Last year, Leeds hosted the UK's first ever Popworld Festival and this weekend - the festival returns for a second round.
Last year’s event sold over 4,500 tickets and this year it promises to be even bigger and better than ever, with the pop favourites through the years like B*Wiched and Ronan Keating performing throughout the evening.
For those wanting to nosey at the event before committing to a ticket or those diehard fans that are researching everything they need to know ahead of the weekend, we've got you covered.
Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about Popworld Festival 2023...
Who is performing at Popworld Festival?
Following on from the success of last year's Popworld Festival, the national club chain has returned with a brand new lineup for 2023.
The acts performing at this year's Popworld Festival are as followed:
Tickets are still available for Popworld Festival and can be purchased directly through the Popworld website.
Tickets cost £49.50 each and if you buy three tickets you'll get them at a discounted rate of £37 each, plus a fourth ticket free of charge.
Popworld Festival also says 'you'll even be able to get the discounted price when buying more than four tickets too'.
Tickets have now sold out for the viewing platform but general standing tickets are still available.
When is Popworld Festival?
Popworld Festival is taking place at Millennuim Square in Leeds on Saturday 5 August 2023.
What times does the event start?
Millennium Square advertises the event as starting from 6pm. It is expected that exact timings for each act will be released closer to the date.
Is there an afterparty?
Of course there is - it's a Popworld event.
It really is a dream come true for all pop lovers out there, guests can expect an evening full of pop classics, dance tunes and singalong favourites.
Popworld Briggate Street and Cookridge Street both be hosting epic after parties for guests to dance on until the early hours. Festival attendees are simply asked to show tickets at the door before midnight on Saturday 5 August for free entry.
Millennium Square says in its Summer Series FAQ that ‘Backpacks of any size or large bags will not be allowed into the arena. You are permitted to bring small bags or handbags no larger than 21cm x 29cm (approx. A4 size piece of paper)’, but mention that as all bags are subject to a search, it’s much easier not to bring a bag at all to speed up entry into the venue.
As for banned items, the list is pretty self explanatory: alcohol, glass, cans, chairs, portable furniture, large umbrellas, parasols, tents, gazebos, laser pens, air horns, fireworks, flares, smoke canisters, BBQs, paper lanterns or any lighting with a naked flame.
How do I get to Millennium Square?
Millennium Square is located in Leeds city centre, and is around a ten minute walk from Leeds train station.
Buses: The nearest bus stops from Millennium Square are located where East Parade meets The Headrow; Civic Hall; Woodhouse Lane and the Merrion Centre.
Buses 5, 19 and 19A go from near the train station (stop Station B) to The Headrow, where you’ll have to walk from there. This particular route is an 8 minute journey and it’s 11 to walk – so not much of a time saver but handy as an option.
The full address for you to pop into maps is: Millennium Square, Leeds LS2 3AD
A new grassroots music space is opening in Headingley with a mission to make DJing, vinyl and music culture more accessible.
Meanhood Studios, founded by long-time LS6 residents Jim and Katie Young, will combine a professional DJ rehearsal studio, record shop, performance space and tuition hub all under one roof.
Their aim is simple, "to level the playing field in a scene that has often felt exclusive and gatekept.”
Meanhood started as a guerrilla pop-up record shop in lockdown when Jim started selling records from his personal collection.
Built solely on quality and word-of-mouth reputation, the venture quickly grew into a respected local record spot known for its carefully curated vinyl selection.
Images: Supplied
Jim’s roots trace back to Manchester’s late-90s free party scene, he began DJing at 17 and from Hyde Park house parties to residencies at legendary clubs, he went on to host nights featuring artists who would later become major names in UK dance music.
Katie grew up in rural Cumbria, discovering music through pirate radio, library tapes and out-of-town raves. After moving to Leeds for university, she built a 20-year corporate career while supporting events, fly-posting for club nights and working behind the scenes.
“DJing is so much more than pushing buttons,” says Jim. “You’ve got to love it when no one’s watching. We want to share that knowledge and remove some of the barriers we experienced.”
Meanhood Studios will open on Friday 13 March and will offer access to equipment, rehearsal space, vinyl records and tuition for aspiring DJs and music lovers.
It's more important now than ever to support grassroots music venues, and we can't wait to check out this new space.
The Kooks, Miles Kane and Milburn to open Rock n Roll Circus as the festival expands to four days
Clementine Hall
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.
Sophie Smith -
1st August 2023 
