Festival Review: Leeds Festival // August 2023
The UK's music enthusiasts came alive, once again for the last big event in the Festival Calendar, the annual Reading and Leeds Festival.
Kicking off on GCSE results day, the extended four-day weekend saw a significant presence of Sam Fender-loving, 'indie' 16-year-olds in attendance. Drenched in football tops, specifically bright yellow Brazil shirts, we can thank Declan McKenna for that and bucket hats, the energy of Bramham Park came alive, and it was evident that TikTok played a pivotal role in attracting a substantial portion of ticket buyers this year.
As Thursday night descended, King No One took to the stage, captivating a whole tent. Even though most of the audience was only familiar with their hit track 'Alcatraz,' the band delivered an impressive performance that ignited the crowds' excitement, setting the tone for the days and nights ahead.
This year's line-up boasted an eclectic array of artists catering to this extremely mixed-bag audience. Ranging from indie groups like Sea Girls and The Snuts to the beats of techno maestro Bicep, and even featuring Global sensations, Billie Eilish and The Killers. This juxtaposition of a line-up would have been something that Leeds Festival lovers would never have imagined back in its first year in 1999. However, this harmonious blend saw artists perfectly fill their allocated spaces with much-loving fans.
The Amazons, took the reins of the festival on the Friday with the somewhat gloomy slot of 12 p.m., proving that the early hours could be just as exciting as the night's crescendo. The performance had older fans in their mid-20s filling with tears from the emotional, acoustic version of the 2017 release In My Mind to new fans falling off shoulders during crowd favourite Black Magic.
Fortunately, the weather held up in our favour all day Friday, despite the predicted rain showers. Regardless of the blue skies outside, Scottish sensation, Joesef, managed to fill the Radio 1 Dance tent, for a beautiful midday performance. His soulful melodies and emotive vocals drew in the early crowd all mesmerised during this sun-soaked hour. The 1 p.m. slot proved to be a perfect canvas for Joesef's genre-blurring artistry, captivating the audience with his blend of R&B and pop. He managed to turn the 'dance' tent into a small piece of intimacy, leaving his touch on those who were there to witness it.
Another big name hailing from Scotland right now, The Snuts played main stage West at the largely popular time of 2 pm. Amidst a sea of Scottish flags and a closed front pit, due to the massive turnout for the four-piece indie band, the outcome wasn't as awe-inspiring as expected for many attendees. While the crowd showcased their allegiance with an abundance of blue and white flags, the absence of the fan-favourite Glasgow left several audience members feeling disheartened. The band's decision to swap their usual customary transition from Fatboy Slim to Robbie Williams' Let Me Entertain You, wasn't entirely well-received either.
As the day rolled on, the front pit at the Main Stage East morphed into a lively array of Brazil football tops, a playful nod to Declan McKenna's TikTok sensation, "Brazil." The Main Stage East turned into a sea of yellow and green shirts, perfectly primed for Bakar's gig. And let me tell you, it worked like magic as Bakar took the stage. Despite their different styles, both Bakar and Declan McKenna had scored big on TikTok, roping in strong, dedicated fanbases.
Over in a cosy tent at the Festival Republic stage the young Scottish buzz, Dylan John Thomas brought all the correct vibes. His set was a whirlwind of perfect lyrics, catchy melodies, and a vocal range that had the crowd hooked. It was a perfect set from beginning to end, from the infectious track 'Jenna' to the well-known track 'Fever,' and every song in between, he drew the crowd in deeper. The girls in particular were smitten, falling head over heels for his magnetic stage presence. It was a sight to behold.
Declan McKenna's journey at Leeds Festival on this immaculate Friday tea time was nothing short of a musical odyssey, from thousands of eyes of the Main Stage to the intimate embrace of the BBC Introducing Stage. The stunning transition showcased his evolution as an artist and his ability to command audiences of all sizes. The main stage performance felt very meticulously crafted and tailored for a vast audience size, whereas his BBC Introducing set felt like a heartfelt tribute to his much-loved, older fans, who have witnessed his artistic growth through the years. During the BBC Introducing set, as McKenna belted out his older tracks, one song in particular, "Listen to Your Friends," struck a powerful chord. With its critique of the Tory government, the song's relevance seemed to resonate more deeply now, than ever before. This performance was a great display of his musical prowess.
Imagine Dragons had been perfectly selected by Reading and Leeds to play just before the Friday headliner, Billie Eilish. The band have performed a few times at Bramham Park and due to them having so many well-known, crowd-rousing anthems, they always go down a treat. As usual, their set was a whirlwind of electrifying energy. However, a moment of unintended amusement emerged when the frontman addressed the audience with a "Hey Reading," instead of Leeds, prompting a mix of laughter and boos from the crowd. The band quickly recovered from the blip and delivered a superb performance full of renowned singles and sincere speeches. Leaving no room for doubts about the band's ability to stir up emotions.
Billie Eilish's commanding performance at Leeds Festival marked an awe-inspiring milestone as the youngest-ever headliner, at just 21 years old. A mere four years prior she played the same festival not long after the release of her debut album, "When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?" The journey to headline status saw her slot being reshuffled due to her rapid ascent to fame. Fast forward to today, and she stands at the pinnacle of the festival, headlining with an artistry that transcends her age and goes beyond her years. Here she is today, taking the festival by storm and showing why she's at the very peak.
Her setlist covered her hits, with her Barbie soundtrack, What Was I Made For being a huge crowd-pleaser. You could feel the emotion in her music, making people dance and tear up all at once. Bringing everyone together—hugs, laughter and tears all around, "Leeds tell the person next to you that you love them," The magic Billie created was just nothing short of incredible, and it was an unforgettable moment for anyone who was there to witness this little piece of history.
Saturday at Leeds Festival unfolded into an exhilarating rollercoaster of experiences, treating attendees to a day filled with techno, R&B, old-school rock, and new indie bangers, but all in all some unforgettable performances. The stage was set in motion by three-piece post-punk band, Bilk's Noon Set, which started slow but blossomed into a great success, attracting an extremely interested audience. Their infectious energy and distinct sound set the tone for the rest of the day.
Canadian rockers Mother Mother took the spotlight at 2:10 pm, gracing a packed tent, full of sweat. During their dynamic set, they shared their observation that UK crowds are notably "louder" than others, a statement that seemed to fuel the already animated audience. As their music reverberated through the tent, it was evident that the relationship between the band and the crowd was nothing short of electric, creating an almost unexplainable atmosphere of unity and shared excitement.
Mother Mother's guitarist, Ryan, spoke to me after and shared how he thinks the UK crowds are "a little more feral," than other countries across the world and how "it is nice to see people express their passion," which we both agreed the crowd turnout at Leeds did do.
Up next at a surprisingly early slot of 4:45 p.m. was Wet Leg. They emerged as an undeniable highlight of the festival, delivering a performance that was equal parts captivating and surreal. Their on-stage presence possessed an almost cult-like quality, resulting in an entire sea of audience members screaming in unison. The energy reached its peak when they unleashed their hit track "Wet Dream," which was met with uproar from a crowd that had embraced it, partly due to Harry Styles' well-received cover. It was a goosebump-inducing moment, a testament to the band's undeniable talent and how far they have come in just a year.
As the afternoon sun began its descent, Bicep took to the main stage at 5:35 pm, drawing a mixed crowd that included many newcomers to the world of techno. The juxtaposition of their vibrant beats against the backdrop of an open stage suggested that their set could have flourished even more within the confines of a dark tent. Though their performance was undoubtedly solid, I think many people couldn't help but wonder what it could have been like in a more intimate setting.
Amidst the transitioning vibes of the evening, Loyle Carner delivered a magnetic performance that effortlessly held its own, despite the front pit being predominantly occupied by indie enthusiasts eagerly awaiting Sam Fender's appearance. The fact that one of his tracks had featured in FIFA certainly helped yet it was Loyle Carner's impeccable stage presence and charm that truly endeared him to the audience. His ability to establish genuine connections with those who seemed not too interested before his performance was insane to watch.
As the day neared its end, Foals stepped into the spotlight, offering a performance that, while good, perhaps didn't soar to the same heights as some of the earlier acts. Positioned as a prelude to Sam Fender's impending headline slot, their musicality was undoubtedly solid, yet it felt like they were missing that extra spark to truly steal the show, which in previous years they have never been short of.
Sam Fender's performance was nothing short of exceptional. With his raw, fun-loving energy to match his insane range of vocals, and stage presence, he managed to keep every single audience member engaged from start to finish.
What added to the magic was Fender's deep connection to the festival and his ability to connect with the audience on a personal level through his heartfelt storytelling, it added a layer of intimacy to the large festival setting. When Fender humbly expressed, "We never thought we would enjoy our jobs this much and be able to headline this stage," it was evident that the stage was not just a platform, but a dream come true to them all.
The finale included the entire crowd in a choir, with thousands of voices harmonising to the melody of Hypersonic Missiles creating an atmosphere that resonated with unity. I feel as though many walked away from the performance with hearts full of admiration for Sam and his band.
In the end, Sam Fender's Leeds Festival performance wasn't just a concert; it was a symphony of passion, camaraderie, and dreams. The fireworks, the choirs, and the emotional journey through his music left an enduring memory, etching Sam Fender's name as a true talent.
The Sunday slot at Leeds Festival is undoubtedly a tough one to fill, especially the first one of the day, at a very early time of 12 p.m. However, Jamie Webster packed the main stage out, which even he seemed shocked at "`This is insane, thank you so much for coming here so early to be here with me for this."
As Webster wrapped up his stunning performance with the touching songs This Place and Weekend in Paradise, the heavens opened and rain poured down, creating a poignant atmosphere. Amidst the rain, Webster's heartfelt hug with a fan in the audience, despite both of them drenched in rain, symbolised the emotional power of live music.
Despite the harsh weather causing many to retreat to their tents, Inhaler took the stage at 3:25 p.m., coinciding with the return of the sun. Their performance was solid and enjoyable, though not necessarily ground breaking.
The female DJ collective "Girls Don't Sync" electrified the Radio 1 Dance Stage, offering a mix of great songs that resonated with a diverse crowd. The wide range of ages in the audience seemed to love the set with no one leaving until a few minutes before Central Cee was due on.
Central Cee, already nearly 10 minutes late to his packed-out mainstage pit, his set fell short of expectations. The nerves were palpable, and the disappointment was real. He barely scratched the surface of his songs, missing opportunities to engage the crowd fully. Notably, he omitted the chance to bring anyone on stage with him, a departure from his genre's norms. Even his hit tracks "Doja" and "Sprinter" couldn't salvage the set, as he only sang specific verses of those songs. Leaving many, and I mean many, young pre-18-year-olds extremely disappointed by what they had just witnessed.
The 1975 performance at Leeds Festival marked a remarkable celebration of their 10-year journey since their self-titled album's release. Transporting fans back in time, they resurrected the iconic rectangular box backdrop and embraced their renowned black and white era, complete with leather jackets and skinny jeans.
Amidst the nostalgia, a poignant moment emerged when frontman Matty Healy urged the audience to get on shoulders during the emotional track Robbers. The band also thrilled fans with news of an upcoming tour scheduled for February 2024. With his characteristic charm, Healy quipped, "What's next, another banger?" teasing their hit Pressure.
Beginning with tracks from their debut album, the set spanned their evolving discography over the years. Culminating with the crowd-engaging About You. Their performance left the audience echoing the chorus long after it concluded. The electrifying set paved the way seamlessly for the weekend headliners, The Killers.
The Killers' astonishing show at Leeds Festival merged their global triumph with an unexpected headline slot at Leeds festival. LEEDS FESTIVAL. Leaving an indelible mark.
Their cross-generational impact was evident as even those born long after their debut album revelled in their music, specifically tracks like Read My Mind, The Man and, of course, Mr Brightside.
Brandon Flowers' vocal skills and commanding stage presence showcased their enduring brilliance, and drummer, Ronnie Vannucci's, gripping finale held the audience spellbound, a testament to the band's ability to captivate. The performance illuminated The Killers' unwavering charisma, assuring fans that their enchanting spell will continue for what seems like many years to come. Although not many words were spoken, the music did all the talking, especially in the encore with a trifecta of songs to finish the evening and conclude the weekend.
This performance will go down in Leeds Festival history, it was a resounding affirmation that The Killers' music transcends time and generations, leaving an indomitable legacy.
After all, what better song to end such a notable festival like Leeds, with than Mr Brightside? Very on-brand for us Brits.
Words by Lucy Holden
Images provided by LD Comms
