RBC Michaela: The Highs & Lows of Leeds Festival

August 30, 2010

Firstly, a huge thank you to Laura [Who's Jack] and Natalie [Radiator PR] for this opportunity to blog for Relentless at Leeds Festival; especially for Nat who spent a lot of time on Friday securing a photography pass for my camera. Leon and I had an awesome weekend!!

So, an over all review of Leeds Festival. Generally speaking it was really good fun, the line-up was ideal for my taste in music and there wasn’t too much clashing of stage times. The bands themselves all put on a strong performance, even if it wasn’t to my personal liking… so thumbs up all around.

As for the festival itself, despite being the sister of Reading and cousin of many other UK festivals like Download, Leeds festival feels a like it could do with taking a leaf out of their successful books: Instead of cramming so much into the arena, they could have utilised the village a little better. Whilst there were a lot of stewards and security, there wasn’t much evidence of their role other than crowd control – they didn’t know directions or check bags which is unheard of at other festivals. Plus, people started fires within the arena… am I the only person that finds this insane?

Everyone knows Leeds is twinned with Reading; but whilst the latter is like the kool older brother that everyone has to be seen at/with, Leeds is a bit like the younger brother who is more relaxed and easy-going. I can see why bands prefer to play Reading which is a little sad for us Yorkshire folk…

My highlights of the week:

I <3 Cancer Bats a lot. Their performance of Devil’s Rocking Chair was THE BEST.

Colourful wellies were the ultimate fashion accessory at Leeds Festival.

Weezer performing The Sweater Song was just what I needed to hear.

The guest area: although nothing particularly special, it acted as an ideal resting place without leaving the arena, had flushing toilets, good coffee, the most delicious chocolate brownies AND pear cider on tap.

My lowlights of the week: