For the first time, the iconic citywide festival, Live At Leeds, is taking to the fields for a summery ‘In The Park’ experience at the glorious Temple Newsam. The Tudor-Jacobean house comes with its own flourishing, immaculately landscaped gardens that make great grounds for live events, so this day-long event on Saturday 4th June isn’t one to miss.

Alongside four stages — MTV, DIY Big Top, Dork Presents and Hill Top — punters will be treated to tents of serious stature. That means foodies can have their fix between sets, while craft ale connoisseurs work their way down the taps. Sounds ideal, right? It’s a Futuresound Group venture as always, but with Zeitgeist at the PR helm — and that’s who we have to thank for the press access. 

So, who’s on the line-up? Some absolute giants of the independent music spheres, that’s who. But more specifically, here are a handful of the favourites…

Bombay Bicycle Club

My younger, sixth-former self will be cheering gleefully at the promise of the band behind ‘Shuffle’ headlining. I’m getting goosebumps at the mere thought of hearing their feel-good, soundtrack-worthy indie anthems in the flesh. Long overdue, if you ask me. 

The Vaccines

‘What Did You Expect from The Vaccines’? A question I’ll be asking myself as I stand firmly on the grass during their undoubtedly inspired performance. It’ll be ace to revel in the throwback vibes of ‘If You Wanna’ without their name having those pesky virus connotations… 

The Mysterines

Modern rock has a new face and it looks a lot like The Mysterines. The deeply seductive vocals, thrashing drums and deliciously dark riffs that the Liverpudlian four-piece serve at every turn are just immense, so you’d be wise to get yourself a front-row, face-melting spot.

Sports Team

The raucous, carnage-bringing Sports Team are a punky indie act that are sure to hook the moshers and draw them into a pit on the day. Their noisemaker status is happily caveated by lashings of guaranteed fun that you get from every single song. Class. 

Arlo Parks

As poetic as a hygge-rich, warm amber afternoon light, Arlo Parks’ songs are divine. The singer-songwriter is so relatable lyrically that you begin to question whether she’s spent five minutes in your own head. The Mercury Prize winner is such a score for LAL.

The Snuts

I’m at my giddiest when grassroots Scottish talent features on a festival poster. The Daily Record’s “Kings of Scotland” have a Strongbow ad campaign and FIFA 21 soundtrack under their belts, and I’ll be in my element if the West Lothian legends play ‘Burn The Empire’. 

Holly Humberstone

As someone who’s been through the late ‘90s and noughties, it’s funny to see the Y2K movement return through today’s younger generation. And I feel, through her angelic sound and fabulous fashion, Holly Humberstone is flying the flag for pop of that tier right now.

Alfie Templeman

Into your sugary, indie-tinged dream pop? Ooh, aren’t we all? You can’t help but bop along to Templeman’s game-changing tunes, so wear your comfiest shoes, because you’re going to want to boogie as his half-hour show goes on. Prepare to grin from ear to ear.

easy life

As night falls, Leicester’s R&B crown-stealers, easy life, will be conquering the stage and primed to put on a party. They’re behind the infectious ‘skeletons’, so let that track alone seal the deal for you and you’ll soon be relishing their other spoken-vocal belters. 

Lauran Hibberd

Upbeat, playful and a bit riotous in one super-slick spoonful? Lauran Hibberd’s guitar-pumped, energised songs will help you get those hips shaking early on. She hails from the Isle of Wight (just like Coach Party) and boxed off Glastonbury back in 2019! 

Confidence Man

They fill the dancefloors and bring out the crowds to venues indoors and out, seamlessly living up to their self-assured moniker. I can’t emphasise enough how ready I am to be grooving to ‘Better Sit Down Boy’ and ‘Bubblegum’, two of the pair’s biggest bangers.

The Pigeon Detectives

The band who gave us the roar-it-out ‘Take Her Back’ have been writing the indie narrative since 2004. So if you aren’t eager to witness The Pigeon Detectives in action, shredding their set away, then I cannot compute. Old-school vibes, assemble. 

Coach Party

Yep, these angsty south-coasters are going places. Fresh from various other festival slots and bossing the Stade de France lately, Coach Party are, quite simply, on fire. I caught them supporting The Mysterines a couple of months ago and they blew the roof off.

Kid Kapichi

Another opportunity for us alt-rockers to behold the majesty of Kid Kapichi? Jack Wilson and co will be ripping up Dork’s stage and demonstrating to Leeds just how ferocious and here-to-stay the Hastings band is. We, in fact, are the ‘Lucky Ones’… 

Dream Wife

If you’re on the hunt for a dollop of disco-worthy garage punk, call off the search when Dream Wife are on — their loud-and-proud offering is exactly what the doctor ordered. It’s all uptempo hook this, high-pitched vocals that. ‘Fire’ is a particular hit. 

Zuzu

A quick scan of Zuzu’s Spotify bio unveils the artist’s fondness for comic books and gaming, but she’s got oodles on offer as a musician. She understands how to slip catchy melodies into her material, while retaining a totally desirable uniqueness. 

But they’re not the only outfits on the billing. See the full list here and plan your itinerary using the handy clashfinder. 

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Please note: press access is with thanks to Zeitgeist