AS 2023’S EDITION OF READING AND LEEDS FESTIVAL DRAWS TO A CLOSE, A HEAVY RAIN SHOWER DOESN’T STOP A GREAT DAY OF MUSIC AT LEEDS FESTIVAL WITH HEADLINER PERFORMANCES FROM… ‘THE 1975’ AND ‘THE KILLERS’

★★★★★ (5/5)

THE KILLERS HEADLINING MAIN STAGE EAST ON THE FINAL DAY OF LEEDS FESTIVAL 2023
PHOTOCREDIT: CHRIS PHELPS

The final day at Leeds Festival was bittersweet. Sunday brought a mix of nostalgia and anticipation as festival-goers savoured the remaining performances and awaiting headliner performances from ‘The 1975’ and ‘The Killers’.

Third day unexpectedly with massive heavy downpours for nearly for two hours from midday, which has been forecast actually to happen across all three days but luckily didn’t happen during the first two days of this year’s festival. Despite the heavy downpours this didn’t change the spirts of Bramham crowd who were ready for the last day of Leeds Festival 2023. One act in particular who did not care about the rain was Main Stage West opener… Jamie Webster!. Main Stage East opener was upcoming talent of Baby Queen another brilliant band to see but sadly couldn’t make it to their performance on stage.

Liverpool’s answer to Scotland’s very own… Gerry Cinnamon! The rise of upcoming talent of Jamie Webster has seen massive success for for Jamie Webster over last couple years at he already selling out hometown shows at Liverpool M&S Bank Arena where this year’s Eurovision contest was held in support for Ukraine who couldn’t host it this year due to obvious reasons… then playing massive sets at this year’s Reading and Leeds festivals is such a achievement for him. He joked as he came on stage “didn’t expect to be playing this very stage… I didn’t even expect to play one of tents either. I’m really humbled at so many of yours have came out at this time of day despite lot of yours probably being hungover I really respect and appreciate every one of you for being here right now.”

As he kicked off his set with “Days Unknown” the crowd were really going for Jamie Webster it was great atmosphere! Along with calling out the Tories for everything, He dedicated to those who have made wrong choices in their teenage years (whether it was shoplifting or taking drugs) who have been given strict sentences in prison yet those who are doing worse crimes are either getting off or shorter sentences so Jamie Webster was arguing Justice service is completely wrong which entire crowd applauded to. So he wrote a song tiled “Davey Kane” someone he knows.

His set overall was brilliant was just full of guitar belters which went down very well despite heavy downpour which opened during his set.

JAMIE WEBSTER OPENING UP ON MAIN STAGE WEST ON FINAL DAY OF LEEDS FESTIVAL 2023
PHOTOCREDIT: CALUM BUCHAN

Next up seen the upcoming talents of Arlo Parks on Main Stage West and Holly Humberstone on Main Stage East. Arlo Parks on Main Stage West was different taste of music of regular indie rock n roll would normally see on stages at festival across the weekend. Although it was definitely something different but crowd absolutely loved her. Now over to Main Stage East for first time on last day of Leeds Festival 2023, Holly Humberstone was definitely having the summer of her life, as well playing Reading and Leeds this weekend she played TRNSMT Festival, and also opened up for Sam Fender at his two sold-out hometown shows at Newcastle United’s St James’ Park in Newcastle this summer. Holly is definitely making her name in music scene right now with understanding song writing and soulful music. She currently writing and finishing off upcoming sophomore (second studio) album. Her set was mix of older tracks from her debut album which people would know and songs off the new album. She explained her new track “Antichrist” was about a break-up she experienced recently with feeling like ‘a piece of shit’ being a highlight while the crowd sang in their ponchos their hit wonder tracker “Falling Asleep At The Wheel”, and the catchy “Scarlett” was great way to end her special set on Main Stage East at Leeds Festival 2023.

HOLLY HUMBERSTONE PERFORMING ON MAIN STAGE EAST ON THE FINAL DAY OF LEEDS FESTIVAL 2023
PHOTOCREDIT: CALUM BUCHAN

Over to Main Stage East seen the upcoming talent of ‘Easy Life’ another great band to see live and another band who could potentially headline Reading and Leeds in nearby future. The band bought an interesting stage set-up to the main stage as was designed like a room of a house, with main door on stage which band walked through to with sign on the door saying “gig” this way as they walked on stage. Despite performing a very short set they managed to bring in huge crowd to the stage and majority crowd were singing along to lyric after lyric. Band were mixed genre of pop and funked-up disco with some added jazz notes. Overall was great set and included some of their well known tracks “Nightmares”, “sangria”, and “skeletons”.

EASY LIFE PERFORMING ON MAIN STAGE WEST ON THE FINAL DAY OF LEEDS FESTIVAL 2023
PHOTOCREDIT: CALUM BUCHAN

Over on the BBC Radio 1 Dance Stage tent seen upcoming rise of Caity Baser. Caity Baser unveililed her talent on the BBC Radio One Dance Stage at Leeds Festival on Sunday, the new artist delivered a crowd pleasing performance that left the audience in awe. With a unique blend of comedic lyrics and electrifying energy, she captivated the crowd from start to finish. Caity’s beautiful vocals and dynamic stage presence showcased her potential to become a rising star in the music industry. Her following and popularity on TikTok was also evident as the crowd responded enthusiastically, which is a testament to her ability to connect with listeners on a profound level. Caity’s performance was undoubtedly memorable, leaving everyone eager to hear more from this promising new talent.

Back now over to Main Stage East seen the one band been wanting to see all weekend…. Inhaler! After successful album campaign so far for their sophomore album “Cuts & Bruises” Inhaler have had top form of a summer. Playing many summer festivals such as…BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Dundee back in May, opening up for Sam Fender at his hometown shows at Newcastle United’s St James’ Park in Newcastle, Harry Style’s Slane Castle show in Dublin during June, appearance at TRNSMT Festival in Glasgow during July, touring across America during July and August and now playing Reading and Leeds this weekend, it was certainly one of the best summers for Inhaler.

Bringing in the biggest crowd of the last day at Leeds Festival 2023 so far, Inhaler have proven why their one band to watch out for in nearby years to come with potentially headlining Reading and Leeds festivals they would be certainly following the footsteps of frontman ‘Elijah Hewson” with his father being frontman of the successful well-known band called “U2”.

Kicking off their set with “Those Are The Days” the crowd were already in frenzy singing along to every lyric and moshing around it was certainly a highlight of the weekend at Leeds Festival 2023 to witness. Even crowd had signs up with band members names on it showing their appreciation which is so lovely to see. Their short set just seen bangers being played from both albums and potential riffs of what to come from their forthcoming third studio album in nearby future. Highlight of their set was definitely witnesseing “Dublin In Ecstasy”, “Love Will Get You There”, and “If You Gonna Break My Heart” being played just such epic tunes. The band ended their set with their debut single “My Honest Face” which left the Bramham crowd in great mood.

INHALER PERFORMING ON MAIN STAGE EAST ON THE FINAL DAY OF LEEDS FESTIVAL 2023
PHOTOCREDIT: CALUM BUCHAN

Next up seen Nothing But Thieves take to Main Stage East in support of successful summer of campaigning for the release of their brand album “Dead Club City”. Opening their short set with the title track of their brand album… the band already had the Bramham crowd in frenzy with crowd singing along to every lyric and moshing around in circle pits it was certainty going to be a great set from the band. Frontman Conor Mason told the Bramham crowd at Leeds Festival 2023 “this is first time we’re using pyro during our sets… this is crazy we don’t how well it going to work with our set.” - due to wind which was blowing throughout the Leeds site the pyro flames seems just be blowing everywhere on stage. as band used them throughout set from song two of their set.

Nothing But Thieves included well known tracks from their last three albums and also including newer stuff off their brand album. some of tracks included “Are We Going Crazy?”, “Sorry”, “Overcome” and ending their short set with iconic “Amsterdam” which left the crowd walking away from Main Stage East in great mood. The band have proven why their another band to watch out for in coming years as they could themselves headline Reading and Leeds one day. We’re already looking forward to their upcoming UK Headline tour during October and November later this year.

NOTHING BUT THIEVES PERFORMING ON MAIN STAGE EAST ON THE FINAL DAY OF LEEDS FESTIVAL 2023
PHOTOCREDIT: CALUM BUCHAN

There was also a appearance from ‘Joel Dommett’ who headlined third day of Alternative Stage tent and managed bring in huge crowd to the tent to witness his stand-up set on stage. As predicted Joel Dommett was highly entertaining and always popular with younger audience. As predicted he started joking about his time on ‘The Masked Singer’ which he presents on ITV every year unveiling celebrities behind the mask week by week. As well joking about other stuff on stage and talking about bands and artists playing this year’s Reading and Leeds festival bills. Overall was great hilarious set from Joel Dommett.

JOEL DOMMETT HEADLINING ALTERNATIVE STAGE TENT ON THE FINAL DAY OF LEEDS FESTIVAL 2023
PHOTOCREDIT: CALUM BUCHAN

Sub headlining on Main Stage East tonight before epic set from The Killers was upcoming talent of drill artist “Central Cee” another rapper who we never heard of till today but a lot people must know who he was as he bought in massive crowd to witness his set. He bought on massive crew of gangsters dressed in balaclavas on stage who walked around stage while he rapped and flames of pyro and CO2 shot up from the stage in front of them on stage.

Playing nearly twelfth songs during his set, the crowd just couldn’t get enough of him, he kicked off his set with “Loading” before playing non-stop hits from his debut and sophomore albums… such as “Little Bit Of This”, “Retail Therapy”, “Day In The Life”, “LA Leakers Freestyle” and his biggest hit numbers such as “Obsessed With You”, “Let Go”, “Sprinter” track which also features last year’s headliner “Dave” and ending his set with iconic “Doja”. He also included D-Block cover “Overseas” and another Dave track “UK Rap” during his set.

Central Cee going by his set and crowd he bought in for his Leeds Festival set is another artist to watchout on, he probably will most likely follow footsteps of his fellow rapper mates Dave and Stormzy who have both headlined the festival short into their careers so far.

CENTRAL CEE SUBHEADLINING MAIN STAGE EAST ON LAST DAY OF LEEDS FESTIVAL 2023
PHOTOCREDIT: CALUM BUCHAN

Next up before headliner sets, we were back in Festival Republic tent to be treated to secret set from epic Softplay (formerly known as SLAVES) who have been on hiatus break for past couple years since before covid so was great to witness this set and have them back on stage and was safe to say felt like they hadn’t been away on break as passion, atmosphere was still there on stage and they’ve proven why they were massive highlight of Reading and Leeds this weekend definitely one band glad managed to catch this weekend and weren’t clashing with anyone we were wanting to see.

Kicking off with their epic hit number “Sockets” with frontman Isaac Holman on Drums and vocals and Laurie Vincent on guitar and backing vocals the crowd were already in frenzy, with Laurie constantly coming up edge on the stage as he strut his guitar the crowd couldn’t get enough of the band already… really was great atmosphere and great experience with witness. Never seen a band so passionate about their music and playing their music to their fans on stage than Softplay was.

Their set just got better and better as Softplay teased why they were still great band and what to expect from their in coming year with their forthcoming new studio album. Their set included “Where’s Your Car Debbie?”, “Fuck The Hi-Hat”, “Cheer Up London”, and ending their short set with “The Hunter”. Band also included cover track of Skepta’s “Shutdown” and also played their new single “Punk’s Dead”. During the set frontman Isaac even came off stage as he had drink on barrier in front of the crowd and high-fives so many fans at barrier who came to see them.

It was truly a epic set to witness and glad we managed to catch them. Wouldn’t surprise if Soft Play are headlining one of the stages next year. They’re due to be supporting The Prodigy on their upcoming UK Arena Tour later this year which be another epic experience to see the band playing.

SOFT PLAY PERFORMING AS SECRET GUESTS ON THE FESTIVAL REPUBLIC STAGE ON THE FINAL DAY OF LEEDS FESTIVAL 2023
PHOTOCREDIT: CALUM BUCHAN

Now over to Main Stage West for first of tonight’s headliners who are filling in for Lewis Capaldi who sadly had pull out of headline performances at Reading and Leeds this weekend due his mental health. So Festival bosses scrambled to find a last minute replacement so course to mark ten years since the release of their debut self-titled album and the massive success this band has been having this past year since the release of their new album “Being Funny In A Foreign Language” with also headlining BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend, PARKLIFE, headline performance at Finsbury Park and headlining TRNSMT Festival already across the summer, fans were delighted when Festival bosses announced… The 1975 would headline this year’s festival instead Lewis Capaldi, despite already headlining the festivals last year to fill in for Rage Against The Machine and marking their comeback for their new album.

As The 1975 took to the stage at Bramham Park on Sunday night on Main Stage West stage this year was a spectacle that left the crowd buzzing with energy. Their seamless blend of indie rock and synth-pop had the audience dancing and singing along from start to finish. Performing their debut album in celebration of its 10th birthday, the band's charismatic lead singer commanded the stage, engaging the audience with his dynamic presence and heartfelt interactions. The visuals and lighting design added a captivating dimension to the performance, enhancing the overall sensory experience. During the performance, the band sent well wished to Lewis Capaldi, who is currently taking a break. They also announced their upcoming tour, which created a buzz! The 1975's performance left a lasting impression on both longtime fans and newcomers alike.

THE 1975 HEADLINING MAIN STAGE WEST ON THE FINAL DAY OF LEEDS FESTIVAL 2023
PHOTOCREDIT: CALUM BUCHAN

There was also appearance on BBC Radio 1 Dance Stage from Scotland’s very own duo… LF SYSTEM who put on outstanding set as always. LF System known for having summer anthem of this year ‘“Afraid To Feel” and when duo played this track the tent went into absolute frenzy with Bramham crowd chanting back every lyric to the song. Conor Larkman and Sean Finnigan behind the duo LF System are from West Lothain in Scotland inbetween Edinburgh and Glasgow. The duo performed hour set which included mix range of music including tracks added in which duo have created and produced as well mixing in some other well known music and beats and sounds the duo have made to add into their live sets across this summer. Overall was really great set and expect further big things for the duo in nearby future.

LF SYSTEM PERFORMING ON BBC RADIO 1 DANCE STAGE ON THE FINAL DAY OF LEEDS FESTIVAL 2023
PHOTOCREDIT: CALUM BUCHAN

Sleep Token performed on the Festival Republic Stage at Leeds Festival was a mesmerizing journey into the depths of emotion and musical artistry. From the moment they stepped onto the stage, their enigmatic presence drew in a large audience. The band's unique blend of progressive rock, ambient sounds, and ethereal vocals created an atmosphere that was both haunting and captivating. The lead vocalist's voice effortlessly transitioned between soothing and powerful, conveying a range of emotions that resonated with the crowd. The use of symbolism and storytelling within their lyrics added an intriguing layer to their performance.

Sleep Token's setlist was a well-balanced mix of their hits and newly released album, showcasing their versatility and ability to evoke intense feelings within the audience. The connection between the band members was palpable, adding to the overall sense of unity and shared experience. Sleep Token's performance at Leeds Festival was a unique experience that left a profound impact on those lucky enough to witness it. Their ability to create an immersive and emotionally charged atmosphere solidified their place as a standout act of the festival.

SLEEP TOKEN PERFORMING ON FESTIVAL REPUBLIC STAGE TENT ON THE FINAL DAY OF LEEDS FESTIVAL 2023
PHOTOCREDIT: CALUM BUCHAN

The Killers Closed out Main Stage performances at Leeds Festival this year and it was an unforgettable culmination of music, energy, and nostalgia. As the festival's grand finale, the anticipation was palpable, and The Killers did not disappoint. From the moment they took the stage, they commanded the attention of the massive crowd with their signature blend of rock anthems and infectious melodies. Frontman Brandon Flowers' charismatic stage presence and powerhouse vocals were a driving force throughout the performance. He effortlessly engaged with the audience, creating a connection that reached even the farthest corners of the crowd.

Closing the set with "Mr. Brightside" was a masterstroke that ignited the crowd into a frenzy of excitement. The song's iconic opening chords instantly transformed the atmosphere, and the entire audience joined in a collective sing-along that reverberated throughout the festival grounds. It was a moment of unity and shared joy that encapsulated the spirit of live music. As the final notes of "Mr. Brightside" echoed into the night, it was clear that The Killers had delivered a performance for the books. The song's timeless appeal, combined with the band's showmanship, left an indelible mark on everyone in attendance.

As the sun sets on an unforgettable Leeds Festival weekend, the melodies of Billy Eilish's haunting vocals, the electrifying energy of Imagine Dragons, the raw emotion from Sam Fender, the anthemic sounds of You Me At Six, the genre-blurring brilliance of The 1975, and the timeless hits from The Killers continue to echo in the hearts of the ecstatic crowd. With a lineup that spanned genres and eras, this year's festival was a true celebration of music's power to unite and uplift. As festival-goers slowly dispersed, they carried with them memories of a weekend filled with shared moments, high spirits, and the magic of live music, eagerly anticipating the announcement for Leeds Festival 2024.