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.
Stockport-originating band Blossoms have just announced their big return to Leeds Festival, as the four-day music event continues to impress with its stacked line-up.
They might have a 'Joke About Divorce' from time to time but when it comes to entertaining a Leeds Festival crowd, Blossoms take it very seriously, playing at Bramham Park three times in the past decade.
This band have captivated audiences since the rise of standout track 'Charlemagne' and more recently with the addition of their fifth album studio album, Gary, named after an eight-foot-tall gorilla.
Known for always putting on a stellar performance, Tom, Joe, Charlie, Myles and Josh are bringing a brand-new set to Leeds when they pay us a visit this August.
As well as releasing new music, Blossoms are making a big return to Leeds Festival 2026 / Credit: Publicity Picture (Supplied)
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 and more topping the bill.
The Stockport five-piece are featured alongside three other insane artists as 'Special Guests', appearing next to Skepta, Sombr and Role Model.
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.
Although nothing is confirmed yet, this upcoming Leeds Festival set from Blossoms will contain high energy and obviously all their biggest and best bangers from across their four chart topping albums as well as new music.
Leeds Festival 2026 is set to be a belter with the addition of Stockport band Blossoms returning for a fourth time / Credit: Publicity Video (Supplied)
Whether you're there for 'Your Girlfriend' or 'What Can I Say After I'm Sorry', one thing's for sure, you're guaranteed to have an absolutely spectacular night.
Blossoms are making their big return to Leeds Festival 2026 which is taking place from 27 to 30 August at Bramham Park with tickets live HERE.
Dermot Kennedy at First Direct Arena, Leeds – tickets, times, setlist and more for UK tour
Thomas Melia
Irish singer-songwriter Dermot Kennedy is bringing The Weight Of The Woods tour to Leeds for a night of powerful ballads and bangers.
After busking for a considerable time, Kennedy took to streaming platforms to upload his music before dropping notable tracks like 'Power Over Me' and 'Giants'.
Since then, this Irish performer has amassed a total of 9 million monthly listeners and multiple songs with over 100 million streams across three chart-topping albums.
In 2023, Dermot Kennedy teamed up with electronic music group Meduza for a monster of a collaboration titled 'Paradise' which peaked at 5 on the UK Official Charts.
Gig guide | Dermot Kennedy at First Direct Arena, Leeds
Dermot Kennedy UK tour dates
Fri 29 May - Glasgow, UK - OVO Hydro
Sat 30 May - Manchester, UK - AO Arena
Mon 1 June - Cardiff, UK - Utilita Arena
Tue 2 June - Leeds, UK - First Direct Arena
Thu 4 June - Birmingham, UK - Utilita Arena
Fri 5 June - London, UK - The O2
Are there any tickets left for Dermot Kennedy at First Direct Arena?
Hoping for some 'Better Days'? Well maybe that can happen by getting the chance to see Dermot Kennedy live on his latest The Weight Of The Woods tour.
Don't be 'Outnumbered' and grab a ticket or two for Dermot Kennedy on Saturday 30 May at First Direct Arena in Leeds HERE.
What are the stage times for Dermot Kennedy in Leeds?
First Direct Arena has a strict curfew of 11pm, meaning you'll be leaving the venue reminiscing 'An Evening I Will Not Forget' before the sun's up.
Supporting Dermot Kennedy on the night will be Irish three-piece band Amble who will be taking the Leeds crowd on a journey to 'Mary's Pub' and reflecting on 'Schoolyard Days'.
How to get to First Direct Arena
Bus Station
Located on Dyer Street next to Leeds City Bus Station and approx. 15min walk from first direct arena and is wheelchair friendly.
Support and help for any persons with a disability is available as the station is a registered ‘Safe place’ to come into and ask for assistance.
Nearest Bus Stops
Clay Pit Lane
Wade Lane/Lovell Park Road
Woodhouse Lane
Nearest Train Station
Leeds City Station on New Station Street is around a 15min walk from first direct arena and a major hub on the national, regional and local rail network providing connections to a wide variety of destinations.
Parking
There are over 7,500 car parking spaces within a 15-minute walk of the arena. The arena doesn’t have it’s own car park however there are lots of options nearby. To receive 5% off Q Park when attending a show at first direct arena click here
The nearest Car Park with EV charging is located on Albion Street click here.
None of the above car parks are operated by the arena so for questions, queries or comments we ask that you contact the companies directly.
Hiring Bikes in Leeds
If you’re looking to hire a bike in Leeds, here are some of the best options you can try:
Beryl bikes – you’ll find the ‘Leeds City Bikes’ from Beryl stationed throughout the city. These are all e-bikes, and they’re available to hire on a pay-as-you-go basis. It costs £1 to unlock the bikes, and then 16p per minute to use them. We’d say these are great for zipping around the city and getting from A to B.
Talio – for a wider selection of electric bikes to choose from, Talio based at Buslinthorpe Green is a great option. From this company, you can hire cruiser bikes, mountain bikes, and cargo bikes. Prices start from £20 per day for rental, but if you’re hiring for a month or longer you’ll get a good discount.
Fran Mallinson -
9th July 2023 
