00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
Days | Hours | Mins | Secs |
1 June - 30 August 2026
From June 1 through August 30, 2026, Leeds will host an exciting new music and arts extravaganza: Roundhay Festival. Set in the lush grounds of historic Roundhay Park (off Mansion Lane in north Leeds), this month-long celebration will fill the city with live music, culture and community spirit. Under open skies and amid leafy lawns, visitors can relax on the grass with picnics and soak up performances from top artists on well-crafted stages. The festival's friendly, feel-good vibe ensures there’s something for everyone — whether you’re a die-hard music fan or a family looking for a fun day out in the summer sun.
Roundhay Park itself provides a breathtaking backdrop. As one of Europe’s largest city parks (over 700 acres), its rolling lakes, gardens and woodlands create a festival setting like no other. The park also has a proud concert heritage — global stars like U2, Madonna, Genesis and Ed Sheeran have all performed here. Roundhay Festival will continue that tradition, bringing new international headliners and exciting local acts to its legendary stage. In this space where music history and nature meet, even a massive crowd feels personal and lively.
Music is at the heart of Roundhay Festival, but the experience goes beyond the main stage. Multiple performance areas will showcase a mix of big-name headliners and emerging artists across genres from pop and rock to soul and electronic. Each week includes a free community programme in the park (for example, outdoor art installations, street theatre, yoga and comedy workshops), so the fun never stops. All day long, local food trucks, craft beer stands and artisan market stalls pop up between the stages, giving everyone a chance to explore something new. Visitors might spend an afternoon browsing handmade crafts by the lake, then dance into the evening with a favourite band — it’s an all-day celebration that keeps the party going from dawn until dusk.
Beyond entertainment, Roundhay Festival is committed to having a positive impact. Sustainability is woven into the event's planning — from green energy and comprehensive recycling programmes to partnerships with local suppliers and eco-friendly transport options. Attendees will notice plenty of recycling stations, water refill points and efforts to minimize waste throughout the park. The festival also gives local businesses and charities a chance to shine, filling vendor slots with Yorkshire makers and engaging community groups in the activities. At Roundhay Festival, having fun doesn’t come at the cost of the environment or community — supporting Leeds is part of the experience.
With its combination of world-class shows, hometown charm and gorgeous park setting, Roundhay Festival promises unforgettable summer memories. Day or night, the atmosphere is lively but relaxed, with everyone sharing in the excitement. Whether you’re swaying to music under the stars, enjoying a peaceful picnic by the lake, or exploring the park’s gardens between acts, the festival creates a unique blend of music, culture and nature. In short, Roundhay Festival is a joyous celebration of summer in Leeds — a place where friends, families and music lovers come together for something special.
By train and local bus: The nearest railway station is Leeds City Station, about 3 miles south of Roundhay Park. From there, you can catch a local bus or take a taxi for the short trip north. Bus routes 49 and 50 (operated by First) run regularly from Leeds city centre up to Roundhay, stopping at key points like Wetherby Road and Princes Avenue. Metro express coaches (X98 and X99) also serve stops near the park. These buses typically take 15–20 minutes from the city centre to Roundhay Park. Check the West Yorkshire Metro website or use a map app (enter “Roundhay Park, Leeds”) for exact schedules and route planning. Cycling and ride-sharing are also practical options for getting to the venue.
By air: The nearest airport is Leeds Bradford (LBA), about 15 minutes’ drive from Roundhay Park. From LBA, visitors can take a taxi directly or use the Airport Flyer shuttle to Leeds city centre and then transfer to a bus heading north. Manchester Airport, a major international hub, is about a 1.5- to 2-hour train or car journey away; it has frequent services to Leeds station. Travelers coming from farther afield might fly into London (Heathrow or Gatwick) and then take a train from London King’s Cross to Leeds (around 2–3 hours), followed by local transit to Roundhay. If relying on such connections, allow extra time during peak periods.
By car: The park is accessible via Leeds’ outer ring road (the A6120). From the south or east, take the M1 to Junction 46 and head north on the A6120; from the west, take the M62 to Junction 26 and join the A6120 eastbound. Follow signs for Roundhay or Moortown, then turn onto Mansion Lane or Princes Avenue to enter the park. The postcode LS8 2HH (Mansion Lane entrance) can be used in GPS navigation. Roundhay Park has several pay-and-display car parks: one at the end of Street Lane (by the Mansion House), one off Wetherby Road, one at the end of Park Avenue, and one off Princes Avenue. On-street parking is also available on Mansion Lane. Traffic can be heavy around event times, so plan for possible delays.
Coaches and taxis: The festival often arranges coach shuttles from central Leeds or other pickup points directly to Roundhay Park; check the official Roundhay Festival information for details. In any case, regular city coaches (49/50 routes) will drop you near the venue gates. Taxis and rideshares are plentiful in Leeds and can provide direct routes; for example, a taxi ride from Leeds city centre to Roundhay typically takes 10–15 minutes. Big Green Coach (an eco-friendly coach service) has previously offered carbon-balanced travel to the festival, and other coach charter options may run during the festival season.
Accommodation: As the festival runs through the summer, Leeds has many lodging options but rooms can fill up fast. Many attendees stay in Leeds city centre (about 3 miles away) where large hotels (Premier Inn, Travelodge, etc.) and serviced apartments are available. Closer to Roundhay, look for guesthouses or B&Bs in neighborhoods like Roundhay, Moortown, Meanwood or Headingley. Booking early is advised, especially on weekends. Note that Roundhay Festival is a city-park event — there is no dedicated festival campground — so plan your hotel or rental well in advance. With your base sorted, you can easily use Leeds’ transport links to travel to and from the festival each day.
Mansion Lane, Leeds, LS82HH