From Leeds to Reading: Why the UK’s Top 3 Biggest Festival Has Captivated 75,000 Music Lovers Annually

Words by : Nicole Fazlinia 

Every year, there’s an incredible, good-vibes-filled music festival, held at Leeds and Reading. It also happens to be in the top 3 biggest festivals in the UK, with a capacity of 75,000 at Leeds, and 84,000 at Reading. Incase you’ve been living under a rock and still don’t know what we’re referring to, it’s Leeds and Reading Festival.

Run by Festival Republic, both events happen simultaneously in their respective locations, with Leeds at Bramham Park, which is where we at Aire Street Studios went as press, aiding with professional photography and the camera set up for exclusive behind-the-scenes interviews with acts such as the brilliant and Scottish ’The Snuts’. With over 767K listeners on Spotify, you might’ve heard their hit ‘Gloria’. Our personal favourite is ‘Glasgow’, which also happens to be their debut single. They weren’t one to miss if you enjoy a bit of good Indie Rock with a rich bassline and raw-edged vocals. If you didn’t enjoy them, your dad probably would. 

Alternatively, British band Don Broco provided a mosh-pit worthy set for their Rock fan base, blasting their hit song ‘One True Prince’ with a tour currently underway for those who couldn’t get enough. The crowd was certainly sold with the buoyant and funky riffs compared to the roaring vocals, creating a distinctive, contrasting sound. Another well-known British act was Declan McKenna, who was one of our favourites at Aire Street Studio. Only 24, he’s a festival newcomer but impressively playing the main stage, and spent his time blasting sunny indie hits like ‘Brazil’, joined by indie legend Sam Fender himself on the guitar, teasing a possible new collaboration. He stood out, donning huge Elton-John-esque sunglasses, a blue suit, and a bright yellow tie to match his cheery riffs, versus his somewhat existential lyrics.

Rina Sawayama was another major highlight of Leeds Fest for us this year. Whether she was in her stunning bright red cowboy outfit, or a strappy white getup, her stage presence was undeniable, making her one of the best sets at Leeds by a mile. The star quality was indeniable, a unique set complete with costume changes and backup dancers, and even an all-female band; Sawayama went above and beyond. Her music is more mainstream compared to The Snuts, alluring to her fan base of 3.2M on Spotify with up-beat, high-energy Pop hits, and our favourite happens to be ‘Hold The Girl’, described as a ‘Therapy Epiphany turned single’ by Rolling Stone, a powerful, emotionally charged hit depicting Sawayama’s journey to embracing herself. Sir Elton John, the knight of pop himself, is a fan, having invited her to perform with him. Her set was a proud testament to the LGBT+ community and women all over the globe. This barbie is talented! If seeing her once wasn’t enough (it probably wasn’t), she’s currently touring, so catch another showstoppingly engaging set if you can.

It was clearly a great first day for pop-y house, and drum’n’bass fans, with Becky Hill turning out big dance track after big dance track. The change was not one which was expected for R&L Festival, being known for it’s rock-based sound, but it was obviously welcomed with open arms by it’s crowds, which seem younger and younger every year. Regardless, Hill made a rave out of the festival with her melodies.

Saving the best for last, we haven’t forgotten about the anticipated return of headliner Billie Eilish. About four years ago, she played R&L Festival, making festival history by being the youngest person to do so. Ever since, crowds have been begging for her return, and it was finally granted this year. And trust us, she didn’t disappoint. Coming full circle, she opened with ‘Bury a Friend’, the same track she closed with in 2019, giving everyone a real sense of Deja Vu. Her die-hard fans, queueing since the early hours of the morning for their spot at the front, spent the whole set going insane for the 21-year-old, and Eilish matched the energy on stage, with pyro machines staring the show with a bang (literally). Of course, she didn’t forget about the Barbie hit ’ What was I Made For’, including it mid-set. We loved having her back in Leeds again, hopefully she comes back soon!

Overall, the first day definitely was one to remember, and the day ended with everyone retiring to the silent disco or the built-in rave experience at relentless. For Aire Street Studios, Mark decided he was too much of an old man to participate in the after party, and returned back home to his wife for a late night cuppa. Check out the other two days over here