Signalling the start of the festival season, the organisers of Live At Leeds have revealed the line-up of its 2018 edition next spring, with prestigious British bands like Circa Waves, The Horrors and Peace set to headline.

Returning for its 12th edition on the first May bank holiday, Live At Leeds announced the first swathe of acts who will perform on Saturday May 5th.

Dedicated to showcasing emerging talent from the pop, rock and indie world, a handful of more established names are usually thrown in for good measure.

No fewer than five nominees from the recently unveiled BBC Sound of 2018 list, including Pale Waves, Tom Walker, Khalid, Lewis Capaldi and Sam Fender, will be performing on the big day.

Elsewhere in the line-up is local Leeds hero Nick Hodgson, the former drummer from Kaiser Chiefs, who will be airing material from his upcoming debut solo album Tell Your Friends.

Live At Leeds director Andy Smith said in a press release on Wednesday evening (November 29th) that the objective of the festival is for fans to “discover your new favourite band”.

“After arguably our strongest year for the festival in 2017, we’re excited to announce the first of many artist names for Live at Leeds 2018. The festival has always been about showcasing new music and offering emerging artists a platform to build their audience in the North and this year is no different.”

Having been established in 2007, named in honour of The Who’s legendary 1960s live album recorded at Leeds University’s Refectory, Live At Leeds has often been regarded as a stepping stone for emerging artists going on to greater things.

Over the years, the likes of Ed Sheeran, Clean Bandit, The 1975, Disclosure, Sam Smith, Stormzy and Bastille have performed at Live At Leeds. In 2017, Rag ‘n’ Bone Man was the biggest performer, with groups like Wild Beasts, Slaves, White Lies and The Big Moon all also performing.

So, if you’re lucky, you’ll be able to tell your mates that you saw the next big thing before anyone else!

More: Circa Waves – ‘Different Creatures’ [album review]