Music enthusiasts across the north of England have reason to celebrate as AEG Presents, the organization behind London’s successful BST Hyde Park festival, has announced plans to launch a massive new 70,000-capacity event in Leeds.
The festival, officially branded as Roundhay Festival but following the BST Hyde Park format, will take place in Roundhay Park, one of Europe’s largest city parks spanning over 700 acres, beginning in 2026.
This significant development comes after Leeds City Council recently increased the park’s official event capacity from 19,999 to 69,999, paving the way for what will become one of the UK’s largest outdoor music events.
Located approximately three miles north of Leeds city center, Roundhay Park has a storied history of hosting legendary performers including Madonna, Michael Jackson, The Rolling Stones, and Ed Sheeran.
Roundhay Park’s legendary stage has welcomed music royalty from Madonna to Ed Sheeran throughout its illustrious history.
Unlike the established Leeds Festival operated by Festival Republic, which is situated about 7.5 miles away, the new Roundhay Festival will not offer camping facilities.
Instead, it will focus exclusively on day events featuring live music and various supplementary activities, potentially alleviating overnight noise concerns for surrounding communities while maximizing the economic impact for the city.
American Express has been confirmed as the headline sponsor for the new venture, continuing their partnership with AEG Presents.
The council has wisely limited events in Roundhay Park to a maximum of two weekends annually, striking a balance between community interests and cultural benefits.
While official headliners for the 2026 inaugural event have not yet been announced, AEG’s track record of booking global stars like Olivia Rodrigo, Charli XCX, and Zach Bryan at BST Hyde Park suggests similarly high-profile bookings for Leeds.
The festival promises to showcase “some of the world’s biggest stars” alongside opportunities for local musicians to perform, integrating community talent with international acts.
This expansion represents a significant milestone for AEG Presents, establishing one of their largest UK festivals outside of London and further cementing Leeds’ reputation as a premier destination for live music events.
Beyond the main festival attractions, organizers plan to provide free shows and activities throughout the festival week to enhance community engagement and ensure the event benefits local residents.
The festival will implement responsible power sourcing and waste management systems as part of its comprehensive sustainability initiatives to minimize environmental impact on the beautiful park setting.
Organizers have announced plans to build brand storytelling elements into the festival’s marketing to create deeper connections with attendees and distinguish the event in the competitive UK festival landscape.
Artists participating in the festival will have access to dedicated soundcheck sessions to ensure optimal sound quality and performance readiness for the large-scale venue.
