The August Bank Holiday weekend brought with it in tow not just a well-deserved day off work but also the start of the annual Leeds Festival. Tens of thousands of music lovers from all over the world descended upon Bramham Park for the annual three-day event. The likes of Billie Eilish, The Killers, Sam Fender, The 1975 and more are set to grace the festival's many stages throughout the weekend.
And whilst this summer has been a tad damp, with rain overshadowing this traditionally balmy time of year, the question on everyone's lips was is the weather going to hold out for West Yorkshire's mega event. With light rain forecast across the weekend, festival-goers had to decide whether to wear their shorts, wellies, or both. Thankfully, mother-natured smiled upon Bramham Park during what was a glorious opening day of the festival.
A stellar and incredibly diverse lineup scattered music lovers to the four corners of Bramham Park. Fans set up shop in front of the main stage east from early in the day to secure their spot for the evening's headliner, as Billie Eilish fever swept over the festival site.
Of course, it was Eilish’s second appearance at Leeds Festival, having previously performed at the event back in 2019, where the artist received a spot in the middle of the bill on the main stage. However, the performer's rapid ascent and the adoration of her die-hard fans as seen the artist return as a headliner in their own right. And based on Billie's career defining performance on Friday evening, it was justifiably so.
There were many highlights from yesterday's proceedings. Steve Lacy wowed the Leeds crowd with his style, infectious tunes and funky yet soulful grooves. Lacy brought an aesthetic that had many around the site comparing the US-based artist to legends such as Prince and Lenny Kravitz.
On the other hand, pop starlet Becky Hill drew an enormous crowd on the main stage west. Flanked by a troupe of backing dancers and armed with an arsenal of dance anthems, Becky put on a show that showed that the UK songstress is ready to step up to headliner status. Thousands of fans watched the star, with many attempting to get a glimpse of the artist from the shoulders of their friends.
One noticeable absence from yesterday’s proceedings with Lil Tjay. With a large crowd positioned in front of the main stage west, anticipation began to build for the
rapper's arrival, only for a message to appear on the side screens declaring that the artist would not be performing as he had been unable to get to the site. However, as the old saying goes the show must go on, and part of the artist's touring entourage took to the stage and performed an impromptu hip-hop set from behind the decks.
For the rock fans, high-energy performances from acts like Don Broco and Hot Milk were the kinds of explosive live sets that were built to be performed in front of a festival audience. For Manchester's Hot Milk, their show was a party in more ways than one as the group celebrated the release of their brand new album, which came out on Friday.
With so much going on around Bramham Park on Friday, the Leeds Festival punters were truly spoilt for choice. And they can expect more of the same today, as the event continues with North East-based headliner Sam Fender and indie rock outfit Foals topping Saturday evening's proceedings.
Check out more pictures from the event:
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