THE MACCABEES ANNOUNCE HUGE LEEDS SHOW AT KIRKSTALL ABBEY

REUNITED INDIE HEROES TO HEADLINE LEEDS LANDMARK AS LIVE AT KIRKSTALL ABBEY SERIES EXPANDS TO SECOND WEEKEND

THE MACCABEES

Plus very special guests tba

LIVE AT KIRKSTALL ABBEY

FRIDAY 31st JULY 2026

https://www.futuresoundgroup.com/

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Renowned indie rock quintet The Maccabees have been announced as the latest headliner for the Live at Kirkstall Abbey concert series. Returning in summer 2026 with another incredible line up of live music set for Leeds’ historic landmark, Live at Kirkstall Abbey will be taking place across two weekends for the first time.

The Maccabees’ eagerly anticipated return felt more like a euphoric reunion between long-lost friends rather than a band reuniting for a second chance. Headlining All Points East and Glastonbury’s Park Stage, the band’s sheer joy was matched by the enthusiasm of the crowds: their ecstatic reaction reaffirming not just how loved The Maccabees were and indeed still are, but also a reminder of one of the greatest indie/alternative catalogues of the 21st century.

Building upon that heady reception, The Maccabees are now set to inspire similar scenes across the country as they head out on a major outdoor summer tour in July 2026 including their only northern date at Leeds’ Kirkstall Abbey.

Guitarist Felix White says, “The year we’ve just had was so special to all of us, and so unexpected, that it has put some momentum in everyone collectively …. and who wouldn’t want to do all that again”

The band – completed by Orlando Weeks, Hugo White, Rupert Jarvis and Sam Doyle, accompanied by Will White – are now writing a new chapter after previously signing off at the peak of their powers in 2017. From their ‘Colour It In’ debut in 2007 to their final album, 2015’s ‘Marks To Prove It’, The Maccabees evolved from an explosion of youthful energy to become one of the most accomplished, visionary bands of recent memory. ‘Given To The Wild’ was the moment they released and exceeded their initial potential, earning a Mercury Prize nomination and winning an Ivor Novello for the classic single ‘Pelican’. They were still on the rise with ‘Marks To Prove It’, which secured their first UK #1 album.

Held in the grounds of the iconic Kirkstall Abbey, Live at Kirkstall Abbey first took place in 2024. Welcoming over 15,000 people to the grounds of the 12th century Cistercian monastery, Live at Kirkstall Abbey’s first season took place over three days, featuring headliners Madness & Embrace and a host of comedians including Katherine Ryan and Ross Noble.

Also announced for next year’s series are revered British multi-hyphenates The Streets, performing their critically acclaimed album A Grand Don’t Come for Free alongside reunited Leeds indie heroes The Sunshine Underground celebrating 20 years of their classic 2006 album Raise The Alarm and the return of Kirkstall Abbey Comedy Festival featuring Dara Ó’Brien, Jason Manford, Lucy Beamount and more.

Curated by Leeds-based promoters and Yorkshire’s largest live music brand Futuresound Events, Live at Kirkstall Abbey will return for its second edition in summer of 2026 with more still to be announced.

Kirkstall postcode pre-sale for local residents (LS4, LS5, LS13 & LS18) will open at 10am on Wednesday 26th November here.

General sale opens at 10am on Friday 28th here.

For more information on the series please visit: https://www.futuresoundgroup.com/