New major festival for Leeds: AEG launches American Express presents Roundhay Festival
A major new music festival has been announced for Roundhay Park in Leeds by AEG Presents. American Express presents Roundhay Festival will debut in summer 2026.
Launched in collaboration with Leeds City Council, Roundhay Festival will deliver benefits to the local area, including increased economic activity. Following the success of AEG’s other festivals, Roundhay will engage local suppliers, employ local staff, and boost spending on accommodation, food and entertainment. The festival’s midweek programme of free-to-access activities for all ages will also offer high-quality arts, culture and wellbeing activities, providing a platform for local talent and encouraging continuous use of the park during the summer.
As part of this year’s Leeds festival, a partnership with Roundhay School will offer students the chance to get involved in the live music industry and event management. It will provide vital skills and insight into opportunities in the creative industries.
American Express will be the presenting partner of the festival, and American Express Cardmembers will have exclusive presale access to all of the shows and will have a range of benefits available on site at the festival.
Jim King, CEO of AEG Presents UK and European Festivals, said: “Everyone at AEG is thrilled to announce the launch of the Roundhay Festival in Leeds. This landmark event gives us the opportunity to bring world-class artists and world-leading production to even more fans, while building on the park’s incredible musical legacy.
“Roundhay Park already holds an extraordinary place in music history, having hosted concerts from some of the biggest artists of all time and we cannot wait to add to that story.
“As with all our events, we are committed to delivering the very best in every aspect, from welcoming some of the greatest artists in the world, to creating an unforgettable fan experience, and upholding industry-leading sustainability standards.
“We are determined to bring value to the park, the city, and the wider region. By working closely with local people and businesses, we aim to create a festival that everyone in Leeds can be proud of.”
Councillor James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council, said: “I’m absolutely delighted that we are working with AEG to bring some of the biggest names in music to Roundhay Park once again.
“The park is a fabulous setting for concerts, as legendary artists like Madonna, U2 and the Rolling Stones will know from their own fondly-remembered appearances there.
“It’s also a much-loved part of the fabric of life in Leeds, so it’s fitting that this event will be doing as much as possible to support local vendors, suppliers and staff. AEG’s commitment to the highest standards of sustainability is another very welcome plus point for us.
“Roundhay Festival will act as a wonderful showcase for our city, raising its profile with national and international audiences while delivering an important boost to the local economy. I’m sure music fans, not just in Leeds but across the region and beyond, will agree with me when I say ‘roll on next summer’.”
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