From sausages and singing to celebration and storytelling, summer is doing its thing in the city
Now, we’re not saying that football is definitely coming home but we don’t think we’re jinxing anything by saying there’s something in the air. Regardless of what happens in the run-up to 11 July, you’re going to need things to do this month and after a football-heavy opening to the summer, we welcome this month’s varied events lineup including among other things live music, mindfulness and theatre.
There’s also comedy courtesy of Sarah Millican, crafty workshops and the most "name a more iconic duo, we’ll wait" festival ever in the form of the sausage and cider festival which comes to the Town Hall on 10 July. Embrace the new normal and get out and about this month.
Read on for our selection of some of the best things to do in Leeds this month.
UTAH SAINTS | Mint Warehouse | 3 July
Mint is getting ready to welcome you back for a gathering like no other this July. Expect a packed lineup of some of Leeds’ best DJs, with headline slots from Utah Saints and Rob Tissera. Not only a great night out but also the first chance to witness Mint’s refurb and party under its iconic rainbow roof.
Mint Warehouse, Aquatite House, Water Lane, Holbeck, Leeds LS11 9UD (6pm-3.00am; tickets from £16.75 at skiddle.com)
PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT | Leeds Grand Theatre | 6 - 10 July
Think glitter, heels and pure joy – award-winning musical, Priscilla Queen of the Desert is back on tour this summer, hitting Leeds in a flurry of glamour in July. There’ll be dazzling costumes, a classic soundtrack and a whole host of stunning dance moves.
Leeds Grand Theatre, 46 New Briggate, Leeds LS1 6NU (various times; tickets from £29 at leedsheritagetheatres.com)
FOALS | Millennium Square | 9 July
Returning to Leeds with a headline slot on the city’s most famous square, Foals will perform this July as part of the Sounds of the City concert series. You can expect festival-style street food, a multi-pour bar – and of course, great music from the BRIT award winners themselves.
Millennium Square, Leeds LS2 3AD (6pm; tickets £46.75 at millsqleeds.com)
CREATIVITY AND MINDFULNESS THROUGH MOVEMENT | Leeds City Museum | 11, 17 and 18 July
Ready to delve deep into the power of movement? Look no further than this three-hour creative workshop led by Leeds dancers, Imogen Mcbeath and Faye Singleton, along with Leeds Methodist Mission. There’ll be mindfulness, discussion and the chance to meet new people. No experience required.
Leeds City Museum, Millennium Square, Leeds, LS2 8BH (1-4pm; free admission, register at eventbrite.co.uk)
SARAH MILLICAN: BOBBY DAZZLER | Leeds Grand Theatre | 19 and 22 July
Join Sarah for her new stand-up show as she heads back on the road this summer. She’s had a year to pen a roaring set of jokes, and now – on her sixth international tour – you get to witness it first-hand. From smear tests to poo jokes to floatation tanks, it’s all there.
Leeds Grand Theatre, 46 New Briggate, Leeds LS1 6NU (8pm; tickets from £31.50 at leedsheritagetheatres.com)
PIAF | Leeds Playhouse | 23 July – 7 August
Prepare to explore the extraordinary story of one of France’s biggest international stars – from highs to lows to blisteringly beautiful songs. Pam Gem’s iconic play is directed by Adam Penford and stars award-winning actor, Jenna Russell.
Leeds Playhouse, Playhouse Square, Quarry Hill, Leeds LS2 7UP (various times; tickets from £14 at leedsplayhouse.org.uk)
VEGAN MARKET | Leeds Kirkgate Market | 25 July
If you’ve missed the hustle and bustle of Leeds Market, fear not – Kirkgate is fast coming back to life, and this July will see up to 40 stalls come together for a vegan market special. There’ll be ethical and sustainable products – from jewellery and clothing to crafts and cosmetics – plus plant based food, all in safe, socially distanced surroundings.
Leeds Kirkgate Market, Kirkgate, Leeds (10.30am-4.00pm; free admission, option to register at eventbrite.com)
MACRAMÉ PLANT HANGER WORKSHOP | Headrow House | 26 July
Ever wanted to master the art of knotting? Look no further than this macramé workshop with local artist, Eve Finlay Miller. Choose from a selection of yarn and hoops to create your very own plant hanger, all using simple macramé techniques. You even get a plant and a pot to take home with you.
Headrow House, 19 The Headrow, Leeds, LS1 6PU (6.30-8pm; tickets £35 at tickettailor.com)
Festivals
LEEDS POETRY FESTIVAL | Various locations | 9 – 25 July
Back for a week of "incredible poetry and spoken word" Leeds Poetry Festival promises a packed programme of workshops, events, and chances to get involved. To name just a few – Leeds poet and co-founder of Say it with Your Chest, Abdullah Adekola is set to perform on 24th July, with Poetry in the Garden taking over Left Bank the following day.
Various Leeds venues (various times; tickets at leedspoetryfestival.com)
SAUSAGE AND CIDER FESTIVAL | Leeds Town Hall | 10 July
Tickets are on sale now for the UK’s only touring Sausage and Cider festival, as it returns to Leeds for a second year. Expect live music, a chilli eating competition and – it goes without saying – more cider and sausages than you can imagine.
Leeds Town Hall, The Headrow, Leeds LS1 3AD (12.00pm-11.00pm; tickets from £10.00 at sausageandciderfest.co.uk)
HYDE PARK JAZZ FESTIVAL | Hyde Park Book Club | 31 July
It’s time to celebrate the vibrancy and talent of the Leeds Jazz scene, with a day (and night) of incredible performances from local favourites and legends from further afield. It was meant to happen in May, so get ready for a long-awaited party into the early hours of August.
Hyde Park Book Club, 27-29 Headingley Lane, Leeds LS6 1BL (11.30am; tickets from £7.70 at seetickets.com)
Read next: New bars, restaurants and cafes opening June 2021 and beyond
Read again: History and haggling in Leeds: Kirkgate Market returns
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