Scottish singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi has been announced as the inaugural headliner for the newly established Roundhay Festival in Leeds, set to debut on July 4, 2026. This announcement marks a significant milestone in Capaldi's career, following his return to live performances earlier this year after a two-year hiatus due to health concerns.
The Roundhay Festival, organized by AEG Presents in collaboration with Leeds City Council, aims to revitalize the city's music scene by hosting world-class artists at the historic Roundhay Park. The park has previously hosted legendary acts such as The Rolling Stones, Madonna, and Ed Sheeran. Jim King, CEO of AEG Presents UK and European Festivals, expressed enthusiasm about the festival's launch, stating, "Everyone at AEG is thrilled to announce the launch of the Roundhay Festival in Leeds. This landmark event gives us the opportunity to bring world-class artists and world-leading production to even more fans, while building on the park’s incredible musical legacy." (musicbusinessworldwide.com)
Capaldi's selection as the first headliner comes on the heels of his successful comeback, which included a surprise performance at the 2025 Glastonbury Festival. During this appearance, he addressed the audience, saying, "It's so good to be back. I'm not going to say much up here today, because if I do, I think I will probably start crying." (thenews.com.pk) His recent single, "Survive," has topped charts and garnered over 42 million streams on Spotify, further solidifying his status in the music industry. (musicbusinessworldwide.com)
In addition to headlining the Roundhay Festival, Capaldi is set to perform at BST Hyde Park in London on July 11, 2026. Tickets for both events will go on sale on September 19, 2025, with American Express cardholders receiving exclusive presale access starting September 15. (musicbusinessworldwide.com)
The establishment of the Roundhay Festival underscores Leeds' commitment to enhancing its cultural offerings and providing a platform for both established and emerging artists. With Capaldi's heartfelt performances and the festival's promising lineup, attendees can anticipate a memorable musical experience in the summer of 2026.