Leeds has been named one of the best cities in the UK to see live music this autumn.
For those of you who thrive on feeling the bass run through your veins whilst sipping on a warm pint in a plastic cup, this is news you could've only hoped for.
A new study carried out by SeatPick examined the UK's biggest towns and cities to find the best spots for gig-goers based on both venue numbers and scheduled events per 100,000 people in each location.
Brighton took the top spot, with an impressive 89 out of 100 in the index study, based on the city being home to 40.14 venues per 100,000 people, combined with 117.42 upcoming music events per 100,000 residents.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Our friends over in Manchester came in fourth place scoring 76.83, with 20.45 venues and 124.76 events per 100,000 residents.
London came in fifth place, whereas our very own Leeds came in tenth...listen, it's not the best but out of fifty locations across the country we'll absolutely take it.
Leeds scored 66.74 with 14.54 venues and 72.54 per 100,000 residents. But we'd argue it's the quality of our venues that make Leeds the best.
From the incredible and iconic Brudenell Social Club to independent venues like The Wardrobe, we've got plenty of banging spots to see a huge selection of live music.
Gilad Zilberman, CEO of SeatPick, commented on the findings: “Brighton taking the top spot highlights just how important grassroots venues and a thriving events calendar are for keeping live music alive in the UK.
"The city offers music lovers more opportunities than anywhere else to discover new artists and enjoy unforgettable nights out. It’s great to see places like Cambridge, Glasgow, and Manchester also celebrated, showing that the UK’s live music culture is thriving well beyond London.”
Yard Act are back as they announce first round of UK headline dates since 2024.
We are so, so back.
It's been a few years, but Yard Act have just announced a small selection of UK gigs for later in the year including a homecoming gig at the O2 Academy on Friday 6 November.
The dates follow the band’s first show of the year at the 6Music Festival this Friday across The Pennines in Manchester.
After Leeds, the lads will be performing shows at the O2 Victoria Warehouse on Friday 13 November before making their way down south to the O2 Academy in Brixton on Thursday 26 November.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Yard Act completed the touring for their critically acclaimed second album Where’s My Utopia? with a victory lap back home at the 5000 capacity Millennium Square in Leeds in August 2024.
It was a record that brought a stark change of pace to the acerbic, post-punk of their debut, embracing something altogether more playful and bringing a different energy. It shifted the dynamic on stage too, with the addition of dancing backing singers and additional musicians and openly challenged listeners to reconsider who they thought Yard Act were.
Since then, the band have remained active, whether writing Where’s My Utopia’s follow-up on scratching the itch to get back on stage, heading out across the UK and Europe with The Hives, which was preceded by an intimate one-off show at Blackpool Tower last May.
Following a lengthy stint in the studio, the band now look to the Autumn for three big UK dates and we cannot wait.
Tickets go on artist presale from 10am on Wednesday 25 March before hitting general sale at 10am on Friday 27 March. Sign up here.
Myles Smith announces HUGE arena gig in Leeds this year
Thomas Melia
Singer-songwriter Myles Smith has just announced his biggest headline tour and is set to play a huge arena gig in Leeds this year.
Quit ‘Stargazing’ and get ready to fight for tickets as Myles Smith has just announced he’ll be visiting Leeds later this year for his biggest arena gig to date.
Known for hits like ‘Nice To Meet You’, ‘Stay (If You Wanna Dance)’ and ‘Wait For You’, this BRIT School graduate is now heading on the road for some headline shows across the UK.
Recognised for his folk-pop sound, Smith has built quite a name for himself just three or so years into his career, with solo efforts and a few collaborations under his belt.
Myles Smith is heading to First Direct Bank Arena, Leeds, on tour this year / Credit: Press shots (supplied)
Recently, the Luton-born artist collaborated with some well-known names like Shaboozey on their track ‘Blink Twice’ and even features on a new single from former One Direction member Niall Horan titled ‘Drive Safe’.
It was only last year that the ‘Stargazing’ songwriter visited Leeds, bringing his high-energy hits to O2 Academy back in February.
Now, Smith is ready to tackle an arena crowd and has chosen Leeds First Direct Bank Arena and is expected to raise the roof when 13,500 fans flock to the star’s show this winter.
Titled after his upcoming album My Mess, My Life, My Heart, Smith will be playing a variety of well-known and brand new hits when he makes his way up North.
Fans who are signed up to the official artist presale can get exclusive access to tickets from Wednesday, 25 March at 10am, with the window closing on Friday, 27 March at 9am.
Meanwhile, general admission tickets go live by 10 am that same Friday (27 Mar).
Myles Smith is embarking on his ‘My Mess, My Life, My Heart’ tour this winter and visiting First Direct Bank Arena, Leeds on Sunday 8 November – tickets and more info HERE.
Clementine Hall -
30th September 2025 
