It’s a mere two weeks away, but Leeds Festival seems to have arrived very quickly this year - could it be the onset of the heatwave, or how quickly other festivals have come around this year?
Either way, there is plenty of discussion to be had ahead of the August Bank Holiday weekend; with both Lola Young and now House of Protection bowing out of this year’s festival, it leaves a gap or two open for a last-minute inclusion or, to the delight of many, a vaunted secret set that you just happened to come across this year at Bramham Park.
Could the anniversary of a long-awaited reunion announcement coax one band to perform a short but potentially very sweet set between their international tour dates? Could a hyperpop star drop a surprise DJ set? Or are we about to see the return of one of the UK’s most beloved indie acts - who at this stage might suggest to “don’t believe the ‘ype?”
Here’s our suggestion of who could be secretly performing at Leeds Festival later this month, and our reasons (nee: excuses) why they’ve made our list.
9. Two Door Cinema Club
A massive name in indie rock, Two Door Cinema Club have a back catalogue of hits that would fill any stage. Their festival-ready sound makes them an ideal choice for a secret set that would be a joyous sing-along from start to finish. Their current schedule shows no conflicting dates for the festival weekend | Vernon Nash
10. The xx
A secret set from The xx would be a huge deal. The band has been in the studio together for the first time in years, so a festival appearance would be the perfect way to "dust off their live shows" and road-test new material before announcing a full album and tour. | AFP via Getty Images
11. Tom Grennan
With his new album recently released and his tour not starting until September, Tom Grennan is in a prime position to build buzz and momentum. He has a clear schedule and would be in "peak promotional mode" during the festival weekend, making a surprise appearance a very strong possibility. | Marcin Jedrysiak
12. Khruangbin
This Houston-based band is a very strong contender. They have confirmed UK tour dates on either side of the Leeds Festival weekend, including a show in Halifax a few days after. Their presence in the North of England already makes a pop-up appearance a logistical no-brainer. | Festival Republic