Six weeks and looking forward – by looking back! ChVrches, Foals, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Biffy Clyro
Friday, August 26th – Arrival & CHVRCHES
Pulled into Bramham Park early afternoon, rucksack bursting, wellies strapped on just in case. The smell of grass, burgers and anticipation filled the air. Pitched the tent with a minor argument and a shared can of cider to celebrate surviving the first challenge.
Headed to the Main Stage just in time to catch CHVRCHES as the sun started to dip. Lauren Mayberry was absolutely electric – full of nervous energy, charm and a voice that cut right through the dusk. “Leave a Trace” hit hard, lights pulsing in time with the synths. The crowd was swaying, arms in the air, voices united. They ended on “The Mother We Share,” and I felt that weird chill of pure joy and connection – like everyone just got it at the same time.
Finished the night wandering past the silent disco and sitting by the fire, feet aching already but heart full.
Saturday, August 27th – Foals & Red Hot Chilli Peppers
Woke to the sound of someone playing Mr Brightside on a tinny Bluetooth speaker. Classic.
After some greasy food and bad coffee, spent the day bouncing between stages. Caught a bit of Nothing But Thieves, then queued way too long for a £6 pint. Energy started to build as the sun went down – Foals were up next.
And wow. Foals absolutely owned the night. Yannis was a man possessed – climbing rigs, tossing beer, shredding guitar like his life depended on it. “Inhaler” sent shockwaves through the crowd, but “Spanish Sahara” was the moment. Everyone just stopped. It was beautiful, strange, massive. The whole set felt like a tidal wave, crashing harder with each song.
Then – Red Hot Chili Peppers. The legends. Flea and Anthony Kiedis strolled out like they’d never aged, and immediately launched into a jam session that bled into “Can’t Stop.” The crowd erupted. “Californication” turned the park into a sea of swaying lights. They finished on “Give It Away,” a blur of funk, moshing, sweat and pure joy. You don’t just see RHCP – you feel them.
Staggered back to the tent, voice gone, legs wrecked, ears ringing. Perfect.
Sunday, August 28th – HÆLOS & Biffy Clyro
Slower morning. Rain threatened, but only spat. Found shelter in the Festival Republic stage and discovered HÆLOS. Moody, layered, hypnotic – they were like a dream you don’t want to wake from. “Pray” and “Dust” were standouts. Small crowd, but everyone was transfixed. A proper hidden gem.
Wandered for a bit, grabbed some mac and cheese, and made it to the Main Stage just in time for Biffy Clyro.
And what a finale.
Mon the Biff! Simon Neil strode on shirtless, of course, and tore into “Wolves of Winter.” Explosive. “Biblical” had arms aloft, strangers hugging. But it was “Many of Horror” that properly got me – voices raised together, soaked in light and sound and feeling. They closed with “Stingin’ Belle” and fireworks, and it felt like the whole park was shaking.
Monday, August 29th – The Goodbye
Packed up in the drizzle, tired but buzzing. Everything smelled of smoke and grass and memories. Leeds 2016 gave me bruises, sunburn – and the time of my life.
Music like a heartbeat. Rain like a baptism. And friends who feel like family by the end.
Photography by Mark Wheelwright.
Words adapted from Mark Wheelwright’s recollections.
