Independent UK promoter Futuresound has hailed a record event season at Temple Newsam in Leeds, Yorkshire.

Around 75,000 fans attended the organiser’s biggest-ever iterations of festivals Slam Dunk and Live at Leeds In The Park, and a one-off hometown concert by Kaiser Chiefs.

Slam Dunk, the one-day pop-punk, emo, metal and ska-themed festival, celebrated its 19th year, having grown from a single city-centre stage in Leeds to two full festival sites across one weekend with Slam Dunk North at Temple Newsam and Slam Dunk South at Hatfield Park in Hertfordshire.

The former took place on 25 May, attracting 30,000 fans for performances from the likes of  A Day To Remember, Alkaline Trio, Less Than Jake, New Found Glory, Neck Deep, Hot Milk and Split Chain.

The fourth edition of Live At Leeds In The Park, meanwhile, drew 18,000 fans to a newly expanded site that included two main stages.

Bloc Party, Manic Street Preachers, Yard Act and Natasha Beddingfield were among the acts to perform at the one-day family-friendly festival on 24 May.

“We’re an independent Leeds business and the city and its surroundings have always been at the heart of everything we do”

Futuresound closed out May with a one-off hometown concert with Kaiser Chiefs to celebrate 20 years of their seminal debut album Employment.

Promoted in conjunction with SJM concerts, the band played the album in its entirety with an all-star supporting lineup of Razorlight, The Cribs, We Are Scientists, The Coral, HotWax and Ellur.

“We couldn’t be more proud to have welcomed 75,000 people to Temple Newsam over the past few weeks; showcasing the very best music, comedy, food, outdoor space and atmosphere that Leeds has to offer,” says Andy Smith, head of live, Futuresound Group.

“We’re an independent Leeds business and the city and its surroundings have always been at the heart of everything we do,” he adds. “We’re hugely grateful to Temple Newsam and Leeds City Council for their trust and support as well as our promotion, production, artist liaison, bar, security and catering teams for everything they do to make events like this happen.

“We want these shows to be a statement that independent operators will always have a crucial part to play in creating incredible live music experiences and moments in the regions they work in, live in and know best. This was a truly special event season at Temple Newsam and we can’t wait to build on this success.”

Futuresound also promotes outdoor events including Live at Kirkstall Abbey, Live at York Museum Gardens and Live at Ludlow Castle, as well as hundreds of gigs annually in Leeds and the Yorkshire region.

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Global live business Trafalgar Entertainment has been named as the new operator of UK venue Bradford Live following a competitive tender process.

The 3,800-cap West Yorkshire venue had been in limbo since Birmingham-based NEC Group pulled out of the £50 million (€60m) project last September following months of speculation, but is now expected to open by this autumn.

Founded in 2017, Trafalgar Entertainment is home to Trafalgar Theatres, Trafalgar Theatre Productions, Trafalgar Releasing and Trafalgar Tickets, among other businesses. Its existing venue portfolio includes London’s Trafalgar Theatre and Olympia Theatre, the Theatre Royal Sydney in Australia, Southend Cliffs Pavilion, Glasgow Pavilion, G Live Guildford, New Theatre Cardiff and Fareham Live.

The company will now begin the final fit out of Bradford Live and work “at pace” to develop and launch a programme of live events.

“Trafalgar Entertainment is the perfect fit for this venue, and we’re delighted at their appointment,” says Lee Craven, founding director of developer Bradford Live. “Bradford Live and Bradford Council have together brought this wonderful building back to life. It will act as a catalyst for regeneration. And when the people of Bradford finally get to see a show here, they will realise what a jewel they have. This beautifully restored venue is Bradford’s present to itself.”

Under its former name of The Gaumont, the historic venue welcomed legends such as Bill Haley, Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, the Rolling Stones and the Beatles in the 1960s. It then became an Odeon cinema and Top Rank Bingo club, before closing its doors in 2000.

“The sheer scope and scale of Bradford Live gives us a fantastic opportunity to bring the best premium programming”

Bradford Live came in to find a long-term viable use for the venue in 2012 following a successful campaign to save the building. NEC Group had been due to take over the operation ahead of its planned November 2024 opening, but decided it “will be better served by an alternative operator”.

Tickets for two tribute shows – Thank you for the Music, The Ultimate Tribute to ABBA and Legend – The Music of Bob Marley – went on sale as part of its planned launch season but the events were later quietly cancelled.

“Lee Craven, the team at Bradford Live and Bradford Council have transformed this glorious landmark venue into a modern and truly world-class destination, whilst honouring and preserving its stunning Art Deco heritage,” says Sir Howard Panter, joint CEO, co-founder, and creative director at Trafalgar Entertainment.

“Bradford is already a thriving, cultural destination, but as the UK’s City of Culture for 2025, Bradford has an even greater future ahead, and we’re excited to be a part of that journey with Bradford Live. Our immediate priorities include supporting and promoting Bradford as the UK City of Culture 2025 – and engaging with the Bradford 2025 team to deliver an exemplary programme of events during what is a milestone year for the city.

“The sheer scope and scale of Bradford Live gives us a fantastic opportunity to bring the best premium programming, enabling us to host a huge range of shows from the biggest live-music events and comedy to large-scale entertainment of all kinds and from some of the world’s biggest stars.”

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A new operator is being sought for UK venue Bradford Live after NEC Group pulled out of the £50 million (€60m) project “with immediate effect” following months of speculation.

Birmingham-based NEC Group had been due to take over the operation of the 4,000-cap West Yorkshire venue from developer Bradford Live this year ahead of its planned November opening, but has decided it “will be better served by an alternative operator”.

“Following a strategic review of its business, the NEC Group will focus on its existing operations in the Birmingham area,” says a joint statement on behalf of the company and the local authority. “Bradford Council and the NEC Group have agreed settlement terms to release NEC from the contract that was in place for them to operate the venue. NEC will step away from Bradford Live with immediate effect.”

Under its former name of The Gaumont, the historic building welcomed legends such as Bill Haley, Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, the Rolling Stones and the Beatles in the 1960s. The building then became an Odeon cinema and Top Rank Bingo club, before closing its doors in 2000.

Following a successful campaign to save the building, Bradford Live came in to find a long-term viable use for the venue in 2012 and secured the NEC Group as the venue’s future operator in 2017, with plans to put the city “firmly back on the national live music touring circuit”.

However, the Bradford Telegraph & Argus reports that only a preliminary contract existed between the two organisations, while a Freedom of Information Act request by the publication revealed the overall cost of the project had more than doubled to £50.5m – almost £44m of which came from the council.

“Further updates, and a new date for opening, will be provided when a new operator is confirmed”

In January, tickets for two tribute shows – Thank you for the Music, The Ultimate Tribute to ABBA and Legend – The Music of Bob Marley – went on sale as part of its planned launch season this November, but the events were later cancelled. Venue management veteran Darren Moore, who previously served at Bonus Arena Hull, York Barbican and First Direct Arena Leeds, was named general manager at Bradford Live in July last year, but left his position in February 2024.

Bradford Live and the council say they will now move “at pace” to identify a new operator, with Bradford Council leader Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe adding the authority is aiming to have the venue operational in 2025 to host events as part of Bradford’s UK City of Culture year.

“The council and NEC have been unable to provide any significant detail on the situation relating to Bradford Live until now, whilst negotiations were taking place,” says the statement. “Further updates, and a new date for opening, will be provided when a new operator is confirmed.”

Lee Craven, founding director of Bradford Live, adds: “Bringing this much-loved building back to life has been a huge task spanning years and involving many tough challenges. Throughout, we have had the steadfast support of Bradford Council, who have never wavered in their commitment. The result is a world class music venue whose quality exceeds even our own hopes.

“We look forward to securing a new operator soon who can do justice to the building’s potential and make Bradford Live a ‘must play’ venue for major touring acts.”

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Independent UK promoter Futuresound is celebrating the launch of two new Yorkshire concert series, which pulled in a combined 30,000 fans this summer.

The Leeds-based company debuted Live at York Museum Gardens and Live at Kirkstall Abbey at the end of July.

The team transformed York Museum Gardens into a 4,000-cap live music venue for sold out concerts by acts including Jack Savoretti and a two-night homecoming residency from Shed Seven, before switching to Leeds for headline gigs by Madness and Embrace at Kirkstall Abbey.

The latter also saw the introduction of the 4,500-cap Kirkstall Abbey Comedy Festival, which featured the likes of Katherine Ryan, Ross Noble and Maisie Adam.

“Our whole team feels immensely proud of what we’ve achieved over those few weeks in July with establishing these two new concert series at Kirkstall Abbey and York Museum Gardens,” says Futuresound Group’s head of live Andy Smith. “We are a Leeds business with Yorkshire at the heart of what we do, so to see these two beautiful sites come alive with music, comedy and thousands of fans over six nights was an incredible thing.

Futuresound also attracted 20,000 music fans to Shropshire for its Live at Ludlow Castle series from 25-28 July

“We’re hugely grateful to the custodians of both sites for their trust, as well as our brilliant production, artist liaison, bar, security, catering and all the teams for all they do to make these events a reality. Futuresound is a proudly independent promoter with the communities we live and work in at the forefront of our mind, so we are very excited to see what we can bring to these sites next.”

Futuresound, which presents hundreds of gigs annually in Leeds and the Yorkshire region, also attracted 20,000 music fans to its Live at Ludlow Castle series from 25-28 July. Established in 2023, the run sold out all four nights for the second year in a row, with headliners including James, Elbow, Madness and Anne-Marie.

The concerts followed an earlier announcement that the castle and Futuresound, founded by Ludlow-raised Colin Oliver, had agreed a five-year deal to continue programming live music at the historic Shropshire site.

“Working with the Ludlow Castle team to establish the Live at Ludlow Castle series in my hometown has been one of the great privileges of my career, so the opportunity to commit to the long-term viability and success of live-music in the town is something we just couldn’t pass up,” adds Oliver.

“We have had an incredible welcome from Ludlow over the last two years and a great reception to the shows from local people and businesses. We are very excited to be working with the custodians of Ludlow Castle for many years to come.”

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ASM Global has been appointed to operate Utilita Arena Sheffield from January 2025, following a procurement process.

The 12,700-capacity venue first opened in the South Yorkshire city in 1991 and is the first UK arena to come to market for tender in some time.

Forthcoming concerts and events at Utilita Arena Sheffield include Peter Kay, Bill Bailey, Take That, Girls Aloud, Bryan Adams, Matchroom Boxing, Premier League Darts and Liam Gallagher. The venue is also home to Sheffield ice hockey team, the Steelers.

Under its new management with ASM Global, the venue will see significant investment into guest experience at every level, including hospitality and premium, according to a release.

The senior management team and all Utilita Arena staff will move to ASM Global under TUPE regulations.

“With the city’s rich musical history and our reputation for hosting major events, it’s evident that music runs through our blood”

“Sheffield is a city with a rich cultural heritage,” says Chris Bray, president of ASM Global Europe. “It’s known and loved for producing some of the UK’s most exciting musical talent who’ve gone on to put Sheffield on the map on a global scale. With a history of being an events city, we are delighted to be working with the council to continue to bring major events to Sheffield. Our goal is to ensure the venue is a must-play for world-class artists, and that the content is diverse, exciting and world-leading. We have exciting plans for reimagining the customer experience, too, and are looking forward to getting better acquainted with the city very soon.”

Councillor Richard Williams, chair of the communities, parks and leisure committee at Sheffield City Council adds, “This is a major step forward in our ambitious plan for the city and entertainment facilities. Though we are incredibly proud of the Arena and our current partnership with Sheffield City Trust, this new investment will allow us to compete on a global scale.”

Councillor Tom Hunt, Leader of Sheffield City Council said, “Coming on the back of Sheffield hosting the MOBO Awards and with the city’s rich musical history and our reputation for hosting major events, it’s evident that music runs through our blood and this partnership with ASM Global and Utilita Arena Sheffield is another example of our ambition for this city.”

Utilita Arena Sheffield joins ASM Global’s network of more than 350 venues around the world. In the UK, the firm’s suite of venues includes AO Arena in Manchester, first direct Arena in Leeds, OVO Arena Wembley, Utilita Arena Newcastle, P&J Live Aberdeen, Olympia London, York Barbican and Whitley Bay Playhouse.

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2018 brings another record-breaking summer season for Scarborough Open Air Theatre (OAT). More than 82,000 fans have already brought tickets to upcoming performances and concert promoter Cuffe and Taylor are hopeful this number could rise to over 100,000 before the end of the season.

Scarborough OAT, Europe’s largest open-air arena, is set to play host to a series of high profile gigs in the coming months. Lionel Richie will kick off the season next Tuesday (19 June) with a sell-out show. Following Richie will be another 15 gigs, from the likes of Nile Rodgers and Chic, Noel Gallagher and Stereophonics.

With 82,000 tickets sold already, organisers are hoping the OAT will bring a multi-million pound boost to the local tourist economy in Yorkshire. Peter Taylor, director of Cuffe and Taylor, says: “The shows are not only brilliant for music fans but for the local tourism economy with visitors coming here from across the UK and around the world to see a sensational series of shows.

“The Open Air Theatre is definitely showcasing Scarborough to not only a UK but international audience.”

“To have out-sold last year’s attendance figure of 75,000 before the first show has taken place proves what an incredible line-up Scarborough OAT has this year.”

The news of the coastal venue’s successes comes after a particularly prosperous couple of years. Recently themselves acquired by Live Nation, promoter Cuffe and Taylor have exclusively booked for the Scarborough OAT since 2016 and have broken records year on year since. Building on these successes, work has also been done to increase the venue’s capacity.

Speaking about the ongoing partnership between Cuffe and Taylor and Scarborough OAT, area director for Welcome to Yorkshire Janet Deacon says: “Cuffe and Taylor and Live Nation have really taken this venue to the next level and have made it the place to go for amazing live entertainment.

“The Open Air Theatre is definitely showcasing Scarborough to not only a UK but international audience.”

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Cuffe & Taylor, the UK regional promoter acquired by Live Nation in January, has agreed a new ten-year deal to exclusively programme all live music events at the Scarborough Open Air Theatre (OAT) in Yorkshire.

Preston-based Cuffe & Taylor, which took on programming at Scarborough OAT in 2016, will now stage all concerts at the 5,454-capacity venue – Europe’s largest open-air theatre – through 2028.

The promoter is also in discussions with Scarborough Borough Council about installing a permanent standing area in front of the stage – which currently sits on the island in the middle of a lake – increasing capacity to 7,456 (seated) or 7,900 (standing).

“We are delighted with the new and exclusive ten-year deal between Live Nation and Scarborough Borough Council to stage events at the theatre,” says Cuffe & Taylor director Peter Taylor. “Our partnership with the council has worked very well in the last two years, and this new deal allows us to continue working together to secure a bright and exciting future for this marvellous venue.

“This new long-term deal enables all parties to plan even better for the future”

“We have enjoyed two record breaking years since we took over programming live music events here in 2016, with attendances rising year-on-year. In 2017 sales again have broken all box office records.

“This new long-term deal enables all parties to plan even better for the future. The theatre is now on the map, with not only British artists but major international stars too, and we are determined to continue to bring the biggest and best acts to the beautiful Yorkshire coast.

“We are now working not only on next year’s line-up, but on 2019 and beyond. We cannot wait to reveal another wonderful series of shows for next summer, which we feel sure will break records again.”

More than 75,000 people attended concerts by artists including Little Mix, Olly Murs, Jess Glynne, Cliff Richard and the Beach Boys at Scarborough OAT this summer.

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