Roundhay Festival is set to take place in summer 2026 – and the festival has teased a line-up filled with some of the world’s biggest stars
A brand new major festival, Roundhay Festival, is set to make its grand debut in the summer of 2026. The festival will be held at its namesake location, Roundhay Park in Leeds, with hopes of becoming 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 a star-studded line-up with some of the world’s biggest stars, with the first acts due to be announced shortly.
In addition, Roundhay Festival plans to offer a range of free activities for the whole family to enjoy. Stay tuned for the announcement of the very first headliner soon.
In partnership with Leeds City Council, Roundhay Festival 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 give a platform to local talent and encourage continuous use of the park during the summer. The event is dedicated 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, a collaboration with Roundhay School will give pupils the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the live music sector and event management as part of this year’s Leeds festival.
The initiative will deliver essential skills and valuable insights into career prospects within the creative industries. AEG Presents, the masterminds behind BST Hyde Park, are set to bring top-notch festival experiences, cutting-edge production and world-class performances to Leeds. Since 2013, BST Hyde Park has been known for its unforgettable concerts.
American Express is set to be the presenting partner of the festival, strengthening its relationship with AEG and further solidifying American Express’s commitment to providing their Cardmembers with the best live music experiences. Exclusive presale access to all shows will be available to American Express Cardmembers, along with a range of benefits at the festival site.
Councillor James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council, expressed his excitement: “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’.”
The full line-ups, headliners, and programmes for the Roundhay Festival are yet to be announced. For more information, visit here.
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