Incredible Leeds city centre music and entertainment venue, First Direct Arena, celebrated its 1000th show last Sunday.
First Direct Arena first opened in 2013 and is known for bringing in huge stars of live entertainment from across the globe.
This West Yorkshire venue holds up to 12,000 concertgoers and kicked things off eight years ago with a groundbreaking performance from none other than Elton John.
This arena has seen some A-Listers in its time and this remarkable occasion called for two huge stars as Craig David and Lemar shared the incredible honour of hosting the venue’s 1000th gig.
Leeds’ are true music lovers and this achievement highlights that with names like Kylie, Fleetwood Mac, Bruce Springsteen and more playing to our wonderful Yorkshire crowds.
Image: Supplied
In 2025, these leading live music greats show no signs of slowing down either as Tom Grennan announced his biggest tour ever which also stops off at this impressive gig hot spot this year.
There’s loads to expect on the concert calendar with the likes of Sugababes, Olly Murs, Simply Red and more set to take to the stage throughout the next 12 months.
Rock and roll royalty have known to grace these four walls too as back in 2014, legendary recording artist Prince made his Leeds debut here.
The venue is a reflection of Leeds’ vibrant culture hosting everything from Slipknot to the Sports Personality of the Year, is there anything this arena can’t do?
First Direct Arena is fit for any occasion and their March line up is no different, because where else can you cry to ‘That’s So True’ with Gracie Abrams and then laugh til you can’t breathe with Bolton’s finest Peter Kay just three days later.
The same can be said for April as Sugababes will be pushing all the right buttons before Michael Ball and Alfie Boe will bring us to our knees with their grand vocals, just two days apart.
Leeds’ leading live music venue, First Direct Arena, has a range of shows available with tickets and a full 2025 line up so far all available HERE.
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.
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.
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.
Thomas Melia -
4th February 2025 
