Yorkshire’s biggest festival took place right here over Bank Holiday weekend- and what a weekend it was.
Leeds Festival returned to Bramham Park this weekend – and if you were one of the 80,000 odd singing along to Liam Gallagher on Friday or wading through the sea of people queuing for a glimpse of Blink 182 – you’ll know exactly what we’re on about.
As a festival that’s now in its mid-twenties, it’s certainly got older and wiser over the years – and the lineups just get better and better ever year.
There's no doubt this festival will go down in history as the year of Storm Lilian, Friday's delayed opening time was met by the heartbreaking closure of three stages due to the high winds with flying tents landing in local's back gardens...yes, really.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Due to a stripped back musical line-up, crowds for the main stages were vast as first headliner Catfish and the Bottlemen played their first live show in three years with a performance that did not disappoint and had fans flocking for spots at the front barriers.
The highlight of the first day, though, was most definitely Liam Gallagher as he shuffled onto the main stage in his parka and sunglasses to perform a set list consisting entirely of his former band’s early classics in celebration of Definitely Maybe's 30th anniversary year.
The field was united with epic singalongs as Gallagher shouted “this one’s for the tents”, the absolute perfect tonic after a demanding and blustery day.
As the wind settled and Saturday rolled around, bucket-hat wearing festival goers were back on form ready for another jam-packed day of live music.
Belfast's provocative rappers Kneecap kicked off proceedings with an electric performance that was as hilarious as it was controversial, urging a field full of Yorkshire to rap along with Get Your Brits Out.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Welsh pop-punk heroes Neck Deep added a political flair to the post-GCSE party quipping "it won't always be like this", whilst Jorja Smith's set was moved to the main stage due to the Radio 1 tent closure which she did was prowess and ease.
Scottish troubadour Gerry Cinnamon united crowds as the sun set, from the synchronised foot stomps to the bellowing chants you sort of felt like you were at a sing-song at the pub - but in the best way possible.
Naturally an enormous crowd formed for Blink 182, although no sign of Kourtney Kardashian unfortunately. It was a welcome return for the pop-punk pioneers who delivered a healthy dose of nostalgia alongside lighthearted teenage humour throughout their closing set.
Fontaines D.C.'s Sunday teatime slot was perhaps the highlight of the whole weekend, a set which initially suffered from blustery sound issues but erupted into mayhem as the Irish post-punk heroes plunged into a double whammy of Boys in the Better Land and the fantastic In the Modern World, from new record Romance.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
With no eye-catching visuals and only a mumbled "How you doing" from frontman Grian Chatten, it's a performance that delivers entirely on their own terms and acts as a footnote in their inevitable meteoric rise.
Lana Del Rey's hazy California pop is met with echoes of screaming teenage girls, as the American singer-songwriter delivers a beautiful performance dotted with classics such as Summertime Sadness and Young and Beautiful.
Finally, breakout producer Fred Again makes history as the first electronic act to headline the main stage delivering a laser-inducing performance that had punters dancing through the rain.
“You’re the biggest set of troopers we’ve ever played to at a festival" he cries as the downpour refuses to cease, as a festival that started in disaster ends drenched in style.
Korn have announced a major Manchester gig as part of a new UK tour – their first in more than a decade.
The nu metal legends will be heading to the First Direct Bank Arena later this year, making a monumental return to British shores.
And they’ve announced very special guests will be joining them on the tour too – support will come from Architects, as well as Youth Code.
Korn burst onto the scene back in 1991 with their seminal self-titled debut album, and have gone on to release a whopping 14 studio albums.
The Californian group have sold more than 40 million albums worldwide, collected two Grammy Awards, and headed out on countless world tours.
They’re often cited by newer bands as a major influence and have pushed the limits of the rock, alternative and metal genres.
The Ringer has described Korn as ‘a genuine movement in a way bands cannot be now’.
As well as performing in Leeds, Korn will play at venues across the UK including in Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle, and London.
They’ll be joined by Architects, a British metalcore band who have continued to top the charts even after the tragic death of founding member, guitarist, and principal songwriter Tom Searle.
Korn will be at our very own First Direct Bank Arena on Monday 26 October, with pre-sale tickets available from Tuesday 17 March at 8am, before a general on-sale from Friday 20 March at 8am.
Run, don't walk - as we reckon these tickets will fly off the shelves.
Audio North’s Artist of the Month: Cole LC | March 2026
Thomas Melia
The North is full of amazing artists, and we’re spotlighting one every single month – it's time to go 'Rollin' with Cole LC
Leeds' own Cole LC has got very far doing his "little music thing" and has seen him reach all new heights as his upcoming project suggests with its title West Yorkshire to Westend Show
This musician has built a pretty distinctive artistic style that fuses rap, all while making sure his West Yorkshire identity was kept in the forefront.
That's because, all of Cole's visuals have been filmed across the city at some pretty recognisable spots like Kirkgate Market, City Varieties and Belgrave Music Hall.
So far, this local lad has captured the attention of music lovers with songs like 'Westbrook' and 'Your Tings My Ting' both having over one million streams.
Now, Cole LC sits down to talk all about being Audio North's ‘Artist of the Month’ and shares more teasers about his highly-anticipated EP.
An interview with Cole LC - Audio North's Artist of the Month
Audio North's Artist of the Month: Cole LC | March 2026 / Credit: Supplied via Press shots
What can we expect from your upcoming EP?
This is my first big release in quite a while after the release of Favourite Version in 2023 and I've done a lot of growing. I started writing last Summer when I was going through a tough period but it's gone onto create some of my best songwriting stories. It's a one big note to self that I hope helps other people out.
What is it like being a Northern independent artist?
I grew up in Roundhay with my family and Leeds as a city has had a monumental impact on what I do as an artist. By being close to the city centre, it has allowed me to be exposed to different types of music, soaking up all these genres has helped influence what I do now.
How do you think Leeds is shaping the UK music scene?
This city is a big credit to music and it's a testament to the musicians of Leeds having that talent but also being hardworking. It's also about authenticity and that's what we've got. The climate of music in general is very intense and there's lots of competition but the sheer talent here in Leeds makes it impossible for us to go unnoticed.
Cole LC has played a key part in Leeds' music scene / Credit: Supplied via Press shots
Who are some up and coming artists you're checking out?
Ellur and you spell it "Ell-uh" because she's from Bradford. She's an Alt-pop artist who I've been listening to a lot. I've also loved Charlotte Plank, especially her latest single 'crybby blue'. There's even Aaron Rowe who supported Lewis Capaldi.
What does a performance day look like for you?
I don't have a specific routine before a show. Practicing my lyrics is a big one and having a mint tea too.
What is your ultimate dream musically?
I'd love to perform whenever I like and just know people would be there and support me. I'd love the financial freedom to be able not worry and creative new tracks whenever whereever I want. Music is so powerful and speaks to everyone, I want to keep improving my quality and progress.
If you could collaborate with anyone who would it be?
Probably Justin Bieber because of how much I love him, he's the greatest of all time, he just is. When I was 14 I was so fuming watching him and seeing how good he is, I thought he'd put be out of a job forever. He has some unreal albums.
What's next for Cole LC?
I can guarantee you new music every single month for 2026. I know a lot of people have been getting in touch regarding a headline show so I'm hoping to organise a gig. I'm also going to make sure I keep the connection with people who enjoy my music whether that's in person or online.
Clementine Hall -
27th August 2024 
