AEG Presents will launch Roundhay Festival in Leeds (UK) next summer, marking its expansion into northern England’s festival circuit.
The festival, sponsored by American Express, will take place at Roundhay Park starting July 4, 2026, with Lewis Capaldi confirmed as the first-ever headliner. The Scottish singer’s recent comeback tour sold out 17 UK arenas this year, with 200,000 tickets sold.
AEG, which operates Coachella and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, is also behind London’s BST Hyde Park, All Points East, Forwards Festival and LIDO, which together contribute over GBP £45 million (USD $61 million) to local economies annually.
The festival operator selected the 700-acre Roundhay Park in Leeds, which has hosted legendary acts like The Rolling Stones (1982), Genesis (1987), Madonna (1987), Michael Jackson (1988), U2 (1997) and Ed Sheeran (2019).
Jim King, CEO of AEG Presents UK and European Festivals, said: “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.”
“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.”
Jim King, AEG Presents
Leeds City Council Leader James Lewis added: “It’s also a much-loved part of the fabric of life in Leeds, so it’s fitting that this event will be doing as much as possible to support local vendors, suppliers and staff. AEG’s commitment to the highest standards of sustainability is another very welcome plus point for us.
Free midweek activities will focus on arts, culture and wellbeing activities. American Express will provide exclusive presale access to cardholders. The partnership extends similar arrangements at BST Hyde Park and All Points East.
Shiz Suzuki, Vice President of Global Brand Sponsorships & Experiential Marketing at American Express said: “We are thrilled to be headline sponsor of American Express presents Roundhay Festival, in the incredible city of Leeds. Music is one of our Cardmembers’ passion points – and through this new event we can’t wait to bring even more Card Members closer to the artists and bands they love, with festival perks that include early access tickets, as well as offers and experiences at the festival.”
“Alongside other Amex sponsored music events such as BST Hyde Park and All Points East, there’s no doubt this brand-new festival will be another defining moment in our Card Members’ summer calendars.”
Music is one of our Cardmembers’ passion points – and through this new event we can’t wait to bring even more Card Members closer to the artists and bands they love.”
Shiz Suzuki, American Express
AEG says Roundhay Festival addresses sustainability concerns. The festival operator committed to integrating responsible energy use, waste management, and local food partnerships into the new festival.
Capaldi’s selection comes as his 2019 single, Someone You Loved, remains the UK’s most streamed song of all time and the world’s fourth, according to AEG. The track, from his Divinely Uninspired to a Hellish Extent debut album, has generated over 4 billion streams on Spotify. His recent single, Survive, became the fastest-selling single of 2025. It has amassed over 42 million streams on Spotify to date.
In June, Capaldi made a surprise Glastonbury appearance, two years after taking a mental health break. “I couldn’t sing this song two years ago. I might struggle to finish it today for different reasons,” he told fans at Glastonbury as he played Someone You Loved.
Capaldi will be headlining Roundhay Festival on July 4, 2026. A week later, he will also be headlining BST Hyde Park in London on July 11, alongside Garth Brooks.
“We’re proud to announce Lewis Capaldi as the first ever Roundhay Festival headliner in 2026, a true milestone moment. His heartfelt, powerful voice makes him the perfect artist to launch this new chapter, and his much-awaited comeback will be unforgettable.”
Jim King, AEG Presents
King said: “We’re proud to announce Lewis Capaldi as the first ever Roundhay Festival headliner in 2026, a true milestone moment. His heartfelt, powerful voice makes him the perfect artist to launch this new chapter, and his much-awaited comeback will be unforgettable.”
Ticket sales for Roundhay Festival begin Friday (September 19), with American Express presales starting today (September 15) and artist presales on Wednesday (September 18). AEG has yet to announce the full line-up.
Music Business Worldwide
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