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Sounds of the City kicks off with incredible performance from McFly
Kicking off the 2023 Sounds of the City, McFly took to the stage in Millennium square and wowed the people of Leeds with a nostalgic and energetic performance.
Kicking off the 2023 Sounds of the City, McFly took to the stage in Millennium square and wowed the people of Leeds with a nostalgic and energetic performance.
Doors opened to the first summer performance at 6pm sharp and people started pouring into the square to get those front spots. A sea of cowboy hats and band t-shirts, the energy from the get-go was just electric.
The huge outdoor venue saw a few minutes of rain but not enough to dampen the spirits of the evening to come.
Credit: Millenium Square
Ahead of the gig, a message flashed on the screen which read: “Raise your glowsticks and phone torches during Star Girl in memory of Kel.” Kel, a very well-known fan of the band passed away earlier this year and with her mum among the crowd this tribute was very heartfelt.
The first of the two support acts took to the stage as the eager crowd still poured into the venue. Skinny Living, a three-piece English indie soul band from Wakefield, were the perfect energy to start the evening. The velvety tones of lead singer Danny rang around the square harmonising beautifully with his fellow band mates.
Credit: skinnyliving.co.uk
Next up was the pop band New Hope Club which I think it would be fair to describe them as a 'mini McFly'. By that, I mean you can really see this band having the same success as the headliners, their music and stage presence matching the early days of McFly.
There was then a short break so we grabbed some food from one of The Hoot's favourites, Spud and Bros, and a drink from the bar. I have to say the prices were reasonable, less than £6 for a pint, which in this day and age, I can't knock.
Punctual as ever, McFly burst on the stage at 9pm sharp with the same energy they've kept up for the last two decades. I have to say it's very impressive, as someone who has watched these four lads since 2004 you always know what your getting and that's a sparkling performance.
Credit: Millenium Square
All eyes were on band member Dougie as he jumped onto the stage in baggy white dungarees and no top on underneath them. It’s fair to say you could hear the longing screams across Leeds, and that was just from me.
Credit: Millenium Square
They opened the show with a song from their brand new album 'Where did all the guitars go?' and even those in the crowd there for the classics loved it. From that point onwards it was all dancing, singing and synchronised hand clapping.
Making their way through the 14-song set list, the band had smiles on every face in the crowd as they jumped across the huge stage. While they included a few of their newer songs they kept us OG's happy with all the best classics. 'Obviously' had everyone with their hands in the air and singing along to the 20 year old tune (that makes me feel old).
They ended the set with my personal favourite song 'Star Girl' and of course the crowd absolutely loved it, leg kicking all over the place. The song was dedicated to super fan Kel who sadly passed away earlier this year, lead singer Tom Fletcher said a few kind words and the crowd held there glow-sticks high in the sky for Kel.
With a big thank you to everyone for coming, the four lads waved there goodbyes as a very grateful crowd clapped and cheered.
I know what you're thinking, no mention of everyone's favourite wedding song, there must be an encore. The band reappeared and the opening melody of 'All About You' sent gasps around the square.
To everyone's surprise and pure delight, the cheering continues as those famous lyrics echoed around the venue, 'She's got a lip ring and five colours in her hair'. There wasn't one person in that square not singing along to the iconic song that opened many a primary school discos.
And with that, the opening night of Sounds of the City came to an end. Although despite my best efforts my evening didn't end with Dougie and I sharing a takeaway pizza and reminiscing about the good old days, it was a really wonderful evening.
Bastille, The Wombats, Shed Seven, Morrissey, Blossoms and Kasabian will all be taking to the stage over the next fortnight at Millennium Square. While a couple of shows are sold out, you can still get your hands on tickets for others.
Feature Image - Millennium Square
News
A Leeds-based theatre company are spreading awareness on the aftermath of spiking
From nights out to trips to the beach, Rebel Roots Theatre Company's latest production explores how spiking can change lives and why young people need to hear its message.
Imagine heading out with your mates, having what should be a brilliant night, only for one decision to change everything.
It's an uncomfortable thought, but it's one that Leeds-based Rebel Roots Theatre Company is bringing to the forefront with Aftermath, a play written by Lottie Burns that explores the devastating impact of spiking on individuals and their families.
At the centre of the story is Layla, a young woman preparing to leave home for university, and her father, David, who must confront the realities of women's safety as his daughter prepares to start a new chapter.
But Layla isn't the only one affected. Her brother Ethan is also spiked by his own friends during a trip to the beach, opening up another side to a conversation that often focuses predominantly on women.
His experience challenges the assumption that spiking is exclusively a women's issue, highlighting how men can also become victims, sometimes at the hands of people they trust. It raises important questions about male friendships, peer pressure and the way harmful behaviour can be dismissed as a joke.
Written by Burns while studying at Leeds Conservatoire, the play was inspired by growing concerns about spiking in 2021 and the way these fears were changing women's experiences of nights out.
Through Layla, Ethan and their father, David, Aftermath looks beyond the incident itself to explore its wider consequences, from damaged relationships to the difficult conversations that follow.
And it's exactly why this production deserves to reach young people in colleges and universities.
For many, heading to university means newfound independence, making new friends and experiencing student nightlife for the first time. Taking Aftermath into educational settings could help open young people's eyes to the realities of spiking, encouraging conversations around consent, trust, peer pressure and supporting those affected.
Rather than simply telling students to watch their drinks, the production offers an opportunity to understand the human consequences through a story they can connect with. It could also challenge audiences to reconsider their own behaviour and recognise when something that seems like a joke can have serious consequences.
The project has also received support from anti-spiking organisation CounterSpike. Rebel Roots Theatre Company is passionate about taking theatre beyond traditional venues, bringing new writing and important stories into pubs, community spaces and other accessible settings.
Ultimately, Aftermath is about more than one night out. It's about trust, family and the lasting impact of experiences that can affect anyone.
And if bringing this story into a college or university helps even one young person rethink their actions or better understand what someone else might go through, it's a conversation worth having.
We’re sure this production will enjoy another run thanks to its important message and core values. But if you want to catch it for yourself, you can see it this Saturday, 24 October, at The Attic in Leeds. It’s a pay-what-you-can event, starting at 7:30 pm, so don’t miss out.
Featured image - Supplied
News
A new bar dedicated to Guinness and games is coming to Leeds city centre
Clementine Hall
Expect live music, a load of craic and plenty of Guinness at Leeds' brand-new bar.
Opening on Leeds' bustling Merrion Street, 'Love, Jackie' is the latest concept from the team behind Roxy Ball Room and King Pins.
Love, Jackie will be taking over a 7,000 sq ft space,and will be promising proper prints, late nights and plenty of Irish charm.
Pouring will be the holy trinity of Irish stouts - Guinness, Beamish and Murphy's.
Image: Supplied
These will be served alongside Leeds' own Kirkstall Virtuous IPA and a vast whiskey selection that celebrates the best of Ireland.
Games wise, try your hand at crazy pool, interactive darts, shuffleboard and karaoke. There will also be live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
The opening comes as Merrion Street enjoys a new wave of investment and hospitality openings, helping bring new life to one of Leeds' best known night life attractions.
Image: Supplied
Matt Jones, CEO of Professionals at Play, said: “Everyone knows a Jackie. She’s the one who gets everyone together, convinces you to stay for another and makes sure there’s never a dull moment.
“We wanted to create a pub with that same personality. Somewhere with brilliant drinks, live music, plenty of games and the kind of atmosphere that makes you forget you were only popping in for one.
“Merrion Street is coming back to life, and we’re excited to be part of its next chapter. We think Jackie will fit right in. And because Jackie’s never been one to turn up empty-handed, the first drink’s on her."
We'll keep you updated on opening times as and when we find out, but for now you can sign up here for a pint of free Guinness. Cheers to that!
Abbie Bartlett -
7th July 2023 
