15 venues, some 100 artists and 20,000 steps later...
Live At Leeds: In The City is one of the biggest events in the indie music lover's calendar in Leeds, and for good reason.
The festival, no matter how big it's grown over the years, still manages to hold onto its community feel, and given it's track record of spotting up-and-coming artists, it's no wonder that people across the north will travel over for a day of none-stop hits from those 'one's to watch'.
Ed Sheeran, Royal Blood, George Ezra, Catfish and the Bottleman, Jake Bugg, Rudimental, Bombay Bicycle Club, Mumfords and Sons, The Cribs, Spector, Stormzy, Alt-J, Frightened Rabbit, The Ememy, Pulled Apart By Horses, Everything Everything, Clean Bandit, The Maccabees, Frank Carter and the Rattle Snakes, Sam Fender, Lewis Capaldi, Rag n Bone Man, Northing But Thieves, DMAs, Tom Grennan, Easy Life, Arlo Parks... the list is truly endless: this festival has seen some huge names over the years.
Hosted at fifteen venues across the city centre, the 12-hour festival is like almost like a scavenger hunt for musical talent, and a great opportunity to venture into venues you would never normally would have step foot into.
Every Live At Leeds: In The City route will be completely different. It's one of the joys of attending a city-wide festival.
And this year's was no different...
Paris Paloma kicked off the Stylus at Leeds University Union, bringing a fusion of dark pop, folk, and indie tunes to the stage. Following her viral success for Labour, a song 'giving a voice to feminine rage' with strong repetitive beats that wouldn't be out of place in a battle march, the Derbyshire-born artist explained that she thought "that would be the peak of my career". How wrong she was.
The SU begins to pack out for new single Dry Wall, a song that's only been out for three days, but every syllable is already uttered by the front row.
Paris Paloma at LUU Stylus. / Images: The Hoot Leeds
Our route took us down to Mill Hill Chapel opposite Leeds Train Station to listen to the soft melodies of Katie Malco, a singer-songwriter that's well atuned to the festival circuit. Describing herself as 'post ironic and overly emotional', Malco's emotional acoustic set touched on breakdowns, boyfriends and breakups "where you still have to live in the same house as them because you're not rich".
Sat on pews taking in the architecture of the Grade II listed chapel, surrounded by candles, LGBTQ+ flags and a well-stocked bar, once you're inside the doors of Mill Hill, you really do escape reality for a moment - it's got to be one of the more unusual music venues in the city, but one that's built for acoustic sets like this.
Katie Malco at Mill Hill Chapel. / Images: The Hoot Leeds
The festival is all about exploring different genres and undiscovered talent, and as the sun began to hide away for another day, ever Live At Leeds: In The City venue started to fill out with indie music enthusiasts searching for a new favourite band.
Bedroom High Club, a Barnsley-based band packed out Oporto, and nodded as the 'one's to watch', the four-piece arrived hot from supporting Seb Lowe on tour. For anyone that missed the rock band, tickets to their now sold out gig at The Leadmill will be like gold dust to find, but well worth every penny.
'Alternative Rock Project' Tummyache, brought The Key Club harsh guitar riffs and Delights, hot from a performance over the Pennines at new Manchester venue CANVAS MCR, had The Wardrobe on its feet. Since performing an intimate headline gig at The Lending Room last year, the band has had a whirlwind year, ticking off nine festivals prior to Live At Leeds.
Tummyache at The Key Club. / Image: The Hoot Leeds
The Last Dinner Party at Leeds Beckett SU. / Image: The Hoot Leeds
Over at Leeds Beckett Student Union, The Last Dinner Party, brought a mesmerising performance that showed just how far the band have projected themselves since their last performance at the Brudenell Social Club (that they say had a very small turnout), "look at us now!" proclaimed lead singer Abigail Morris as she introduced her band members to the stage.
Running around the stage for the full set and hopping down from the stage on more than one occasion to serenade the audience, Morris truly kept the crowd alive and made this one of the most memorable performances of the day. The five-piece band dressed in their signature floaty dresses and structured corset-style tops, only have three released singles on Spotify, but packed their set with six confident, well-rehearsed tracks.
The Last Dinner Party at Leeds Beckett SU. / Image: The Hoot Leeds
Kid Kapichi at LUU Stylus. / Image: The Hoot Leeds
Having signed with Island Records (think Foals, Muse) even before releasing their debut single, supported names like Lana Del Ray and Florence and the Machine, and now selling out an upcoming US tour, there's a lot of hype around The Last Dinner Party with a momentum that just keeps building.
By contrast, over at Leeds University Union Stylus, Kid Kapichi brought circle pits and handed out English muffins and gravy from the Co-op. The four-piece British indie punk band from Hastings draw some similarities to Soft Play (formerly Slaves) and Frank Carter and The Rattlesnakes, both bands that have graced the Live At Leeds stages in previous years.
As the night drew in new crowds, Wunderhorse took to Leeds Beckett SU for one last rock set, whilst Antony Szmierek at The Wardrobe, Lynks at the Brudenell Social Club and The Covasettes all brought the small Leeds venues to their final crescendos.
Walking away with plenty of new musical inspiration, Live At Leeds: In The City continues year-after-year to predict artists destined for global success, and we can't help but wonder who we've seen this weekend that'll be on the Main Stage at Leeds Festival in a few years time.
MIles Kane is back in Leeds and he is better than ever before.
“Good evening Leeds, how the f*** are we?"
Everyone's favourite scouser came onto the stage wearing a perfectly fitted leather jacket, and it's safe to say the crowd roared.
It's been a few years since I’ve been in a Miles Kane crowd, the last time I saw him he was supporting Blossoms at Millenium Square back in 2023 and my gosh it's good to be back.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
His whole energy is just utterly infectious and makes him a complete joy to watch. I’ve always been a Miles Kane fan and I just love where he's taken his 2025 album ‘Sunlight in The Shadows’.
We were blessed with a whole stream of songs from over the years, my personal favourite, ‘Rearrange’ was played second and was such a treat. Kane got the crowd to sing back to him “let it out, let it out, let it all out” which soon made me realise you were standing side by side with true fans.
Throughout the setlist we heard bangers from over the years and mid-set Miles screams out “Leeds on a Thursday, come on” and to say it was grey and very wet outside, we all definitely brought the energy.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Supporting Miles on his 2026 tour is Villanelle, you know Gene Gallagher’s band? Some could say nepo-baby but we say, when they were doing their own Leeds dates, they were class. Such a grungy, punk twist they’ve got and it's safe to say Gene has the Gallagher stance behind the mic.
As the set drew to a close Kane said “thank you so much and don’t forget who you are" which brought us to his last three songs, ‘Don’t Forget Who You Are’, ‘Sunlight In The Shadows’ and the ultimate bopper and most played song on Spotify ‘Come Closer’ which just never, ever gets old.
In the words of Carrie Bradshaw 'and just like that' my first gig at Project House (can’t believe its taken me so long) was over.
As an overall venue, Project House really had it all, Kirkstall brews, a spacious cool environment and really fantastic acoustics.
And it was time to walk back to the train station along the canal on a lovely Miles Kane high and debrief the evening. Hopefully see you soon Miles, rather than leaving it three years again.
Jason Derulo at First Direct Arena, Leeds – tickets, times, setlist and more for UK tour
Thomas Melia
American chart topper Jason Derulo is visiting Leeds for a night of radio bangers that will get stuck 'In My Head' and yours too.
Known for soundtracking the early 2010s and beyond, Derulo is heading back to Leeds playing out at the iconic First Direct Arena.
The Florida-born performer has five UK number one singles to his name, so it's safe to say his setlist will be stacked with massive hits sure to 'Take You Dancing' all night long.
His latest effort The Last Dance is an eight track EP featuring collaborations with INNA and Melody as well as the bouncy lead single 'Sexy For Me'.
This leg of shows is titled after this project and Derulo is asking anyone going to wear their best futuristic or metallic attire and accessories - You might end up being his 'It Girl'.
Jason Derulo gig guide
Jason Derulo is coming to First Direct Arena Leeds on 6 February / Credit: Supplied via Wikimedia Commons
Jason Derulo UK tour dates
Fri 30 Jan - Birmingham, UK - Utilita Arena
Sat 31 Jan - London, UK - The O2
Mon 2 Feb - Cardiff, UK - Utilita Arena
Tue 3 Feb - Brighton, UK - The Brighton Centre
Thu 5 Feb - Bournemouth, UK - Bournemouth International Centre
Fri 6 Feb - Leeds, UK - First Direct Bank Arena
Sat 7 Feb - Manchester, UK - Co-op Live
Mon 9 Feb - Dublin, IE - 3Arena
Jason Derulo tickets for First Direct Arena gig
If you want to see Jason Derulo 'Talk Dirty' to a huge 13,000 arena crowd over some 'Trumpets' then you'll want to get tickets to this event.
Luckily there's plenty of opportunities for you to see Mr. Derulo 'Wiggle' right in front of your eyes as there's tickets available HERE.
Jason Derulo setlist
Although the tour hasn't kicked off yet, here's one of the Pop/ R&B champs latest sets from September last year which contains some 2010s classics and big belters.
Swalla
Wiggle
Take You Dancing
Acapulco
Savage Love
Whatcha Say
Who Hurt You
Tip Toe
Breathing
In My Head
Ridin' Solo
Spicy Margarita
Love Tonight
The Other Side
Dame Un Grrr
Talk Dirty
Want to Want Me
Don't Wanna Go Home / Shots
Who Hurt You
What are the stage times for Jason Derulo in Leeds?
The 'It Girl' hitmaker is visiting the UK for his The Last Dance Tour / Credit: Supplied via Wikimedia Commons
First Direct Arena has a curfew of 11pm meaning as much as we ′Don't Wanna Go Home', at least we'll be tucked up in bed before the early hours.
Anyone attending can expect the doors to open at 6.30pm with a kick-off time expected to be 7.30pm with support from Czech rising star THERA and Manchester EDM group LZ7.
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 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.
Sophie Smith -
15th October 2023 
