Reading and Leeds Festival have announced details of a historic overhaul to its camping offering.
You know we are already buzzing for this years Leeds Festival to erupt at Bramham Park over August Bank Holiday weekend.
But for this edition of the iconic festival, there's going to be some pretty monumental changes...
Image: Supplied
The changes mark the biggest site change the festival has seen in its 55 year history as well as biggest shake-up that UK festival camping has ever seen.
So, what's all the fuss about then?
Introduced this week camping at Reading and Leeds will be made up of five distinct campsites:
The Fields
"Open to anyone, this is the place for those looking for a lively atmosphere, great vibes and the ability to tailor the experience once arrived, between closer to the arenas or chilled further away."
The Garden
"Expanding what was Quiet Camp, this is the place for those looking for a more relaxed camping experience with limited noise after 1am."
The Meadow
"Building on what was Eco Camp, this is the space for those looking for that festival camping experience whilst reducing their impact on the environment."
The Grove
"A warm and welcoming space for festival-goers who want to camp with a supportive, like-minded community. The Grove is all about inclusivity, respect, and creating a positive environment where everyone can relax and be themselves. In partnership with Safer Spaces Now CIC, this camp is supported by gender-inclusive teams who are dedicated to creating a safer environment for all."
The Valley
"A dedicated campsite for those coming to the festival on their own or as a pair. Suited for those looking for some ‘me time’ during the festival and for those knowing that everyone also in the campsite is in the same boat, it’s a great chance to meet like-minded festival goers and build new memories in the spirit of the festival."
Everyone with tickets will automatically be booked a spot in The Fields, but access to other areas can be booked free via Ticketmaster.
Image: Supplied
Speaking about this news Melvin Benn, Managing Director of Festival Republic said: “It brings me great excitement and pride to unveil not just the biggest change in the Reading & Leeds festival sites since 1989 but the most comprehensive overhaul in the camping experience at a UK festival in festival history.
"That experience at Reading & Leeds is a formative part of the weekend and something that means a lot to not just festival-goers but us as organisers too. With the support of some incredible partners, we’re transforming everything to high new standards not seen at a major UK festival before - with everything from the facilities to adding exciting new entertainment, all the while catering to a variety of preferences across five distinct camping spaces.
"This will fundamentally change what the Reading & Leeds weekend experience means to so many, and serves as a positive marker for what festivals can and should be offering in 2025 and beyond.”
Question is, which camp are you choosing?
Leeds Festival is taking place on Thursday 21 to Sunday 24 August 2025, and you can buy your tickets here.
Stockport-originating band Blossoms have just announced their big return to Leeds Festival, as the four-day music event continues to impress with its stacked line-up.
They might have a 'Joke About Divorce' from time to time but when it comes to entertaining a Leeds Festival crowd, Blossoms take it very seriously, playing at Bramham Park three times in the past decade.
This band have captivated audiences since the rise of standout track 'Charlemagne' and more recently with the addition of their fifth album studio album, Gary, named after an eight-foot-tall gorilla.
Known for always putting on a stellar performance, Tom, Joe, Charlie, Myles and Josh are bringing a brand-new set to Leeds when they pay us a visit this August.
As well as releasing new music, Blossoms are making a big return to Leeds Festival 2026 / Credit: Publicity Picture (Supplied)
Currently, Leeds Festival 2026 has seven headline acts spanning all genres from Dance and EDM to Pop and Rap with the likes of Charli XCX, Raye, Dave and more topping the bill.
The Stockport five-piece are featured alongside three other insane artists as 'Special Guests', appearing next to Skepta, Sombr and Role Model.
Also listed on the line-up are rising stars like R&B vocal powerhouse Skye Newman, pop princess Jade, Merseyside indie rockers The K's and Wigan-formed The Lilacs with more to be announced.
Although nothing is confirmed yet, this upcoming Leeds Festival set from Blossoms will contain high energy and obviously all their biggest and best bangers from across their four chart topping albums as well as new music.
Leeds Festival 2026 is set to be a belter with the addition of Stockport band Blossoms returning for a fourth time / Credit: Publicity Video (Supplied)
Whether you're there for 'Your Girlfriend' or 'What Can I Say After I'm Sorry', one thing's for sure, you're guaranteed to have an absolutely spectacular night.
Blossoms are making their big return to Leeds Festival 2026 which is taking place from 27 to 30 August at Bramham Park with tickets live HERE.
Dermot Kennedy at First Direct Arena, Leeds – tickets, times, setlist and more for UK tour
Thomas Melia
Irish singer-songwriter Dermot Kennedy is bringing The Weight Of The Woods tour to Leeds for a night of powerful ballads and bangers.
After busking for a considerable time, Kennedy took to streaming platforms to upload his music before dropping notable tracks like 'Power Over Me' and 'Giants'.
Since then, this Irish performer has amassed a total of 9 million monthly listeners and multiple songs with over 100 million streams across three chart-topping albums.
In 2023, Dermot Kennedy teamed up with electronic music group Meduza for a monster of a collaboration titled 'Paradise' which peaked at 5 on the UK Official Charts.
Gig guide | Dermot Kennedy at First Direct Arena, Leeds
Dermot Kennedy UK tour dates
Fri 29 May - Glasgow, UK - OVO Hydro
Sat 30 May - Manchester, UK - AO Arena
Mon 1 June - Cardiff, UK - Utilita Arena
Tue 2 June - Leeds, UK - First Direct Arena
Thu 4 June - Birmingham, UK - Utilita Arena
Fri 5 June - London, UK - The O2
Are there any tickets left for Dermot Kennedy at First Direct Arena?
Hoping for some 'Better Days'? Well maybe that can happen by getting the chance to see Dermot Kennedy live on his latest The Weight Of The Woods tour.
Don't be 'Outnumbered' and grab a ticket or two for Dermot Kennedy on Saturday 30 May at First Direct Arena in Leeds HERE.
What are the stage times for Dermot Kennedy in Leeds?
First Direct Arena has a strict curfew of 11pm, meaning you'll be leaving the venue reminiscing 'An Evening I Will Not Forget' before the sun's up.
Supporting Dermot Kennedy on the night will be Irish three-piece band Amble who will be taking the Leeds crowd on a journey to 'Mary's Pub' and reflecting on 'Schoolyard Days'.
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.
Clementine Hall -
12th February 2025 
