A great Leeds Festival quality has been celebrated and it is something its sister event Reading Festival will never have.
Of course, we are far from impartial here at Leeds Live but you don’t have to take our word for it as Melvin Benn, who heads up both events, has spoken on the matter. Anyone who has ever been will know there’s many differences between the two events - despite being linked.
One major contrast is the location. While the Reading event has a central occasion as opposed to Leeds Festival taking over Bramham Park. Arguably, the Leeds Fest countryside base allows a lot more to happen.
Watch Noel Gallagher's epic dig aimed at Leeds United during Yorkshire show
But Mr Benn’s opinion, taken from the guide Edith Bowman's Great British Music Festivals, focuses on the atmosphere of the two twinned events.
“When I go to Leeds I feel more at home,” Benn, who grew up in Hull, said. “People talk to you more and banter with you.”
“Sit and pass the time of day with you more. It’s the north - people feel appreciative.”
TV presenter Edith Bowman feels this vibe could come from the fact Reading attracts a lot of people from London who arguably have more big summer events. Whereas Leeds Fest feels more like a must-visit event.
The star said: “I completely agree. A lot of London audiences have an indifference, not through any forced arrogance but simply by being spoilt for choice. I’ve been on the road with my husband and his band Editors a fair few times and you do find yourself comparing crowds from venue to venue, city to city, festival to festival.
“And, at times, a London crowd can be significantly more subdued than other parts of the country.”
This year, the two events will welcome six headline performances from Arctic Monkeys, Dave, Megan Thee Stallion, Rage Against The Machine, Halsey and Bring Me The Horizon. There are lots of other big names on the bill also.
As ever, we'll keep you posted about all the big news about Leeds Festival 2022 ahead of this summer's big party. You can also join our Leeds Festival Facebook group to find out more about the 2022 event or sign up to our Leeds Festival newsletter.
Read next:
