Leeds 2023 The Awakening: Live updates as spectacular Headingley stadium show kicks off city's year of culture
and live on Freeview channel 276
The Leeds 2023 opening ceremony – hosted by Gabby Logan and Sanchez Payne – will feature Corinne Bailey Rae, Simon Armitage and LYR, The Orchestra and Chorus of Opera North, Graft, Inder Goldfinger, Testament, Hope and Social, Jamie Jones-Buchanan, Denmarc Creary, CBeebies presenter George Webster and many more.
Follow our live blog below for timings, travel information and coverage of the show itself. Don’t forget to refresh the page to see the latest updates.
Leeds 2023 hosts huge show at Headingley Stadium
Key Events
Crowds begin to gather near the stage
The stadium is beginning to fill up with many heading for a prime position next to the stage
We’re all Saints......
A blast from the past with Utah Saints making an appearance on the stage at Headingley. Picture taken by and posted on Twitter by @SilverDraws
Golden moment as parasport’s Kadeena Cox takes to the stage at The Awakening
The year of culture celerations are underway at Headingley. Parasport’s gold-medal-winning girl, Kadeena Cox, has taken to the stage.
We get knocked down....
A special performance of the 1997 Chumbawumba hit, Tubthumping, had everyone dancing on the pitch despite the rain.
Performed by Orchestra of Opera North and the singer from the band, Dunstan Bruce.
‘Heavy rain failing to spoil anyone’s fun'
YEP reporter Abi Whistance, who is near the stage, said: “Despite the rain the people of Leeds are well and truly coming together for Leeds 2023.
“There are already hats being thrown in the air and mass singalongs underway to some of the city’s greatest hits.”
Solar power causing a riot in Headingley
Leeds’ youngest rock band, Solar Jets, are now on stage.
They’re covering The Kaiser Chiefs’ ‘I predict a riot’ .
Flaming finale to the Solar Jets’ cover of the Kaisers
Flames and lasers shoot from the stage during the second of two fantastic takes on Kaiser Chiefs hit ‘I Predict a Riot’.
YEP’s Abi Whistance said: “We’ve just had possibly the
youngest rock band in the UK with a full team of back-up dancers. We’ve had people in wheelerchairs and people of all different abilities performing.”
A carnival atmosphere inside the stadium
And now we’re into a very special Carnival remix. Tweet posted by @LEEDS_2023
Corinne Bailey Rae headlines the show
Leeds’ Corinne Bailey Rae is the final artist on stage tonight.
YEP’s Abi Whistance said: “It sounds like the perfect end to a spectacular night. There’s a moment of clairty for everyone realising what they have just seen happen.
“There’s been so many overwhelming acts that have happened tonight that have been incredible to watch. This really feels like the perfect end to what will be a fantastic year for Leeds 2023.”
