From the streets of Leeds to the stunning surroundings of Temple Newsam, Live at Leeds in the Park returns for its second year with another incredible lineup that showcases the biggest and newest names in indie music. Having such a great success in their first year in 2022, the return of the festival has been very welcomed by revellers.
With the festivals sister event, In The City already a much talked about yearly event, the organisers are hoping to gain the same reputation for In The Park for all the summer revellers. The line-up shows the growth of the festival, 2022 was always going to be hard to follow when you take a look back but this year has certainly been knocked right out the park. I’ll be taking a look at some of the must see bands across the whole day and take a discussing the to do’s between them as the festival has some nice gems to see.
First up it’s a little look for the early birds who come to the grounds - The Lottery Winners taking to the Cockpit Stage following on from their recent number one album success. Anxiety Replacement Therapy was a well deserved top spot record and you will see exactly why when they take to the stage. The live performance from this band is always one you will remember and to see them on so early in the day is really a treat in itself as this band are quickly heading their way up bills straight to the top. Expect to hear bangers from their number one plus a dip into the early days that’s shaped the route to the bands current success.
Next is all female setup, Prima Queen. The indie/alt due from Chicago & Bristol are gaining well deserved attention for their nostalgic story telling with light-hearted lyrical imagery, their bitter-sweet and gritty style. Reading other reviews about the due gives the instant impression that they leave a mark wherever they play as they charm crowds the length of the country. From their debut single Milk Teeth in 2019 to their recent EP Not The Baby that only landed in early May, the duo have been on an incredible journey that’s saw great joy come their way gaining a very loyal and large fan base. Catch them on the Dork Stage from 5:15.
For me, Kate Nash is an icon in music. Since her debut record, Made of Bricks in 2007, she has won the hearts of many over the years with countless elite songs - I mean who doesn’t know word for word the lyrics to Foundations? With two singles already dropped last year, it’s great to see Kate back on the festival circuit again and all I can picture in my head is the perfect mid afternoon set with the sun shining down on the stage, it would be the nicest thing (pun absolutely intended)
Outwith the incredible bands there is so much more this festival has to offer away from the stages - with an incredible line-up of guest brewers in the Craft Ale Tent you’ll absolutely want to wash down all the amazing food you have to choose from the endless lines of vendors from Kebabs to burgers, the very best vegan dishes and even a Yorkshire wrap. If seeing bands isn’t enough, you can even pop over to meet your hero’s in person at the signing tent - with names such as Black Honey & DMA’s already confirmed to appear. Leeds’s very own iconic record store, Crash Records will even be along for the day with their own pop-up shop when you can buy records from bands on the bill to some hidden gems, the staff in this store are always provide the best so be sure to check them out!
We now turn the attentions to the later sets and a look over at the DIY stage. Liverpool rockers Crawlers return to play Live at Leeds having landing an absolute killer set at In The City only just last year and to see them so high up the bill is a testament to the bands hard work. Since their foundation in 2018, the band have grown into one of the most lovable bands in music. They went viral gaining hundreds of new fans in 2021 as single Come Over (Again) blew up on TikTok. Since then things have been crazy for the 4-piece and having only recent played their hometown city for Eurovision, they embark on another jam packed festival season.
Australian heroes DMA’s always know how to work a festival crowd - regardless of stage or what time they play, they bring the highest level each time. Since their start, I’ve absolutely loved watching this band live and this festival will be no different. 4 albums under their belt and their most recent landing 3 top 5 chart finishes in the U.K., Scotland alone and Australia - despite this being their most adventures record yet, they have produced something special as they always do.
In their Cockpit set you can expect the full DMA’s experience, with tracks assuming from all 4 records spread over 7 years of countless success. Frontman Tommy O’Dell works the crowd in a spectacular way that just reels you in, in the best way of course - his voice and stage presence teamed with the special sound of his band, the feeling of watching this band life certainly lays in your memory for good - I’ll even make the statement that they are genuinely one of the greatest live bands to grace any stage.
Live at Leeds is set to be a special day. I’ve only given my top five bands to see however this lineup is rammed with the best music has to offer from big to small and everything in between - that’s the beauty of these festivals, you may find the next headliner.
