More about: Live At Leeds

“Every year when festival season comes round, we’re like ‘fucking get in!’” ruminates Sam of Opus Kink, merely minutes after the Brighton six-piece opened the second iteration of Live At Leeds In The Park. Yorkshire is treated to glorious sunshine this bank holiday weekend, and revellers are in high spirits with the exceptional weather: the sun beats down on Temple Newsham, summer is just around the corner and festival season is in full swing, with L@L kicking us off in some style. 

Mancunians The Lottery Winners play an early set on the main stage, they’re triumphant - off the back of Anxiety Replacement Theory reaching number 1 in the charts the band are basking in the glow of their fans and the beaming Yorkshire sunshine. Sooner rather than later, this band will be occupying festival sets much higher up the bill. TLW are followed quickly on the main stage by Black Honey, who kick things up a notch: their blend of powerful riff-heavy rock, and sing-along indie, Black Honey are a band tailor-made for days like today.

Next, we find ourselves in Rolling Stones’ Big Top stage; a huge blue tent that offered much-needed shade to punters, but also an exciting lineup of indie rock noise. The Beths are next up on the bill, the New Zealanders play a rousing set to a backdrop of a giant inflatable fish. They don’t take themselves too seriously - they are clearly having the time of their lives on stage, and their unbridled joy is projected onto the crowd. 

Kate Nash is an early highlight, bringing her unique brand of indie pop-rock to the main stage. Of course, the crowd absolutely lap up ‘Foundations’, but there is great appreciation for all of Nash’s work, both new and old. Dork’s Left & Right stages are the home of new, up-and-coming bands - the stages are aligned side by side, so as one band plays the next loads-in and soundchecks. As the afternoon sun begins to cool, DEADLETTER takes to the left stage and blow away a small-but-enthusiastic crowd with their post-punk-with-brass sound. They draw on Windmill/Speedy Wunder bands like Squid and BC,NR, but DEADLETTER have a knack for writing ultra catchy tunes. These are absolutely one to watch in future. 

Live At Leeds In The Park is a joyous day in the sun, but the event isn’t without hiccups. There are persistent sound issues in The Big Top, with The Big Moon and Maximo Park seeming to have issues with their in-ear monitors, plus many of the sets ended up being 10-15 minutes late. Neither of these factors detracted from superb music though; The Big Moon are a perfect summer sunshine band and their songs suit this environment to a tee. The same can be said of Maximo Park, who packs out The Big Top for a hefty slice of Geordie indie rock. 

Crawlers are another highlight, their set on the DIY Stage is totally packed, with screaming, adoring fans being heard cheering for their favourites from across the site. Regular guitarist Amy was unavailable for Live At Leeds, but that didn’t stop Crawlers from blowing the canvas roof off the DIY tent. Their appeal is universal, drawing a crowd of all ages for a rousing set. 

One of the moments of Live At Leeds was the back-to-back sets of Enola Gay and Panic Shack on Dork’s Left and Right stages. Enola Gay delivered a face-meltingly heavy set of Irish emo-punk. Drawing on metal and hardcore influences, their lyrics are personal and sensitive, whilst also being political and brash. An excellent combo as the sun begins to set and the Leeds skyline turns a shockingly beautiful mirage of red, orange and purple. Panic Shack, however, steals the show. The Welsh five-piece deliver a blistering set of songs about meal deals, icky boyfriends and everything in between. Whilst the crowds at Dork’s stage had been sparse at points, Panic Shack drew the stage’s largest crowd, inspiring a chaotic mosh-pit for set closer ‘Who’s Got My Lighter’. As the beer-soaked masses made their way out of the stage, you can’t help but be totally charmed by Panic Shack - another exciting young band who are surely destined for big things. 

The Hives and Two Door Cinema Club close out Live At Leeds In The Park in some style: both of these bands are hardened festival veterans at this point, with The Hives especially being pros at whipping crowds into a frenzy. By the time Two Door took to the stage, the Leeds crowd was fit to burst, and showed their love and appreciation for the group. Two Door’s classic indie bangers go down a treat, and the cuts from the new record ‘Keep on Smiling’ are cheered with just as much love. 

Overall, a stunner of a day in Leeds. Whilst sound and scheduling troubles were present, the glorious sunshine and quality bands more than made up for any misgivings. Fabulous food, beer and music made Live At Leeds one hell of a way to open up the festival season.

See all the shots, captured by Abbi Draper-Scott:

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More about: Live At Leeds