The summer festival season very much starts in May if you’ve got an LS postcode, as that’s when Live at Leeds: In the Park takes place. This annual event gets gig-goers of all ages out to the usually sun-soaked Temple Newsam grounds for a day-long event of music. And when people say “it’s a vibe”, oh, that statement’s never been truer. Here’s what to expect from 2024’s instalment. 

The vast, well-run carpark makes driving a doddle. But if you’re a city dweller, the handy shuttle bus could be your best bet, as you can get there and back for a small fee. Low cost, high convenience? Sounds ideal to me.

Upon arrival, the booming amp sounds and big-top tents and stages give off this carnival-style sense of excitement. And as everyone hurries through wristband collection and bag checks, the giddiness is palpable. A sea of brightly coloured, sequin-adorned clothes then descends on the site — and I can’t wait for that expectant buzz as the day kicks off.

The line-up is nice and varied this year, though the flavour still largely remains of an indie variety. You can plonk down in the middle of the field, The Cockpit (Main Stage) ahead of you, and not move for the duration if you wish. But the Record Weekly team will be darting about, getting the most out of the schedule.

Courting are the first band on the billing, commencing at 12:30pm. They’re an outfit I didn’t catch at their latest Leeds show, so grooving to them is a must. Then at the other end of events, The Kooks will be on from 9:20-10:45pm, rounding off the event. Having seen them provide throwback banger after throwback banger at Truck Festival in 2022, I’m ready and raring for a round two of belt-your-lungs-out tunes. 

The Cribs, Mystery Jets and White Lies will be performing to no doubt the same crowd of noughties connoisseurs. While I’ll find joy by the bucketload in that, toddler me is screaming out for some Mel C — my favourite of the Spice Girls. 

Fans of newer, rising acts will be jotting down stage times for Vistas, Lucia & The Best Boys, Baby Queen, Andrew Cushin, Overpass, Tom A. Smith, Matilda Mann and Declan McKenna. But I’d urge you to save time later on to watch HotWax shred up the Dork Hype Stage. 

But RW’s hottest tips have to be The Mysterines and SPRINTS. If you’re a regular reader (hello!), you’ll know just how massively into the former I am. The Liverpudlian, Lia-fronted four-piece are quickly becoming pioneers of the new age of rock, and they’ve recently toured with Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes, if you needed any extra credentials to boost you in the right direction (towards their set). As for SPRINTS, as my album review states, we came across the raucous Irish alt-rockers by chance on Radio 6 Music and we’ve been devouring their scuzzy riffs ever since. Beholding them performing their craft at Live at Leeds will most certainly be a 2024 treat!

Speaking of treats, the sounds aren’t the only things that always bring a grin to our chops at RW — no, sir. The wide array of food and drink vendors adds another layer of anticipation, and makes working the duration all the more enjoyable — oi oi, multiple mealtimes. From beer trucks to falafel vans, and even a bit of pick ‘n’ mix fudge in between, there’s a whole heap on offer. 

Head to the Live at Leeds website for more details now, then we’ll see you at Temple Newsam! 

Please note: press access is with thanks to Hanglands