Sunshine, sudden downpours and plenty of mud underfoot - these photos from Leeds Festival over the years capture the spirit that has helped make the Bramham Park event a bank holiday fixture.
Leeds Festival 2026 currently looks set to be a wet one, with rain forecast every day from tomorrow, Wednesday, August 26, to Monday, August 31 with Thursday and Friday looking the most unsettled, with thundery showers possible.
People attend Leeds Festival 2024 at Bramham Park. Photo: Danny Lawson/ PA Wire
(Image: Photo: Danny Lawson/ PA Wire)
Our photos from previous years feature fans in ponchos and wellies to groups determined to keep smiling through rain-soaked camping fields, highlighting that festival-goers have long shown that a little unpredictable weather is all part of the experience.
Bad weather failed to stop this festival-goer dressed as Superman from sliding through mud on the first day of the Leeds Festival 2011 at Bramham Park.
(Image: Danny Lawson/ PA Wire)
Whether they were sheltering from a shower, posing for the camera with muddy boots or enjoying a rare spell of summer sun, the crowds in these archive pictures came prepared to embrace the elements.
People at the Leeds Festival 2024. Photo: Danny Lawson/ PA Wire
(Image: Photo: Danny Lawson/ PA Wire)
The crowd during the Arctic Monkeys at Leeds Festival in 2022. Photo: Dylan Connell
(Image: Photo: Dylan Connell)
The photographs offer a reminder of the unique festival atmosphere created when tens of thousands of music fans descend: tents stretching across the fields, friends making memories and audiences refusing to let a muddy weekend dampen their enthusiasm.
Leeds Festival weather memories as rain forecast for 2026 event - back in 2024, windy conditions failed to put off festival goers. Photo: Danny Lawson/ PA Wire
(Image: Photo: Danny Lawson/ PA Wire)
This year’s Leeds Festival returns to Bramham Park, with another huge crowd expected to travel to the site for the annual August bank holiday event.
Big-name draws this year include Kasabian, Florence + The Machine, Chase & Status Live, Charli xcx, Fontaines D.C., Dave and RAYE in what will be the festival’s first all-British and Irish headline bill in 25 years.
It was warm enough to go topless as festival goers enjoyed AJ Tracey at Leeds Festival in 2022. Photo: Dylan Connell
(Image: Photo: Dylan Connell)
For those heading to the festival, the archive images may provide a timely reminder to pack for every possibility - including waterproofs, practical footwear and, perhaps, a spare pair of socks.
Travel warning
For people still planning their travel - and anyone hoping to avoid the expected congestion - West Yorkshire Police has advised motorists that temporary traffic-management measures will be in force around the Leeds Festival site from Wednesday, August 26, to Monday, August 31.
The measures include temporary speed restrictions and clearways on roads surrounding Bramham Park. Police said they are intended to improve safety, ease congestion and support the movement of the tens of thousands of people expected at the festival.
Windy conditions during the Leeds Festival 2024 at Bramham Park. Photo: Danny Lawson/ PA Wire
(Image: . Photo: Danny Lawson/ PA Wire)
Speed-camera enforcement vans will also operate throughout the festival period, with drivers warned that offences detected on affected routes could result in prosecution. Signage will be in place to highlight the restrictions and traffic arrangements.
Jack Littlewood and Miko Booth, from Harrogate, at Leeds Festival 2022. Picture Dylan Connell
(Image: Picture Dylan Connell)
Superintendent Dan Wood said: “Leeds Festival is one of the largest events in West Yorkshire and attracts a significant increase in traffic to the local road network.
“The temporary speed restrictions and clearways are being introduced to help keep everyone safe, including festival-goers, local residents and road users.
“We would ask all motorists to pay close attention to the temporary signage in place and allow extra time for their journeys. Speed enforcement will be carried out during the event, and we encourage drivers to comply with all restrictions for their own safety and that of others.”
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Festival-goers travelling by car are being urged to follow official event signs rather than relying only on satellite navigation. Dedicated routes will direct campers, day and non-camping ticket holders, drop-off and pick-up traffic, and staff and authorised vehicles to the appropriate entrances and parking areas.
Police said drivers following sat-nav directions alone could be sent along unsuitable routes, creating delays for themselves and other road users.
Whatever the forecast brings, the message is simple: plan ahead, follow the signs and pack the wellies.