This year's Leeds Festival is shaping up to be another belter as even more acts have been added to the R&L lineup for 2025.
While the biggest named heading to Reading and Leeds has already been confirmed, with the second wave having officially dropped back in February, the annual music and culture festival has now released a third.
More than 80 additional artists have been added to the Leeds Fest lineup this summer, with the return of The Aux Stage, as well as a flurry of other famous names from the entertainment world.
We have a feeling this year is going to be another turn up for the books.
Announced on Friday, 20 June, former Little Mix star turned solo artist Leigh-Anne joins the likes of Skye Newman, Waterparks, Demae, Still Woozy, Bartees Strange and more gracing the R&L fields.
Leeds also has the exclusive bonus of being the only city that gets to see rising British-Malaysian alt pop star, Chloe Qisha, who is making some serious waves here in the UK.
Perhaps the most exciting action, we would argue, is once again taking place over on the BBC Introducing stage, formerly playing to host everyone from Ed Sheeran and Bombay Bicycle Club to the likes of Wunderhorse, more recently.
On the subject of ever-growing post-punk and grungey, guitar-driven bands, another name playing that very same stage has caught attention: Keo, who have already been dubbed 'the next Wunderhorse.'
Nxdia, Brummy boys Overpass, and Sunday are other ones to try and make time for if you can, and there's even an extended list of non-music acts, including US comedian and social media personality, Brittany Broski (debut), as well as JaackMaate’s Happy Hour podcast.
Speaking on the third wave, Melvin Benn - Managing Director of Festival Republic - said: "Reading & Leeds never stands still. We’re always listening to the audience and thinking of how to deliver the value and experiences that they demand."
"This summer, we’re adding a new underground electronic stage at both sites and boosting our late-night offering for those who want to dance into the early hours...
"Our free, overhauled camping options are also really resonating. With nearly half of Leeds weekend ticket holders having already signed up and Reading close behind, our investment in elevating what general camping at UK festivalscan be is paying off."
"To have a weekend with historic headline moments like Chappell Roan, alongside emerging talent and influential voices, I am proud of R&L’s continued development, and I can’t wait to see fans embracing it all."
Get ready for an out-of-this-world experience Leeds.
The mobile planetarium will be popping up at Millennium Square where visitors can explore the wonders of the universe this summer.
Planetarium Go UK will arrive just next month, promising immersive astronomy and science-based experiences using the latest technology to capture the stunning far reaches of space.
The attraction employs high-resolution digital projections all housed within an impressive portable dome structure and will screen a programme of films for visitors of all ages.
Image: Supplied
From Friday 4 until Wednesday 26 September, Planetarium Go UK will host screenings every day between 11am and 6pm Sunday to Friday and 10am to 8pm on Saturdays.
José Jiménez, CEO of Planetarium Go UK said: “Our objective is clear: to bring science to places where it has not reached before.
“We want children, young people and families to enjoy an immersive experience that sparks scientific curiosity and brings the universe closer to everyday life, regardless of where they live.”
Image: Supplied
The planetarium is part of the programme of summer events which have taken place on Millennium Square this year, including another belting series of concerts and performances which attracted audiences of thousands.
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for economy, said: “Millennium Square continues to host an exciting and diverse programme of events and activities at the heart of the city centre each and every year and this summer has been no exception.
“Giving families the opportunity to explore the fascinating wonders of space and astronomy will be an incredible experience and will hopefully help to inspire the next generation of young scientists in Leeds.”
Tickets for Planetarium Go UK are priced from £8 and you can find out more and buy your tickets here.
Inside the Leeds factory that makes and supplies classic jukeboxes
Thomas Melia
This Leeds-based family-owned business is famed for supplying pubs, clubs and even ordinary people's homes with classic jukeboxes.
Started up in 1978, Sound Leisure really is a local business like no other, creating and distributing classic jukeboxes to over 40 countries.
This music-machine-making company notes that 75% of the jukeboxes they manufacture and sell throughout the year are bought for everyday homes.
The remaining 25% of orders are for the all-expected hospitality venues like bars, clubs and hotels, with the jukeboxes sometimes bought for company headquarters and retail outlets too.
Although there are other jukebox manufacturers, especially across the pond in the US, Sound Leisure is the only factory in the world that creates jukeboxes to play out across all formats: CD, vinyl and digital.
This jukebox business even runs the world's only 'Custom Shop', which is a design service that offers any music lovers the chance to personalise their pristine player.
So whether you're after a themed jukebox, customisable nameplate or even a bespoke design, this jukebox company's website states: "If you can dream it, we can build it".
One of Sound Leisure's prized products is the music machine inspired Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band-themed jukebox which any fan of The Beatles would dream of being its lucky owner.
And there really isn't anything they can't do, as alongside creating classic jukeboxes, the same team even make pinball machines, football tables, LED signs and more.
With CD and vinyl jukeboxes from £5,000 and digital jukeboxes quoted from upwards of £12,000, we're going to need a fair few rainy days to save up our money.
However, you can still marvel at these magnificent music machines without having to dip into your savings, with guided tours starting from just £15.
If you're up for learning a little bit more about music technology or simply after admiring these classic jukeboxes in all their glory, you can find out more about the factory and book your guided tour ticket HERE.
Danny Jones -
20th June 2025 
