After two long years of empty arenas, Stormzy returned to Leeds' First Direct Arena with two-hour set of his best hits- and it was well worth the wait.
Headlining the First Direct Arena yesterday evening was none other than the UK's favourite grime artist, Stormzy.
The original Heavy is the Head UK tour was due to commence in 2020, but we all know how that ended. After a long two year hiatus of absent music, empty stadiums and lost fans, the music industry is slowly returning to its former glory- with no expense spared.
You can tell that Leeds' been itching to return to the arena. Live music has been a legal activity for quite some time now, but it's taken a good few months- or perhaps just the need for a huge headline act to bring the city out of its reclusive state and into a music venue once more.
The Hoot was lucky enough to experience Stormzy's return to the stage from the First Direct Suite. The private suites host up to sixteen spots with a prime view of the stage.
Before we watched Stormzy entertain the crowd, we rubbed shoulders with Leeds United legend Kalvin Phillips (who we later found out was on his way to meet the headliner himself); sipped on drinks from the private booth and shared nervous-excited giggles with some of Leeds' best-known socialites whilst waiting for the two hour performance to begin.
As for the show itself, we've never experienced such an incredible performance in the luxury of the VIP suite.
Ever-humbling, Stormzy shared the limelight with his sister all evening long. Gig-goers arrived to the beat of sibling Rachel Anson's DJ set, hasting grabbing drinks whilst eager teens practised lyrics to the headliner's act as they swarmed the standing area with hours to spare and a nervous buzz echoed around the arena. Still, without fault, all eyes remained on the stage, waiting for the grime icon to appear on stage.
Stormzy is known for his incredible live performances, steeped in political agendas that unite crowds, even at gigs as large as Glastonbury.
Back in 2019, his memorable Glastonbury set featured a speech by the politician David Lammy, discussions of black and minority ethnic groups in the British criminal justice system. His Glasto debut was the same performance that featured the singer dressed in a Union Jack stab vest designed and the crowd sang the synonymous lines "f**k the government and f**k Boris" all afternoon long.
The same team have been a huge part of the Heavy is the Head UK tour and the two years of preparation was an obvious triumph from the organisers. Minuscule details like lighting changes and lavish backdrops effortlessly changed with each beat and asserted the performers' reputation as the UK's biggest rapper.
The third night of the rappers long-awaited UK and Ireland tour kicked off in Leeds with Big Michael, the opening track of his latest album as he stood, taking in the 13,000 strong crowd, whilst descending into the First Direct Arena.
The well-rehearsed set transcended into a pyrotechnic performance of his best-selling hits, featuring verse-upon-verse of fast paced, effortless rap. Flirting between his original grime tracks that projected the artist to fame and his soulful, heartfelt performances of smash-hits like Heavy is the Head that slowed the tempo and provided ample opportunity of backup singers, a saxophonist and a trumpeter to announce their influence on the genre.
Throughout the set, the London-based artist payed homage to the city of Leeds, reminding the audience that his last performance in our city was at Leeds Festival 2021, where we're certain that the internationally-acclaimed artist would have experienced the unique atmosphere and sensational crowds that the bestselling festival greets every headline act with.
With this in mind, Stormzy graciously complementing Leeds as a city, as well as a festival destination, deeming it one his favourite cities to perform in. The crowd was roaring and rewarded the rapper's kind words with applause and an increased enthusiasm for the rest of the set.
Like any international artist, his most popular singles were saved for the encore. Stormzy's final five songs had the crowd on their feet without faltering as they shouted the words to Clash, Big for your Boots and Shut Up before the artist made an announcement about his third studio album.
The concert finished with a soulful performance of Blinded By Your Grace Pt. 2 with interludes from a gospel choir before Stormzy closed the show with Vossi Bop, once again showcasing his talent in a variety of rap styles.
Stormzy is continuing his tour across the UK and Ireland, performing on Friday 18 March in Sheffield before travelling to Manchester on Saturday and finishing his weekend at Liverpool's M&S Bank Arena.
Following one of the most iconic returns to music late last year, Lily Allen is heading to Leeds with her West End Girl UK tour.
The 'Nonmonogamummy' herself will be performing at the First Direct Arena in Leeds this weekend, following a run of intimate gig dates up and down the country earlier this year.
The demand for this British pop star to add more dates was inevitable and that's exactly what Allen did, as she now kicks off an arena tour across the UK.
Once wasn’t ‘Just Enough', and we've been blessed new Lily Allen dates, including her gig at the First Direct Arena in Leeds on Sunday 21 June.
Although the 'Smile' singer refrains from playing some of her older smash hits, this gig is still remarkable, with the Hammersmith-born singer performing the previously mentioned tongue-in-cheek LP in full.
Meet us at the ‘Pussy Palace’ for an evening of messy lyrics and quality vocals, fulfilling all of our nosey desires, she even provides text receipts for us to read.
Expect to feel like you’re having your friend relay the truth about their toxic relationship post-break up and then celebrating them finally leaving that loser - Lily just gets us.
Gig Guide | Lily Allen at First Direct Arena, Leeds
Lily Allen returns to Leeds for a gig at First Direct Arena. Credit: Henry Redcliffe
Lily Allen UK tour dates
16 June – Newcastle Utilita Arena
17 June – Glasgow OVO Hydro
19 June – Manchester AO Arena
20 June– Manchester AO Arena
21 June – Leeds First Direct Bank Arena
23 June – Nottingham Motorpoint Arena
24 June – Cardiff Utilita Arena
26 June – Birmingham BP Pulse Live
27 June – London The O2
30 June – Dublin 3Arena
Are there tickets left for Lily Allen at First Direct Arena?
Yes and it’d be a real ‘Shame For You’ to miss out on this one.
On Sunday 21 June you can get seats for £49.85, £66.35, or £88.35, or standing tickets for £66.35 - see the latest HERE.
Seriously, ‘What You Waiting For?’ - get it booked.
Lily's gone for a rather novel support act on her West End Girl tour, which is proving to be quite a laugh at arenas so far.
She's pulled in Dallas Minor Trio to warm up the crowds, a trio of cellists who perform a setlist of Lily Allen's biggest hits from through the years.
And if that's not enough, they put the lyrics on screen too, so it's like a true karaoke moment.
Lily Allen setlist for 2026 tour
The show ‘Lily Allen Performs West End Girl‘ will see the singer/songwriter play her brand-new album in its entirety, in the order the songs appear on the record:
West End Girl
Ruminating
Sleepwalking
Tennis
Madeline
Relapse
Pussy Palace
4chan Stan
Nonmonogamummy
Just Enough
Dallas Major
Beg For Me
Let You W/In
Fruityloop
Stage times for Lily Allen at First Direct Arena, Leeds
Lily Allen has announced a gig at the First Direct Arena in Leeds. Credit: Charlie Denis
These are the only times that are confirmed, but it's expected that Lily Allen will be on stage around 9pm:
Doors open 6pm
Starts 7.50pm
Getting 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.
A slice of New York has arrived in Leeds – and the pizzas are 18 inches wide
Clementine Hall
Popular pizza pop-up Edges Pizza has opened a permanent home in Leeds city centre.
Last summer you may have had the privilege to enjoy a slice of Edges Pizza at one of their many pop-up residencies across the city.
Their longest stint was at the sun-drenched roof terrace of Green Room, and it's safe to say their pizza went down an absolute treat.
Since then they've been a little quiet, but all for good reason. Edges Pizza has just opened a permanent new takeaway under the arches in Holbeck, and it's absolutely class.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Owners Grace and Edge who are from Harrogate opened Edges two years ago, taking inspiration from trips to New York over the years.
They've completely transformed the space into a proper love letter to the big apple. It will operate mainly as a takeaway, but there is a small seating area where you can perch and tuck into your pie.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The menu is perfectly curated, consisting of eight pizzas and three dips. And trust us, they are absolutely massive.
We opted for the American Hot with spicy pepperoni, banana peppers and parmesan as well as the mushroom pie topped with garlic creme fraiche and chestnut mushrooms.
Drizzled and dunked into moreish hot honey, it's rivalling some of the best pizza in the city.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
For now, grabbing a pizza from Edges operates through a pre-order system. Pre-orders open at 12pm the day before via their website, you can pick your collection time and then you simply have to rock up and get your pizza.
There's loads of parking available nearby and if there are any remaining slots available you can pre-order up to an hour before collection.
We've got a feeling they're going to very busy indeed.
Sophie Smith -
17th March 2022 
