ROCKSTAR ENERGY PRESENTS… LEEDS FESTIVAL 2025 - SUNDAY
BECKY HILL AND BRING ME THE HORIZON HEADLINE AN UNFORGETTABLE, ROASTING SUNDAY AT ROCKSTAR ENERGY PRESENTS… LEEDS FESTIVAL 2025
★★★★★ (5/5)
BRING ME THE HORIZON HEADLINING SATURDAY AND SUNDAY AT READING AND LEEDS FESTIVALS 2025 ON MAIN STAGE
PHOTOCREDIT: CHARIS LYDIA BAGIOKI VIA ARTIST MANAGEMENT (READING)
Bramham Park on Day Three of Leeds Festival 2025 became a furnace under the unrelenting midday sun, with festival-goers braving the scorching heat to soak in the final day of music, spectacle, and pure energy. The air buzzed with the scent of sunscreen and festival food as fans meandered between stages, already high on the momentum of previous days. Sunday promised a blend of emerging talent, genre-defying acts, and monumental headliners—and it delivered on every front. From the intimate BBC Introducing stage to the colossal Main Stage, the day overflowed with joyful moments, interactive antics, and musical mastery that made the oppressive heat feel almost irrelevant.
Sunday 1994 kicked off the Festival Republic stage with a vibrant, sun-drenched indie-rock set that instantly energized the early crowd. Their jangly guitars and catchy melodic hooks effortlessly drew festival-goers in, sparking enthusiastic claps, cheers, and spontaneous bursts of dancing among the attentive audience. The band’s charismatic vocals glided seamlessly over tight, well-crafted instrumentation, showcasing a polished yet fresh sound that felt both nostalgic and excitingly new.
Between songs, the band’s effortless and genuine banter created an unexpectedly intimate connection with the crowd, breaking down the barriers often felt at large festivals. This warmth and approachability gave their performance a personal touch, making fans feel like they were part of something special. Despite playing an early slot, Sunday 1994’s set rippled through the afternoon with a contagious energy that proved early performances can be just as memorable and impactful as those later in the day.
Their confident delivery and engaging stage presence set a high-energy tone that perfectly launched the final day, leaving the crowd eager for what was to come and reaffirming the magic of discovering standout new talent at festivals.
SUNDAY (1994) PERFORMING ON FESTIVAL REPUBLIC STAGE ON DAY THREE OF ROCKSTAR ENERGY PRESENTS… LEEDS FESTIVAL 2025
PHOTOCREDIT: JOHN HAYHURST
Lambrini Girls unleashed an unrelenting burst of pop-punk energy on the Main Stage, effortlessly transforming the midday blaze into a full-blown, euphoric party. From the first punchy riffs and catchy hooks, the crowd was instantly on their feet, bouncing and singing along with infectious enthusiasm. But it was the lead singer’s fearless and magnetic stage presence that truly stole the show—at one unforgettable moment, she leapt off the stage and into the crowd, moving among the fans and sparking joyous chaos.
Their performance radiated a raw, unfiltered vitality that captured the very essence of festival freedom. Each song felt alive and immediate, charged with both precision and spontaneity, as the band fed off the crowd’s energy and gave it right back. The playful camaraderie between the band members added to the set’s vibrant atmosphere, making Lambrini Girls one of the standout acts of the day. Their spirited, high-octane show embodied the fun and rebellion at the heart of pop-punk, leaving an indelible mark on the festival’s Main Stage.
LAMBRINI GIRLS PERFORMING ON THE MAIN STAGE ON DAY THREE OF ROCKSTAR ENERGY PRESENTS… LEEDS FESTIVAL 2025
PHOTOCREDIT: JOHN HAYHURST
Back on the Festival Republic stage, Mouth Culture delivered a confident and captivating set of pop-rap brilliance that immediately grabbed the crowd’s attention. Their tight harmonies, sharp lyricism, and infectious rhythms had festival-goers grooving from the very first beat. The band expertly balanced introspective, emotionally charged moments with high-energy bangers, creating a dynamic set that felt both personal and electrifying despite the bustling tent environment.
What truly elevated their performance was the seamless interplay between members—their fluid dynamic allowed each to feed off the others’ energy effortlessly, enhancing the intensity and flow of the show. This chemistry translated into strong direct connections with the audience, making fans feel involved and engaged throughout. Mouth Culture’s sound blended catchy hooks with subtle emotional weight, weaving storytelling with vibrant beats that resonated deeply.
As a result, their set not only captivated loyal fans but also won over curious passers-by, drawing more and more listeners into the tent. Their confident, polished yet raw delivery confirmed them as a standout act on the Festival Republic stage and one to watch in the UK music scene.
MOUTH CULTURE PERFORMING ON FESTIVAL REPUBLIC STAGE ON DAY THREE OF ROCKSTAR ENERGY PRESENTS… LEEDS FESTIVAL 2025
PHOTOCREDIT: JOHN HAYHURST
On the Chevron Stage, Example mesmerized the crowd with a cinematic blend of indie-rock that felt both grand and meticulously crafted. Their intricate guitar work, polished rhythm section, and compelling vocals combined to create a sound that was as powerful as it was precise. The band seamlessly wove together new tracks with beloved fan favourites, igniting singalongs and enthusiastic crowd chants that resonated throughout the venue.
Dynamic lighting played a crucial role in elevating the performance, casting vivid hues and striking effects that transformed the stage into a full-sensory festival experience. What truly stood out was Example’s effortless ability to navigate between high-energy bangers and introspective moments, maintaining the crowd’s full attention and emotional investment from start to finish. The band’s seasoned live experience was evident in every note and gesture, commanding the stage with unwavering confidence.
By the end of their set, it was clear that Example’s music is crafted for festivals like Leeds—big, bold, and unashamedly fun—leaving the audience buzzing with excitement and eager for more.
EXAMPLE PERFORMING ON THE CHEVRON STAGE ON DAY THREE OF ROCKSTAR ENERGY PRESENTS… LEEDS FESTIVAL 2025
PHOTOCREDIT: JOHN HAYHURST
Royel Otis delivered one of the day’s most interactive and memorable Main Stage performances, captivating the crowd with shimmering guitar lines and an infectious energy that radiated across Bramham Park. The atmosphere was electrified by the sight of massive pink inflatable balls bouncing wildly through the crowd, sparking chaotic joy, shared laughter, and a sense of collective celebration that perfectly embodied the spirit of the festival.
Beyond this playful spectacle, the band revealed a tight, genre-blurring sound that skillfully fused dreamy pop textures with subtle hints of surf-rock and alternative indie influences. Their seamless musicianship and dynamic arrangements kept the audience hooked throughout the set, elevating their live presence beyond that of a typical rising act.
A standout highlight was their euphoric cover of “Murder on the Dancefloor,” a moment that unified the crowd as everyone belted out every word in joyous unison, turning the performance into a communal singalong that felt both spontaneous and deeply connected.
Royel Otis struck a rare balance in their set—effortlessly cool yet disarmingly fun—showing that they are fully capable of commanding a Main Stage in both scale and spirit. Their performance not only showcased their evolving artistry but also left a lasting impression, signaling their readiness for even bigger stages in the future.
On the BBC Introducing Stage, Unpeople delivered an experimental indie-rock set that mesmerized with its rich, layered soundscapes, haunting vocals, and intricate, dynamic percussion. Their hypnotic performance felt like a secret discovery—an intimate, almost otherworldly experience that set them apart from the typical festival fare and marked them as a true emerging gem in the UK music scene.
Each track unfolded like a slow-burning journey, carefully pulling listeners deeper into immersive crescendos of sound that swelled with emotion and intensity. The band’s quiet yet commanding presence created an atmosphere thick with anticipation, their calculated yet deeply emotional delivery turning every song into more than just music—it was a crafted mood, a sonic landscape that enveloped the audience.
Unpeople’s ability to blend experimental textures with indie-rock foundations resulted in a performance that was both boundary-pushing and profoundly atmospheric. Their set was a masterclass in tension and release, leaving the captivated crowd spellbound and craving more. For fans of genre-fusing artistry and immersive live experiences, Unpeople proved themselves a band to watch closely as they continue to carve out their unique place on the festival circuit.
UNPEOPLE PERFORMING ON BBC INTRODUCING STAGE ON DAY THREE OF ROCKSTAR ENERGY PRESENTS… LEEDS FESTIVAL 2025
PHOTOCREDIT: JOHN HAYHURST
Pale Waves lit up the Chevron Stage with shimmering synths, driving drums, and emotive vocals that captivated the crowd from start to finish. Their polished set struck a perfect balance between organic warmth and electric energy, with the audience singing along to every chorus in enthusiastic unison. Glittering visuals and vibrant stage design enhanced the dreamlike atmosphere, turning their performance into one of the most memorable moments of the afternoon.
Frontwoman Heather Baron-Gracie’s magnetic stage presence was a focal point, drawing the crowd in with her emotive delivery and charismatic energy, never letting go. Seamlessly moving between nostalgic fan favourites and fresh new material, Pale Waves crafted a set that felt like a celebration of their evolution as a band, keeping both long-time supporters and newcomers fully engaged from the very first note to the final encore.
Interestingly, Pale Waves had been announced as a last-minute secret set on the BBC Introducing Stage, but ultimately performed on the Chevron Stage—billed directly against Limp Bizkit, a clash that likely meant many attendees opted for the veteran act over the indie darlings. Despite this, Pale Waves held their own with a performance that proved their star power and ability to command a large stage, winning over many who stayed to witness their infectious show.
PALE WAVES PERFORMING ON CHEVERON STAGE ON DAY THREE OF ROCKSTAR ENERGY PRESENTS… LEEDS FESTIVAL 2025
PHOTOCREDIT: JOHN HAYHURST
Conan Gray made a dramatic and unforgettable entrance on the Main Stage, arriving aboard a full-sized pirate ship prop that immediately grabbed the crowd’s attention and set a theatrical tone for the entire set. Dressed as a swashbuckling adventurer, Conan combined this bold visual flair with heartfelt, introspective pop songwriting, effortlessly blending spectacle with genuine emotional depth.
From the moment he stepped on stage, his charisma and precision in delivering each track shone through. Conan’s playful interaction with the audience, his witty humour, and infectious energy transformed what could have been a large, impersonal festival set into an intimate and immersive experience. The emotional vulnerability of songs like “Heather” and “Astronomy” resonated deeply, carrying across the vast festival grounds and drawing visible reactions from fans, many moved to sing along or visibly connect with the heartfelt lyrics.
Conan Gray’s skillful ability to shift seamlessly between grand theatricality and sincere storytelling highlighted his strengths as both a performer and a songwriter. His set was a perfect balance of dazzling production and raw emotion, leaving the crowd fully immersed and emotionally engaged, cementing his status as a Main Stage act capable of captivating massive audiences while maintaining a personal touch.
CONAN GRAY PERFORMING ON THE MAIN STAGE ON DAY THREE OF ROCKSTAR ENERGY PRESENTS… LEEDS FESTIVAL 2025
PHOTOCREDIT: JOHN HAYHURST
Balming Tiger brought a captivating fusion of experimental beats and hypnotic rhythms to the Festival Republic stage, electrifying the crowd with their boundary-pushing performance. This South Korean collective expertly blurred the lines between hip-hop, electronica, and performance art, delivering one of the most immersive and avant-garde sets of the day.
Each track introduced fresh textures and unexpected twists, taking the audience on a dynamic journey through soundscapes that ranged from chaotic bursts of energy to moments of deep introspection. The group’s stage presence was equally fluid, shifting effortlessly between frenetic movement and focused intensity, keeping the crowd intrigued and engaged throughout.
Complementing their genre-hopping sonics, the innovative visuals projected behind and around the stage added a powerful layer of depth. Surreal and often jarring imagery mirrored the experimental nature of their music, enhancing the atmosphere and challenging traditional expectations of a festival performance.
For many in the audience, Balming Tiger’s set was as thought-provoking as it was dance-inducing—a combination that made their appearance not just a highlight, but a truly brilliant and memorable moment at Leeds Festival 2025.
BALMING TIGER PERFORMING ON FESTIVAL REPUBLIC STAGE ON DAY THREE OF ROCKSTAR ENERGY PRESENTS… LEEDS FESTIVAL 2025
PHOTOCREDIT: JOHN HAYHURST
Enter Shikari returned to the Main Stage with their signature fusion of raw energy, technical precision, and unmatched audience connection, delivering a set that was as electrifying as it was impactful. Frontman Rou Reynolds led the charge with relentless intensity, whipping the crowd into a frenzy of moshing, chanting, and singalongs. But beyond the adrenaline-fueled performance, Reynolds took meaningful pauses to speak out on urgent global issues, adding a powerful layer of political consciousness to the show.
Addressing the climate crisis with passion and urgency, Reynolds called on the audience to recognize the devastating impact of inaction. He then shifted to the ongoing war in Gaza, condemning the genocide of Palestinians and calling for an end to violence. His plea was inclusive and unifying—urging people of all religions and backgrounds to come together in solidarity, to stop providing weapons to Israel, and to hold governments accountable for their complicity and silence.
These moments of heartfelt activism underscored Enter Shikari’s long-standing commitment to using their platform for change, transforming their set into a communal and cathartic experience that resonated far beyond the music. The blend of furious energy, political meaning, and sincere engagement made their performance one of the most important and memorable of the entire festival day, leaving a lasting impression on both devoted fans and newcomers alike.
ENTER SHIKARI PERFORMING ON THE MAIN STAGE ON DAY THREE OF ROCKSTAR ENERGY PRESENTS… LEEDS FESTIVAL 2025
PHOTOCREDIT: JOHN HAYHURST
Wunderhorse, performing on the Chevron Stage, delivered a sweeping indie-rock set marked by cinematic depth and emotional intensity. Their layered guitars, dynamic drumming, and heartfelt vocals instantly caught the attention of wandering festival-goers, stopping many in their tracks to fully absorb the performance. Each chorus landed with profound emotional resonance, creating moments of collective connection beneath the blazing sun.
The band showcased impressive versatility, transitioning seamlessly between brooding, slow-building ballads and crashing, euphoric peaks that lifted the crowd. This dynamic range revealed a remarkable maturity and musical confidence far beyond their years. Tight musicianship underpinned every note, with frontman Jacob Slater’s raw and emotive vocal delivery anchoring the set and drawing listeners deeply into the narrative of each song.
Wunderhorse’s performance felt like a defining statement—emotionally rich, sonically confident, and perfectly timed for a golden-hour festival slot. It left a clear impression of a band on the cusp of a major breakthrough, one poised to make waves well beyond the festival circuit.
WUNDERHORSE PERFORMING ON FESTIVAL REPUBLIC STAGE ON DAY THREE OF ROCKSTAR ENERGY PRESENTS… LEEDS FESTIVAL 2025
PHOTOCREDIT: JOHN HAYHURST
Bilmuri turned Festival Republic into a high-energy party of alt-pop and punk fusion. With infectious onstage chemistry, they kept the audience locked in from start to finish, creating the feeling of being part of a shared, insider experience. Their unique sound—equal parts melodic hooks, tongue-in-cheek humour, and hardcore edge—cut through the heat of the day and resonated with a mixed crowd of curious newcomers and dedicated fans. Between songs, there was constant interaction: shout-outs, jokes, and thank-yous that made the whole set feel unusually personal. The blend of chaos and charm solidified Bilmuri’s reputation as a band that thrives live—and only gets better the messier it gets.
BILMURI PERFORMING ON FESTIVAL REPUBLIC STAGE ON DAY THREE OF ROCKSTAR ENERGY PRESENTS… LEEDS FESTIVAL 2025
PHOTOCREDIT: JOHN HAYHURST
Limp Bizkit lit up the Main Stage with a thunderous, nostalgia-fueled set that was easily one of the best of the weekend. Fred Durst was on absolute top form, exuding charm and chaos in equal measure. He welcomed new fans who had never seen Limp Bizkit live before, repeatedly calling them out with affection and embracing the generational shift in their audience. Throughout the set, the band playfully mocked the modern trend of putting artists' faces on giant screens—jokingly flashing images of the Gallagher brothers, Billie Eilish, Justin Bieber, and more in cheeky defiance of pop conventions.
Durst also gave a surprising shoutout to Tom Cruise, revealing the actor was watching from the side of the stage but was “too shy to come out.” The surreal celebrity moment only added to the fun. He also gave props to Bring Me The Horizon, calling frontman Oli Sykes “a sexy man,” drawing laughs and cheers.
One of the biggest highlights came when Fred invited a lucky fan up on stage to perform "Full Nelson"—a moment of pure festival magic. And as if the energy couldn’t go higher, House of Pain’s DJ—part of Limp Bizkit’s live band—kept the crowd amped with tongue-in-cheek cover tracks like “Proud Mary”, played ironically right after the band’s crushing rendition of “Rollin’ (Air Raid Vehicle).” The chaos was calculated, the fun was infectious, and Limp Bizkit proved once again why they remain such an enduring force in live music.
LIMP BIZKIT PERFORMING ON THE MAIN STAGE ON DAY THREE OF ROCKSTAR ENERGY PRESENTS… LEEDS FESTIVAL 2025
PHOTOCREDIT: JOHN HAYHURST
Nxdia headlined the BBC Introducing Stage with confident flair, transforming the tent into a pulsating arena filled with infectious indie and pop-rock energy. Their performance was a masterclass in engaging a festival crowd, blending catchy hooks, anthemic choruses, and dynamic instrumentation that kept the audience hooked from the first note to the last. The band’s tight musicianship and charismatic stage presence elevated the set beyond a typical emerging act, showcasing why they are quickly rising through the ranks and earning their place on larger stages.
Throughout their set, Nxdia maintained strong crowd interaction, encouraging singalongs and call-and-response moments that amplified the communal festival spirit. Their ability to balance polished professionalism with a raw, energetic vibe made their performance feel both rehearsed and spontaneous. The tent buzzed with excitement as they seamlessly delivered a set that felt like a celebration of new talent poised to break through on the UK festival circuit.
This headline slot on the BBC Introducing Stage marked a significant milestone for Nxdia, solidifying their reputation as a band to watch and proving they have what it takes to hold their own on major festival stages.
NXDIA HEADLINING AND CLOSING THE BBC INTRODUCING STAGE ON DAY THREE OF ROCKSTAR ENERGY PRESENTS… LEEDS FESTIVAL 2025
PHOTOCREDIT: JOHN HAYHURST
Becky Hill proved why she’s not only deserving of a headline slot but could confidently hold the Main Stage crown in the near future. Brave enough to take on the roasting heat of a “rock day,” she delivered a flawless, high-energy set packed with infectious pop hits, heartfelt ballads, and soaring anthems. Every track was met with rapturous singalongs, the crowd’s hands waving in unison, creating a euphoric, shared musical moment that electrified the Chevron Stage. Her charisma, commanding stage presence, and vocal mastery reinforced her status as a true festival powerhouse, leaving no doubt she can own any stage she chooses.
During her set, Becky took a moment to reflect on how special it was to perform at Leeds Festival again. She shared that she had spent time exploring the displays of past lineups scattered throughout the festival arena, the guest VIP areas, and artist backstage zones—offering a visual history of how the lineups have evolved from the early days of Reading and Leeds Festivals to the present. Becky joked about the surreal experience of seeing her own name appear in different sizes across various lineups over the years—from playing a tiny stage one year to supporting major acts like Imagine Dragons, to now headlining the dance-focused Chevron Stage.
Her performance showcased the Chevron Stage as the perfect setting for her headline set, enhanced by stunning visuals projected above the crowd on an elaborate lighting rig, adding a dreamlike atmosphere that perfectly complemented her dynamic energy. Throughout, Becky encouraged fans to live fully in the moment, urging them to put their phones away and immerse themselves in the experience.
She also shared a light-hearted moment with the crowd, joking about the upcoming bank holiday and predicting many would be partying late and likely sleeping in the next day. Yet, she expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone who had chosen to be there—acknowledging that the crowd could easily have been somewhere else, whether seeing other acts, relaxing at the campsite, or even heading home. This sincerity made the connection between Becky and her audience feel even more genuine and special.
BECKY HILL HEADLINING AND CLOSING THE CHEVRON STAGE ON DAY THREE OF ROCKSTAR ENERGY PRESENTS… LEEDS FESTIVAL 2025
PHOTOCREDIT: JOHN HAYHURST
Bring Me The Horizon headlined the Main Stage with a monumental performance that expertly balanced crushing, heavy riffs and soaring melodies with immersive visuals and electrifying audience interaction. From the moment they stepped on stage, the band commanded attention with a striking combination of raw power and theatrical finesse. Lights danced across the crowd in sync with every beat, while pyrotechnics exploded in bursts of flame and sparks, elevating the intensity to almost cinematic levels. Video effects projected larger-than-life imagery that complemented the emotional and sonic shifts of the set, creating a fully immersive spectacle.
Frontman Oli Sykes was magnetic, effortlessly moving between moments of brutal energy—inviting moshing and frenzied crowd movement—and times of poignant vulnerability, where his vocals carried heartfelt emotion that resonated deeply with the audience. The setlist showcased the band’s dynamic range, blending their heavier metalcore roots with anthemic, genre-blurring hits that engaged fans of all eras.
The crowd’s response was electric, erupting at every chorus with unified jumping, chanting, and moshing that turned the festival field into a pulsating sea of energy. Despite the massive scale of the stage and production, BMTH maintained an intimate connection with the audience—Sykes regularly reached out with sincere gestures and eye contact, making each fan feel seen and included in the moment.
Their closing songs left Bramham Park buzzing long after the final note, marking a triumphant and unforgettable end to Day Three. Bring Me The Horizon proved why they are one of the most vital and dynamic live acts in modern rock, perfectly suited to close out one of the UK’s biggest music festivals with a performance that was as emotionally compelling as it was sonically devastating.
BRING ME THE HORIZON HEADLINING SATURDAY AND SUNDAY AT READING AND LEEDS FESTIVALS 2025 ON MAIN STAGE
PHOTOCREDIT: CHARIS LYDIA BAGIOKI VIA ARTIST MANAGEMENT (READING)
As the sun finally set behind Bramham Park, Day Three drew to a close with fans exhausted yet exhilarated. From Becky Hill’s sun-drenched, euphoric headliner set to Bring Me The Horizon’s breathtaking Main Stage spectacle, the day showcased the perfect balance of emerging talent, festival staples, and massive headline moments. The roasting heat, interactive antics, and relentless energy left an indelible mark, proving once again why Leeds Festival remains a cornerstone of UK music culture.
REVIEW BY: CALUM BUCHAN AND JOHN HAYHURST
PHOTOS BY: JOHN HAYHURST AND CHARIS LYDIA BAGIOKI VIA ARTIST MANAGEMENT (READING) - (BRING ME THE HORIZON)