And the beat goes on
Finally, after a year of postponements, cancellations and shelved gigs, it looks like music festivals are back. It’s been a tough 12 months for artists, promoters and the army of roadies and techies who put the acts on stage, but say it quietly, a little normality appears to be returning to the Yorkshire music scene as the festival season gets back underway.
With Leeds Fest already sold out, here’s five others worth checking out this summer.
Tramlines
What? The good people behind the Sheffield festival spent much of last year fundraising to protect the charities they normally donate money to. Thankfully, despite being one of the earliest festivals in the season, normal service will be resumed this year with three days of gigs.
Who? The Streets, Royal Blood and Richard Ashcroft are taking the top spots on the Tramlines’ bill and the rest of the line-up is not too shabby either. From Little Simz to The Sherlocks, the organisers have once again attracted some big names to South Yorkshire.
Insider tip: There isn’t any camping on site, but in previous years the festival has teamed up with Central Quay Hotel. It’s a 25 minute tram ride away, but on the upside it means you will get a hot shower, a warm bed and no dodgy festival toilets the morning after the night before.
Where and when?
July 23 to 25,
Hillsborough Park, Sheffield.
tramlines.org.uk
Meadowfest
What? This laidback festival should be a gentle reintroduction to the festival scene for everyone who has forgotten what it’s like to jostle in a beer tent. This isn’t an event for those in desperate need of a mosh pit, but if you fancy a few g&ts in a beautiful setting with a carefully curated soundtrack then Meadowfest is definitely one for the diary.
Who? The event is the brainchild of Tom Naylor-Leyland who is also behind the successful Malton Food Lovers Festival and alongside The Lightning Seeds, Arthur Brown – The God of Hellfire and a line-up of homegrown bands, you also won’t be able to move for hay bales and street food stalls.
Insider tip: This is definitely one festival where you’ll want to linger, so why not make a weekend of it and check out the fabulous independent foodie businesses which have made their home in Malton over recent years.
Where and when?
July 31, Talbot Hotel, Malton.
visitmalton.com/meadowfest
Bingley Weekender
What? Bosses at Bingley have certainly not pulled the punches this year and have gone all out with a hedonistic line-up that is sure to get the town rocking and ensure a great atmosphere. But with Leeds Fest sold out and such an impressive array of talent, don’t expect tickets for this extravaganza to hang about for long.
Who? Headliners over the weekend this year include Primal Scream, the Libertines, Pixies, White Lies and Embrace plus a wealth of other music and comedy acts.
Insider tip: Weekend camping is available on site for an extra £30 per person while if you feel like splashing the cash you can pay £50 for a little extra VIP access.
Where and when?
August 6 – 8, Bradford and Bingley Rugby Club, Bingley.
bingleyweekender.co.uk
Slamdunk
What? Featuring the best emo, metal and alternative acts, he UK’s biggest independent one day rock festival should signal one very loud return to live music. It began life in 2016 and attracts a hard core of loyal fans looking for something different from the usual festival line ups.
Who? Canadian pop punk quartet Sum 41 might be officially classed as veterans of the festival circuit, but their headline sets rarely disappoint. Given the band often plays more than 300 gigs a year, the enforced hiatus should mean that this UK date is one to remember. Don Broco, While She Sleeps, Bury Tomorrow and Pennywise are also on the line-up.
Insider tip: While the festival itself is just a one day event and there is no camping available, for those wanting a bit of a warm-up to the main event check out the launch party at Leeds Beckett University’s student union the night before.
Where and when?
September 4, Temple Newsam, Leeds.
slamdunkfestival.com
Long Division
What? It has been described as one of the country’s best bijou music festivals and we have to agree. Previous headliners have included indie favourites The Cribs and British Sea Power but the real draw is the chance to see emerging artists.
Who? There is more to come, but the initial acts suggest this is going to be a vintage year for the Wakefield festival with the likes of Futureheads, The Lovely Eggs and Beardyman descending on West Yorkshire alongside Hands Off Gretel, Peggy Sue and Katie Spencer.
Insider tip: All the gigs take place in venues within walking distance of each other and the £30 wristband covers entry to the whole day, which runs from midday to midnight. It does require a bit of planning to ensure you see every act you want to, but leave space to catch an unknown band on their way up.
Where and when?
