By Gracie Hall and Daisy Webb

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After a somewhat unsettling start to the Leeds Festival 2024, Saturday brings brighter weather and a fresh slate. Last-minute changes to the running order mean previously canceled artists such as Ashnikko and Jorja Smith are able to perform, with Smith upgraded to the Main Stage.

Today draws an older crowd than Friday, with many clearly attending for headliners Gerry Cinnamon and Blink-182, as high volumes of vintage tour t-shirts are on display. The sunshine and spontaneous rescheduling turn a new leaf for the festival.

DASHA – 12:00pm – Main Stage

Californian country-pop singer-songwriter Dasha opens to a respectable crowd of early risers. Following the release of her viral hit ‘Austin’ earlier this year, Dasha is part of the new wave of American country singers breaking into the UK and is the female representation the genre needs.

She plays songs from her new album and teases tracks from the deluxe version, including newest single ‘Didn’t I’ and the unreleased ‘Gimme a Second’, before closing with her smash ‘Austin’. Its TikTok viral choreography gets the crowd dancing even before the afternoon hits.

SPIRITUAL CRAMP – 2:30pm – Festival Republic

San Francisco punk band Spiritual Cramp intrigue the English crowd as they blast through their catalogue with aggressive singing, jumping and microphone swinging.

The sextet overwhelm with rockstar swagger and though only their second time in England (following a support slot with fellow Americans Militarie Gun last December) it’s clear they feel at home here.

Lead singer Mike Bingham eccentrically struts around, constantly kicking his feet about to the music’s extenuated beats.

Crowd favourite ‘Talkin’ On The Internet’ goes down a treat and Spiritual Cramp conclude their high energy set with messy guitar riffs and standing on the front speakers to make their mark on Leeds Festival.

JORJA SMITH – 3:35pm – Main Stage

Despite the last-minute rescheduling, which results in a shorter performance, Jorja Smith’s majesty leaves fans in awe, immediately swooning over her smooth, soulful voice.

The opening track of her sophomore album Falling or Flying, ‘Try Me,’ is accompanied by sunshine breaking through the clouds.

The varied setlist combines tracks from her debut album Lost and Found with more recent popular singles such as ‘Come Over’ and ‘Little Things’ (the latter of which soared to popularity after a Nia Archives remix).

The groovy dancing of her backing vocalists and the stunning playing of her live band make Jorja Smith a must-see. Her calm stage presence and effortless vocals captivates the audience with ease.

ASHNIKKO – 5:35pm – Festival Republic

Part of the unfortunate group of artists billed for the ‘blown away’ BBC Radio One stage on Friday evening due to Storm Lilian, Ashnikko manages to get her set rescheduled to the Festival Republic stage.

Ashnikko is known for intense choreography and outrageous outfits and this set is no different. ‘You Make Me Sick’ sets an intense tone; joined by two dancers, she delivers a part-rapping, part-singing, part-shouting vocal performance while hitting every punchy beat of choreography.

Ashnikko is a live pro, never afraid to be empowered and promiscuous, while creating a safe space for anyone to express themselves.

SOUTH ARCADE – 8:15pm – BBC Introducing

Oxford based pop-punk band South Arcade headline the BBC Introducing stage, off the back of several viral hits including ‘Danger’.

With a boisterous crowd from the get-go, the energy is kept high with most recent single ‘How 2 Get Away with Murder.’

Crew members hand out water guns to the crowd as a wet ‘bloodbath’ ensues, the audience excitedly shooting at each other and at the band. Concluding the set with ‘Stone Cold Summer’, a jumping crowd backdropped by the sunset, South Arcade cement their hunger for a slot on Leeds’ Festival Republic stage in 2025.

THE PRODIGY – 9:45PM – Chevron

Alternative electronic legends The Prodigy take to the stage as the familiar opening notes of their 1996 hit ‘Breathe’ radiate from the speakers.

With invasive red hues radiating from the stage and the ceiling, the infectious beats of ‘Omen’, ‘Voodoo People’, and ‘Firestarter’ worm their way into the crowd’s psyches.

Silhouettes of the late Keith Flint illuminate the big screens as the crowd chant back the familiar chorus of ‘I’m a Firestarter, twisted Firestarter’.

Flints impact echoes across the field. Lone vocalist Maxim surveys the crowd through his white face paint and signature scowl and despite the obvious missing piece, The Prodigy still dominate the stage, even 25 years into their career.

Finishing the set with ‘Out of Space’ and keeping the party going after the other headliners Blink 182 concluded their set, The Prodigy remind weekenders that the night is young and a pilgrimage to LS23 Stage is in order.