It’s a mere two weeks away, but Leeds Festival seems to have arrived very quickly this year - could it be the onset of the heatwave, or how quickly other festivals have come around this year?
Either way, there is plenty of discussion to be had ahead of the August Bank Holiday weekend; with both Lola Young and now House of Protection bowing out of this year’s festival, it leaves a gap or two open for a last-minute inclusion or, to the delight of many, a vaunted secret set that you just happened to come across this year at Bramham Park.
Could the anniversary of a long-awaited reunion announcement coax one band to perform a short but potentially very sweet set between their international tour dates? Could a hyperpop star drop a surprise DJ set? Or are we about to see the return of one of the UK’s most beloved indie acts - who at this stage might suggest to “don’t believe the ‘ype?”
Here’s our suggestion of who could be secretly performing at Leeds Festival later this month, and our reasons (nee: excuses) why they’ve made our list.
5. Yard Act
As a local band from Leeds, the logistics for Yard Act are as simple as they get. A hometown secret set would be a massive treat for the local crowd and a huge moment for the band, making it one of the most probable and heart-warming picks. | Mark Bickerdike Photography
6. Loyle Carner
A prominent name in UK hip-hop, Loyle Carner is a huge draw, but his tour dates are not until November. His completely open schedule in late August makes him an ideal candidate for a surprise set that would offer a brilliant change of pace and genre from the main acts. | AFP via Getty Images
7. The Vaccines
The Vaccines have a long history with the festival and is known for playing spontaneous, high-energy gigs. With a recent album to promote and a well-established back catalogue of hits, they would be a major crowd-pleaser and a perfect fit for a secret slot. Their schedule is currently clear for the festival weekend. | AFP via Getty Images
8. Kasabian
A classic Reading & Leeds festival band, Kasabian is always a strong contender. They were touring earlier in the summer, which means their gear and crew could still be in the country. They would draw a massive crowd and bring a headline-level energy to any stage, making them a high-impact surprise - much like in 2024. | Scott Antcliffe