This year’s Live at Leeds Festival was nothing short of spectacular, featuring glorious weather and an incredible selection of live music that left fans buzzing with excitement. The vibrant atmosphere of Leeds was electric as music lovers gathered to enjoy a day packed with performances from both established and emerging artists.
Our festival experience kicked off at the O2 Academy, where a long queue of indie music enthusiasts eagerly awaited entry to catch Peace’s afternoon slot. Just a day after releasing their third album, Kindness is the New Rock N Roll, frontman Harrison Koisser and his bandmates treated the audience to a fantastic set that blended new tracks with fan-favorite hits. Starting with the powerful opener “Power,” Peace immediately captured the crowd’s energy. The audience responded with enthusiasm, especially when the beloved song “1998 (Delicious)” ignited a euphoric atmosphere, proving that Peace’s sound continues to resonate deeply.
From there, we made our way to Stylus to see everyone’s favorite Scousers, The Night Café. The venue was alive with energy, as fans danced and jumped to the infectious riffs that defined their set. Songs like “Mixed Signals” and “You Change with the Seasons” went down a treat, while their slower track “Addicted” showcased a different side of the band’s musical range, further engaging the enthusiastic crowd.
Next up was the four-piece indie band Bloxx, who graced the stage at a packed Oporto. Lead singer Fee delighted the crowd, noting that Live at Leeds was the first festival Bloxx ever performed at, making their return all the more special. As the audience swayed to the heavy bass of “Curtains,” they also enjoyed the debut of new tracks like “Monday” and “Answering Machine Blues.” The sheer number of fans trying to squeeze into the cozy venue was a testament to Bloxx’s rising popularity, and it’s clear that they are destined for even greater heights at future festivals.
Our next highlight was Blaenavon, who performed their first live gig of 2018 at Stylus. Kicking off their set with “Take Care,” the band reminded their dedicated fans just how amazing they are. Frontman Ben Gregory led an engaging performance that featured a mix of their most popular tracks and new, unreleased material. Closing the set with the fan favorite “Prague ‘99,” it was evident that Blaenavon is back and better than ever, solidifying their place in the hearts of their fans.
As the festival neared its conclusion, we headed to Brudenell Social Club to catch Anteros, a London-based dream pop band. Lead singer Laura Hayden dazzled in glittery pants, exuding confidence as she interacted with the crowd, selecting front-row fans to sing along. Their performance of the girl-power anthem “Bonnie” was a standout moment, inviting female audience members on stage to join in the fun. With popular hits like “Drunk” and “Breakfast,” along with their new track “Wrong Side,” Anteros showcased their ability to captivate an audience with infectious energy.
The grand finale of our Live at Leeds experience was provided by Pale Waves, whose late set time drew a massive crowd that filled the venue to capacity. Tracks like “There’s a Honey” and “Television Romance” had the audience dancing and singing along, while “Heavenly” from their All the Things I Never Said EP perfectly encapsulated their dark pop sound. The infectious atmosphere created by Pale Waves ensured a perfect end to an unforgettable day.
As the sun set on Live at Leeds Festival 2018, it became clear that this year’s event was one for the books. With an exceptional lineup and a vibrant atmosphere, it’s no surprise that fans are already eagerly anticipating next year’s festival. For those who want to be the first to grab tickets, be sure to check out the Live at Leeds website for updates!
