Young musicians to lock horns as Battle of the Bands returns to Kirkstall

Some of the city’s top young musicians will perform in the stunning grounds of Kirkstall Abbey this weekend at the second annual Battle of the Bands.

Six up-and-coming groups from across Leeds will take to Kirkstall Festival’s youth stage on Saturday, July 9, all vying for the chance to win and secure some sought-after studio time at nearby Eiger Studios.

The competition, organised Leeds Museums and Galleries’ youth engagement officer, will see performers aged between 13 and 24 following in the footsteps of last year’s winners Territory.

The Garforth-based rock band, made up of Luke Flear, Harry Souter, Liam Brown and Joe Long, won the inaugural competition last summer in what was their first live outdoor gig.

The band has since gone from strength to strength, performing at venues including the O2 Academy, Leeds Light Night, Garforth Arts Festival and on BBC radio.

Lead singer Luke Flear, who will also be one of the judges at this year’s competition, said: “Kirkstall Battle of the bands was a day which will live with us forever. As a young band, starting out, we were delighted not only to be able to play the event, but to go on and win it.

“The whole day was amazing. Well organised, great sound, supportive audience, everything you could wish for.

“The event was also the start of a great year for us that helped raise our profile and was instrumental in us playing other events and gigs across our home town.”

Territory are also working with Leeds Museums and Galleries’ Children in Care Toy Appeal and the International Youth Day Event, both running out of Kirkstall Abbey this year.

Councillor Brian Selby, Leeds City Council’s lead member for museums and galleries, said:

“Battle of the Bands is a tremendous opportunity for some of the city’s talented young musicians to perform in front of a crowd of thousands at one of the city’s biggest community festivals.

“It’s great to hear that last year’s winners have gone one to achieve so much and I hope this year’s event can act as a similar springboard for the winning band.”

Battle of the Bands will take place on Saturday, July 9 from 3pm-5pm on the Youth Stage at Kirkstall Festival, Kirkstall Abbey.

The festival, which last year attracted an estimated 25,000 people, is free to attend and will also feature more than 160 stalls, a fairground and displays.

For more details on Battle of the Bands, visit: www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries/Pages/Battle-of-the-Bands

ENDS

For media enquiries, please contact:

Stuart Robinson

Communications Officer

Leeds City Council

Tel: 0113 224 3937

Email: stuart.robinson@leeds.gov.uk

www.leeds.gov.uk