From sellout shows to sausages, it's time to get your Easter on and embrace April
We're almost a quarter of the way through the year, and it's time to take matters into our own hands. The world might not be giving us much to celebrate right now, but that doesn't mean we can't call up our friends, book a gig ticket, appreciate the arts or soak in some festival vibes this month. Because now more than ever, it's time to hold on to the good stuff - so read on for some bundles of springtime joy to brighten up your calendar this April. And don't worry, there are no Easter puns in this article - I don't think any of us have the energy.
Here are April's top things to do in Leeds
Hedwig and the Angry Inch| Leeds Playhouse | 2 April - 23 April
Forget your owls, leave your teenage wizard obsession at the door and head down to the Playhouse for a musical with a difference. This is a very, very different Hedwig. Based on the 2001 film of the same name, expect to fall in love with Hedwig the genderqueer antiheroine as a story of dark humour, love and freedom unfolds on the stage.
Leeds Playhouse, Playhouse Square, Quarry Hill, Leeds LS2 7UP (various times and tickets start at £14).
Father John Misty | Brudenell Social Club | 4 April
Celebrating the release of his new album Chloë and the Next 20th Century in style sees FJM playing a series of intimate shows across the UK - two of which happen to be at our very own Brude. It means cassettes, vinyls and all your lovely tangible music paraphernalia - plus the chance to see the man himself perform in a unique setting. The early showing begins at 7pm and the late one starts at 9pm. Tickets start at £15.99
Brudenell Social Club, 33 Queen's Road, Burley, Leeds LS6 1NY
Dracula | City Varieties Music | 5 April
Fancy watching one actor take on 15 characters and a monumental decision against the backdrop of a job at a satellite TV channel? Don't know what that really means but want to find out? James Gaddas' re-telling of Bram Stoker's classic spooky tale might just be the one for you. Tickets start at £25.10.
City Varieties Music Hall, Swan Street, Leeds LS1 6LW
Transform Presents: A Party for our Times | The Holbeck | 8 April
It might be in England's oldest working men's club, but there won't be anything old or work-related about this evening. Prepare for trailblazing performers, artists and DJs to take you on an adventure through time and space with the party of the year so far. It's all part of Transform 21-22, a festival dedicated to performance and creativity in Leeds City Region and beyond.
The Holbeck, Jenkinson Lawn, Leeds LS11 9QX
Easter Candle Making | Bowery Visual Arts | 9 April
Stop burning the candle at both ends and learn how to make one instead on this wholesome morning of soy-wax crafting goodness. You'll make two essential-oil-scented candles in amber glass jars, perfect for Easter gifts or just a sweet-smelling treat for the old mantlepiece. The event runs from 10:30am - 12:30pm and all materials are included for the very specific price of £43.24.
Bowery Visual Arts, 54 Otley Road, Leeds LS6 2AL
Frank Turner| The Wardrobe | 12 April
So good he added an extra show, Frank Turner's album launch celebration is here in Leeds this April, so head down to see him play tracks from FTHC (Frank Turner Hardcore, in case you didn't know) and enjoy the righteous, punk-folk vibes in person.
The Wardrobe, 6 St Peter's Square, Leeds LS9 8AH
Chow Down| Temple Arches | 14 April - onwards
Chow Down is back with a fresh new look for 2022, and it's shaping up to be a belter. With crazy golf, vibrant live music and entertainment, a huge range of rotating and resident food vendors, and more cocktails than you can shake a recyclable plastic cup at, it's time to get your table booked for an afternoon or evening of street-food based fun. Tickets are £16 for a table for two and large group bookings/venue takeovers are also available if you email groups@chowdownevents.co.uk.
Chow Down, Temple Arches, Leeds LS11 5QG
The Book of Mormon| Leeds Grand Theatre | 19 April - 7 May
You probably don't need me to tell you what The Book of Mormon is - and if you do, this outrageously offensive yet hilarious (to some) musical may not be your bag. But if you're down to lay political correctness to one side and embrace this at best, controversial, at worst, insulting extravaganza in all its glory, then by all means find yourself in fits at Leeds Grand this April.
Leeds Grand Theatre, 46 New Briggate, Leeds LS1 6NU
Craig David| First Direct Arena | 22 April
Didn't know Craig David was back on tour? Let me fill you in. After various acts of rescheduling the acclaimed singer, rapper, producer and all-round '90s legend is back with his Hold That Thought tour. And don't worry, it's on a Friday, so we can be sure Craig will be in a great mood.
Leeds First Direct Arena, Arena Way, Leeds LS2 8BY
Metronomy| O2 Academy | 23 April
I don't know about you, but personally, I love being gleefully informed of the time that's passed since a classic album was released. In that spirit, it's my pleasure to announce that it's been a full decade since Metronomy's The English Riviera came out. They're celebrating by re-issuing the record with extra tracks and taking their Metronomy Forever tour on the road.
O2 Academy Leeds, 55 Cookridge Street, Leeds LS2 3AW
Festivals for April
Leeds Young Film Festival| Various Venues | 11 April - 16 April
After a year on the small (virtual) screen, Leeds Young Film Festival is set to return in real life in 2022. With a packed programme featuring the best new and unseen cinema made for and by young people, you'll find screenings, workshops, masterclasses and more in venues all across the city.
The list of venues taking part in the fest includes Belgrave Music Hall, Cottage Road Cinema, Everyman Leeds, Howard Assembly Room, Leeds School of Arts, National Science and Media Museum and Vue at The Light.
Gold Sounds Festival| Stylus LUU | 30 April
Get into it with some of the most exciting upcoming music genres from post-punk to noise, garage rock to indie, as Gold Sounds Festival takes over the uni's biggest gig venue for an epic all-dayer. With top acts including Squid, The Big Moon, Goat Girl and Pip Blom, prepare to nod along to some of the best musical talents around.
Stylus, Leeds University Union, Lifton Place, Woodhouse, Leeds LS2 9J
Sausage and Cider Festival| The Royal Armouries | 30 April
Love cylindrical pork and alcoholic apple-derived liquid? This one will be right up your street. The Sausage and Cider Festival is back at the Royal Armouries with a whole host of exactly what the name suggests. Get your ticket now and buckle up for a day of hearty flavours and feeling very full. Tickets are a tenner too.
Royal Armouries, Armouries Drive, Leeds LS10 1LT.
Header Image: Father John Misty
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