Are you ready to rock? 🎸

Young musicians from a Hosforth-based music school plan to perform 400 live songs across July to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Leeds.

The musicians from LS18 Rocks have a jam-packed schedule of gigs throughout the month, including Leeds Playhouse on July 8 and Kirkstall Festival on July 11.

LS18 Rocks is home to nine brilliant bands with musicians aged from eight to 17.

Bands from LS18 Rocks plan to perform 400 songs in just one month to mark Leeds' 400th birthday | LS18 Rocks

placeholder image — Bands from LS18 Rocks plan to perform 400 songs in just one month to mark Leeds' 400th birthday | LS18 Rocks

10-year-old Sid, a multi-instrumentalist from the band Solar Jets, said: “It’s really exciting to have so many gigs coming up in amazing venues and to be part of performing 400 songs is just awesome.

“We’re going to rock your socks off!”

If you’re in Leeds city centre, you’ll be able to see LS18 Rocks perform at Thor’s Tipi’s free-to-attend Leeds birthday party in City Square on July 12.

Individual bands will also be performing at festivals around Leeds this month as the group aim to perform hundreds of songs in just 31 days.

Solar Jets are one of nine bands at LS18 Rocks | LS18 Rocks

Jonnie Khan, LS18 Rocks Music Director, said: “July is always our busiest month of the year for shows and this year is going to be busier than ever.

“All the bands have been working extremely hard in rehearsals and I know they are going to smash it out of the park when they hit the various stages.”

LS18 Rocks is a community-focused organisation which provides opportunities for musicians of all ages to perform with a live band.

LS18 Rocks on stage at Leeds Playhouse last year | LS18 Rocks

The gigs will celebrate the remarkable milestone of 400 years since Leeds received its first Royal Charter from King Charles I in 1626.

This historic moment marked the beginning of Leeds’ journey towards self-governance and city status, and LS18 Rocks want to commemorate the occasion in style.

Jonnie said: “It’s quite incredible to think that as Leeds celebrates its 400th birthday our musicians can mark it in such a unique way by achieving 400 separate performances of our songs.

“It’s a big number but with all the rehearsals, soundchecks and shows I’m confident we will hit the 400 song mark. I’m so excited to get started.”