LEEDS FESTIVAL 2O23… kicks off to a fantastic start with headline sets from imagine dragons and billie eilish who becomes youngest ever headliner in history of leeds festival.

★★★★☆ (4.5/5)

BILLIE EILISH HEADLINING LEEDS FESTIVAL 2023 AT BRAMHAM PARK
PHOTOCREDIT: CALUM BUCHAN

We had the pleasure of attending Leeds Festival this year and although we did not know the line-up well, it exceeded expectations. From the vibrant outfits to the diversity of the lineup, this festival weekend was an unforgettable experience. The moment we walked through the entrance gates on Thursday night, we were greeted by a sea of colourful tents and excited attendees.

The musical lineup, although initially not well known by ourselves, proved to be worthy of their places on the Leeds Festival roster. From indie rock to electronic beats and soulful acoustic performances, Leeds Festival catered to a wide range of musical tastes. Headliners such as Billie Eilish and Sam Fender delivered electrifying sets that had the grounds of the main stages overflowing, with everyone dancing and singing along. However, the discovery of lesser-known acts on the smaller stages was truly special. Artist such as, Dylan Jordan Thomas and Frankie Beetlestone reminded us of how festivals like Leeds can introduce you to new music and artists.

Friday at Leeds Festival was an absolute blast! The air was charged with excitement as music lovers immersed themselves in an eclectic range of performances. From high-energy rock sets to mesmerizing electronic acts, the day delivered a sonic journey that left everyone buzzing with anticipation for the rest of the weekend.

First day kicked off with performances from The Amazons and Hot Milk on the Main Stages. The Amazons who opened up on Main Stage East at Leeds Festival hailing from Reading, proved they are true indie-rock band who are deemed to be future headliners in the years to come. Kicking off their set with their belter of single “Junk Food Fever” before continuing to deem why their playing opening slot on Day one of Leeds Festival 2023. Their set just seemed to be full of hits including “Mother” and “Black Magic”. The Amazons managed to bring in reasonable size crowd considering it was 12 noon on the very first day. Crowd gathering seemed to love their set from what we witnessed. It was now time to head over to Main Stage West for another exciting band to see.

THE AMAZONS OPENING UP ON DAY ONE OF LEEDS FESTIVAL 2023 ON MAIN STAGE EAST
PHOTOCREDIT: CALUM BUCHAN

Hot Milk opened up on Main Stage West on the first day at Leeds Festival 2023 and proved they are an electrifying force in the modern music scene. With their energetic blend of pop-punk and alternative rock, they deliver an infectious sound that resonates with their audience. Their catchy melodies, dynamic instrumentals, and relatable lyrics come together to create a captivating musical experience. Hot Milk's ability to seamlessly transition from anthemic choruses to introspective verses showcases their versatility as musicians. Their songs often touch on themes of self-discovery, relationships, and the struggles of everyday life, making their music relatable and emotionally charged.

The band's stage presence is nothing short of exhilarating. Their live performances are a high-octane combination of passionate vocals and high-energy instrumentals that leave audiences craving more. Hot Milk's chemistry as a group is evident, and their connection with the crowd further enhances the concert experience. While they may still be on the rise, Hot Milk's potential is undeniable. Their dedication and ability to connect with listeners make them a band to watch closely. Whether you're a fan of rock music or simply appreciate well-crafted tunes, Hot Milk is a band that is making waves and carving a memorable space in the contemporary music landscape.

Their new album A Call To The Void debuted on Friday 25th of August.

HOT MILK PERFORMING ON MAIN STAGE WEST ON DAY ONE OF LEEDS FESTIVAL 2023
PHOTOCREDIT: CALUM BUCHAN

Next up seen upcoming Scottish rockers “The Snuts” , American indie pop sensations “MUNA” and Bedford’s pop rockers “DON BROCO” take to both Main Stages. On Main Stage West seen The Snuts bought in a large crowd to watch their performance including quite large amount of fans from Scotland who bought along their Scottish flags and signs championing their local heroes on stage. Kicking off their set with their hit wonder “Gloria” which went down well with Bramham crowd. Before continuing to put belters like “Seasons”, “Maybe California” and “Maybe California” before ending their set with track about “Fatboy Slim” which was title of the track. The Snuts proved why they were worthy band to be given a spot on one of the Main Stages at this year’s festival. Also possibly years down the line could be potential headliners.

THE SNUTS PERFORMING ON DAY ONE AT LEEDS FESTIVAL 2023 ON MAIN STAGE WEST
PHOTOCREDIT: CALUM BUCHAN

Over on Main Stage East seen American pop sensations “MUNA” take to the stage. MUNA who are currently on their Life’s So Fun Tour who performing at both Reading and Leeds Festival this year and also appearance at Scotland’s Connect Music Festival in Edinburgh across the weekend. It was safe to say the trio group bought in largest crowd of the day so far, quite lot crowd knew who the band was, personally we didn’t know who the band was but from doing some research the band have three studio albums and also opened up on tours for the likes of Taylor Swift, Lorde, Phoebe Bridges, The 1975 and Harry Styles over last six years.

MUNA kicked off their set with “What I Want” before moving into their hit single wonder “Number One Fan” which went down a storm with Bramham crowd it also showed how great lead guitarist “Josette Maskin” is her riffs during the track were spot on and was very catchy song. The group played another five tracks from their three albums and proved they were another worthy band to be performing on Main Stage at peak afternoon on first day of this year’s festival.

MUNA PERFORMING ON MAIN STAGE EAST ON DAY ONE OF LEEDS FESTIVAL 2023
PHOTOCREDIT: CALUM BUCHAN

Back over now to Main Stage West seen another exciting band take to the stage which was anticipated to another great performance. Don Broco's live performance on Main Stage West was nothing short of electric. From the moment they stepped on stage, they had the crowd in the palm of their hands. Their energy was contagious, and the audience couldn't help but jump, dance, and sing along to every song. Near the end of their set list, the band played their hit - T-Shirt Song and the crowd joined lead singer Rob Damiani in removing their t-shirts and swinging them in the air! The band's stage presence was remarkable, with each member exuding a charismatic and captivating aura. Their seamless interaction with the crowd made everyone feel like they were part of something special.

The setlist was a well curated, keeping the excitement level high throughout the performance. The lead vocalist, Rob Damiani’s powerful voice and the tight instrumentation from the rest of the band showcased their musical prowess. Bon Broco's live performance at Leeds Festival was a great experience that left everyone wanting. Their ability to create a lively atmosphere, connect with the audience, and deliver top-notch music solidified their popularity and fan following.

DON BROCO PERFORMING ON DAY ONE OF LEEDS FESTIVAL 2023 ON MAIN STAGE WEST
PHOTOCREDIT: CALUM BUCHAN

Now we headed to Festival Republic stage which is best tent in arena at Leeds Festival to discover upcoming new talent and potential bands who could end up one day headlining Main Stages in years down the line. Another upcoming Scottish talent came from Dylan Jordan Thomas who took the Festival Republic Stage from the moment he walked on stage, it was evident that the audience was eager to see him. His performance was nothing short of mesmerising and those fortunate enough to be in the crowd seemed to agree. With his soulful voice and masterful guitar skills, Dylan effortlessly weaved a tapestry of emotions throughout his set. His ability to effortlessly transition from heartfelt ballads to energetic anthems and classic covers showcased his versatility as an artist. The crowd was entranced as he poured his heart and soul into each lyric, making every song feel like a personal journey.

Not only did Dylan’s musical talent shine, but his connection with the audience was also truly remarkable. His genuine interactions and occasional anecdotes between songs created an intimate atmosphere, making it feel like he was performing just for you. He effortlessly engaged with the crowd turned the performance into a shared experience. The crowd’s collective energy seemed to surge as they sang along, it was a moment of pure joy that perfectly encapsulated the magic of live music.

Dylan’s performance at Leeds will undoubtedly be etched in the memories of all who were lucky enough to witness it. His talent, charisma, and genuine passion for his craft created an unforgettable experience that left the crowd cheering. If you ever have the chance to see Dylan Jordan Thomas live, don’t hesitate – he is a new musical talent you will not want to miss!

Mid afternoon on Day One of Leeds Festival seen performances from Rina Sawayama, Declan McKenna, on Main Stage East, but sadly cancelation of no-show performance from Lil-Tjay was posted on screens throughout the arena. Which left a bit of negative vibe throughout the arena as large crowd had turned up to see his performance on Main Stage West. Festival Republic stage seen 2012’s BRITS Critics Choice Award winner ‘Tom Odell’ take to the stage to give such emotional intimate performance to some lucky fans who took the time go and see him perform. He kicked off his set with “Heal” from his firth studio album ‘Best Day Of My Life’ which he released last year before playing his piano to perform hit singles everyone knew including iconic hit ‘Can’t Pretend’, ‘Grow Old With Me’ before ending his short set with iconic number one hit ‘Another Love’ which made Tom Odell’s name and career which was a very special performance of the hit number track. The performance from start to finish was very emotional it was real shame Tom Odell was performing on small stage who really should have been given a chance to perform on Main Stage to attract a bigger crowd.

Other performances on Festival Republic stage seen rising stars “Coin”, Scottish rockers “VISTAS” and TV Girl take to the stage. BBC Introducing stage seen rising talent from “Pritt”, “Grandmas House” and Friday headliner “Matilda Man” who bought in reasonable size smaller crowds to witness their performances on stage. Now was time for sub-headliners on the Main Stages to come up.

RINA SAWAYAMA PERFORMING ON MAIN STAGE EAST ON DAY ONE OF LEEDS FESTIVAL 2023
PHOTOCREDIT: CALUM BUCHAN

Becky Hill's performance on Main Stage West at Leeds Festival was nothing short of electrifying. From the moment she stepped onto the stage, her energy was infectious, capturing the crowd's attention instantly. While looking absolutely beautiful, from her hair to her outfit; her powerful vocals and captivating stage presence had the entire audience singing and dancing along to every song. The setlist was a perfect blend of her hit tracks and some surprising covers, keeping the momentum high throughout. Becky's interaction with the crowd created a strong connection, making everyone feel like they were part of something special. The production value, including stunning visuals and dynamic lighting, added an extra layer of excitement to the performance. Overall, Becky Hill's main stage performance was a highlight of the festival, leaving the crowd exhilarated and wanting more. It was safe to say she bought in biggest crowd of the day so far which left some stages struggling for punters to watch their performances which was definitely going to be hard slot to compete with.

BECKY HILL PERFORMING ON MAIN STAGE WEST ON DAY ONE OF LEEDS FESTIVAL 2023
PHOTOCREDIT: CALUM BUCHAN

Main Stage East seen American singer-songwriter, guitarist and record producer ‘Steve Lacy’ take second biggest slot on Main Stage East on first day of this year’s festival at age of only twenty-five Steve Lacy managed to bring massive crowd despite a lot of people not knowing who he was. Coming on stage dressed in long black trench coat and blue sunglasses he kicked off his set with “Static” off his new studio album “Gemini Rights” released last year. He then went on to perform “Buttons” which seen him bought out his guitar and proving why he is definitely someone keep eye on. Doing some research on Steve Lacy shortly after watching his set noticed he worked with a lot of people over last couple years including writing lyrics for Kendrick Lamar and Solange Knowles, as well featuring alongside Frank Ocean on Tyler The Creator’s track ‘911 / Mr Lonley'. Steve Lacy was also member of group “The Internet” between 2011 and 2018 before perusing his solo career. He performed a eleven-song set at Leeds Festival in hour slot he was given and do believe Billie Eilish may of had some imputing picking him to open up for her who was due on stage next to headline Main Stage East. As well looking at reviews on Steve Lacy watching his set seeing what others have mentioned about him we have came across where his inspiration comes for his music which was younger version of Prince which Steve Lacy definitely must see as his hero his music and voice, presence on stage and guitar riffs does really remind you like Prince so from that one point Lacy is one artist keep eye on in future years to come.

Overall wasn’t really our cup of tea but can definitely see others liking him who likes that style of music. It does take guts to be doing what he is doing at a very young age.

STEVE LACY SUB-HEADLINING ON MAIN STAGE EAST ON DAY ONE OF LEEDS FESTIVAL 2023
PHOTOCREDIT: CALUM BUCHAN

Now was time for Friday headliners who were American rockers ‘Imagine Dragons’ and American superstar ‘Billie Eilish’.
Imagine Dragons were up first who took Main Stage West to play their headlining performance at Leeds Festival which was an absolute spectacle with crowds waiting an hour to see the show (including ourselves). The band’s ability to command a massive audience was evident from the start, as they kicked off with a high-energy opener that had the crowd on their feet. It wasn’t long into the performance before lead singer, Dan Reynolds, was shirtless and dancing around the stage; in true Imagine Dragons style, that has quickly become a staple of their performances. This is a reminder to anyone that knows that band, of Dan’s personal struggles and his use of therapy and fitness to improve mental well-being - which he also highlighted to the crowd himself.

Their distinctive sound translated flawlessly to the live stage, with the lead singer, Dan’s raw vocals giving the songs an even more powerful edge. The setlist was a well-curated mix of their chart-topping hits and fan favorites, ensuring that everyone in the audience was singing along. The band’s stage presence was magnetic, as they moved across the platform with a dynamic energy that held everyone’s attention. The visual effects added an extra layer of excitement, creating an immersive experience that left a lasting impression with some fireworks to end.

Imagine Dragons’ performance was a true festival highlight!

IMAGINE DRAGONS HEADLINING MAIN STAGE WEST AT LEEDS FESTIVAL 2023 ON DAY ONE
PHOTOCREDIT: CALUM BUCHAN

Over now to Main Stage East seen Leeds Festival’s youngest ever headliner take to the stage for the massive slot of the day. Billie Eilish’s Main Stage headline performance at the Leeds Festival was a mesmerizing and emotionally charged experience; that closed Leeds Festival’s Friday night Main Stage performances with a bang!

Her popularity was clear as almost the entirety of the Main Stage West grounds were filled with festival goers. As she took the stage in her signature style, the crowd was immediately captivated by her unique blend of vulnerability and confidence. Her haunting vocals and introspective lyrics resonated deeply with the audience, creating a profound connection that transcended the festival grounds. The visually captivating production allowed Billie’s artistry to shine through, matching her music and message.

Half way through the performance, she introduced the crowd to Finneas, her brother and producer, who is a hugely talented and successful artist in his own right. Moving the crowd with a performance together and highlighting the love and respect this brother and sister share for one another. Finneas had some solo moments during the performance, which were very impressive, showcasing his contribution to Billie’s hit songs.

The setlist was a well-balanced mix of her hits and lesser-known gems, showcasing the versatility of her catalogue. Billie’s interactions with the crowd seemed to be genuine and heartfelt, adding an intimate touch to the Main Stage. The atmosphere during her performance was electric, as fans sang along with every word and swayed to the emotional currents of her music. Billie Eilish’s main stage presence was a testament to her status as a generational talent, leaving an indelible mark on both the festival and its attendees.

On a personal note, seeing Billie Eilish Live was a bucket list moment for me and she did not disappoint. My co-writer also enjoyed seeing how she had developed after seeing her in previous years at Leeds Festival - which she referenced on stage. If you have not had the opportunity to see her Live and enjoy her music, Billie Eilish is a must see artist.

First day at Leeds Festival 2023 was absolute brilliant day which saw mixed genre of music across the day leaving Bramham crowd in great atmosphere with great weather which was added bonus also allowed us see some best talent around and discovering upcoming new talent we couldn’t wait to get into day two and day three already.