English Teacher, formed at Leeds Conservatoire in 2020, made history as they became the first act from outside of London to win the highly-coveted Mercury Music Prize in 10 years. The richly deserved award was for their sublime, ambitious debut record 'This Could Be Texas'.placeholder image
English Teacher, formed at Leeds Conservatoire in 2020, made history as they became the first act from outside of London to win the highly-coveted Mercury Music Prize in 10 years. The richly deserved award was for their sublime, ambitious debut record 'This Could Be Texas'. | John Marshall/PA Wire

10 music events that helped soundtrack and shape Leeds in 2024, including English Teacher's Mercury Prize win

Charles Gray
By Charles Gray

Senior reporter

Published 30th Dec 2024, 16:24 GMT

With such a vibrant music scene and assortment of special venues, there’s always plenty to enjoy year-round for music lovers in Leeds.

But 2024 felt like a particularly significant one for the musical landscape of Leeds, not least because it saw Conservatoire-formed band English Teacher take home the Mercury Music Prize for their debut album.

And there was plenty more that marked the year out besides that, including unforgettable shows and significant milestones.

Check out our list of ten music events that helped shape and soundtrack the year in the gallery below, and let us know if there’s anything you think should have been included in the comment section.

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Local favourites Kaiser Chiefs announced that they would play their biggest homecoming show to date next summer to mark the 20th anniversary of their debut album Employment. Taking to the stage with fellow mid-2000s indie heavyweights The Cribs, Razorlight and We Are Scientists, the event is sure to be a must-visit for any fan.

7. Kaiser Chiefs announce Temple Newsam show

Local favourites Kaiser Chiefs announced that they would play their biggest homecoming show to date next summer to mark the 20th anniversary of their debut album Employment. Taking to the stage with fellow mid-2000s indie heavyweights The Cribs, Razorlight and We Are Scientists, the event is sure to be a must-visit for any fan. | Futuresounds

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One of the city's most beloved venues, the Brudenell Social Club, was named 'Grassroots Champion' at the LIVE Awards for the work it does with local causes on top of the already well-documented support it gives to local musicians. A warmly welcomed and richly deserved award if ever there was one.

8. Grassroots Champions

One of the city's most beloved venues, the Brudenell Social Club, was named 'Grassroots Champion' at the LIVE Awards for the work it does with local causes on top of the already well-documented support it gives to local musicians. A warmly welcomed and richly deserved award if ever there was one. | National World / Brudenell Social Club

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It was another stellar year for the first direct arena, with the likes of Fontaines D.C., Slipknot and Take That all delivering marvellous shows. But perhaps the most emotive of all was a powerhouse performance from Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, who kicked off the UK-leg of the Wild God tour in incredible style.

9. first direct arena

It was another stellar year for the first direct arena, with the likes of Fontaines D.C., Slipknot and Take That all delivering marvellous shows. But perhaps the most emotive of all was a powerhouse performance from Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, who kicked off the UK-leg of the Wild God tour in incredible style. | Ernesto Rogata

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It wasn't all positive news in 2024, sadly, as the year saw the closure of grassroots venue Boom. It comes amid ongoing calls for more support to be given to the live music sector and offered a sobering reminder to support our venues when we can.

10. Boom closure

It wasn't all positive news in 2024, sadly, as the year saw the closure of grassroots venue Boom. It comes amid ongoing calls for more support to be given to the live music sector and offered a sobering reminder to support our venues when we can. | Boom/Google

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