Things to do in and around Leeds: June 2022

Ah, June. The gateway to the summer. A glorious month full of Pride, picnics and pedicures. Release those toes ready for dancing barefoot around a Solstice bonfire to celebrate the return of longer lighter evenings. There’s plenty going on in Leeds this June to tickle your fancy, whether you’re a fan of the monarchy or just a fan of Bon Jovi, Leeds Confidentials has got you covered.

Read on for a list of the best things to do and see in Leeds 2022.

The White Card at Leeds Playhouse| Leeds Playhouse | Tuesday 24 May - Saturday 4 June

You might wonder why a ten-minute penalty on the pitch is the name of production at the Playhouse, but this collaboration between Birmingham Rep, HOME, Northern Stage and Soho Theatre asks us questions that delve far deeper than football. Exploring cultural appropriation and white privilege in the wake of George Floyd’s murder, a dinner party unravels as a couple invites a talented black artist to the table. Expect to become part of the conversation. Tickets start at £14.

Parsifal| Leeds Grand Theatre | Wednesday 1 June - Friday 10 June

Just seconds into the teaser trailer for Opera North’s latest concert staging, you’ll recognize the swelling swings of Richard Wagner. This opera in three acts brings to life the story of the Arthurian knight Parsifal and his quest for the infamous Holy Grail. Featuring a talented 90-piece orchestra and a resplendent international cast, this dramatic staging is not to be missed. Tickets start from £15.

Jubilee Terrace Party | Mint Warehouse | Thursday 2 June

If you’re looking for a raucous way to spend the bank holiday, Mint Warehouse is hosting an outdoor deep house and techno terrace party on Thursday 2 June, with iconic tracks from Seb Zito and Solardo. With tunes blasting from 3pm – 5am, you’ll need some serious stamina (and possibly a jacket) for this one. Tickets are £22.25.

Prom Night & Bingo | Left Bank | Thursday 2 June

If Her Majesty will be in her finest regalia to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee then why shouldn’t you? On Thursday 2nd June, Left Bank’s beautiful chapel space will be transformed into a glittering 90’s high school prom where you can dance the night away to Radiohead, The Smiths & Run DMC. With prizes for the best dressed, you better get shopping. Early Bird tickets are £6. 

Jubilee Activities with Rory the Tiger | Leeds City Museum | Thursday 2 June - Saturday 4 June

Leeds City Museum is known for bringing historical characters to life and its progressive money talks board games series for all ages. As part of the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations, you can meet Rory the Tiger and design your own bunting and postage stamps. I mean, who wouldn't want to make bunting with a giant tiger. The event is free and drop-in sessions run throughout the three days.

Paddle the Canal| Skinner's Yard | Friday 3 June

Ever wanted to travel from Leeds to Liverpool on the canal by canoe? Well now’s your chance. The Canal & River Trust has bravely opened up the waterways to families and residents wishing to paddle between the locks supported by a team of qualified instructors. Think punting, but in Leeds and on the canal. Book an hour's time slot and turn up at Skinner’s Yard just off Viaduct Road, where all kit and equipment will be provided. Sessions run from 10am – 4pm. 

Leeds Wool Festival 2022 | Leeds Industrial Museum | Saturday 4 June

Thanks to Tom Daley, knitting is back in fashion, and there’s plenty of it on offer this June at Leeds Industrial Museum. Housed within the Grade II listed Armley Mills, Leeds Wool Festival will pay homage to the city’s textiles heritage, with craft stalls, pop up tea rooms and masterclasses that will have you clinking those needles in no time. Release your inner granny from 10am - 5pm for £4.40 a ticket. 

Family Nature Surveying | Hollybush Conservation Centre | Sunday 5 June

The Queen’s Green Canopy project has encouraged schools, parks and cities up and down the country to plant a tree for the Jubilee in legacy of our ancient woodlands. Families in Leeds also have the opportunity to catch the nature bug this June as they go hunting for local wildlife and pond dipping to survey the wonderful garden and conservation area supported by volunteers in Kirkstall. There's no booking required for this one, just turn up with your green fingers and trowel at the ready. 

Stone Carving Weekend Workshop| Sunny Bank Mills | Saturday 11 June - Sunday 12 June

Sunny Bank Mills is full of creative inspiration, with its scattering of gallery spaces, artist studios, interior stores and haberdasheries open throughout the week. If you’ve ever meandered past York Minster and wondered how those incredible stone monoliths were created, then you’ve come to the right place. On June 11th & 12th you can join a masonry workshop led by Dominic Hopkinson MRSS (Member of the Royal Society of Sculptors) who boasts over 30 years of experience as a stone artist and educator. With dust masks, goggles, materials and homemade cake provided, you’ll be more than equipped to carve up sculptures worthy of the Sistine chapel. 

Vintage Home Show | Pudsey Civic Hall | Sunday 12 June

If, like many of us, you’ve been trawling the charity shops for mid-century masterpieces, then save yourself some energy at the Vintage Home Show in Pudsey. With stalls in every nook and cranny of the Civic Hall, you’ll be in retro heaven with more kitsch tea trolleys, pineapple lampshades, G-plan furniture and floral cushion covers than you could shake a vintage stick at. The show runs from 10.30–15.30 and tickets start at £3.

Rob Beckett's WALLOP | Leeds Grand Theatre | Sunday 12 June - Monday 13 June

Working men's clubs, theatres and pub backrooms have been quiet for a while as the big names put their tours on hold due to the pandemic. But as laughter is always the best medicine, many have returned for 2022 with brand new shows. Host of BBC One’s All Together Now and team captain on Channel 4’s 8 Out Of 10 Cats, Rob Beckett’s unpretentious gags are sure to have you giggling in the aisles at Leeds Grand Theatre. Tickets are £27.00 and the show is on for two nights in June. 

Battle of the Bao | North Brew Co Tap Room | Monday 13 June

If you're a bit of an oenophile, you might have been to a wine tasting from Leeds-based Yorkshire Wine School before. But have you ever been to a wine tasting paired with bao? And have you ever been to a tasting of three different bao each paired with a different wine AND a different beer? You have? Then you must have been to Battle of the Bao before, it's a regular do. 

If not, expect a raucous night of booze, bao and backchat as the wine experts from the aforementioned YWS along with beer boffins from North Brew Co attempt to woo you with their pairings, only one can be the winner. Bao fillings this month include bourbon wood chip-smoked pork with Szechuan sauce, salt n pepper cod with curried Chinese tartare sauce and, wait for it, a whole bao bun stuffed with minced prawn and toasted sesame seeds, deep-fried and drizzled with garlic Sriracha. Wao.

Romesh Ranganathan - The Cynic's Mixtape | Leeds Grand Theatre | Tuesday 14 June - Wednesday 15 June

Join the nation's favourite TV cynic for a show full of his all-time greatest gripes. From his wife’s avoidance tactics, to how sustainability is one big corporate scam, Romesh is back in Leeds for a brutally honest round-up of the last year and its current affairs. Tickets are £27.

Afrikan Market Leeds | Leeds West Indian Centre | Saturday 18 June

Curated by Unity Does MAATer, a community interest company which organizes events to raise the aspirations of young people in the city, the Afrikan Market in Chapeltown will be full of entrepreneurial spirit. With workshops on financial literacy and how to make natural skincare, plus loads of stalls selling everything from jewellery to alkaline water, you can learn a new skill and grab a few gifts while you’re at it. The market runs all day on Saturday from 10am-5pm.  

The Bon Jovi Experience | Brudenell Social Club | Saturday 25 June

Apparently, this tribute act looks so alike to the legend himself that he gets stopped in the street daily by pedestrians wanting his autograph. With over 20 years of experience touring the globe, the band are rocking into The Brud for one night, and one night only. Grab tickets while you can! Doors open at 19:30 and tickets start at £16. 

Header image: Left Bank Leeds

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