A teenage Wharfedale band has put Leeds’ £60 million new arena through its paces — by performing in front of thousands of people.

The Otley-based Puppeteers helped give the 13,500 capacity First Direct Arena a musical ‘test run’ last Saturday, ahead of its grand opening in July.

The group, whose members are all studying at either Prince Henry’s Grammar School or Ilkley Grammar School, teamed up with another local band, The Scandal, to play what was easily the biggest gig of their lives.

Bass guitarist Eleanor Clowes, 17, a Prince Henry’s student, said: “Playing the Leeds Arena was an absolutely amazing experience. It was such a privilege to be the first ever band to play there and the memories will stay with us for the rest of our lives.

“We are all so grateful to everyone at the First Direct Arena for this opportunity and would like to say a huge thank you to all of them.

“On the same day we also played at the mini festival Live at the Lido in Ilkley, along with many other great local bands so it was a fantastic day for us.

“The arena was definitely the biggest venue we’ve played so far, with with about 4,000 people in the audience. But we will also be playing at the O2 Academy in Leeds – which has a 2,300 capacity – in the Centre Stage Finals on July 17, for the chance of playing at Leeds and Reading festivals.

“We are incredibly chuffed with how the arena show is raising our profile. The feedback has been brilliant and we are really appreciative to everyone who has supported us.”

Eleanor’s fellow Puppeteers are 17-year-old lead singer and rhythm guitarist Luke Kenna, who studies in Ilkley, and fellow Prince Henry’s students Tom Sloman, 18, on lead guitar and Marcus Chavasse, 18, on drums.

The band, which has only been together nine months and practices in a small room at a house on The Whartons, has just begun recording its debut EP.

Rock legend Bruce Springsteen will deliver the new arena’s first full concert when he plays a one-off show there on Wednesday, July 24.