Live at Leeds Festival was the place to be on Saturday 30th April for any lover of music. Despite being known for its indie/alternative roots this day festival had something to offer for everyone. I joined the many other attendees at the beginning of the day staring in awe at the line up and thinking ‘how am I going to fit everything in?’
After frantically circling all the ‘must see’ bands on the line up sheet I headed on my way amongst the crowds towards the many venues offering live music all day long. As people parted ways and joined separate queues to see their choice of band the buzz was definitely in the air and it was endearing to see the many people that had turned out to support England’s ever growing music scene.
The more well-known bands such as Mystery Jets highlighted how much support there was but also how prepared you have to be for the day. Standing in a huge crowd for a couple of hours to see your favourite band is one thing but rushing from venue to venue and pushing your way to the front can be an exhausting experience for a full 12 hour day. For myself and most of the people there though it’s also an adrenaline filled, enjoyable experience.
Mystery Jets played at the O2 Academy and the never ending queue that everyone was itching to be out of seemed like the a gift sent from the gods upon entering the crowded venue. Whilst seeing the Mystery Jets has always been on my list of ‘must see bands’ I couldn’t help but pine for that first breath of fresh air I would take on leaving the venue. However, when the wind hit me so did the realisation of how much of a good time I was actually having being squashed into a crowd and singing aloud to my heart’s content.
Each experience throughout the day was different. The Briggate Stage placed strategically in the middle of the busiest street in Leeds drew an energised crowd throughout the day. The free, outdoor stage was a great addition to the festival and gave those that didn’t attend a sneak peek into the fun they were missing out on.
The Social and Slate Courtyard highlighted how reaching adulthood doesn’t mean the end to people’s love of music. People gathered here for a day of light-hearted music in a social and welcoming atmosphere where age meant nothing and the search for a good time brought everyone together.
The great aspect of local music festivals is that bands big and small get to showcase their talent and if there’s not a band you really want to see then you have the chance to go on the hunt for your new favourite band. The Faversham hosted bands big and small such as Sundara Karma, a popular growing name in the music scene, to The Bulletproof Bomb, the young indie band just waiting for its break through.
Wherever I went an enthusiastic crowd followed, whether it consisted of 20 people or a thousand the support and warm reception that each band received was immense.
The final set of the day at Brudenell Social Club was Ratboy and after a 12 hour day I was nervous about the turn out. What I learnt upon arrival was the power of music to keep people going and making sure the fun never stops. The room was packed to the brim and there wasn’t a bored face in the venue. If coffee isn’t getting you out of bed in the morning then maybe music will because at Live at Leeds Festival the dancing never stopped and the energy never dimmed.
