Leeds Met's partnership with Festival Republic was highlighted on Thursday at a press event for Leeds Festival. Melvin Benn, Managing Director of Festival Republic, said, "We have a very close relationship with Leeds Met. It's great to see both Rebekka Kill and Caroline Bonser here."
 
The line up for the BBC Introducing Stage was also announced. Bands playing this stage are chosen through a combination of the BBC's countrywide Introducing shows, Leeds promoters Futuresound and Festival Republic.

The BBC Introducing Stage is a platform for up and coming bands to get their first chance to play at a high profile festival. One of these bands is Wonderswan, whose drummer is a member of staff at Leeds Met. Ged McGurn works as a Learning Facilitator with Disability Services and is thrilled to be playing at the festival. His band has been gigging for just over a year and have recently been taken on by a manager. Wonderswan and the other bands will be looked after by Leeds Met volunteers, who are stage managing the BBC Introducing Stage.
 
Leeds Festival is now in its 11th year and it is the third year that the University has been involved. Speaking about the impact of the festival, Melvin Benn said, "The festival is very much part of Leeds culture. It's recognised as having a real northern, friendly feel."
 
Around 130 volunteers from Leeds Met will be working at the festival over August bank holiday weekend.