Live At Leeds In The City 2025: Artists, promoters and producers on their top picks for this year's event

The citywide festival has become a staple on Leeds’ music scene since it was launched in 2007, championing new and up-and-coming artists across over a dozen venues.

The event will take place across Leeds tomorrow (Saturday), with over 100 artists performing at 17 stages set up at the likes of Brudenell Social Club, Oporto, Belgrave Music Hall, and more.

The festival has previously hosted modern-day global superstars, including Ed Sheeran, Stormzy, The 1975, and George Ezra, and so we asked those in-the-know across the city’s thriving music community who they recommended checking out.

Here’s what they had to say:

Sally Bryant, Label & Artist Manager at Dance To The Radio / Futuresound Group

Sally recommends seeing SOMOH at the Belgrave Music Hall at 1pm, saying: “SOMOH is just THE COOLEST.

“She’s a young lo-fi indie artist from London and is in the middle of releasing her new EP ‘Overspill’ all produced by Joel Johnston (Far Caspian) in Leeds.

“Think dreamy floaty vocals over grungey indie rock… yum.”

Claire Hamilton, Label Coordinator at Launchpad+

Launchpad+ is a Leeds-based organisation that provides music distribution, publishing, advice and management services to Yorkshire musicians & bands.

Claire recommended seeing Kenzo Jae, who will be performing at Sela Bar on New Briggate at 8.30pm.

She said: “Kenzo is an alternative hip-hop artist, and most recent signing to Launchpad+ / EMI North.

“Forged in Bradford’s backstreets and shaped by Persian, Kittician, and British bloodlines, Kenzo’s lyrical nuances straddle the line between realism and reverie, where northern grit collides with imagined worlds.

“Last week he released his first offering from a larger 2026 project, 'softly', and I can't wait for him to take to the stage at Sela Bar this Saturday - we're in for a treat!”

Spielmann, musician

Spielmann, who described himself as “local artist, father and friend”, recommended seeing Lois, who will performing at Sela Bar after Kenzo Jae at 9.30pm.

He said: “Perfectly crafted alternative pop songs. If there’s any justice she will be massive.”

Nick Simcock, Head of Events at Oporto Bar

Mr Simcock urged people to get down to Oporto on Call Lane to catch The Orchestra (for now) at 6pm, saying: “Having seen the seven-piece rock behemoth on a festival stage I can’t wait for them to blow the roof off the BBC Introducing stage at Oporto.”

Maeve Florsheim, Lucky Iris

Vocalist of Leeds-formed alt-pop duo Lucky Iris, Maeve Florsheim said that Babymorocco’s headline performance at 11pm at Headrow House will be a “must see” moment.

She said: “You just have to be there. Blast his album Amour to get ready for the day and then turn up to Headrow House for what will be a truly special performance.

“You might have heard him on the recent Frost Children album with Ralph Lauren. He’s a tastemaker, a party starter and if you’re not there on Saturday night, you’re missing out.”

Green Gardens

Jacob from Leeds indie band Green Gardens gave three recommendations: Fuzz Lightyear at the Belgrave Music Hall at 7pm, Formal Sppeedwear at the Brudenell Social Club at 6.30pm and SOMOH at The Belgrave Music Hall at 1pm.

Tickets for Live at Leeds In The City 2025 are available here.