DAY TWO AT LEEDS FESTIVAL SEES ANOTHER GREAT DAY OF MUSIC IN THE GLORIOUS SUNSHINE WITH HEADLINE SETS FROM ‘FOALS’ AND ‘SAM FENDER’.

★★★★☆ (4/5)

SAM FENDER HEADLINING MAIN STAGE EAST ON DAY TWO OF LEEDS FESTIVAL 2023.
PHOTOCREDIT: CALUM BUCHAN

Saturday at Leeds Festival was a musical rollercoaster. The day kicked off with powerful performances that ignited the crowd's energy. As the sun set, the atmosphere transformed with headlining acts that took the stage by storm. From mosh pits to sing-alongs, the festival vibe was in full swing, offering a dynamic mix of sounds and emotions that kept the excitement alive well into the night.

Second day kicked off with surprise set from Lil Tjay who didn’t appear on Friday and managed reschedule his set on Main Stage West. Despite last minute announcement on official Leeds Festival app and Reading and Leeds social media channels Lil Tjay managed to bring a decent size crowd considering it was midday on Saturday afternoon as well a lot fans gutted he didn’t appear on Day One when he was meant to. Kicking off his set with ‘War’ the crowd went in frenzy for his entire brief set despite him not appearing yesterday on Stage. He performed a decent size set including some covers from Pop Smoke. He left the crowd in great atmosphere for Day Two ahead.

LIL TJAY OPENING UP DAY TWO ON MAIN STAGE WEST AT LEEDS FESTIVAL 2023
PHOTOCREDIT: CALUM BUCHAN

Over on Main Stage East seen Yorkshire’s very own ‘Yard Act’ take to the stage, before the band appeared on stage, human mannequins came walking on stage and stood with their backs on stage in front of the audience. Kicking off their set with “Rich” frontman ‘James Smith’ was already into his stride on stage. The band performed nearly thirteen songs with most of set coming from their debut album ‘The Overload’ which they released last year which did really well since their release. Their stage setting and including the mannequins on stage was based on their new track “The Trench Coast Museum” which suggestion of what expect from their upcoming second studio album which probably be out next year. During their new track, we finally got see human mannequins finally move and actually do something on stage. Turns out they were dancers and started dancing on stage while frontman ‘James Smith’ did his thing on stage and then out of no where the human mannequins decided to pick up James smith and carry him around the stage was quite something different to watch and expect on stage at Leeds Festival. Overall was a really good set and definitely one band to keep eye on in the future potentially might even headline Reading and Leeds one day.

YARD ACT OPENING UP ON DAY TWO ON MAIN STAGE EAST AT LEEDS FESTIVAL 2023
PHOTOCREDIT: CALUM BUCHAN

Back over to Main Stage West seen one and only ‘Frank Turner’ and his band ‘The Sleeping Souls’ take to the stage. Originally suppose to open up Main Stage West, Turner’s set got pushed back to allow Lil Tjay to take to stage to open the stage for Day Two, despite this Frank Turner bought in a huge crowd as expected. Kicking off his set with “punches” the Bramham crowd were already in great mood. The engagement of the crowd was incredible, Turner played “1933” next which was another great track which went down a storm. Before continuing his set with another belters such as “Polaroid Picture”, and “Recovery”.

FRANK TURNER & THE SLEEPING SOULS PERFORMING ON MAIN STAGE WEST ON DAY TWO OF LEEDS FESTIVAL 2023
PHOTOCREDIT: CALUM BUCHAN

Mimi Webb's performance at Main stage East at Leeds Festival was an absolute hit! Her energy on stage was infectious, captivating the crowd from start to finish. The seamless blend of humor and musical talent created a unique and engaging experience. She engaged the crowd at every opportunity making the performance even more special. The setlist was well-curated and had the crowd singing the whole way through. Mimi Webb's festival performance was an entertaining highlight that left everyone with smiles on their faces.

MIMI WEBB PERFORMING ON MAIN STAGE EAST ON DAY TWO OF LEEDS FESTIVAL 2023
PHOTOCREDIT: CALUM BUCHAN

You Me At Six's Main Stage West performance at Leeds Festival was an electrifying journey through their iconic catalogue. Their stage presence was undeniable, immediately drawing the audience into the music. The band's high-octane energy and flawless execution of hits old and new created an electric atmosphere. Josh Franceschi's vocals were as powerful and emotive as ever, resonating perfectly with the crowd. The interaction between band and audience also created a buzz, with crowd surfers being moved towards the stage, in a hope that they would get close to Josh; who also left the stage to spend some time interacting with fans at the barriers. The setlist was a perfect balance of crowd-pleasers and deeper cuts, ensuring both long-time fans and newcomers were equally entertained. You Me At Six's performance was a testament to their status and popularity as seasoned performers, leaving everyone in awe and wanting more.

YOU ME AT SIX PERFORMING ON MAIN STAGE WEST ON DAY TWO OF LEEDS FESTIVAL 2023
PHOTOCREDIT: CALUM BUCHAN

Wet Leg’s Main Stage East performance at Leeds Festival entertained their audience with their infectious tunes and undeniable charm, Wet Leg delivered a performance that won't be forgotten. The band's fusion of indie pop and rock vibes created an electric atmosphere, drawing the crowd in of long-time fans and newcomers, keeping them hooked. Their on-stage chemistry and witty lyrics added an extra layer of enjoyment, making it clear that Wet Leg is someone to keep an eye on in the music scene.

WET LEG PERFORMING ON MAIN STAGE EAST AT LEEDS FESTIVAL 2023 ON DAY TWO
PHOTOCREDIT: CALUM BUCHAN

Festival Republic stage seen the upcoming talent of ‘Himalayas’, ‘The Last Dinner Party’, ‘Normandie’ and ‘Yonaka’ play throughout the day. There was also a appearance from ‘Russell Kane’ who headlined second day of Alternative Stage tent and managed bring in huge crowd to the tent to witness his stand-up set on stage. As predicted Russell Kane was highly entertaining and always urging younger people to think for themselves and mocking older people for always thinking they’re better. Overall was great headline set and already was looking forward to tomorrow’s headline set from Joel Dommett.

RUSSELL KANE HEADLINING ALTERNATIVE STAGE ON DAY TWO OF LEEDS FESTIVAL 2023
PHOTOCREDIT: CALUM BUCHAN

Back to Main Stage East seen very anticipated set from Loyle Carner who was due on stage next, bringing in huge crowd from nowhere to witness his set. Loyle Carner known for his urban vibe in his music and live on stage. Right now he is one of best live entertainers on stage and has lot to say about modern Britain and the tension in communities across the UK. For some reason his stage setting was set like urban street outside with Street lamp and scrap car on stage, although this doesn’t distract too much as crowd were enjoying his set on stage. Carner performed thirteen song set kicking his set with “Hate” before continuing perform tracks from his new album “Hugo” which was released last year and his previous two albums “Not Waving, but Drowning” and “Yesterday’s Gone” before ending his set with “Ottolenghi”. Overall his set was highlight for the weekend so far. Loyle Carner another artist can see headlining Reading and Leeds and other festivals on his next album campaign and he really deserves it.

LOYLE CARNER SUBHEADLINING ON MAIN STAGE EAST ON DAY TWO OF LEEDS FESTIVAL 2023
PHOTOCREDIT: CALUM BUCHAN

Back to Main Stage West seen the first of Day Two’s headliners. First up was Oxford rockers “Foals” who previously headlined Reading and Leeds back in 2016 and now are headlining for the second time in their careers after success album campaign of their new album release “Life Is Yours”. As Foals fan growing up with their music over past fourteen years since release of their debut album “Antidotes” in 2008 it was great to see them headline a festival but same time more used to them playing small venues and clubs and seeing frontman ‘Yannis Philippaksis’ jumping off balconies at back of the venue and then crowd surfing in the crowd back to the stage. So was definitely different experience to see them performing live. The band treated Reading and Leeds festival goers to music from all seven albums “Antidotes” in 2008, “Total Life Forever” in 2010, “Holy Fire” in 2013, “What Went Down” in 2015, “Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost - Part 1 & 2” in 2019, and most recently album release “Life Is Yours” in 2022.

Kicking off their with “Wake Me Up” from their new album the crowd were already going for the band, before continuing perform belters such as “Mountain At My Gates”. “Olympic Airways”, “2001”, and their well known track which played a lot of things including FIFA “My Number” which went down a treat with the Bramham crowd. Frontman Yannis decided to slow down their set halfway by performing their beautiful track “Spanish Sahara” before spicing up last part of their set including belters like “The Runner”. “Inhaler” which seen Yannis come off stage with his guitar and walk through the pit getting the crowd in great atmosphere, then onto “Black Bull”, “What Went Down” which seen frontman Yannis come off stage for second time but this time with just his mic which is normally at part of the show he jumps off balconies but usually swaps this at festival to crowd surf but this didn’t happen this time round sadly, this time round he just stood up on barrier yelling lyrics to “What Went Down” and getting the crowd into rowdy atmosphere and great atmosphere. The band finished their headline set with “Two Steps, Twice” which left the crowd in great atmosphere before Sam Fender’s headline set on the other stage. Frontman Yannis also said to the crowd “We’re really greatful to be back up on this very stage tonight headlining again, last time was f**king amazing, this time going to be even better. We hope see someone out there in that crowd in future years to come whether five, 10, fifteen or twenty years down the line headlining this very stage, we’re really happy our man.. Sam Fender is headlining next he really deserves it and has worked for this moment… he has our full support.”

FOALS HEADLINING MAIN STAGE WEST ON DAY TWO OF LEEDS FESTIVAL 2023
PHOTOCREDIT: CALUM BUCHAN

Now was huge moment of the festival weekend, back over to Main Stage East seen… Sam Fender' finally headline Leeds Festival which was an unforgettable experience that showcased his immense talent and raw passion. Closing the Main Stage acts for the Saturday, the moment he stepped onto the stage, the audience was captivated by his commanding presence and genuine connection with the crowd. The bands popularity was evident as the grounds of Main Stage East were flooded with seasoned fans in black and white New Castle strips and also new-comers curious about the pending performance.

Fender's distinctive voice translated flawlessly into a live setting, carrying emotion and depth that resonated throughout the entire performance. Backed by a tight and energetic band, Fender delivered a set that flawlessly combined his introspective ballads with anthemic rock numbers. The crowd's enthusiastic response was a testament to the impact of hits like "Hypersonic Missiles" and "Dead Boys." Fender's between-song banter and storytelling added a personal touch, creating an intimate atmosphere despite the massive stage. The interaction between artist and audience reached a peak, with everyone singing along to every word. The dynamic light show, impressive visuals, pyrotechnics and fireworks further enhanced the overall experience, making it a true spectacle.

Sam Fender's main stage performance was a highlight of the festival, leaving a lasting impression on both devoted fans and newcomers. His ability to blend soulful introspection with rockstar charisma solidified his status as an artist to watch, and his performance will undoubtedly be remembered. Ending day two to great finish, we’re already were looking forward to final day at Leeds Festival 2023 tomorrow.