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The Best of the Fest: Festivals in Leeds in 2022

17th May 2022

The warm weather, long days, and lighter nights are on their way, and that can only mean one thing – festival season! And Leeds does not disappoint! We’re spoilt for choice for festivals throughout the Summer months and beyond. Our round up includes music to get everyone up and dancing whether disco, techno or rock is your thing, Leeds has you covered this Summer. But it’s not all about the music and dancing in fields, there are food and drink festivals as well as cultural activities to keep you entertained well into the Winter months. Read on to find out where to plan your next field trip.

Food and Drink

Perfect for every kind of foodie, the Great British Food Festival takes residence of Harewood House from 2nd-5th June, and this multi-day celebration won’t disappoint. You’ll find yourself completely immersed in artisan food markets, chef demonstrations, BBQ stages, cake offs, and even Man vs Food competitions…..just to name a few highlights.

And for those who enjoy a spicier drink – did someone say rum? On Saturday 17th September Leeds Rum Festival returns to the Corn Exchange – a staple event in Leeds’ festival calendar since 2016. With experts on hand for some of the nation’s best loved rums, as well as some industry newcomers, it’s a fantastic opportunity to try some new tipples and maybe even find a new favourite. Plus there will be masterclasses and talks held throughout the day.  September also heralds the 10th annual Leeds International Beer Festival, a 4-day celebration – from 8th to 11th September – of craft beers brewed in the UK and globally, with a street food market and live music across three stages.

Music

There’s no denying Leeds has a great music scene – and when it comes to representing that in festivals, there really is something to suit all tastes. Temple Newsam is one spot in Leeds that the music lovers want to keep their eyes on this Summer. On 3rd June, Slam Dunk Festival takes over the grounds at Temple Newsam. Slam Dunk is a rock, pop-punk, and alternative festival, and this year some of the staple acts include Sum41, Beartooth, and Neck Deep, to name just a few. Just one day later, Live at Leeds will be bringing a whole host of entertainment to Temple Newsam on 4th June, with stand-out artists including Bombay Bicycle Club and The Vaccines. Let’s Rock Leeds is a retro celebration of the 80’s and 90’s, with headline acts such as Belinda Carlisle, Wet Wet Wet, and Billy Ocean all making an appearance, Let’s Rock Leeds takes place at Temple Newsam on 25th June.

For the first time ever, Radio 2 Live 2022 is taking a break from its usual home of Hyde Park in London to come to Leeds and takeover Temple Newsam instead! This gargantuan event of the music calendar takes place over two days on 17th-18th September, with a line-up of over 20 artists, two stages, and a DJ tent all to be announced. The festival has previously featured some of music’s biggest names, including Elton John, Blondie, Lenny Kravitz, and Shania Twain.

And of course, no festival round up could miss out the famous Leeds Festival, which returns to Bramham Park from 26th to 28th August 2022. This year Leeds Festival brings to the stage headliners such as Arctic Monkeys, Halsey, Dave, Rage Against the Machine, and Bring Me The Horizon.

For those who love Jazz, or fancy doing something a bit different, immerse yourself in Leeds Jazz Festival. From 1st-12th June, JazzLeeds presents a series of international gigs at some of Leeds’ stellar music venues including Seven Arts in Chapel Allerton, Howard Assembly Room, and The Wardrobe as well as hosting a festival hub at The Victoria Gate Festival Tent. It’s the perfect opportunity, over 12 days, to sample music by emerging and established musicians and artists from around the world, as well as some of the best of Leeds music scene.

Arts and Culture

Between 22nd-25th September, Leeds International Festival of Ideas takes place in multiple venues across the city. The festival is a metropolitan celebration of new ideas and innovation. World-leading thinkers, creators, and pioneers come Leeds to share new ideas and discuss the world of tomorrow, covering a range of topics, such as entertainment, technology, science, media, sociology and global affairs. They have announced an exciting line-up of speakers, with Aisling Bea, Gareth Thomas, and Gail Porter, to name just a few. And film lovers rejoice! Leeds International Film Festival returns from 3rd to 17th November, with celebrations spilling across multiple iconic venues across the city. This festival, now in it’s 35th year, brings the best of new and emerging filmmakers from across UK and around the world.

Weird and Wonderful

If you’re looking for something a bit different this festival season, 2022 marks the return of the Yorkshire Pudding Festival.  The team have promised an event ‘bigger, batter and bolder’ than it’s predecessors when the event returns to Leeds on the 1st-2nd October at the CitiPark Leeds Dock. Sample cuisine from all around the world, served inside Yorkshire puddings of course, or visit the Yorkshire Pudding Beer Brewery who will be showcasing their Yorkshire Pudding beers, whiskies, vodkas, and gins.

Head over to Harewood House on September 24th-25th, where every man and his dog (quite literally!) should grab themselves a ticket…it’s DogFest! Jam-packed with a variety of have-a-go activities from dog diving to agility, enter the Fun Dog Show for your chance to win Best in Show, raise vital funds for Dogs Trust as you admire your surroundings on the Big Dog Walk, or enjoy sensational dog displays all day in the Main Arena.

No matter what you’re looking for in a festival,  Leeds has a diverse offering that will keep you entertained throughout festival season and beyond. With a programme of events that are being continually updated, please visit the Festivals section of our website to keep up to date with what’s happening here in Leeds Festivals in Leeds – What’s On – Visit Leeds