Before the crowds arrive and the music starts, a festival is a massive, complex puzzle of logistics and infrastructure.
Earlier today, the Yorkshire Evening Post had the pleasure of walking the Roundhay Festival site mid-build alongside a fantastic group of students, including those from Leeds Beckett and the University of Leeds.
Those students were invited by organisers to discover different aspects of the music industry that they may wish to be involved in - be it production, press relations, or even organising their own events.
It once again demonstrates AEG Presents wanting to make Roundhay Festival something that works with and for the greater Leeds community.
Getting on-site during the construction phase offers a rare, unfiltered look at what it actually takes to pull off a major live event.
From stage skeletons to site layouts, the 19 images below capture the raw mechanics of the festival taking shape. Scroll through to see the hard work that goes into setting the stage before the gates finally open.

1. Roundhay Festival 2026 preview
West Entrance - perhaps the busiest as it will be closest to the car parking options. | Iconic Media

2. Roundhay Festival 2026 preview
A word of warning regarding bag sizes upon entering the festival site. | Iconic Media


4. Roundhay Festival 2026 preview
Soldier Field, coming from the West Entrance at Roundhay Festival 2026. | Iconic Media

5. Roundhay Festival 2026 preview
Work continues long into the week ahead of Friday's inaugural event. | Iconic Media

6. Roundhay Festival 2026 preview
Those entering through the West Entrance will need to familiarise themselves with this area - this is where security and bags will be checked. | Iconic Media