This weekly music guide is brought to you in partnership with PPL PRS Ltd. Big thanks for their ongoing support of local acts and venues.
Stay in the know and be the first in line. Every week.
Diary Dates
Weller v The Who – Saturday 5 October
The Donkey
Join Heavy Sol, a 5 piece live band from Leicester, as they cover top tunes from the Modfather Paul Weller and The Who. Which act gets your vote?
Gaz Brookfield – Friday 11 October
The Musician
Anti-folk artist and winner of Acoustic Magazines’s UK singer-songwriter competition. His songs are instantly accessible, everyman tales of life, love and everything else in between. Played in a folk-ish style with occasional use of the guitar as a percussive tool, as well as some two handed venturing around the fretboard, Gaz’s simple yet poignant songwriting captures the imagination of the listener.
Punk Rock Factory – Monday 14 October
O2 Academy Leicester
High energy, punk rock powerhouses Punk Rock Factory make easy work of their special brand of punk covers.
Hear them combine everything you love about 1990s/2000s punk rock, and reimagine classic and hit songs like you’ve never heard them before. From Meat Loaf to Disney, nothing is off limits to them.
The Smyths – Saturday 19 October
O2 Academy Leicester
An outstandingly accurate and thrilling tribute to live sound and feeling of The Smiths. Formed in 2003, The Smyths are the UK’s longest-established tribute to the one of the greatest bands of all time.
The Smyths are often cited as one of the world’s best tribute bands with shows home, abroad and at festivals – including Glastonbury – reinforcing the band’s status amongst the elite tributes.
••••
FEATURE: More acts announced for Back 2 the 80s 90s 00s Festival as it returns to Leicestershire
The ultimate throwback to the 80s, 90s and 00s, Back2 Festival is returning to Leicestershire in 2025.
Having moved across the Midlands, the festival will be back at its original home, Cattows Farm, in August 2025.
You can expect your favorite cheesy artists from the 80s, 90s, and 00s for a weekend packed with nostalgia, great vibes, and unforgettable hits.
The first line-up announcement had already unveiled acts including B*Witched, 2Unlimited, 911, a1, Goldie Looking’ Chain, Whigfield, Chesney Hawkes, Bad Manners, DJ Sash and more. Now the festival has revealed more additions to the line-up.
The latest lineup additions include Brand New Heavies, Gareth Gates, Culture Beat, BlackBox, Rednex, N-Trance, The Beatles Dub Club and more.
With music over 3 days, the festival will take place from 7 – 10 August with camping available on site.
Live artists, DJ sessions, fancy dress, karaoke sessions, fairground rides and plenty more.
Very limited super early bird tickets are on sale now from the Back2 Festival website. Weekend camping tickets are priced at £137 (children £72) with VIP upgrades available. Day tickets will be released closer to the festival date.
Playlist
Treat yourself to a cheesy weekend playlist and enjoy a throwback playlist form Back 2 Festival. All of these acts will be performing live in Leicestershire at the festival next summer.