Leeds Battle of the Bands is resuming

Territory, the band which won last years competition.

They will compete against each other at the event in the grounds of Kirkstall Abbey on Saturday. (July 9)

Six up-and-coming groups from across Leeds will take to Kirkstall Festival’s youth stage, all vying for the chance to win and secure some sought-after studio time at nearby Eiger Studios.

The competition, organised Leeds Museums and Galleries’ youth engagement officer, will see performers aged between 13 and 24 following in the footsteps of last year’s winners Territory.

The Garforth-based rock band, made up of Luke Flear, Harry Souter, Liam Brown and Joe Long, won the inaugural competition last summer in what was their first live outdoor gig.

Lead singer Luke Flear, who will also be one of the judges at this year’s competition, said: “Kirkstall Battle of the bands was a day which will live with us forever. As a young band, starting out, we were delighted not only to be able to play the event, but to go on and win it.”

Territory are also working with Leeds Museums and Galleries’ Children in Care  Toy Appeal and the International Youth Day Event, both running out of Kirkstall Abbey this year.

Councillor Brian Selby, Leeds City Council’s lead member for museums and galleries, said it was a springboard to success: “Battle of the Bands is a tremendous opportunity for some of the city’s talented young musicians to perform in front of a crowd of thousands at one of the city’s biggest community festivals.”

The festival, which last year attracted 25,000 people, is free to attend and is from 3pm to 5pm on the Youth Stage.