Stuart is founder of Kilimanjaro Live, the company behind major tours and events putting on shows like Ed Sheeran and festivals such as Sonisphere.

He received the LIVEtime Achievement Award at the LIVE Awards 2025 as a key player in the growth of UK live music over the last four decades.

He discusses his time putting on gigs at Leeds (1.47), what it takes to be a successful events promoter (13.40), working with the likes of Ed Sheeran (19.25), the changing role of festivals in the music business (21.05), the most stressful and proudest moments of his career (23.08), and his advice for anyone looking to enter the world of music (26.30).

What gigs did you see at Leeds?

Share your memories of live music at Leeds, and you might feature in our future magazine feature.

In 1985, David Gedge (Mathematics 1981) formed the band The Wedding Present with his friends Shaun Charman (Economics & Sociology 1986), English student Keith Gregory and PGCE student Peter Solowka.

Now the only original member in the band, David has chosen to mark the 40th anniversary of the band with a special concert in LUU on Friday 9 May 2025: “I thought it would be a nice idea to play this concert as a ‘back to where it all started’ event.”

Sir Keir is the first Leeds graduate to become UK Prime Minister, and one of only a few University-educated PMs to not study his bachelors at Oxford or Cambridge. 

His journey to Downing Street started in 1982, when the working class boy from Surrey “rocked up” to the Parkinson steps with a Boomtown Rats record under one arm, and a Status Quo album under the other. 

There and then he fell in love with the city, and the University, that he says, changed his life. He graduated with a first class degree in law in 1985, and went on to a distinguished career before becoming an MP in 2015.

And throughout his career his relationship with Leeds has remained strong. As director of public prosecutions he opened the School of Law’s Liberty Building in 2011. He was then awarded an honorary doctorate by the University in 2012. 

And last year Sir Keir returned to his old stomping ground, where he sat down with Leeds Magazine to discuss the three years that formed him, and changed his life. 

Here is that full interview, recorded in October last year. 

You can read the full story published in Leeds Magazine here: https://spotlight.leeds.ac.uk/leeds-magazine-2024/big-interviews/keir-starmer/index.html

Director of the University’s Cultural Institute Wieke Eringa hears from Daniel de Andrade and Pippa Moore MBE, who danced the title roles and are now passing their knowledge on to the next generation as members of Northern Ballet’s artistic staff.

Romeo & Juliet will return to the stage from 8 March, and you can visit the University of Leeds exhibition Preserving the Passion: Northern Ballet's Romeo & Juliet' in The Stanley & Audrey Burton Gallery until 23 March.

The Northern Ballet Archive, donated to the University of Leeds in 2021, tells the 50-year story of the company from its foundation to the present. Bringing together drawings, props, costumes and photographs, this exhibition documents the production, the evolution and sometimes the complete recreation of a cornerstone of the company’s repertoire.

He started out by making ice cream through the night and selling it from a van during the day. Now, Dirk and co-founder Josh Lee supply hundreds of theatres, arts venues and tourist attractions across the UK.

Northern Bloc can be found in the Co-op, Ocado, Morrisons, Waitrose, and on all Virgin Atlantic outbound flights. Their plant-based and vegan range are changing perceptions – and setting the standard for non-dairy products.

Ahead of World Vegan Day, we hear his thoughts on making tasty vegan ice cream, why he chose to make ethical products, and his advice for aspiring entrepreneurs at Leeds.

Ondrej is a leading developer of electron-optical instruments. He talks about how the Russian invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968 led to him enrolling in physics at Leeds, and looks back on three years where he combined his studies with playing volleyball and seeing The Who in the Refectory. (08:42)

Anita, a regular presenter of Woman's Hour and Countryfile, studied broadcasting at Leeds, and tells how the course gave her the opportunity to spend six months working in the media in London - and how this led to her getting her first job after graduating in 2000. (01:20)

Each gives their advice to those students starting out on their own careers after graduation.

After being a musician in her teens, she had to give back her trumpet to the Inner London Education Authority before embarking on her English course at the University of Leeds. With the loss of her first passion, music, she needed to "find a tribe" at university. As a strong writer, she thought she'd try her hand at writing for the Leeds Student, and soon her insatiable curiosity was fed by her extracurricular journalistic sleuthing.

On this week's episode, Naga discusses how her time at Leeds helped propel her to her career in journalism, and her recent work on shining a light on adenomyosis, a lesser-known womb condition. She shared her own diagnosis of the condition, which causes her - and other sufferers - chronic pain on a daily basis. Naga's reporting on the condition has revealed some women have spent years in agony before being diagnosed with the condition. Her reporting has prompted the government's women's health ambassador, Prof Dame Lesley Regan, to say the NHS is "failing women".

As it's also graduation season, Naga also discusses what it was like to graduate from the University of Leeds, and offers up her own pearls of wisdom for recent graduates.

In the podcast he speaks about the disease, the development of life-changing treatments, the work of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, and the impact Leeds has had on improving outcomes for the disease across the world.

As the father of two of Leeds’ most successful sporting alumni – Olympic medal winning brothers Jonathan and Alistair Brownlee – Dr Brownlee also gives us some insight into experience of a parent watching their children compete on the world stage.

Leeds has a long history of its alumni working for the organisation, including Dr Ian Smith. Ian completed his medical degree in 1980, before returning in 1994 to study a Masters in Public Health. His time at Leeds has led him to the heights of the WHO where he works as a senior adviser to the body’s Director General. 

And that’s something that we want to address at the University of Leeds. To mark the end of Pride month, we have a very special announcement. Leeds intends to establish up to 25 PhD Pride scholarships exploring global issues that impact the LGBT community. 

It marks a significant investment for the University in the LGBT community, and its ambitions to become a world leader on LGBT research. 

And to explain more we’re joined by Professor of Sociology and Executive Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Paul Johnson OBE.

Prof Johnson’s own work was fundamental in bringing about ‘Turing’s Law’ in the UK. 

You can read more on the plans for the Pride Scholarships here: https://www.leeds.ac.uk/news-alumni/news/article/5333/leeds-announces-plans-to-fund-25-phd-pride-scholarships

Steve is both a researcher and entrepreneur, and heads up the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, and is a professor of biology at the University.

Alongside his research, he’s a successful entrepreneur and has founded several biomedical sciences startups, one of which developed the so-called cancer wonder drug olaparib, which has been used to treat 75,000 people worldwide. 

The synthetic lethality drug exploits the genetic weakness to kill certain cancer cells, while leaving normal sells unharmed. 

It was our pleasure to interview him in the place where it all started, at the University of Leeds.

This year, she released her bestselling book, Fix Your Fatigue. Karina recently starred on Channel 4’s Steph’s Packed Lunch, as well as The Chris Evan’s Breakfast Show.

She talks us through her experience of fatigue and how she came to recognise that tiredness isn’t normal. We learn how to make simple adjustments to everyday favourites – from jam on toast to spaghetti bolognaise – and talk through the five steps people can take to fix their fatigue.

Peter died last year after a short illness, but his legacy at the University continues in the literary archive he gifted to the University, and the annual scholarship that bears his name.

On the day of the publication of his final novel, we speak to some of Peter's closest colleagues about the crime writer who helped define a genre.

To read more about Peter's contribution to the University, follow the link below:

https://spotlight.leeds.ac.uk/author-creates-a-lasting-story/index.html

The difference between this raid and others was the armed depositors were not stealing, they were trying to get their own money out of the bank. 

As a result of the 2019 financial crisis in Lebanon, banks began prohibiting normal people from withdrawing more than $400 (£336) a month. This has caused untold anguish to families with medical bills, school fees, and issues just making ends meet. 

She spoke to us about reporting from warzones, natural disasters, and humanitarian crises, and how Leeds inspired her to get into journalism.

In 2012, as well as winning Olympic bronze at the London Olympics, he also graduated from Leeds with a degree in history. He was subsequently awarded an honorary degree in recognition of his achievements in 2013.

Jonny’s impact extends beyond the competitive arena. Together with brother and fellow alum Alistair, Jonny founded the Brownlee Foundation in 2014. The foundation inspires children from all backgrounds to enjoy sport, encouraging them to lead active lifestyles and benefit from the opportunities sport provides.

In May, the Brownlee Foundation celebrated a huge milestone achievement when it welcomed its 50,000th child to participate in their free triathlon events.

Jonny spoke about the foundation, his career, and his key to success.

With the help of Spark funding from the University of Leeds, he co-founded the app in the UK with fellow student Christopher Wilson. It allows businesses and restaurants to sell their surplus food in surprise bags at a significantly reduced rate.

Jamie's journey to becoming an entrepreneur was never set in stone. As a law student he intended on becoming a solicitor or barrister. But he was inspired after seeing vast amounts of food waste during a year abroad in Australia.

Listen to his fascinating story of going from food waste activist to entrepreneur.

In this episode you'll also hear from BBC producer Joe Mason. He worked on last year's UK entry, which reversed the countries decade-long misfortunes in the contest, and several dreaded nil point. He talks about last year's campaign, and what it will take for Liverpool to host this year's event.

You can listen to and read the full interview with Steve Rosenberg here: https://spotlight.leeds.ac.uk/moscow-calling/index.html

Leeds Voices is brought to by the University of Leeds Advancement Team. Follow us on social media @leedsalumni or email us at alumni@leeds.ac.uk.

Professor Anwesha Sakar explains how her research in oral tribology can make chocolate healthier without losing its taste. 11:59

Katy Richardson, Musical Supervisor of the stage phenomenon SIX, discusses waving the baton in Riley Smith Hall and West End stardom. 18:44

Our roving reporter Tom Davy saw campus through a rainbow of colour in March when he joined our students for Holi Festival celebrations. 25:08

Was it Union News, Leeds Student or The Gryphon when you were at Leeds? On this episode, you'll hear about the integral role our student newspaper has played on campus through the decades. 2 minutes 45 and 21 minutes 45

You’ll get the inside scoop from those who held the editor’s seat as they celebrate the paper that’s forged the careers of many prominent journalists. Joining us are:

• David Smith, Washington Bureau Chief, The Guardian
• Andrew Harrison, Podcaster
• Jessica Murray, Midlands Correspondent, The Guardian
• Adam Lebor, Author, trainer and former foreign correspondent
• Alba Goskova, current editor, The Gryphon

Also on this episode, technology has finally caught up with some vision needs, thanks to physicist Professor Helen Gleeson OBE. Using liquid crystals, Helen’s team have made contact lenses that will adjust between distance and near vision with a press of a button. 12 minutes 45

This episode is not to be missed so please listen now.

How do you count fish, and why would you do it? Based in our Aquatic Interactions Lab, Josie South is on a mission to prevent unstoppable change in our fish and aquatic ecosystems before it's too late. 09:40

He hosted Leeds Student Radio and will soon appear in Jemima Khan's film What's Love Got to Do with It? Mim Shaikh tells us about hanging out with Will.i.am when he was BBC 1Xtra's first South Asian daytime host.

Favourite sandwich shop? Barber? Night out? Listen to hear which "really, really, really good memories" of Leeds you share with Mim. 15:45

We celebrate 21 years of LUU's Fruity club night with enthusiastic students who prove that cheesy music never ages. 21:45

Steve Rosenberg (Russian 1991) describes momentous events during his time as the BBC's Moscow correspondent and how his life at Leeds shaped his career. 1:27

After treating casualties in Libya and Iraq, Moez Zeiton (Medicine 2009) tells how, within weeks of returning to Manchester, he put his medical war experience into practice with the arena bombing. 12:06

Like what you hear? Find out more with the latest edition of Leeds magazine

Highlights from last year:

Hollywood star Chris Pine (JYA English 2001) tells us why he loved his time at the University of Leeds. 18:47

The creator of Idris Elba's Luther, Neil Cross (English and Theology 1994, MA English 1995), sheds light on why his heroes are complex characters. 20:15

Superstar podcaster and author, Pandora Sykes (English Literature and Language 2009), reminisces about our library, studying with boys and the Top Shop phenomenon. 26:26

Academic Dr Tom Bennett astounds us with news that plants detect signals from each other in a variety of ways, even by touch. 12:00

From Botswana, Rebecca Klein discusses her work preserving the world’s fastest land animal. 19:00

After laying face down in the Yorkshire Dales for 1600 years, stone inscriptions shed new light on the first African emperors of Rome. 23:20

Long before being rated one of the best rock drummers ever, Bill Bruford was a student at Leeds. Bill discusses life as a musician on our new podcast episode — and how he chose to leave Leeds to be a rock star (18.06).

Dr Jim McQuaid, who measures clouds from a flying laboratory — and uses the same technology to monitor pollution on the ground (10:58).

And we hear the voices of students grabbing some grub in the Refectory (25:50) as well as alumni gathering to celebrate a bit of Leeds in North America (22:35).

We drop by the old Bodington Hall playing fields, which have now transformed into our state of the art football facilities and an "engineering marvel" (18:40).

Professor Ornella Iuorio, named one of the 50 most influential women in engineering, speaks about modular housing, architecture and our very own Roger Stevens Building (12:04).

And finally, the voices of current students prove that our celebrated social life is back in full force (28:30).

Also taking time to speak to us is CEO of Aviva Amanda Blanc, who shares her insight as one of only nine female leaders in the FTSE 100 and the Government's Women in Finance Champion (17:24).

Is it a ginnel? A snicket? An alley? We learn about the University’s fascinating dialects survey of the way people speak English - and how we need your contributions (13:26).

And finally, we'll summon up memories of that summer feeling as current students reflect on the past year. With the comment "great memories, great music, great people," we hear a timeless description of the Leeds student experience (23:01).

You'll also hear:

• elite rugby player Jodie Cunningham (Medical Sciences 2013), who introduced her England teammates to the Otley Run (20:00)
• how Leeds ignited a passion for equality in Fiona Cannon OBE (English 1985), a director at Lloyds Banking Group (33:50)
• Engineering professor Pietro Valdastri explaining how tiny robots can travel into a patient’s lungs to tackle disease (12:34)

And finally, it’s worth listening to hear the enthusiasm at our Global Café, where students from across the world come together for some weekly fun (27:36).

We check in with a Leeds doctoral fellow, who explains how low-carbon heat pumps could be an affordable way for us all to support a net zero future (12:30).

The bestselling author and historian Helen Rappaport (Russian and Slavonic Studies 1970) tells us about student life in the swinging 60s and how Leeds kindled her passion for Victorian and Russian history (4:15).

You’ll find out why the University chose to name a new building after an inspirational woman who graduated in 1924. Esther Simpson changed the face of UK higher education by devoting her life to rescuing thousands of scholars from Nazi Germany and later fascist regimes (22:07).

And finally, it’s worth listening just to hear the delight in the voices of our alumni who returned to campus this spring to celebrate graduating during lockdown (36:43).

FOREVER LEEDS is a podcast by the University of Leeds Advancement team. Tell is what you think by tweeting @LeedsAlumni and find out more at leeds.ac.uk/alumni

* Presented by Rich Williams and Alba Goskova. Music composed and produced by Japjisingh Valecha. Esther Simpson and graduation conversations by Tom Davy. Audio production by Alex Rees. Produced by Andrew Harrison

Forever Leeds is a Podmasters Production

We explore how two Yorkshire schoolgirls created the first fake news controversy with the infamous Cottingley Fairies hoax. Leeds researchers discuss how employers are coping with the post-pandemic world of work and we catch up with current Leeds students to find out what life is like on campus right now.

FOREVER LEEDS is out

monthly from the University of Leeds Alumni and Development team. Tell is what

you think by tweeting @LeedsAlumni and find out more at alumni.leeds.ac.uk.

* Presented by Rich Williams and Alba Goskova. Music composed and produced by Japjisingh Valecha.

Cottingley Fairies package by Tom Davy. Audio production by Alex Rees. Special thanks to Becca Morrison and Leeds Student Radio. Produced by Andrew Harrison with Mark Dorey.

Forever Leeds is a Podmasters Production

03:22 Professor Julia Martin-Ortega, Restoring peatlands 10:25 Jess Phillips, Labour MP for Birmingham Yardley and Shadow Minister for Domestic Violence and Safeguarding, shares her Leeds memories 18:04 Geoffrey Wilson, Leeds brutalist architecture. 24:45 Students and recent graduates share their journeys to Leeds. 40:20 Footsteps Fund

FOREVER LEEDS is out monthly from the University of Leeds Alumni and Development team. Tell is what you think by tweeting @LeedsAlumni and find out more at alumni.leeds.ac.uk.

* Presented by Rich Williams and Alba Goskova. Music composed and produced by Japjisingh Valecha. Geoffrey Williams package by Tom Davy. Audio production by Alex Rees. Special thanks to Becca Morrison and Leeds Student Radio. Produced by Andrew Harrison with Mark Dorey. Forever Leeds is a Podmasters Production.

FOREVER LEEDS is out monthly from the University of Leeds Alumni and Development team. Tell is what you think by tweeting @LeedsAlumni and find out more at alumni.leeds.ac.uk/foreverleeds.

* Presented by Rich Williams and Alba Goskova. Music composed and produced by Japjisingh Valecha. John Rothera package by Tom Davy (audio courtesy of the British Antarctic Survey Archives, with special thanks to Chris Eldon Lee and Kevin Roberts at the British Antarctic Survey). Audio production by Alex Rees. Produced by Andrew Harrison with Mark Dorey. Forever Leeds is a Podmasters Production.

The University of Leeds is one of Britain’s great places of learning, with a worldwide reputation for innovation, a vibrant student culture, and a thriving global alumni community. FOREVER LEEDS is the new podcast for everyone who went to Leeds, has children or relatives at Leeds right now, or is thinking of applying to study at Leeds themselves. Join us as we find out about new developments at Britain’s most exciting university. You’ll meet famous alumni with stories to tell, and hear from the Leeds students of today as they shape the future. Made by Leeds graduates and current Leeds students, FOREVER LEEDS is a podmasters production for the Alumni and Development team of the University of Leeds.