Blossoms were the third instalment of Sounds of the City 2023 and they did not let the torrential rainy skies dampen their electric performance.
Let me set the scene for you, as soon as the Stockport lads hit the stage the Manchester rain followed.
The band effortlessly swaggered their way onto the stage, dressed head-to-toe in top clobber and of course accompanied by beautifully conditioned locks. The aura they generate is simply infatuating.
Image credit: The Hoot Leeds
Tom reached for his mic and his beautiful Mancunian tones said: "We are Blossoms from Stockport, are you ready to have a good time?", the crowd roared. Wiping the rain from our cheeks, we've never been more ready.
Kicking off the set with 'Your Girlfriend' was just what we needed - hands flying, rain mac heads bobbing, it was official the Stockport lads were in town. Their setlist followed with classic bangers 'Charlemagne', 'Oh No (I Think I’m In Love)' and 'The Keeper'. A great journey through their four studio albums.
Image credit: Millennium Square Leeds
Tom went on to make a special shoutout to Leeds' best-working men's club The Brudenell, "It's been nine years since we first performed in Leeds, playing The Brudenell Social. Big up owner Nathan, we've got a lot of fond memories".
'Ode to NYC' was next, a song the Blossoms were approached to write for a new upcoming film on Netflix before it was "sacked off". Although the deal didn't go through the song was "just too good not to make the album" and we couldn't agree more.
Image credit: Millennium Square Leeds
If I had to pick the best chart-topper of the night it would have to be "How Long Will This Last". The band were on top form, the sky was grey and everyone looked like drowned rats - definitely one for the history books.
All of this wouldn't have been complete without their support act, indie legend Mr Miles Kane. Who got the most lovely reception from the crowd. I heard a few men talking behind me saying "I don't know who this guy is but he's bloody brilliant".
Miles even whipped out The Last Shadow Puppets 'Standing Next to Me'. An album that is close to any Kane and Alex Turner fans.
Image credit: The Hoot Leeds
On behalf of everyone at the gig I think it's fair to say we were all pretty soggy. For the few that rallied the rain for a beverage it was obvious Nation of Shopkeepers was the place (shoutout). These guys kept everyone warm, watered and the spirits high playing Blossoms regularly throughout the venue.
And just like that, my night was over on the most gorgeous damp Blossoms high which will not be drying off for a few days alongside my blazer I used as a shelter for my body from the rain.
US pop star Conan Gray and BRIT award winner Jacob Alon join the line-up for Lewis Capaldi's headline date at Roundhay Festival.
Leeds' Roundhay Park is welcoming back live music to its grounds this summer for two outdoor gigs headlined by Lewis Capaldi and Pitbull titled Roundhay Festival, with special guests slowly being announced.
Gray is recognised for standout tracks like 'Heather' and 'Maniac' while Alon has built a cult following of fans around their indie tunes like 'Fairy in a Bottle' as well as 'Liquid Gold 25'.
Jacob Alon has been showing off their artistry within the indie music scene thanks to their 2025 LP In Limerence catching the attention of many in the process.
This album has gone onto attract widespread love from music listeners and even industry professionals bagging themselves their first-ever BRIT award nomination and win - The Critics' Choice award.
Conan Gray AND Jacob Alon join Lewis Capaldi's Roundhay Festival line-up / Credit: Supplied via Press Shots
Conan Gray started out covering other artists hits before creating some of his own and releasing debut studio album Kid Krow back in 2020.
The project has production credits shared between Gray and Dan Nigro, Grammy-winning producer who has worked with Chappell Roan, Olivia Rodrigo, Lorde and more.
It's always exciting hearing updates like these, but this one is even more impressive as it's not just one stellar act joining the Roundhay Festival line-up but two, with further acts to be announced.
The almost 70,000 crowd who are heading down to Roundhay Festival when Lewis Capaldi makes his way to Leeds next summer are going to be blessed with some phenomenal live music.
This year marks American Express Presents Roundhay Festival first year with two star-studded dates fronted by powerhouse performers with the second show fronted by Pitbull and special guest Kesha.
These events have been organised with Leeds City Council and are expected to bring benefits to the local area by employing local suppliers, staff and boost spending on accommodation, food and entertainment.
Conan Gray and Jacob Alon will play alongside Lewis Capaldi at Roundhay Festival in Leeds on Saturday 4 July 2026 with tickets available HERE.
Turnstile to play their only UK headline show this year at Halifax Piece Hall
Clementine Hall
Turnstile will headline the Halifax Piece Hall this summer, their only UK headline show.
The Grammy-winning hardcore group have just announced a very special show at historic venue the Halifax Piece Hall.
As part of the venue's huge summer season, Turnstile will take to the stage on Wednesday 26 August marking a whopping 41 shows at the Piece Hall's calendar so far.
The group pulled huge crowds at Glastonbury festival last year and scooped up two Grammy Awards earlier this month, using their platform to thank fans who "swung in the dark" with them.
Nicky Chance-Thompson MBE DL FRSA, CEO of The Piece Hall Trust, says: “2026 will see Turnstile playing at some of the world’s most iconic festivals and then here in Halifax at UK’s most iconic heritage venue.”
“We always aim to deliver for the full spectrum of music lovers in Calderdale and knowing how passionate our rock and metal community is, this gig will be off the scale – truly unmissable!”
Alongside Turnstile, Halifax Piece Hall will welcome the likes of Hollywood Vampires, Paul Weller, Bowling For Soup, Skunk Anansie, Garbage, Empire of the Sun, Sex Pistols, Mcfly, CMAT and Jimmy Eat World this summer. What a season it's going to be.
Baltimore’s hardcore heroes will head to West Yorkshire to play TK Maxx presents Live at The Piece Hall on Wednesday August 26.
Tickets go on sale this Friday 27 February at 10am, and you can get your tickets here.
Find out more about what's going on at the Halifax Piece Hall this summer here.
Fran Mallinson -
9th July 2023 
