Leeds will host a new large-scale music festival next summer after the city council confirmed plans for Roundhay Festival at Roundhay Park in the north of the city.
The event will be staged in collaboration with AEG Presents, the promoters behind BST Hyde Park and All Points East, and is expected to attract internationally known performers. Council leader James Lewis said the festival would raise the city’s profile and provide a boost to the local economy.
Roundhay Park, which covers more than 700 acres and is one of the largest city parks in Europe, has a history of hosting major concerts by artists including Madonna, U2, the Rolling Stones, Michael Jackson and Ed Sheeran. Councillors last month approved allowing crowds of up to 69,999 at events in the park; the capacity was temporarily increased to 80,000 for Ed Sheeran’s 2019 shows.
AEG said Roundhay Festival would feature live music from some of the world’s biggest stars and that the first headline act could be announced as early as next week. In addition to headline performances, organisers plan a midweek programme of free activities aimed at showcasing local talent and encouraging continued use of the park throughout the summer.
The council and AEG have also outlined community and economic benefits tied to the event. A partnership with Roundhay School is intended to give students hands-on experience in events and the live music industry. Organisers said the festival would engage local suppliers, create employment for local staff and increase spending in accommodation, food and other entertainment sectors.
Lewis described the park as a ‘‘fabulous setting for concerts’’ and said Roundhay Festival would act as a ‘‘wonderful showcase’’ for the city, attracting national and international audiences and delivering an ‘‘important boost to the local economy.’’
Logistics and detailed programming remain subject to final planning and promoter arrangements. While the council has confirmed the event for next summer and indicated an imminent headliner announcement, full dates, ticketing information and the wider lineup have not yet been released.
Organisers emphasized that the festival will aim to balance large-scale performances with community access and local industry development as planning moves forward in the coming months.