Leeds Festival '26: Crowds embrace the rain for closing night with headliners Sombr, RAYE and Dave

The four-day festival was brought to a close on Sunday with ribbons of flame and a burst of fireworks from hit rapper Dave.

But it was American singer-songwriter Sombr who had stolen the show, enigmatic and electric, despite other artists topping the bill.

As the heavens opened he stepped down into the pit, arms opened wide, with an emotionally charged set that left the most avid of fans weeping.

Then as thunder rumbled over Bramham Park near Wetherby, favourite RAYE took the stage, soulful and bright, bringing a fresh dose of energy even as the clouds darkened.

It didn't hold her back, as she declared the theme of the show as 'hope'. Defiant against the rain she cried: "It doesn't matter - we're Northern. We are here to have fun."

The atmosphere was charged, the fans were wild, as she belted out the lyrics to her chart-topping classic 'Where is my husband'.

And the weekend wasn't without challenges - Sombr's mic was cut in the final minutes, leaving him clearly frustrated, while The Warehouse closed on Saturday and didn't reopen.

But it was rain that changed the pace, pushing more people indoors even as others set to embrace it by setting up a mudslide.

It could have been worse, with organisers laying out wood chippings in some spots to keep back much of the onslaught, and it was only in the final hours that the mudbattle began.

And there were real bright spots; Jade, of Little Mix fame, belting out an incredible mix of songs and really lifting the atmosphere. A sea of ponchos, swaying in the rain to RAYE.

Then glitter disco balls, in the new tents, chandeliers in The Ballroom, with some blistering tunes. Josh Baker, in The Gallery, drawing a thumping crowd.

Some 80,000 people will have attended over the bank holiday weekend, with this year's festival stretching out over four days for the first time.

It's been a power-house of performers all through Leeds Festival '26 with Pepsi MAX presents, launching with Kasabian on Thursday.

By Friday, with headliners Chase & Status, the energy was in full flow, and with Florence & The Machine among the most magical acts to perform.

And all the anticipation, the build up and planning, was to build to great swells of cheers for her opening set and with revellers dancing on shoulders to wave their hands in the air.

As the sun set to a golden glow framing her red hair, Florence swept the stage with a stunning flow and powerhouse vocals.

Pausing midway, and looking out from the stage, she took a moment to take in the sheer scale of the venue and the energy building back at her.

"Thank you Leeds," she said with emotion. "I cannot think of a better way to spend my birthday."

On Saturday night, it had been Charli XCX who was to light up the limelight, dazzling and stark, with bold dance moves and a sharp energy.

Fontaines D.C. were to close the show, ending on a high to the roar of the crowd singing along to some familiar favourites.

And this year's event was definitely 'take two' with a new look for stages and a refreshed arena.

The event has long since become something of a 'right of passage' for finishing GCSE and A level students, and there were special measures in place aimed at keeping revellers safe.