Roundhay Festival review: Pitbull, Capaldi, and a triumphant, sun-soaked debut for Leeds' newest major event

After two days of sun, sound, and (in our experience) minimal logistical nightmares, the verdict on Roundhay Festival is clear: it was a masterclass in how to curate a weekend that felt less like a series of gigs and more like a collective, high-energy exhale.

Friday set the pace with high-octane pop nostalgia. The weather played ball, creating a perfect "basking" backdrop that kept the mood perpetually upbeat. There was a genuine, kinetic pulse to the crowd—a feeling that everyone was there to soak up the atmosphere as much as the setlists.

While heavy-hitters like Lil Jon, Tinie Tempah, and Jason Derulo brought the professional fire, the day’s defining moment came when Pitbull hit the stage.

He didn't just play to the crowd; he leaned in, winning everyone over by schooling up on his vocabulary and giving a massive, authentic shout-out to the "Northerners." It was a moment of connection that felt more personal than your standard festival banter.

But the real flavour of the weekend was in the discovery.

My personal highlight was the raw, urgent performance from UK artist Jazzy Martian on the East Stage (who we were lucky enough to interview on Friday).

It was that rare, electric moment where the music catches you off-guard and demands your full attention. If any promoters are reading this: book them back in Leeds immediately—the scene needs that kind of edge.

Saturday brought a shift in the vibe, evolving from Friday’s frantic energy into something more communal and soulful.

The morning was a slow burn, giving festival-goers a chance to truly settle into the rhythm of the park.

By the time the afternoon sun hit its peak, the crowd had swelled into a massive, living entity.

Jessie Murph was a revelation, channelling a theatrical, Lana Del Rey-esque presence that felt perfectly at home in the open air, while Conan Gray proved the master of the "sad-banger," turning melancholy into a lively, shared experience.

The emotional heart of the weekend, however, belonged to Lewis Capaldi.

After his well-publicised nerves regarding ticket sales on The Graham Norton Show, the crowd made his worries look entirely redundant.

The atmosphere was thick with support; before he even stepped out, the entire park was locked in a mass, unprompted sing-along of ‘American Pie.’

It was a hairs-on-the-back-of-the-neck moment that proved the audience wasn't just there to watch; they were there to participate.

Beyond the music, the real unsung hero of the weekend was the layout. It’s rare to find a festival that feels this "human" - where the flow is intuitive, and the space feels considered...

… though admittedly I was one of those who made use of the pick up and drop off near The Roundhay Fox.

For those who were required to park and get their passes, that aspect may have been different.

The American Express VIP Summer Garden area was a masterclass in design, offering a premium experience that still felt connected to the main stage, and, with (almost) nominal wait times for food and drink in that area, you were never stuck in a queue when you should have been dancing.

It was a special, deeply positive debut that left the park in high spirits.

The atmosphere was electric, the logistics were flawless, and the vibe was nothing short of infectious, and after this year’s blueprint, my appetite for the 2027 event is already sky-high.

The bar has been set high so far for the next edition of the festival - and despite a few teething problems, considering this was the first time it was hosted at Roundhay Park, I would say it was a remarkable success so far.

More to come, AEG Presents - please!