torrential rain fails to dampen the Leeds Festival goers spirits

Leeds Festival 2016

Friday 26th to Sunday 28th August 2016
Bramham Park, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS23 6ND, England MAP
£205 - plus booking fee

Daily capacity: 79,999

Leeds Festival was hit by the worst torrential rain in years but that was not enough to dampen the festival goers spirits. Originally, a rock festival Leeds has diversified over the years to offer a little something for everyone. There are still rock bands aplenty but the variety in the acts shows how the nations music tastes have grown over the years.

The dance tent proves a popular haunt over the weekend and reprehensive of this Disclosure headline the main stage one of the nights. Although their light show is impressive, the lack of guest singers and material is evident.

The 1975's, very popular with the teen market represent pop, encompassing the NME tent. They have had an amazing year accumulating with sold out dates at the O2 later this year. Rap is signposted by Nas who puts in an amazing set that the crowd fully appreciate.

Fall Out Boy: Leeds Festival 2016

Fall Out Boy are a welcome addition, they produce a show stopping set with dancers with flaming torches. An excellent David Bowie tribute helps cement the set. Eagles Of Death Metal continue the rock vibe with an electric presence. After the awful Paris attacks that the band were involved in they seem to be enjoying getting back to what they do best. The band are met with load cheers and clapping like festival goers are empathising with the band.

Foals put in their usual intense, moody set and somehow the damp, dank weather adds to the atmosphere. The lead singer Yannis, even leaps into the crowd, an act which is met with great vigour from the crowd.

Red Hot Chili Peppers: Leeds Festival 2016

The whole weekend seems to be leading up the Red Hot Chili Peppers headline performance. The crowd seems to be the older festival goers; ready to experience the Chili’s extensive back catalogue. They do a two hour set spanning from Blood Sugar Sex Magick right up to the current album The Getaway. Two particular songs seem to bridge the generations, Under the Bridge and By the way have the punters going mad and the predictable singalong begins.

Leeds Festival has very much changed since its early roots. However, it’s the mighty Chili Pepper’s that finally link the festival, young and old.

review by: Jason Richardson

photos by: Jason Richardson