Leeds Festival 2015
So the festival season is on the horizon, the time of year when thousands of like-minded music lovers gather in the same damp, muddy field to escape reality and enjoy an epic party weekend full of drunken delight; and what better place is there to make such an escape than Leeds Fest? The Yorkshire based event is as secluded as it gets; and being in the middle of nowhere can often mean a later finish! Leeds-goers must be prepared though, as it tends to get mucky regardless of the weather; so ready your sacrificial clothing and prepare those wellies (unless you’re willing to sacrifice your shoes too) and get ready for the craziness to come!
The little brother to the much heralded and oldest of its kind ‘Reading Festival’, Leeds is held at Bramham Park and runs over the August bank holiday weekend, along the same bill as the Little John’s Farm event. The pair have brought huge success for their promoter ‘Festival Republic’; winning numerous awards including ‘Best Festival’ by Rock Sound Awards in 2014 and NME in 2012. Formerly known as ‘Mean Fiddler’, the brand is seen to be the UK’s leader in the events and festivals field, having been largely credited with the creation of the music festival market seen in the country today; whilst also being home to some of the biggest rock shows on the planet, from Hove in Norway, to the Berlin Festival, to the multi-channelled Suffolk-based ‘Latitude.’
The festival is home to six fantastic stages that will host a wide variety of world-class acts over the three days; you’ll be hard-pressed not to find an act that you love! With the likes of Gorgon City, Glass Animals, Mumford and Sons, Limp Bizkit, Lethal Bizzle and self-proclaimed house band ‘Metallica’, amongst others, all making an appearance; and that’s just a drop in the ocean! Experience some top tunes and dance into the early hours to some of XFM’s finest DJ’s at the infamous Piccadilly Party; and do your bit for the event’s charity ‘Bollocks to Poverty’ in the Action Aid tent, where you’ll be treated to numerous activities by day, such as giant Jenga and table football, before resident DJ’s take you through to 3am! For those looking to party well into the night, there is a silent tent available where you can dance the night away without disturbing the other campers; Or for a laugh, why not stand outside and listen to the ravers screaming at the top of their lungs obliviously?
For those looking for a break from the music (really? A break?), there’s plenty to satisfy, and I’m not just talking about drinking at the tent with your friends and the shenanigans involved with that! There is a cinema on site for those that like a film or a short feature; and a funfair for those looking to spin themselves silly; whilst the sporty types should sign up for the 5-a-side football tournament that can be f ound near the village, and ready yourself to be a Leeds fest champion!
There are a variety of tickets on offer to suit many a budget and many a schedule, whether you’re looking to come for the whole weekend or just the day; for more information visit http://www.leedsfestival.com/t ickets. Alternatively, why not get into the festival for free as a volunteer! To do this, simply visit http://www.leedsfestival.com/n ews/earn-free-ticket-becoming- reading-and-leeds-representati ve-0; and if you like what you see, get that application in!
By Calum Dewsbury