This summer, Yorkshire played host to two new and exciting concert series that saw a staggering 30,000 fans gather for live music and comedy in some of the region’s most iconic locations. Leeds-based independent promoters, Futuresound, launched the ambitious ‘Live at York Museum Gardens’ and ‘Live at Kirkstall Abbey’ events in late July, transforming historic sites into vibrant festival venues.
Music in the Gardens
The series kicked off in the picturesque York Museum Gardens, where Futuresound turned the tranquil setting into a buzzing live music venue. The concerts drew sell-out crowds, with standout performances from Jack Savoretti and local heroes Shed Seven, who delivered a two-night homecoming residency that electrified the atmosphere. For many, it was a magical weekend that brought live rock music back to the Gardens for the first time in 50 years.
Richard Saward, Head of Visitor Experience and Commercial at York Museums Trust, reflected on the success of the event, noting, “It was a historic weekend on a historic site, bringing live rock music back to the Gardens after five decades. We are delighted to have hosted local legends Shed Seven, and the buzz throughout the city was palpable. The positive impact on local businesses and the joy of 12,000 fans made it a truly special experience.”
Kirkstall Abbey Comes Alive
After York, the excitement moved to Leeds, where Futuresound set up at the iconic Kirkstall Abbey. This ancient Cistercian monastery provided a stunning backdrop for a weekend of diverse entertainment. Ska-pop icons Madness headlined on Friday, while West Yorkshire’s own Embrace took centre stage on Saturday. The event drew thousands of fans, all eager to experience live music in such a unique setting.
Sunday marked a new chapter for Leeds with the introduction of the Kirkstall Abbey Comedy Festival. This first-of-its-kind, large-scale outdoor comedy event brought together some of the UK’s top comedic talents, including Katherine Ryan, Ross Noble, and Maisie Adam. The festival saw 4,500 attendees bask in the glorious sunshine, enjoying a day filled with laughter.
Supporting Local Communities
Beyond providing entertainment, Futuresound remained committed to supporting the local economy and communities throughout these events. The organisers prioritised working with local suppliers for production, security, catering, and more. Additionally, a portion of the proceeds went to local charities such as St Leonards Hospice, SNAPPY, York Football Foundation, and NAPS, further highlighting Futuresound’s dedication to giving back.
Andy Smith, Head of Live at Futuresound Group, expressed his pride in the success of the events, saying, “Our whole team feels immensely proud of what we’ve achieved. As a Leeds business with Yorkshire at the heart of what we do, seeing these beautiful sites come alive with music, comedy, and thousands of fans was incredible. We’re grateful to everyone who helped make it happen and are excited to see what we can bring to these sites in the future.”
A Bright Future for Yorkshire Events
Futuresound’s impressive track record, which includes major events like Live At Leeds and Slam Dunk Festival, ensures that these new series at York Museum Gardens and Kirkstall Abbey are just the beginning. With such a successful launch, the future looks bright for more unforgettable events in these historic Yorkshire locations. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, these concerts promise to become a staple of the region’s cultural calendar for years to come.
