Roundhay Festival: Major New Music Festival Coming to Leeds

Leeds is set to welcome a huge new addition to its cultural calendar next summer, as Roundhay Festival is announced for the city’s iconic Roundhay Park.

The festival is organised in partnership with global live music promoters AEG Presents (the team behind London’s BST Hyde Park and All Points East) – promises to bring some of the biggest names in music back to one of Europe’s largest city parks. The first headliner announcement is expected as soon as next week.

A legendary setting

Roundhay Park has long been part of Leeds’ live music story, having hosted superstar artists including Madonna, The Rolling Stones, U2, and Michael Jackson. In 2019, Ed Sheeran played to almost 80,000 fans in the park, showing just how special this space is for major live events.

Council leader James Lewis described the new festival as a “wonderful showcase” for Leeds, raising the city’s profile nationally and internationally while also delivering an important boost to the local economy.

More than music

Alongside huge headliners, Roundhay Festival will feature a midweek programme of free activities to celebrate local talent, encourage wider use of the park, and create opportunities for everyone to enjoy the atmosphere.

A partnership with Roundhay School will also provide students with a hands-on opportunity to explore careers in live music and event management, offering valuable skills and insights into the creative industries.

The festival will collaborate with local suppliers and staff, ensuring benefits are felt throughout the city, from accommodations and hospitality to independent food and drink.

A boost for Leeds

Councillor Lewis added:

“The park is a fabulous setting for concerts, as legendary artists like Madonna, U2, and The Rolling Stones will know from their own fondly remembered appearances there. Roundhay Festival will act as a wonderful showcase for our city… I’m sure music fans across the region and beyond will agree with me when I say, roll on next summer.”

With capacity rumoured to be at nearly 70,000 people, Roundhay Festival will be one of the biggest live music events in the North of England – cementing Leeds as a city that knows how to put on a show.

Images below are from OnRoundhay, a one-day festival held in 2016 in partnership with John Lewis. The event took over Roundhay Park with performances from bands including James, Primal Scream, and Wolf Alice. It also featured a strong family programme, a food village curated by Leeds Indie Food, and much more.