A consultation on the Vision for Leeds 2004 revealed a strong demand from the public for a new arena. And the project became one of the city's 12 priorities. The Leeds Initiative formed a Cultural facilities task group to consider options. The task group recommended that the council proceed with the development of a 12,500-seat arena. Whilst this study was taking place, campaigners including your YEP lobbied for a new arena to be built. The paper’s 'Leeds Needs an Arena' campaign was backed by artists including Kaiser Chiefs. The Leeds First Direct Arena officially opened on September 4, 2013, with Sir Elton John playing to an audience of 12,000. Bruce Springsteen had, however, held the first concert in July 2013, with an audience of 13,000. Fast forward to September 2023 and the arena is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Here is a look at the some of the biggest acts to graced the stage over the years and provide memories to last a lifetime for fans lucky enough to get a ticket. READ MORE: 12 pictures of megastars playing Leeds Festival down the decades LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook
![Florence & The Machine on the opening night of her High as Hope tour in November 2018.](https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOmMxOTc3NThkLTBlM2EtNDgwZC05MmNiLTExMzBhZGE1MWNhMzo4NzdmYzE3NC04YTU0LTRiMzQtODJmNi1jZGYzYWVmMTkyMzc=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=640)
7. Florence & The Machine
Florence & The Machine on the opening night of her High as Hope tour in November 2018.Photo: Anthony Longstaff
![Thousands enjoyed Mumford & Sons in December 2018 on their Delta tour.](https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOmY0YTNiNzJmLTAxY2ItNGY4Mi04YWNhLWNmNGZhMzgzOTkxZjo1MzUxNDZjMi1lYTkyLTRmOTctOWYxNi1jOGMyZTg0MGU2M2Y=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=640)
8. Mumford & Sons
Thousands enjoyed Mumford & Sons in December 2018 on their Delta tour.Photo: Anthony Longstaff
![The Sound of Madness tour arrived on stage in December 2018.](https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOmIwMDI4NDU0LThiM2EtNDk3OS04MjEwLTViNTdmMTQ1M2MzNjoxYjUyMDhiZS0wODQ1LTRiNzUtYjE1Mi1kODljMmNjMWVlYWQ=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=640)
9. Madness
The Sound of Madness tour arrived on stage in December 2018.Photo: Anthony Longstaff
![Canadian singer-songwriter Shawn Mendes pictured in concert in April 2019. Time magazine named him as one of the 100 most influential people in the world on their annual list in 2018.](https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjM1OTRlYWZhLTZmMmItNDQyYS1iOGIwLTY1YzU0MTg5NmM2MTo4NjQ4ZDM2ZC1kYjQ0LTQ4MjItOTljNS1iZDYwNTkyYjU4Zjc=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=640)
10. Shawn Mendes
Canadian singer-songwriter Shawn Mendes pictured in concert in April 2019. Time magazine named him as one of the 100 most influential people in the world on their annual list in 2018.Photo: Anthony Longstaff
![The Script wowed fans in February 2018.](https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOmQ0YTU4YjZlLTU3ODMtNDRkNy1hMWY0LWJlMDc1MzE3ZmQ1MTozZjgyMmZiNi0zNGRlLTRjZTUtYjFjMi0wN2I0MGEwNWNiMDY=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=640)
![Share your stand out concerts at the Leeds First Direct Arena with Andrew Hutchinson via email at: andrew.hutchinson@jpress.co.ufk or tweet him - @AndyHutchYPN](https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjg5OWM5NDQzLTU4NjMtNDU4Ny05NzA1LWNiNzczOWUwZTk5NzpjMWNhMjMwNy01MWZkLTRhNTYtYTQ3MC1kMmU1MjBjOTE2MTk=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=640)
12. Enjoyed this gallery?
Share your stand out concerts at the Leeds First Direct Arena with Andrew Hutchinson via email at: [email protected] or tweet him - @AndyHutchYPNPhoto: Mark Bickerdike