American Express presents Roundhay Festival will debut in summer 2026, becoming a central fixture of the north of England’s cultural calendar.

Roundhay Park is steeped in music history, having hosted legendary performances from the likes of Madonna, the Rolling Stones and, more recently, Ed Sheeran.

Next year it will host live music from some of the world’s biggest stars, as well as a midweek programme of free activities. The first headliner will be announced very soon.

Launched in collaboration with Leeds City Council, Roundhay Festival will deliver substantial 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.

Roundhay Festival is committed to a sustainable future for live music. From powering the festival responsibly to managing waste and partnering with local food vendors, sustainability will underpin every decision. The festival will continually refine its policies to minimise environmental impact while maximising benefits for the local community.

Big Green Coach will be the official travel partner, providing environmentally conscious return travel straight to the beautiful Roundhay Park. Big Green Coach balances carbon emissions through verified ecosystem restoration and protection projects and has been leading the way in sustainable group transport for over 16 years.

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.

Roundhay Park, one of Europe’s largest city parks, spans over 700 acres of lakes, woodlands, formal gardens, playgrounds and the Tropical World visitor attraction. Legendary acts that have performed at the park include The Rolling Stones (1982), Genesis (1987), Madonna (1987), Michael Jackson (1988), U2 (1997) and Ed Sheeran (2019). With the first headliner for 2026 to be announced soon, Roundhay Festival will showcase unforgettable performances in Leeds next summer.

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