Words: Sam Gillinder
Photos: Jonathan Taylor from cloud9 photography
A spectacular concert took place at Kirkstall Abbey on the eve of the Kirkstall Festival.
The acts on show were Weetwood Mac and Graceland presented by Gary Stewart. Naomi Kelly also performed. The aim of the concert is to raise much-needed funds for the annual Kirkstall Festival.
The performances entertained the crowd and provided an incredible night for the audience.
Check out the slideshow of images below:
Ellen Smith. Photo: Jonathan Taylor from cloud9 photography 
Sam Wood. Photo: Jonathan Taylor from cloud9 photography 
Gary Stewart fronted Graceland. Photo: Jonathan Taylor from cloud9 photography 
Ellen Smith and Sam Wood Photo: Jonathan Taylor from cloud9 photography 
Weetwood Mac on the stage. Photo: Jonathan Taylor from cloud9 photography 
Abbey music: Photo: Jonathan Taylor from cloud9 photography
First to take to the stage was Naomi Kelly who performed as a solo artist. She showed the crowd what a talented guitarist she is and wowed the people there with her beautiful voice.
Her set consisted of covers and original songs written by herself. The songs she sang included Stick Season by Noah Kahon. Songs such as Edinburgh and Understudy were penned by herself.
Graceland performed next. Named after the Paul Simon album, they were fronted by Gary Stewart. Their style was very much a Paul Simon one and they sang a lot of his hits.
There were even tracks penned under Simon and Garfunkel, the collaboration between Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel.
Mrs Robinson was a big favourite amongst the audience.
Then came Weetwood Mac, a tribute to the famous band of a similar name. The sun was beginning to set above the ruins of the Abbey as dusk descended.
Ellen Smith stood in the centre of the stage playing rhythm guitar and was flanked byGary Stewart on bass and Sam Wood playing lead guitar. The atmosphere in the Nave became electric.
Ellen sang some of the biggest hits by Fleetwood Mac and was supported by vocals from Gary and Sam.
James Warrender was on drums and Chris Quick on keyboard. The set included “Silver Springs” and “Gypsy”. Through sultry guitar solos from Sam and a purely solo performance of “Landslide” by Ellen which had the place captivated, the show was incredible.
“I wanna be with you everywhere” was also brilliant “Sweet Little Lies” and “Go Your Own Way” were almost the highlights of the night, but when they played “Edge of Seventeen” by Stevie Nicks the whole place rocked.
The audience had enjoyed a performance worthy of any stage at a festival. The show was one that the crowd there will never forget.