From beer fests to dog shows and Britpop legends - banish those end-of-summer blues
PRASHAD DEMONSTRATION DAY | Prashad | 4th and 25th September
Whether you have an other half to impress or are simply looking to learn your cardamom from your caraway, a visit to Prashad’s demo day is a serious investment in your culinary skills. Let head chef Minal and husband Bobby guide you through their signature dishes, with plenty of chances for sampling, seasoning and brain-picking. Every attendee goes home with a copy of the Prashad recipe book and a takeaway meal for one.
Prashad, BD11 1AT (9.30am-2.30pm; tickets from £130 at eventbrite.com)
LEEDS INTERNATIONAL BEER FEST | Leeds Town Hall | 5th - 8th September
You all know the drill by now - Leeds Town Hall is taken over by a ton of great brewers and botanists, cash is exchanged for tokens, and we all get merrily bevved in some (hopeful) September sunshine, with street food and entertainment to boots. Programmes and a commemorative glass are included in your ticket price - we recommend an early sitting to minimise the next day’s inevitable hangover.
Leeds Town Hall, LS1 3AD (various time slots; tickets from £10 at leedsbeer.com)
LEEDS GIN FEST | Trinity Kitchen Leeds | 6th - 8th September
Hooray for more booze! Get yourself down to Trinity to sample over 50 local gins (plus selected vodkas and rums) expertly paired by mixologists. Save us a space at the doner shack around 8pm…
Trinity Leeds, LS1 5ER (various sessions; tickets from £5 at eventbrite.co.uk)
EMBROIDERY WORKSHOP | The Greenhouse | Saturday 7th September
Practice some mindfulness with a botanical workshop at The Greenhouse, the hottest new co-working space in Leeds. Led by the supremely talented Lucy Freeman, you’ll learn all the stitches, knots and techniques to create your very own Pinterest-worthy hoop, with all materials included.
The Greenhouse, LS6 4HY (6-8pm; tickets £30 from lucyfreeman.bigcartel.com)
ARMLEY DOG SHOW | Armley Park | Sunday 8th September
Doggo and good boy enthusiasts unite, as Armley’s Dog Show returns for its third year. Expect all the usual judging rounds of waggiest tail, best agility and owner-lookalike, as well as stalls selling up kinds of trinkets and treats for man’s best pal.
Armley Park, LS12 3LW (12-3pm; free entry)
AN EVENING WITH SERGIO PIZZORNO (THE SLP) | Brudenell Social Club | Thursday 12th September
Taking some time off from his day-job as co-frontman of Kasabian, Serge will be hosting a very special party at the Brudenell to celebrate the release of his debut solo album, The SLP. Expect a full playback of the record, a Q&A and possibly some cheeky acoustic renditions from the man himself. Be sure to collect your tickets in advance before heading up to the Brude – there’s no ‘collect at venue’ option.
Brudenell Social Club, LS6 1NY (8-10pm; tickets and record bundles from £11.50 at crashrecords.co.uk)
AN EVENING WITH ALAN MCGEE | The Constitutional | Friday 13th September
Continue the theme of ‘Best Of British’ with a Q&A from Alan McGee, the Britpop legend who discovered and signed Oasis. McGee will be talking all about his history with the Gallaghers, Primal Scream, The Libertines and more, as well as hid decision to reignite Creation Records. Aspiring bands, get yourself down, and don’t forget to slip him a demo…
The Constitutional, LS28 5HX (7-11pm; tickets from £16 at eventbrite.com)
WEST YORKSHIRE QUEER STORIES | Hyde Park Picture House | Tuesday 17th September
A showcase that demonstrates that Pride isn’t just for August, West Yorkshire Queer Stories shares an oral history of LGBT+ people across the region, shot as beautiful short films. Accompanying the screening will be a variety of artefacts held dear to the contributors, stimulating education and discussion about identity and the importance of diversity and allyship in our streets.
Hyde Park Picture House, LS6 1JD (6-8pm; free entry)
BECOMING AFTER: MA FINE ART DEGREE SHOW | University of Leeds | 18th - 22nd September
If you’ve enjoyed the Damien Hirst sculptures in the city centre this summer, be sure to scope out some up-and-coming local talent at Leeds University’s Class of 2019’s MA Fine Art degree show. A multi-disciplinary gallery that explores the nature of time, relationships and the way we relate to the world around us, there’s sure to be some pieces to stimulate discussion or even encourage you to crack out your own paints and pencils.
School of Fine Art, Leeds University, LS2 9JT (10am-6pm; free entry)
GLOBAL STRIKE FOR CLIMATE | Millennium Square | Friday 20th September
Join with schoolchildren across the world by taking part in the third Youth Climate strike, designed to raise awareness of the desperate action needed by our governments to help slow the impacts of global warming. A huge amount of local organisations have already signed up – get the whole family down with your (recycled) placards and make your voice heard.
Millennium Square, LS1 1UR (from 11am; free entry)
THE WARDROBE 20TH ANNIVERSARY | The Wardrobe | 20th - 28th September
Celebrate twenty years of one of Leeds best music venues with this specially curated line up of birthday shows. From Craig Charles Funk & Soul club and The Amy Winehouse experience through to Giles Peterson’s acid Jazz and Submotion Orchestra’s expansive soundscapes, we’ll likely be at the whole bunch.
The Wardrobe, LS9 8AG (various events and timings; tickets from £11 at thewardrobe.co.uk)
HAPPY MUM, HAPPY BABY WITH GIOVANNA FLETCHER | City Varieties | Sunday 22nd September
Wife of McFly’s Tom Fletcher and an established author, presenter and YouTuber in her own right, Giovanna Fletcher’s tales of motherhood have made her a relatable icon of the millennial generation. Join her as she recounts the successes of her Happy Mum, Happy Baby book and podcast live on stage, sharing the trials and tribulations that go on behind the camera.
City Varieties, LS1 6LW (8-11pm; tickets from £24 at cityvarieties.co.uk)
SIMON ON THE STREETS SLEEP OUT | Royal Armouries | Thursday 26th September
Raise some money for a good cause (and no doubt realise how lucky you are) with this longstanding sleep out, now in its twentieth year. There’ll be events and activities to raise awareness of the perils that face the homeless, and plenty of ways to get involved. Registration books your space for the night, an evening meal and breakfast.
Royal Armouries, LS10 1LT (5pm-7am; tickets from £20 at eventbrite.com)
RE’BELLE FESTIVAL | Temple Of Boom | Saturday 28th September
Bored of the same old gig line-ups full of straight white men? Us too. Show some support at Re’Belle Fest, which tackles the lack of female and transgender artists on UK bills with a stellar selection of live music. This edition will feature the likes of Big Joanie, Blom, Cowtown and Kagoule - as well an arts market, vegan food and various awareness-raising workshops.
Temple of Boom, LS2 7QG (12-11pm; tickets from £25 at flatfourrecords.bigcartel.com)
VEGAN MARKET | Kirkgate Market | Sunday 29th September
Shovel down some seitan and haggle over hemp at Kirkgate’s Open Vegan Market. Shop over 50 stalls full of food, cosmetics, clothing, lifestyle products and more to make transitionally to a vegan lifestyle easier than ever. Combined with the markets ever-present fresh produce, you’ll have some serious meal planning on your hands.
Kirkgate Open Market, LS2 7HY (10.30am-4pm; free entry)
