Christopher BarrettLeeds is to host a second major music festival from next year with AEG Presents planning the launch of Roundhay Festival in the city’s huge Roundhay Park.
AEG has announced the plans just weeks after Leeds City Council increased the events capacity at Roundhay Park from 19,999 to 69,999, making it one of the UK’s biggest outdoor venues. One of the largest city parks in Europe, Roundhay Park is three miles north of Leeds city centre and stretches across more than 700 acres. It is 7.5 miles from the site of Festival Republic’s, 75,000-capacity, Leeds Festival.
The park has a history of hosting huge gigs by acts including The Rolling Stones, Madonna, Bruce Springsteen and Genesis. Ed Sheeran was the last artist to play a large concert at the park in 2019.
Announcing the increase in the park’s events capacity, Leeds City Council chief officer for climate, energy and green spaces Polly Cook said the park would host a maximum of two weekends of events per year: “We are mindful that it is in a close-knit residential area and we know this has to balance the benefits to the city’s economy.”
AEG Presents did not disclose the dates or the capacity of Roundhay Festival but confirmed it will not offer camping and will involve live music from “some of the world’s biggest stars”. It promised the first headliner will be announced very soon, and said American Express will be Roundhay Festival’s headline sponsor.
The promoter said that it will work in partnership with Leeds City Council to help boost the local economy, minimise impact on residents and the environment: “From powering the festival responsibly to managing waste and partnering with local food vendors, sustainability will underpin every decision. The festival will continually refine its policies to minimise environmental impact while maximising benefits for the local community.”
AEG Presents also promised to provide midweek programme of free-to-access activities targeting all ages including a platform for local talent. It has also partnered with Roundhay School to offer students the chance to get involved in the live music industry and event management. AEG said the initiative will provide skills and insight into opportunities in the creative industries.
Leeds City Council leader James Lewis said, “Roundhay Festival will act as a wonderful showcase for our city, raising its profile with national and international audiences while delivering an important boost to the local economy.”
For AEG Presents UK and European festivals CEO Jim King, it will be the second major festival launch within a year for his team, which debuted the 35,000-capacity LIDO Festival in Victoria Park in June. Billed as the global promoter’s most sustainable festival to date, LIDO’s main stage was powered by the Grid Faeries x Ecotricity 1 MW battery that, in an industry first, was connected to the grid and charged by renewable energy.
“Everyone at AEG is thrilled to announce the launch of the Roundhay Festival in Leeds,” said King. “This landmark event gives us the opportunity to bring world-class artists and world-leading production to even more fans, while building on the park’s incredible musical legacy.”
“As with all our events, we are committed to delivering the very best in every aspect, from welcoming some of the greatest artists in the world, to creating an unforgettable fan experience, and upholding industry-leading sustainability standards.
“We are determined to bring value to the park, the city, and the wider region. By working closely with local people and businesses, we aim to create a festival that everyone in Leeds can be proud of.”