is famed for supplying pubs, clubs and even ordinary people's homes with classic jukeboxes.
Started up in 1978, Sound Leisure really is a local business like no other, creating and distributing classic jukeboxes to over 40 countries.
This music-machine-making company notes that 75% of the jukeboxes they manufacture and sell throughout the year are bought for everyday homes.
The remaining 25% of orders are for the all-expected hospitality venues like bars, clubs and hotels, with the jukeboxes sometimes bought for company headquarters and retail outlets too.
Although there are other jukebox manufacturers, especially across the pond in the US, Sound Leisure is the only factory in the world that creates jukeboxes to play out across all formats: CD, vinyl and digital.
This jukebox business even runs the world's only 'Custom Shop', which is a design service that offers any music lovers the chance to personalise their pristine player.
So whether you're after a themed jukebox, customisable nameplate or even a bespoke design, this jukebox company's website states: "If you can dream it, we can build it".
One of Sound Leisure's prized products is the music machine inspired Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band-themed jukebox which any fan of The Beatles would dream of being its lucky owner.
And there really isn't anything they can't do, as alongside creating classic jukeboxes, the same team even make pinball machines, football tables, LED signs and more.
With CD and vinyl jukeboxes from £5,000 and digital jukeboxes quoted from upwards of £12,000, we're going to need a fair few rainy days to save up our money.
However, you can still marvel at these magnificent music machines without having to dip into your savings, with guided tours starting from just £15.
If you're up for learning a little bit more about music technology or simply after admiring these classic jukeboxes in all their glory, you can find out more about the factory and book your guided tour ticket HERE.
Declan Kelly -
8th December 2025 
