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.
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.
An independent one-day festival run by local businesses is returning to Leeds this summer
Clementine Hall
Bramley’s independent festival is back after a sell-out first year.
Three local businesses, no corporate sponsor, one big day.
That's the motto of Mill Fest - an indie festival returning to Swinnow Grange Mills in Bramley after a sell-out debut that brought more than 600 people through the gates.
Mill Fest began as a shared idea between three Bramley businesses who fancied putting on a proper day out for the area, and we're so glad they did.
Last August it turned Swinnow Grange Mills into a full day of live music, street food, flash tattoos, market stalls and cold pints in the sun. We can't think of a better way to spend the day to be honest.
Images: Supplied
This year Mill Fest is back and taking place on Sunday 2 August, and the plan is simple - keep what made it work and build on it.
There will be a full day of live music, the return of the flash tattoo day, more independent traders, street food and local beer. This time the team is keen to bring in more businesses and faces from around the area, and the full lineup and programme will be announced over the coming weeks.
Images: Supplied
Owen Wilson from Against the Grain Bar said: “We started this because we wanted to put something on for Bramley, run by the people who actually work here. Last year went better than any of us expected. The place was full, the sun came out, and it felt like the whole area showed up. We can’t wait to do it again.”
Danae Miller from Grays Salon said: "The aim for this year is the same day people loved, just a bit bigger. We’d love to get more local businesses and artists involved, and to see even more familiar faces down at the mill. If we get the weather, it’ll be another one to remember.”
Fran Mallinson -
9th July 2023 
