A York band will perform at one of Britain’s biggest festivals this summer.
Sun King were announced as part of the Leeds Festival line up this afternoon (Monday).
The five-piece were revealed as among the first acts to play at the the BBC Music Introducing Stage at the fest, which runs from 21-25 August at Bramham Park.
The band have gigged regularly at venues including the Crescent and Fulford Arms, and built up quite a following.
Festival organisers say: “Sun King blend sounds from the past and present with an electric feel.
“Having toured the UK with bands such as Wunderhorse and Deadletter in their first year together, Sun King’s live shows have gained themselves a fierce reputation as ones to watch in 2024.”
They had played in other bands locally before getting together. They “started jamming” and before they knew it were gigging as Sun King.
Jeanie Leach, who is on vocals and keys in the band, said her first job was working at Leeds Festival. “I just thought it’d be a bit of work experience. And then it took it off from there, and I ran the operations office and it was great,” she told Victoria Charles of YorkMix Radio.
Going from behind the scenes to the stage is “going to feel very surreal,” she said.
“It’s going to be very strange, but a lot of fun. I’m very excited.”
In a statement the band said: “We’ve always wanted to play Reading & Leeds.
“Having all been as punters throughout the years, it’s high on the list of festivals to play for us. It’ll be nice this year to roll up and plug in the amps.
“We are very much looking forward to it.”
Halifax’s Ellur and Hull singer Jodie Langford were the other two Yorkshire artists announced today.
Leeds Fest organisers said: “It was only 2013 when Catfish & The Bottlemen had their Reading & Leeds debut on the BBC Introducing Stage, and now they are making their long-awaited return as headliners.
“Other artists playing this year’s festival who have come through BBC Music Introducing include the viral sensation Beabadoobee who are headlining the Radio 1 Stage, the Manchester indie-pop band Corella will play the Main Stage at the festival, and Kid Kapichi will play on the Festival Republic Stage billing.
“Reading & Leeds Festival has always championed new up and coming talent, and this year will be no different. The North of England is full of talent that speaks across genres and generations.”
There’s more about Leeds Festival on the website.
