From forest forays to Spice Girls and festivals galore, there’s something for all the family
ALTERNATIVE PRIDE | Various | 26 July- 4 August
We all know about the amazing Pride parade that runs through the city each year but, while you’re donning all your glitter and rainbows, it’s important to remember that the original Pride celebrations were a protest. Channelling this rebellious, forward-thinking spirit is the Alternative Pride team, who are running various inclusive events including a crafternoon, supper club, panel discussion and banner making workshop, culminating in ‘Age Of The Virgin’; an opportunity for first-time drag performers to try out their skills. Whether you’re LGBTQIA-identifying or an ally, respect and open-mindedness is key.
Various times and venues; check the website
EULOGY EXHIBITION | Leeds Central Library |2 August – 8 September
In tribute to those no longer with us, the Jamaica society presents Eulogy, celebrating the members of the Windrush generation who forged lives and stories in Leeds. Captured in stunning photos, this is a rare opportunity to learn more about Leeds’ Caribbean community, exploring the hopes and dreams of Jamaicans between 1940 and 1960.
Leeds Central Library, LS1 3AB (9am-5pm; free entry)
UNITY DAY | Hyde Park | Saturday 3 August
First established in 1996 in response to local riots and unrest, Unity day has come to be one of Leeds best examples of community cohesion and community spirit. Expect live music, food and drink plus plenty of other stalls and activities still to be announced. With a keen emphasis on grassroots organisation, local creatives can get involved by attending one of the teams public meetings, taking place every Tuesday at Wrangthorn Church from 7.30pm.
Hyde Park, LS6 1PY (12-8pm; free entry)
DELIVEROO WORLD OF FOOD FESTIVAL | New Dock Hall | Saturday 3 August
Who doesn’t love a freebie? A showcase of some of the cities best independent restaurants, discover your fave new takeaway with an abundance of free samples, plus live music and a chill-out area to recoup from all the snacks. There are three bookable sessions available, but tickets are expected to move fast, so commit to your slot now.
New Dock Hall, LS10 1LT (various sessions 12-10pm; register for free entry at eventbrite.co.uk)
NIGHT VISION: SPOKEN WORD | Headrow House | Monday 5 August
Enjoy the setting sun from Headrow House’s rooftop with an outdoor evening session of spoken word and open mic, hosted by MAP Charity. With all profits going to help creative projects for young people lacking in access to mainstream schools, MAP will introduce performers Roz Weaver and Eleanor Snare, before opening up to opportunities for performers from the audience.
Headrow House, LS1 6PU (7.30-10.30pm; tickets from £6 at ticketsource.co.uk)
THE HOT ONES WING CHALLENGE | Mojo | Wednesday 7 August
Can you handle the heat? Teaming up with the Chilli Shop, Mojo offer up to ten chicken wings (or vegan cauliflower ones) of ascending heat range, channelling the spirit of cult YouTube show Hot Ones. Maybe not a good idea for a first date…
Mojo, LS1 6PQ (7pm-9pm; bookable entry at bookings@mojobar.co.uk)
CODE CLUB | Leeds Library | Saturday 10 & 24 August
Already sick of seeing your kid glued to an iPad this summer holiday? Get them down to Code Club and help them develop that enthusiasm in an educational setting, learning to make games, animations and websites. All the classes are suitable to 7-13 year olds, led in a way that is easy to adapt and help forge connections with likeminded kids. Part of a global network, there are all sorts of resources online that can support their learning even when the class is done.
Leeds Central Library, LS1 3AB (11am-12pm; register for free entry at ticketsource.co.uk)
LITTLE SHOOTS FAMILY FOREST SCHOOL | Bishop Wood | Friday 16 August
Forest schools have been growing in popularity over the years as a great excuse to get out in the fresh air. For this holiday edition, children aged up to five years can bring along older siblings to get involved in outdoor play, wood whittling and campfire cooking; developing their independence, problem solving skills and, best of all, getting them away from the hustle and bustle of our technology-driven lifestyles.
Bishop Wood, LS25 6JH (1.30-2.30pm; tickets from £7 at bookwhen.com)
BLACK PARADE EMO NIGHT | O2 Academy Leeds | Friday 16 August
Don your finest eyeliner and embrace the glory days of the early 00s with the Black Parade emo night. Spinning the likes of My Chemical Romance, Fall Out Boy, Blink 182 and more, the event makes a welcome change to the O2 usual roster of dance-heavy nights, creating a safe haven for your inner teenage misfit. Now, where did we put our studded belt…
O2 Academy Leeds, LS2 5AW (11pm-3am; tickets from £5 at skiddle.com)
ED SHEERAN | Roundhay Park | 16 & 17 August
Summer wouldn’t be summer without a good outdoors gig but, if you’re not one for camping, Ed Sheeran has got your back. Supported by The Darkness and Lewis Capaldi, the star will be running through his globally dominating hits as well as tracks from his latest album, the No.6 Collaborations Project. Odds on for some serious special guests?
Roundhay Park, LS8 2HH (4pm-11pm; tickets from £75 at edsheeran.com)
LEEDS FESTIVAL | Bramham Park | 23-25 August
The time has come once more to ride that shuttle bus into three days of live music across rock, indie and, increasingly, hip-hop. Headlining this year will be The 1975, Foo Fighters, Post Malone and Twenty One Pilots, but we’re plenty excited about some of the smaller names on the line-up – Dave, Billie Eilish, Slow Thai and more make this one hit ticket.
Bramham Park, LS23 6ND (12-12am; day tickets from £74.50 at leedsfestival.com)
BRUTALLY HONEST WITH MEL B | Leeds Grand Theatre | Sunday 25 August
Fresh of the back of the Spice Girls reunion tour, Leeds lass Mel B returns to her home city for no holds barred chat about her career, personal life and more. Along with a rare meet and greet opportunity, the billing suggests that there will be ‘more than a few surprises’ thrown in – we’ll leave a seat spare for VB…
Leeds Grand Theatre, LS1 6NU (7.30-10pm; tickets from £29 at leedsgrandtheatre.com)
LEEDS CARNIVAL PARADE | Potternewton Park | Monday 26 August
You know the drill…rum punch, soca music and the most fantastical costumes as Leeds West Indian Carnival travel through town. Start out early at Potternewton Park to soak up all the sound system atmosphere, or pull up a camping chair enroute to secure the best vantage point – this is a guaranteed busy one.
Potternewton Park, LS7 4HB (2pm onwards; free entry)
LEEDS RHINOS WAR OF THE ROSES | Headingley Stadium | Wednesday 28 August
Embrace that inner tribal spirit as legends of Yorkshire and Lancashire rugby go head to head. Celebrating legendary players such as Jason Robinson, Jamie jones-Buchanan and Lee Gilmour, the amount of games racked up between teams is something to behold, guaranteeing quite the showcase of the sport.
Headingley Stadium, LS6 3BR (7.30-10.30pm; tickets from £10 at tickets.therhinos.co.uk)
KIRKSTALL ABBEY MARKETS | Kirkstall Abbey | Saturday 31 August
Back for its ninth year, Abbey Markets sees the stunning surrounds of Kirkstall fill up with over 40 stalls of hand-made crafts and local produce. Make a full afternoon of it with plenty of space to picnic, with dogs and small children welcome.
Kirkstall Abbey, LS5 3EH (12-3pm; free entry)
