According to new data, our beloved First Direct Arena has been named the second best in the whole of the UK.
And we have to say, we absolutely agree. Although we obviously would've put it at number one, and we're only slightly biased.
If you're a Leeds local, there's no doubt you've paid a visit to the First Direct Area over recent years.
Whether it's to watch your favourite musical artist stop off in our city on their UK tour, or you're catching a comedy gig which will leave you giggling on your way home.
Image: First Direct Arena
Either way it's a fantastic venue that we're very proud to have in our city.
And it's not just us who think so, as new data focusing on user reviews has revealed it to be the second best in the UK. What a winner.
So who pipped us to the post then? Well, the Emirates Arena in Glasgow came in at number one with a 4.46 out of 5 average rating from over 1900 reviews across Google, TripAdvisor and Facebook.
Images: First Direct Arena
Pretty impressive hey? Well luckily we weren't too far behind, coming up just behind with an average score of 4.41 from around 14.4k reviews on Google and TripAdvisor.
The Westpoint Arena in Exeter completes the podium in number 3, with an average rating of 4.40.
At the other end of the ranking is the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester.
With the highly anticipated opening of the venue coming into a few minor issues (understatement of the century), an average score of 1.68 out of 5 was well below any of the other venues in the study.
The top ten best indoor arenas in the UK are as follows:
Leeds Festival have announced further names set to join the festival's lineup this summer.
Yep that's right, Bramham Park is set to welcome even more fabulous artists to Leeds Festival over August Bank Holiday weekend.
If we weren't already excited enough, now we really can't wait. Is it too early to start packing?
Just announced to be joining the lineup are the likes of Villanelle, December 10, Beth McCarthy, After, JD Cliffe, Untitled, Alex Spencer, unpeople, SINN6R, 54 Ultra, unpeople, Kibo and Camille Blackman.Â
Images: Supplied
Following the announcement of indie legends Blossoms’ special guest appearance, newly announced Leeds exclusive performances will come from Dylan John Thomas, The Clause, M60 and 4AM Kru.
Also announced is the return of Leeds Festival’s famed late-night home LS23 - which has become a fixture of the festival over the years.
Soundtracking late into the night and only found at Leeds Festival, this year’s lineup includes the likes of Lens, Soul Mass Transit System, ZERO, CROSSY, Osmosis Jones and more.Â
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, Fontaines D.C. and more topping the bill.
For the first time ever, Kasabian will be performing a headline slot on the Thursday night amongst many more.
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.
Leeds Festival 2026 is taking place from 27 to 30 August at Bramham Park with tickets live HERE.
80s icons Duran Duran announce huge Leeds gig as part of UK tour
Clementine Hall
British pop-rock legends Duran Duran are heading out on tour and coming to Leeds.
The ‘Rio’ and ‘Girls on Film’ singers are still going strong nearly five decades on, after releasing their 16th studio album, Danse Macabre, back in October 2023.
Later this year, Duran Duran will be heading to first direct bank arena for a spectacular live show, bringing decades of chart-topping hits, legendary performances and unmistakable style to our city.
It's set to be a very special evening, as their night in Leeds will act as the closing night of the UK Tour.
Formed in Birmingham in 1978, Duran Duran became one of the defining bands of the 1980s and helped shape the global New Romantic movement.
Across a career spanning more than four decades, the band has sold over 100 million records worldwide and earned multiple BRIT Awards, Grammy Awards and an enduring reputation as one of Britain’s most influential pop-rock acts.
Known for their truly groundbreaking music videos, electrifying live shows and timeless catalogue, it's safe to say that Duran Duran continue to captivate audiences across generations.
Fans can expect an unforgettable night featuring some of the band’s biggest hits including Hungry Like the Wolf, Rio, Girls on Film, Ordinary World, The Reflex and Save A Prayer.
Duran Duran will perform at Leeds' first direct bank arena on Saturday 24 October and they will be joined by special guests Pigeon.
Duran Duran tickets at Leeds' first direct bank arena go on general sale this Friday 5 June 2026, and you can get yours here.
Clementine Hall -
17th May 2024 
