By Ellen Jenne
Copyright manchestereveningnews
A brand new major festival , Roundhay Festival, is set to make its grand debut in the summer of 2026. The e vent will take place at its namesake location, Roundhay Park in Leeds , with aspirations to become a key attraction in the north of England, reports the Express . Over the years, Roundhay Park has been graced by a host of music legends, including Madonna, the Rolling Stones, Michael Jackson and, more recently, Ed Sheeran. The festival promises an impressive line-up featuring some of the world’s biggest stars, with the first acts due to be announced shortly. In addition, Roundhay Festival plans to offer a variety of free activities for the whole family to enjoy. Stay tuned for the announcement of the very first headliner soon. The festival, launched in partnership with Leeds City Council, aims to bring numerous benefits to the local area. Following the success of AEG’s other festivals, Roundhay will feature a plethora of local suppliers and food vendors, employ local staff, and stimulate spending on accommodation, food and entertainment The festival’s midweek programme of free-to-access activities for all ages will also provide high-quality arts, culture and wellbeing activities. This will serve as a platform for local talent and encourage continuous use of the park during the summer. The event is committed to creating a sustainable future for live music. Jim King, CEO of AEG Presents UK and European Festivals, said: “Everyone at AEG is thrilled to announce the launch of the Roundhay Festival in Leeds. 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. “Roundhay Park already holds an extraordinary place in music history, having hosted concerts from some of the biggest artists of all time and we cannot wait to add to that story. “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.” The Roundhay Festival has teamed up with Big Green Coach as its official travel partner, offering eco-friendly return journeys directly to the stunning Roundhay Park. Meanwhile, this year’s Leeds festival will collaborate with Roundhay School to give pupils the opportunity to gain experience in the live music industry and event management. The initiative will deliver essential skills and knowledge about career prospects in the creative sectors. AEG Presents, the organisers of BST Hyde Park, are set to bring top-tier festival experiences, advanced production and world-class performances to Leeds. Since 2013, BST Hyde Park has been known for its once-in-a-lifetime concerts. American Express will be the presenting partner of the festival, strengthening its relationship with AEG and further solidifying American Express’s commitment to providing the best live music experiences for their Cardmembers. Exclusive presale access to all shows and a range of benefits at the festival site will be available to American Express Cardmembers. Councillor James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council, expressed his delight: “I’m absolutely delighted that we are working with AEG to bring some of the biggest names in music to Roundhay Park once again. “The park is a fabulous setting for concerts, as legendary artists like Madonna, U2 and the Rolling Stones will know from their own fondly-remembered appearances there. “It’s also a much-loved part of the fabric of life in Leeds, so it’s fitting that this event will be doing as much as possible to support local vendors, suppliers and staff. AEG’s commitment to the highest standards of sustainability is another very welcome plus point for us. “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. I’m sure music fans, not just in Leeds but across the region and beyond, will agree with me when I say ‘roll on next summer’.” Headliners, complete line-ups and programmes for Roundhay Festival are yet to be revealed. Further details can be found here. If you want ideas and inspiration to plan your next UK adventure plus selected offers and competitions, sign up for our 2Chill weekly newsletter here
