The positives - and the negatives - of the increased 70,000 people capacity

The most immediate benefit is a massive economic boost. When tens of thousands of people travel to Leeds for a single show, they spend money on hotels, restaurants, bars and public transport.

- by Benjamin Jackson

The events will also create a significant number of temporary jobs, from security and catering to event management. This injection of cash revitalises the local economy and provides new opportunities for residents. One local councillor even hailed the development as an “important boost” to the city.

Let’s take the annual Leeds Festival as an example of how large events boost the local economy: the festival itself sees fans spending money in local shops on the way to Bramham Park (or between festival sets), while thousands of temporary jobs are created for local people, including security, hospitality, catering and event management.