Reading and Leeds Festival, one of the longest running and most well-known simultaneous festival duos in the world, is due to roll around once again on its undisputed August Bank Holiday Weekend spot. It would seem that Leeds automatically draws the short straw year on year with disgusting amounts of rain, resulting in knee-deep mud and tents looking more like sleeping bags, forcing you to trawl around a field in Wetherby but this will never defeat the intoxicated Northerner who’s determined to have the best weekend of their year.
The festival has historically hosted the most famous of acts from the rock world including Foo Fighters, Muse and Green Day however little by little it seems to have morphed into a much more vast and inclusive festival, with the likes of The Wombats, The Vaccines and Red Hot Chili Peppers appearing again and again in recent years and acts like Haim and Flume introduced more of a pop sound at last year’s shindig. It seems that Leeds Festival is now less of a legendary rock festival, and more of one for the masses – whether this outlook is here to stay or not, the pure volume of acts that can be found at Leeds Festival means that there is always someone for you. Here’s 7 acts you can’t afford to miss at Leeds Festival 2018:
The Kooks
The band of four from Brighton have firmly established themselves over the last 14 years with massive hits from “Naive” to “Junk of the Heart”. They continue to tour the world with their greatest hits, thrilling audiences with an immense atmosphere and completely humble personalities. If you’re looking for that classic feeling of singing along to nostalgic hits with a crowd of thousands that makes life worth living, look no further than The Kooks’ set on the main stage on the Saturday of the festival. No party is complete without their warm, groovy sound, so how can any festival be?
Slaves
Kent duo Slaves are like nothing else around at the moment. Isaac and Laurie combine punk-garage sounds with poignant lyrics such as “you don’t like what we do, cos we say what we are thinking and that shocks and frightens you” in “The Hunter” , to create an amalgamation of political anger, which just so happens to make excellent mosh pit music. The likes of “Sockets” and “Where’s Your Car Debbie?” are absolutely perfect for losing yourself to in the sun, or more likely the pouring rain. Don’t miss them on the BBC Radio 1 stage on the Friday of Leeds Festival.
Hannah Wants
Hannah Wants (Smith) is a house DJ and producer from Birmingham whose 2014 hit “Rhymes” was followed up by a BBC Radio 1 residency and coverage from Pete Tong. Her sound is absolutely essential for a night out and gives a bit of rest bite from guitar music in every other corner of the festival. Even if you aren’t into house or techno music, give Hannah Wants a go when she headlines the BBC Radio 1 Dance Stage on the Friday of the festival for tunes like “Girls & Boys” and “What I Want” that you’ll find yourself unconsciously bopping to under the lights and atmosphere in this electric tent.
The Magic Gang
Brighton band The Magic Gang completely encompass that feeling of bliss in the height of a summer afternoon, capturing relaxation in the tone and pace of their music, and the optimism of a sunny day with every strum of the guitar. “Life Without You” and “She Doesn’t See” emanate a fix of heartbreak, whilst still providing warmth and bliss, this paradox of a band is not to be missed on the Festival Republic Stage on the Sunday of the festival.
Dua Lipa
We all know Dua Lipa from her rip-roaring success with her empowering hit “New Rules”, but looking at her repertoire she really is the epitome of festival acts. Songs like “Dreams” and “Hotter Than Hell” were made for festival season with their pop beats, but also hints of samba that encompass the summer spirit we all crave at a festival. Go along to Dua Lipa’s set on the main stage on the Sunday for a good old dance!
BØRNS
Michigan born BØRNS is actually one man, Garrett Borns, who creates the most delicate, dreamy music. “Electric Love” is possibly most well-known, however in the UK BØRNS is somewhat a niche artist, the US charts are much more familiar as he reached number two in the US Alternative and Top Rock charts with his debut album Dopamine. Hop over to the Festival Republic Stage on the Saturday to see dreamy BØRNS in action.
The Courteeners
To round off this fabulous 7, The Courteeners from the North cannot be missed. The absolute kings of the festivals are back once again at Leeds Festival on the main stage on the Friday, just before headliners Kings of Leon. Their endearing yet spectacular performance includes hits such as “Not Nineteen Forever” and “Cavorting”, but also those tunes to put a smile on your face like “Summer” and “How Good It Was”, and as always front man Liam Fray will undoubtedly be getting the party started with his infectious lust for life attitude. Do yourself a favour and at least catch a few songs – Courteeners never fail to put you in a pyro filled, euphoric mood.
However you choose to spend your Leeds Fest 2018, be safe and have fun! If you aren’t lucky enough to be braving the mud this summer, do still check out these artists – they won’t disappoint.
For the full line-up, more information and tickets visit the Leeds Festival website.
Words by Emmeline Banks.
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