Featured image: Georgina Hurdsfield / Festival Republic

Known to host a strong mixture of artists from all genres, this year’s Reading & Leeds 2023 line-up is no different. Bringing a collection of huge names to the fields of Bramham Park for us to enjoy this weekend, expect to see heavy-hitters Billie Eilish, Steve Lacy, Imagine Dragons and the festival veteran Declan Mckenna. The list is endless!

This year’s three-day festival has not only thrived in their choice of bigger artists, but also with their selection of smaller bands and performances throughout the alternative stages. We round up five bands you definitely don’t want to miss out on this weekend.

SOFT PLAY

Much to everybody’s surprise, the former-known ‘Slaves’, announced their appearance as one of the festival’s ‘secret sets’ earlier in the week. Following their headline slot at 2000 Trees in July, the two-piece are highly anticipated to put on a rowdy, high-energy performance that many people, including myself, are looking forward to.

The band are likely to play the debut of their new single ‘Punk’s Dead’, which is their first release since the name-change and was released August 21st.

Their strong discography of British punk promises a set to stand out. Catch them at 7:20pm on the Festival Republic stage at Leeds.

Bakar

Friday’s Main Stage East line-up hosts an incredible selection of names playing, but the first artist I’ll be seeing throughout the entire weekend is Bakar. Despite his set being an early one at 2:40pm, the immaculate vibes of sunshine (hopefully) and his chill atmosphere, will kickstart the positive energy into the rest of the weekend. 

After seeing Bakar fill the capacity of a smaller tent at Leeds Fest previously in 2021, it is a set that promises the opportunity to dance like no other.

Don Broco

Following Bakar’s slot, Bedford’s very own Don Broco play the Main Stage West at 3:20pm on Friday at Leeds. The band, who’s music brings a life of its own to a festival atmosphere, are finally playing the festival officially – after teasing at secret sets for the past few years.

Admittedly, this band are one I have seen over a handful of times, but despite the questioning of: ‘Do you really need to see them again?’, the answer is yes. Their live shows consistently remain at a high standard, going above and beyond with stage performance and crowd interaction. Don’t miss out! 

Graphic Nature

The up-and-coming nu-metal band Graphic Nature are taking to the stage of Leeds Fest this year to perform their new EP to the heavier-preferring crowds.

Joining Sleep Token, Knocked Loose and an array of louder bands on the line-up this year, this five-piece are sure to be right up the alley for any individual looking for an excuse to get in a mosh pit and enjoy some controlled chaos. 

Taking inspiration from Deftones, Slipknot and Korn, their sound is one that won’t go unnoticed from my time at the festival this year. Catch them at 1:30pm on the Festival Republic Stage on Sunday at Leeds.

The 1975

Last but by no means least are a band that some people love, and some people hate. There is no denying that frontman Matty Healy is a hit or miss when it comes to the court of public opinion, but one thing is for certain and that is the fact that Leeds Fest will be one that goes down in history.

Following Lewis Capaldi’s unfortunate withdrawal from his performance this year, The 1975 stepped in with an announcement of a headline slot – due to be playing their self-titled album in full, in celebration of it’s 10-year anniversary. This caused topic of conversation for fans throughout social media talking about their need to be at this show.

Whether you are a fan or not, the stage presence and theatrical aspect of a 1975 show is not one to miss, catch them on the last night on the Main Stage West at 7:40pm.

You can still find a ticket at www.leedsfestival.com.