Cultural leaders developed the year of culture after Leeds was denied its chance to become ‘European capital of culture’ in 2023 due to Brexit.
Hosted by Gabby Logan and Sanchez Payne, ‘The Awakening’ celebrated Leeds’s cultural past, present and future.
The show included unforgettable performances from some of Leeds’s biggest names, including Corinne Bailey Rae, Simon Armitage and LYR.
The show included unforgettable performances from some of Leeds’s biggest names, including Corinne Bailey Rae, Simon Armitage and LYR.
. The Awakening at Headingley Stadium
Leeds-born singer songwriter Corinne Bailey Rae watches an incredible, state of the art lights display courtesy of drones. Photo: Steve Riding
. The Awakening at Headingley Stadium
Corinne Bailey Rae is best known for her 2006 single "Put Your Records On". Photo: Steve Riding
. The Awakening at Headingley Stadium
The hit song Leeds to Lahore was also performed. Photo: Steve Riding
. The Awakening at Headingley Stadium
BBC Radio Leeds presenter Rima Ahmed also took to the stage. Photo: Steve Riding
. The Awakening at Headingley Stadium
Performing a cover of Kaiser Chiefs hit ‘I Predict a Riot’, young rock band Solar jets showed that the future is bright. Photo: Steve Riding
7. The Awakening at Headingley Stadium
The night was hosted by Leeds-born presenter Gabby Logan. Photo: Steve Riding
8. The Awakening at Headingley Stadium
Parasport’s gold-medal winner Kadeena Cox, also took to the stage to the delight of the crowd. Photo: Steve Riding
9. The Awakening at Headingley Stadium
Chumbawamba's Dunstan Bruce had everyone dancing on the pitch and singing 'I get knocked down' as he performed the band's 1997 smash-hit Tubthumping. Photo: Steve Riding
10. The Awakening at Headingley Stadium
Leeds Rhinos rugby league legend, Jamie Jones-Buchanan, delighted the crowd as he took to the stage at his home stadium. Photo: Steve Riding
11. The Awakening at Headingley Stadium
The Ntantu and Gospel choir performed Tomorrow. Photo: Steve Riding
12. The Awakening at Headingley Stadium
Singers Testament and Denmarc Creary also took to the stage. Photo: Steve Riding