ROCKSTAR ENERGY PRESENTS... LEEDS FESTIVAL 2024 - SATURDAY // BRAMHAM PARK, LEEDS
BLINK 182, GERRY CINNAMON & THE PRODIGY HEADLINE SATURDAY AT ROCKSTAR ENERGY PRESENTS… LEEDS FESTIVAL 2024
AT BRAMHAM PARK
★★★★☆ (4/5)
THE PRODIGY HEADLINING THE CHEVRON STAGE ON DAY TWO OF ROCKSTAR ENERGY PRESENTS… LEEDS FESTIVAL 2024
PHOTOCREDIT: CALUM BUCHAN
After the chaos of day one, Leeds Festival 2024 bounced back with a much smoother second day. The day started with a bit of wind, but mostly sunshine—a welcome change from the stormy conditions that had plagued the previous day. While the BBC Radio 1 and AUX stages remained closed, meaning some highly anticipated acts like Teddy Swims and The Wombats were absent, fans were still hopeful that they might perform on Sunday. Despite the reduced schedule, the festival managed to deliver an excellent day of music, with the main stage shining as the heart of the action.
Kicking off the main stage was Dasha, who set the tone for a much-improved day. The rising pop star delivered a lively set that got the crowd moving early on. Her upbeat tracks and infectious energy were just what the festival needed to shake off the lingering gloom from the day before. Dasha ended her set with her best-known track, “Austin,” leaving the crowd in high spirits and ready for the day ahead.
Next up was Kneecap, the Irish hip-hop trio known for their rebellious spirit and politically charged lyrics. The crowd was buzzing with excitement, with fans donning Rangers and Celtic strips in a show of support. Kneecap’s set was a whirlwind of energy, with their rapid-fire lyrics and cheeky banter keeping the audience engaged from start to finish. Their performance was a reminder of the unique diversity that Leeds Festival brings to the stage, blending different genres and cultures in a way that few other festivals can.
The K’s followed Kneecap with a punchy set that further energized the crowd. The indie rock band from Earlestown brought their signature sound—catchy riffs and relatable lyrics—that had fans singing along to every word. Tracks like “Sarajevo” and “Glass Towns” stood out, showcasing why The K’s have become a staple of the UK festival circuit. Their performance was tight, confident, and well-received by a crowd eager for more live music.
Neck Deep then took to the stage for a short but sweet set, bringing their pop-punk flair to the afternoon. The Welsh band wasted no time in getting the crowd involved, launching into fan favorites like “In Bloom” and “December” that had everyone singing along. Despite their set being brief, Neck Deep managed to pack in a lot of energy, setting the stage for their later performance on the Festival Republic Stage.
As the day progressed, Jorja Smith took over the main stage with a longer set, bringing her soulful sound and smooth vocals to the forefront. Her performance was captivating, with hits like “Blue Lights” and “Be Honest” creating a mellow yet powerful atmosphere. Jorja’s energy was infectious, getting everyone in the crowd ready for what promised to be a fantastic night ahead.
Following Jorja was the metalcore band Spiritbox, who brought a completely different vibe to the main stage. Their heavy riffs and intense performance style contrasted sharply with the earlier acts, but the crowd loved it. Spiritbox’s blend of haunting melodies and brutal breakdowns had metal fans in their element, proving that Leeds Festival continues to be a haven for diverse musical tastes.
Two Door Cinema Club then took over, delivering a set packed with indie anthems that have become synonymous with summer festivals. The Northern Irish trio didn’t disappoint, playing hits like “What You Know” and “Undercover Martyn” that had the crowd dancing and singing along. Their performance was polished, fun, and exactly what you’d expect from a band of their calibre, making it a highlight of the day.
TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB BOUGHT IN A MASSIVE CROWD TO MAIN STAGE ON DAY TWO OF
ROCKSTAR ENERGY PRESENTS.. LEEDS FESTIVAL 2024
PHOTOCREDIT: CALUM BUCHAN
Despite the previous day’s setbacks, the Festival Republic and BBC Introducing stages continued as normal, showcasing some of the best up-and-coming talent. Sen Lowe and Spiritual Cramp delivered solid performances early in the day, while Jodie Langford and Beren Olivia brought their distinctive sounds to appreciative audiences. The Amity Affliction turned up the intensity with their blend of metalcore and post-hardcore, drawing a sizable crowd.
The real show-stealer on these stages, however, was Ashnikko. Originally scheduled for Friday, she was moved to Saturday and did not disappoint. Her eccentric style, high-energy performance, and catchy tracks like “Daisy” and “Stupid” had the crowd in the palm of her hand. Ashnikko’s set was a reminder of why she’s one of the most exciting artists on the scene right now and proved to be a highlight of the day.
The moment many had been waiting for arrived with Gerry Cinnamon taking the stage. After seeing him at TRNSMT earlier this year, expectations were high, and Gerry did not disappoint. The Scottish singer-songwriter brought his signature acoustic-driven anthems to Leeds, and the crowd responded in kind and the audio and visuals of this performance were far superior to that at TRNSMT. Tracks like “Belter” and “Canter” turned the main stage into a massive singalong, with fans belting out every word. Gerry’s no-nonsense approach and heartfelt lyrics struck a chord with the audience, making his set one of the standout moments of the festival, although, what was disappointing was the lack of flare to the set, with occasional smoke and great lighting, we expected some fire works and extras which he had at TRNSMT, however, it was still a great performance.
GERRY CINNAMON HEADLINING DAY TWO OF ROCKSTAR ENERGY PRESENTS.. LEEDS FESTIVAL’ 24
PHOTOCREDIT: EMILY MARCOVECCHIO
Closing out the main stage was Blink-182, one of the most iconic punk bands of all time. Their set was a perfect mix of new songs and classic hits that had the crowd in a frenzy. Tracks like “All the Small Things” and “What’s My Age Again?” were instant crowd-pleasers, taking fans on a nostalgic trip back to the early 2000s. The band’s energy was infectious and their banter with the crowd was hilarious, with Mark Hoppus, Travis Barker, and Tom DeLonge showing they’ve still got it after all these years. Ending the show with their new song “One More Time”, the crowd sang along with the band showing their support in the reconciliation. Blink-182’s performance was the perfect way to end a day that had seen the festival return to form.
BLINK 182 HEADLINING DAY TWO OF ROCKSTAR ENERGY PRESENTS.. LEEDS FESTIVAL 2024
PHOTOCREDIT: GEORGINA HURDSFIELD
With the Chevron Stage finally open, fans flocked to see what the new setup had to offer. Kicking off the day was “The Useless Hotline” podcast, which drew a surprisingly large crowd. The mix of humor and audience interaction made for a great start, setting the tone for the rest of the day.
The Chevron Stage continued to impress with performances from Ledstaytrill and Killoween, who both brought their unique styles to the stage. Kenya Grace delivered a standout set, blending electronic beats with soulful vocals that had the crowd entranced. However, the real highlight was the return of Skrillex, who made up for his cancelled Friday set with a mind-blowing performance. His high-energy mix of dubstep and EDM had the crowd going wild, proving that he was worth the wait. The Prodigy closed out the Chevron Stage with their legendary brand of electronic punk, leaving fans in awe and capping off a fantastic day.
A Much-Improved Saturday
Overall, Saturday at Leeds Festival 2024 was a significant improvement from the previous day. The weather was kinder, the headliners were fantastic, and the energy on-site was much more positive. While there’s still some disappointment over the cancellation of certain acts and uncertainty about rescheduling, other than fans getting the announcement that The Wombats would now be playing on Sunday; the day’s performances went a long way in lifting the spirits of festival-goers. Here’s hoping that Sunday brings more great music and a fitting end to what has been a rollercoaster of a weekend.