Our neighbours over in Leeds have got all the best music festivals, homecoming gigs and performances you’ll struggle to find anywhere else this summer.
Leeds has become known locally, and increasingly nationally, as a go-to city for live music and it’s not difficult to see why.
Once upon a time it was Leeds Festival that carried their reputation as a proper Northern Powerhouse in the music scene, and whilst the city still welcomes 80,000 visitors the festival brings each year, there’s plenty more to explore than this.
From up-and-coming indie artists performing in intimate venues to England-exclusive performances; world record attempts; homecoming gigs from some of the biggest artists through the decades and a celebration of our local music nights, we’ve scoured the city in search of all the best events to get yourself down to.
Keep reading to find our sister page The Hoot Leeds’ guide to the most exciting events to visit this summer that are putting Leeds on the map as one of the best cities for live music and festivals…
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Festivals
Whether you’re planning to camp out at one of the UK’s biggest music festivals or fancy yourself a trip into the city centre to discover new artists, Leeds is packed withfestivals and events throughout the summer, plenty of which you can’t find anywhere else in the country.
Gold Sounds Festival
The festival that booked Phoebe Bridgers before she became a hit sensation
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Images: The Hoot Leeds / Hanglands
Hosted inside the legendary Brudenell Social Club, one of Leeds’ most popular music venues for up-and-coming artists, Gold Sounds Festival is an all-day event bringing alternative music lovers together for a day of non-stop tunes. The festival has a pretty impressive alumni, including Phoebe Bridgers, Wunderhorse, Dune Rats and The Big Moon.
Leeds and Manchester share the festival between them, but with a host of different names in each city, Sounds Of The City Leeds is well worth travelling for to your only chance to catch Anne-Marie, Paloma Faith and Gabrielle, Busted, Suede and Manic Street Preachers perform as part of the festival.
When: Thursday 4 July – Friday 19 July 2024
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Where: Millennium Square, Leeds City Centre, LS2 3AD
Tickets: Varying between £45 and £66.45, tickets are available via See Tickets here
Find out more here.
Live At Leeds: In The Park
The indie day festival where you’re destined to spot the ‘next big thing’
Image: Supplied
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Making up the summer portion of the Live At Leeds series, Temple Newsam will be abuzz with artists new and old. This year headlining are The Kooks, plus Declan McKenna, The Cribs, Sea Girls, Future Islands, Circa Waves, Baby Queen and Melanie C.
There’s nothing else like it on this scale in the north
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Image: Millennium Square
Image: Buster Shuffle via Instagram
Leeds music festivals span across all genres, including a seven hour festival dedicated to Ska and Mod music. Doors open from 2pm with artists like King Hammond & The Rude Boy Mafia, Stranger Cole, The Chords, Death Of Guitar Pop and Buster Shuffle confirmed for the outdoor event.
When: Sunday 4 August 2024, 2-9pm
Where: Millennium Square, Leeds City Centre, LS2 3AD
Catch You Me At Six’s final UK festival performance.
Images: Supplied
The UK’s biggest indie rock festival regularly attracts crowds from across the country, and this year with a line-up of I Prevail, The Interrupters, The All American Rejects and the final UK festival performance from You Me At Six, this year will be no different.
Fred Again’s festival exclusive, the return of Catfish and The Bottlemen’s, plus the chance to see some of the world’s biggest artists live across three day festival
Image: Supplied
Image: The Hoot Leeds
An obvious choice when it comes to ‘must-visit events in Leeds’: the festival is set to have one of it’s biggest years to date with over 200 acts promised to attend over the three days, including headliners Blink 182, Lana Del Ray, Liam Gallagher, Catfish and the Bottlemen and Gerry Cinnamon.
When: Friday 23 August – Sunday 25 August 2024
Where: Bramham Park, Leeds, LS23 6ND
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Tickets: £125 for a day ticket or £325 for the entire weekend, all tickets are still available viaTicketmaster here
Leeds is home to some incredible talent. We grew with the Kaiser Chiefs in the 00s, followed Mel B on her journey to success with the Spice Girls and have plenty of time for ex-One Direction star Zayn Malik who always shares how proud he is of his West Yorkshire roots (and is now the face of theBradford 2025 campaign).
If you want a live event where you can genuinely watch artists feel at home, with local fans pouring out to see their neighbours, school alumni, or even just celebrities that keep the dream of live music alive and accessible for us all, heading to a homecoming gig in Leeds is a must.
Here’s our top picks of which homegrown artists you can catch back in Leeds this summer…
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Yard Act
Vocalist James Smith and bassist Ryan Needham started the band after moving into a house in Meanwood together in 2016. Image: Yard Act
The four-piece band from Leeds have been going from strength-to-strength since steering their golden rover into the public eye in 2020. Yard Act command the stage at every single gig and fill their acts with fun, humorous twists choreographed to a tee and we’re expecting nothing less from their homecoming gig this August.
When: Saturday 3 August 2024
Where: Millennium Square, Leeds City Centre, LS2 3AD
Corrine Bailey Rae grew up in Moortown and attended university in Leeds. Image: Corrine Bailey Rae
Black Rainbows is a musical project ‘inspired by the objects and artworks collected by Theaster Gates at the Stony Island Arts Bank in Chicago’ that Corrine Bailey Rae will be sharing with Leeds as part of the Live At Leeds festival at Temple Newsam.
Kimberly Walsh grew up in Allerton and returns for two nights on The Girls Aloud Tour. Image: Supplied
Girls Aloud are back after a long hiatus, celebrating 21-years together and in memory of fellow band member Sarah Harding, the Sound Of The Underground returns to stages across the UK, with two nights planned in Leeds.
When: Saturday 15 June and Sunday 16 June 2024
Where: First Direct Arena, Arena Way, Leeds, LS2 8BY
Tickets: Both dates still have limited tickets left, available via Ticketmaster here
The band came together in Bailiff Bridge, just outside of Halifax in the 90s.
Cast your mind back to the early 00s, Embrace were on the Millennium Square stage at Live At Leeds (pictured above), Chris Martin had just co-written a song with the band and Coldplay were their support act. Now the West-Yorkshire-born-and-bred band will be taking over the stunning ruins of an old monastery at Kirkstall Abbey in celebration of 20 years of album ‘Out Of Nothing‘.
Leeds’ own The Pigeon Detectives will be supporting Madness at Kirkstall Abbey this summer. With six albums to choose from, expect the summer party to start on stage before we’re welcomed to the House Of Fun this July.
The English indie rock band has been through it all in the last 40 years. Tied with Elvis Presley for the most number of Top 40 hits in a single year in 1992, seven record labels, nine albums and a whopping 26 band members during this time (five present and 21 former): now The Wedding Present is coming home for a performance at the O2 Academy.
When: Saturday 5 October 2024
Where: O2 Academy Leeds, 55 Cookridge Street, Leeds LS2 3AW
Gigs you’ll struggle to find anywhere else this summer
So Leeds might not be the biggest city in the UK, but it’s been chosen by artists across the world as a must-visit for live music, in fact, Leeds has been chosen as the only English city to host Global-Award-winning band Nothing But Thieves this summer, as well as one of a handful taking part in Frank Turner‘s world record attempt.
We’re also a city that knows how to party, and as such, you’ll be able to find tickets to the new day rave for over 30s here, and remain one of, if not the only, place in the country with availability.
Keep reading to find out our top picks for exclusive music events in Leeds this summer…
Frank Turner’s World Record Attempt
Image: Frank Turner via Facebook
Leeds joins a select number of UK venues for this weekend-long record attempt
Leeds has been chosen as one of the cities to play a part in artist Frank Turner’s attempt to perform at the most music venues in 24 hours. There will be a solo set lasting around 20 minutes or so around 4pm, but due to the nature of the record attempt, timings may vary on the day.
Millennium Square is the band’s only headline show in England this summer
The Dead Club City band toured the UK last year, missing Leeds off the rota – until now that is. Leeds is now the only headline stop for the band as they play across Europe this summer, and with a back catalogue of four albums and six EPs all recorded in the last decade to choose from, there’s going to be non-stop-hits all night long at Millennium Square.
When: Wednesday 3 July 2024
Where: Millennium Square, Leeds City Centre, LS2 3AD
‘The daytime disco that doesn’t ruin your Sunday’ is returning to Leeds following the success of its launch over Easter weekend. Over-30s club event Day Fever is touring across the country but Leeds is the only city (at the time of writing) that still has tickets available, but this is sure to change soon so grab yours whilst you can to avoid disappointment.
Paris, Berlin, New York and West Yorkshire host the prestigious event.
Now in its 21st year, Leeds International Piano Competition comes to an exciting crescendo at the Great Hall inside the University of Leeds. Heats are held around the world before a second round and semi-finals are held in Leeds, and the grand final nearby in Bradford.
When: Friday 13 September – Saturday 21 September 2024
Where: The Great Hall of the University of Leeds, Woodhouse, Leeds LS2 9JT
Returning favourites that keep us dancing every single month
Just because these events happen regularly, by no means suggests they shouldn’t be shouted about. As a city we’ve got world-renowned speakeasies with talented jazz artists inside; we’ve got the streets lined with DJs and open mic nights, and performances every single day of the week inside venues that have more customers each year than Leeds Festival.
Keep reading to find our top picks for unique live music events you can find each month (or so) in Leeds.
The Domino Pub Quiz
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Where else can you take part in a music quiz inside a secret Jazz speakeasy?
Barbers by day, underground speakeasy by night, The Domino is a local favourite for a fun night out and now you can take part in a monthly pub quiz with a live band that combines the tongue-in-cheek humour; an incredibly talented trio of musicians and all the best bits of your usual pub quiz (drinks included).
When: Last Tuesday of every month from 8pm
Where: 7 Grand Arcade, Leeds City Centre, LS1 6PG
Tickets: £10 per person, recommended four people per team, bookings can be made directly withThe Domino here
Think of the most British songs you can name, with lyrics replaced with northern slag; some of the most talented local singers, guitarists, violinists and more
Northern Guitars is Call Lane’s answer to an early doors night out to kick the Monday blues: head down for Happy Hour drinks and then relax into the evening with acoustic sets, hilarious covers and remakes, as well as musicians from near and far. It’s a real escape from reality.
Swiftogeddon is the Taylor Swift night that fans continue to sell out every single time it’s in town. Taking place at Belgrave Music Hall every few months, the night comprises of back-to-back hits from the American pop sensation, and nothing else.
When: Friday 26 April / Friday 21 June 2024
Where: Belgrave Music Hall, Cross Belgrave Street, Leeds LS2 8JP
Anyone that’s worked their way up through the ranks as a performer in Leeds will be able to tell you about their first time at the Brudenell Social Club. Affectionately known as ‘The Brude’, the 400-capacity music venue is a jumping off point for artists big and small.
Recently Gene Gallagher (son of Liam Gallagher)’s band Villanelle ; The Last Dinner Party and Yard Act have performed here, and it’s been known to host secret gigs for the likes of Franz Ferdinand and the Kaiser Chiefs in the past. It’s a must-visit venue for anyone looking to find a new favourite artist.
If you find yourself travelling over from outside the city to visit Leeds, there’s a whole host of unique hostels, hotels and exciting staycation options to choose from.
You can find The Hoot’s top picks on where to stay in Leedshere.
Travel & Tourism
10 of the best museums and galleries in Greater Manchester
Lydia Mastrolonardo
In need of a day trip, but the weather’s rubbish and money’s a bit tight? You’ll want to have a read of this then.
We just so happen to have put together a list with some of the best museums and galleries that our wonderful region has to offer – whether transport, dinosaurs, or artwork is your thing, there really is something for everyone.
There are so many amazing options in Greater Manchester that it would be silly not to make the most out of them.
So without further ado and in no particular order, here’s 10 of the best museums and art galleries across the region.
Manchester Museum
Oxford Road
Starting off strong with one of our personal favourites, Manchester Museum.
Manchester Museum is not only side one of the city’s most spectacular 130-year-old neo-gothic buildings, but it also has a little bit of everything, which makes for a lovely day trip for everyone, as no matter your interest, there’s plenty to explore.
Think all things natural history – from taxidermy tigers, to mummies, and cultural exhibitions from across the world. While you’re there, why not take the kids to meet Stan the Tyrannosaurus Rex?
Open every day apart from Mondays, all galleries and exhibitions are free but you must book in advance for the temporary exhibitions.
Hat Works
Stockport
Over in Stockport is where you can find the UK’s only museum dedicated to the hatting industry, tucked away inside a Victorian mill.
Many people don’t even realise that this South Manchester town was, in fact, once the centre of the British hat-making industry, but that’s why this museum walks you through the history of all things hatting, whilst being easy on your pennies.
Admission is free for all, however booking in advance is recommended. If you want to go the full mile, you are also able to book a guided tour, which costs around £8.50 for adults and under 16s go free.
Open Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 10am-4pm.
Credit: The Manc Group
Museum of Transport
Cheetham Hill
Transport enthusiasts, this one’s for you.
Inside the Museum of Transport Greater Manchester, you’ll find over 70 vintage buses, coaches, trams and fire engines.
Not only is this historic 1930s bus garage home to every kind of bus and tram you could imagine, but they also have a traditional tea room and museum shop that completely transport you back in time… get it? And throughout the year lots of different special events take place too, allowing visitors to travel in style on some of the historic vehicles from their collection.
Tickets for adults cost between £6 and £7.50, while people with disabilities, or accompanied children under 16, can enter for free.
Open 10am-4:30pm on Wednesdays, weekends, and bank holidays.
Imperial War Museum North
Trafford Park
IWM North takes you on a journey all the way from the First World War, to current conflicts.
The waterfront museum is completely filled with art installations and interactive exhibitions exploring the impact of war on society
They also run accessible, sensory-friendly ‘relaxed hours’ on the first Sunday of every month, for those that benefit from the opportunity to explore in a quieter environment, and there are also quiet breakout rooms available, as well as an indoor area for anyone wishing to bring a packed lunch.
Open daily from 10am-5pm, except over Christmas, IWM North is completely free to enter and no booking is necessary.
Science and Industry Museum
Manchester City Centre
There’s always something going on at the Science and Industry Museum, that you can guarantee.
From its fabulous selection of permanent free galleries, like Revolution Manchester or the Textiles Gallery, to its ever-changing selection of exhibitions and events, there’s something for all ages and interests to get involved with.
Not to mention a fantastic range of activities for the little astronauts and scientists among us all year round.
The museum is open every day from 10am-5pm.
Credit: The Manc Group
Fireground
Rochdale
Fireground explores the different scenarios that our brave fire service have overcome across the past 200 years – including two World Wars, many terror incidents, house fires, and vehicle crashes – and is fully equipped with uniforms medals, paintings, and the fire engines themselves to really immerse visitors in the world.
The museum is open every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10am-4pm, with children’s tickets costing £6, adults £8, and those under three going free, but we think it’s well worth a visit.
There’s also free onsite car parking, as well as being easily accessed from the Metrolink stop directly outside and the train station a stone’s throw away.
People’s History Museum
Spinningfields
Everyone should visit the People’s History Museum at least once in their lives if you want to feel empowered.
The museum explains Britain’s major political parties and movements, as well as covering historic activism, protests and events such as the Peterloo Massacre, the emergence of the NHS and the continuous fight for LGBTQIA+ equality, among many other important causes.
This colour-coded gallery explores multiple different themes – including courage, revolution, reform, loyalty, dignity, and peace.
Open 10am-5pm every day, except Tuesdays, and entry is completely free.
Credit: The Manc Group
Bolton Museum
Bolton
The family-friendly Bolton Museum is another one that’s got a bit of everything.
It’s home to over 3,500 pieces of fine art, dating from the 18th century to now, as well as a botanical collection boasting about 60,000 different specimens, over 100 ceramics, and a surprisingly vast collection of Egyptology due to Bolton’s links to the cotton trade.
While the Nature Gallery is currently partially closed, there are plenty of other areas to explore celebrating art, culture and history.
The museum is free to all and open 9am-5pm every day, with slightly different hours on Wednesdays and Sunday.
Portland Basin Museum
Ashton-under-Lyne
This award-winning museum can be found within an old canal warehouse.
Its purpose is to showcase local history of the Tameside area, hence why the location seems particularly fitting with it being located on a historic canal junction – which during the Industrial Revolution would have been a bustling hub for trade.
Their current exhibition, Period Street, serves as a portal back in time to the 1920s, with traditional shops and housing that portray life back then. There’s also an educational play area for the little ones.
It’s open from 10am-4pm on Tuesdays to Sundays, with completely free entry and parking.
Greater Manchester Police Museum
Northern Quarter
Ever wanted to know what a 1879 police station or 1895 court room looked like? Now’s your chance.
Since being founded back in 1981, Greater Manchester Police Museum has curated a collection of police-related objects and archive material packed with history.
To get full access to the archive, you must book an appointment, but the museum is easily accessible from all over Greater Manchester, due to it being in such close proximity to Manchester Piccadilly Station.
It’s open to the public on Tuesdays from 10:30am-4pm, free of charge, but if you wish to book a private tour or larger group visit, this is available on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.
Credit: The Manc Group / Drew Forsyth (Science Museum Group)
Who knew educational activities could be so fun and cheap?
Now all you have to do is plan your route, absorb as much information as possible, and most importantly, enjoy yourself.
While many of these have free car parking, we would always advocate for you to use green methods of travel, as well as aiming to save money where possible, which is why using the Bee Network is the perfect way to get around.
Featured Image – The Manc Group
Travel & Tourism
The best places to go pumpkin picking near Manchester this autumn
Lydia Mastrolonardo
Pumpkin season is almost upon us – brace to have cinnamon and pumpkin spices shoved down your throat, and brace for whiplash from the heatwave to handwarmers.
I know, I know, I hear you. How can we possibly think about Halloween already?
Well with over 10,000 of you having already signed up to visit the Kenyon Hall Farm pumpkin patch, we’d hate for you to get left out.
According to folklore, pumpkins were originally carved to ward off Stingy Jack and other spirits, but these days they’re pretty effective in scaring away the nosey neighbours too.
To celebrate this year, instead of going to your local supermarket for a pumpkin, how about doing things the old fashioned way and harvesting the pumpkins yourself?
It’s a wholesome activity for all the family to do, so wrap up warm and let the kids run around while you fill your wheelbarrow with the biggest pumpkins you can carry.
So, without further ado, here’s some of the best pumpkin patches near Manchester for you to choose from.
Head on into the heart of Dunham Massey for your perfect pumpkin picking experience, ideal for animal-mad families, friends and couples.
They’ve not released 2026 tickets yet, but in 2025 families could hop on board a tractor and trailer shuttle service Eddie’s ‘Bumble Bee’ park and ride, safely transporting you from the carpark to the farm, as well as a Maize Maze to explore and lots of farm yard animals to spot.
Brookheys Farm is easily accessible by car and public transport from Altrincham, making it a great option.
If previous years are anything to go by, at Malpas you might be able to combine a maze adventure with your pumpkin picking.
If you’re up for the challenge, then somewhere at the heart of the maize maze lies a kingdom of pumpkins ready for you to rescue, while a 100 scarecrows are also hiding somewhere in the maize, along with a Harry Potter area.
Themed fancy dress is, obviously, encouraged. Dates have now been confirmed but there’s more info to come.
Open 10-4pm, Friday 2 October – midday on Saturday 31 October
Kenyon Hall Farm, Warrington
Kenyon Hall Farm has a 20,000 strong pumpkin patch, with 50 different varieties to choose from. You’re bound to find the perfect shape, colour and size for you and your carving design needs.
Though if doing the dirty work isn’t your style, pre-picked pumpkins are available and you can explore the farm shop or tuck into some of the delicious seasonal treats whilst watching your loved ones from the safety of the café.
They have also promised brand-new displays to facilitate the perfect autumnal family photos, as well as new interactive elements to enjoy. Not to mention, there is a free playground for the kids to run about and exert all of that energy, before you head off home.
The pumpkin patch is set to be open every day from Saturday 26 September but don’t hang about – lots of weekend dates have already sold out.
Book a £3.95 ticket online for entry – pumpkins can vary in price.
Another great place to spend a day is Lancaster Park & Animal Farm in Chadderton – they truly have it all.
Fully immerse yourselves in the Halloween spirit (pardon the pun) with pumpkin picking and carving, a Wizard School show, Halloween disco, fancy dress competitions (grown ups that includes you too), and giant halloween displays for photo opportunities.
Alternative activities at the farm include mini-quads, play areas, zip lines, a whole farm of animals to pet and much more.
Book online where tickets range from £7.34 – £16.77, including the pumpkins you take away, access to the farm and Halloween event.
Greater Manchester’s award-winning pumpkin patch, at Cockfield’s Farm, is returning this year bigger and better than ever.
In addition to the regular patch equipped with pumpkin patch props, a mini-pumpkin patch for the little ones and an evening adventure available to pick your pumpkins after dark if you’re brave enough. There is also set to be a brand-new spooky walk-through, Halloween show and autumnal displays.
Your pumpkin patch ticket also includes access to adventure play areas, the Giant Bouncy Pillow, animal petting at Cuddle Corner, tractor rides, the Big Animal Barn AND the brand-new Reptile Room.
The pumpkin patch will be open every weekend and throughout the October half-term with tickets ranging from £5.95 to £16.95 per person.
Pumpkin picking is back at Reddish Vale Farm with plenty of fun to join in, but you’ll want to book quickly as it’s a popular spot.
Explore the Halloween Village, and play areas equipped with zip wires and giant bouncy pillows, meet the farmyard animals, climb aboard the Spooky Express ride or simply grab a wheelbarrow and carve your handpicked pumpkins in the Carving Cavern.
There is also set to be a wide range of Halloween themed games and activities including making your own magical wand, enjoying the witch and wizard shows to enjoy.
Tickets are £12.50 for adults and £15 for children, with one pumpkin included per paying person, extra pumpkins are £5 each.
Libby’s Pumpkin Patch is set to return and she sure knows how to host a pumpkin party, with wood-fired pizzas, homemade sweet treats, campfire marshmallows and drinks.
It’s cheap and definitely cheerful – Libby has vowed to keep prices low for the third year in a row to help with the cost of living crisis meaning tickets will be costing only £10 per car starting from Saturday 3 October.
Affordable fun is just what we want and Roby Mill nearly always delivers – head on down to Roby Mill to satisfy all of your Halloween desires including photo opportunities with traditional tractors, an indoor marquee with all things witchy and locally made items.
Open every day, prices for pumpkin and gourd typically start from £2, so you can either dig up a cute mini one yourself, or roll your giant one home – the choice is yours.
There will also be a professional photographer on the 3, 9 and 11 October for a 20-minute photoshoot at an added cost.
While booking is required during the busy dates, the event is completely free entry and parking.
Woore Fruit Farm, Crewe
Ready, set… harvest.
Woore Fruit Farm is ripe and ready for picking, and it’s open 9am to 5pm daily, so you can go down and grab a pumpkin before Halloween is here.
Sophie Smith -
25th April 2024 
