The three-day Roundhay Festival kicked off at Roundhay Park in Leeds on Friday, July 3, 2026, featuring major acts like Pitbull and Lewis Capaldi.
While thousands of fans attend, local businesses and residents have expressed mixed feelings due to significant disruption and poor communication from organizers.
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The event, with a daily capacity of 69,999 for Friday and Saturday, marks the return of major concerts to the 700-acre site since 2019.
However, extensive road closures scheduled until Monday morning have heavily impacted the neighborhood.
School and Business Disruptions
Kerr Mackie Primary School closed early at 12:45 BST on Friday and postponed a student trip.
Head teacher Katie Furlong criticized the coordination, noting that road closures began at 11:00 BST, affecting attendance.
"We are measured on attendance and we're working really hard as a school to make sure we hit those national figures or better, but it will have an impact on our attendance," said Furlong.
She added that working parents faced midday pickup challenges and expressed frustration over the lack of direct updates for her institution.
"We needed more information from the organisers and Leeds City Council. That's the part where we've been missed out," said Furlong.
She noted that other schools in the area received ample notifications while hers did not.
Local enterprises reported varying financial impacts.
Jon Kinsey, owner of Jon Kinsey Hairdressing, said his salon suffered from client cancellations and staff taking time off during their busiest days.
