How festival funds revival of centuries-old estate

The Bramham Park estate from the air

The owner of the centuries-old estate that hosts Leeds Festival has spoken of the impact the event has had on the restoration of his family seat.

Nick Lane Fox agreed to hold the music festival at Bramham Park for the first time in 2003, and on Bank Holiday Monday thousands of ticket-holders left the site after another year of memories.

The mansion has remained in the ownership of the first Baron Bingley's descendants since it was built in 1710.

Mr Lane Fox told the BBC: "It was not my love of music that made me decide to host the festival, but the organisers were offering quite a lot of money."

Crowds at Leeds Festival

He added: "I've got a lot of very elderly buildings that need restoring, so I was tempted and it's helped us enormously to do that since."

Mr Lane Fox took over the management of the estate and house from his father George in 1997 and moved in with his young family.

The parkland has also hosted the Bramham International Horse Trials since 1974.

Mr Lane Fox said he was "delighted" to see crowds enjoying themselves in his 'back yard".

Nick Lane Fox took over the management of Bramham Park in 1997

He attended the festival himself and his five children recommended which acts he should watch.

"My mood is always in direct relation to what the weather is doing. Walking round, it's wonderful to see a huge number of people having an awfully good time. There is a really friendly atmosphere.

"I go and watch the odd thing, I get advised by one of my children as to what I might like in an old man way and I go have a look. I love walking round.

"We very much enjoy having the festival and it makes an enormous difference to the estate. I hope it's going to stay here for a long time."

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