From life-changing questions to questionable liaisons, get ready for a back-to-school special this September
Ah, September. The month of fresh starts and new pencil cases. Of evenings creeping in, students assembling at Woodies, and too many birthdays than your bank balance can take. Christmas, you have a lot to answer for. If you’re looking to take your mind off the increasing absence of summer and the incessant need to purchase expensive cards this primordial autumnal month – why not take a look this list and get involved?
Here is our monthly round-up of things to do in Leeds for September:
Sarah Pascoe: Work in Progress| The Wardrobe | 2 September
Get your dose of down-to-earth, say-it-like-it-is feminist comedy as you sip something sugary and contemplate life in the chic surroundings of The Wardrobe. Sarah Pascoe’s WIP show was scheduled for August, but for reasons we don’t discuss, is happening this month. You’re welcome.
The Wardrobe, 6 St Peter's Square, Leeds LS9 8AH (doors 7pm; tickets £16.50 at lunatickets.co.uk)
Dangerous Liaisons | Leeds Playhouse | 2-11 September
Despite what you were thinking, it’s not a ballet about breaking social distancing measures. It is in fact, a lot racier – and who doesn’t need a bit of 18th Century French scandal in their lives right now? Watch David Nixon’s mastery unfold to Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons in what’s described as a ‘bodice-ripping’ ballet. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
Leeds Playhouse, Playhouse Square, Quarry Hill, Leeds LS2 7UP (various times; tickets from £15 at leedsplayhouse.org.uk)
Alan Carr: Regional Trinket | Leeds Grand Theatre | 5 September
If you’ve not been under a rock for the past decade – or you’re guilty only of a lockdown-fuelled addiction to Interior Design Masters (just me?) – then you’ll be aware of the heart-warming genius of Alan Carr. And if the joke that is the title of his latest show is anything to go by (why be a ‘national treasure’ when you can be a… get it?) this’ll be a laugh a minute.
Leeds Grand Theatre, 46 New Briggate, Leeds LS1 6NU (8pm; tickets £29 at leedsheritagetheatres.com)
Elbow | O2 Academy | 6 September
One Day Like This in 2020, Elbow were all set to play the O2 Academy. For obvious reasons, that day didn’t go to plan, so Leeds is welcoming the foursome back to the joint this year instead. It’s part of a huge UK tour, and fingers crossed it’ll be worth that wait.
O2 Academy Leeds, 55 Cookridge St, Leeds LS2 3AW (doors 7pm; tickets from £46 at ticketmaster.co.uk)
Wine tasting with Mar de Frades | Ibérica Leeds | 7 September
Adding a touch of class to this month’s line-up, we have a sophisticated evening of white wines and (according to the description) "Atlantic flavours", which I’m assuming means something other than saltwater. In all seriousness, Ibérica’s bringing in the big guns with a series of bold bottles and bite-sized pintxos pairings to boot. Salud!
Ibérica, Hepper House, 17a E Parade, Leeds LS1 2BH (6.30-7.30pm; tickets £30 at eventbrite.co.uk)
Learn the secrets of superb Indian cookery | Prashad | 8 and 22 September
If your attempt at Indian cuisine doesn’t stretch much further than piercing transparent plastic with a fork, don’t worry – this is your chance to upskill. Join Prashad’s Head Chef, Minal and her Husband, Bobby as they guide you through a masterclass from starters and spices mixes right through to dessert. Don’t be put off by the price tag – you (and your friends if they’re lucky) will be reaping the rewards for years to come.
Prashad, 137 Whitehall Road, Drighlington, Leeds BD11 1AT (9.30am-2.30pm; tickets from £130 at eventbrite.co.uk)
Heartseed Mandala Workshop | Left Bank Leeds | 13 September
More than just a popular tattoo choice, mandalas are actually pretty deep and meaningful. Learn more about that at this therapeutic craft workshop, where you’ll use natural materials to weave a mini mandala of your own. Expect to go beyond the craft itself and think about change, set your intention and take part in a spot of meditation.
Left Bank Leeds, Cardigan Road, Burley, Leeds LS6 1LJ (5-7pm; free entry)
Let’s Rock Leeds | Temple Newsam | 18 September
Remember the ‘80s? If the answer’s no, this one may not be for you – unless you’re looking for a comprehensive educational throwback to a decade of big hair, new wave and mixtapes. The likes of Adam Ant, OMD and Kim Wilde are set to ignite the dad dancing at Temple Newsam this September. You can even get access to sparkling facilities with a special ‘Posh Toilet’ ticket. Go on, live the dream.
Temple Newsam, Temple Newsam Road, Leeds LS15 0AE (doors at 11am; tickets from £30 at letsrockleeds.com)
John Lydon: I could be wrong, I could be right | City Varieties | 26 September
In between being a punk rocker and eating copious amounts of Country Life butter (other brands are available) John Lydon (aka Johnny Rotten) has been channelling his unique perspective on life, music and more into his new book, I could be wrong, I could be right. Decide for yourself by hearing him tell his story on stage. Apparently pyrotechnics are all part of the plan.
City Varieties, Swan Street, Leeds LS1 6LW (7.30pm; tickets from £48 at leedsheritagetheatres.com)
What’s Love Got To Do With It? | First Direct Arena | 25th September
It’s the ultimate tribute to the woman, the legend, Tina Turner, and it’s finally arriving in Leeds after several postponements. From the people who brought us Whitney - Queen of the Night, and starring some mind blowing vocal talent, this will have you breaking into unexpected song (or strut) for a good for days.
Leeds First Direct Arena, Arena Way, Leeds LS2 8BY (doors 6.30pm; tickets from £29.45 at ticketmaster.co.uk)
Festivals
Leeds International Beer Festival | Leeds Town Hall | 2-5 September
It’s been a full two years since the glittering orb of booze-filled, checked shirt-sporting festivity that is Leeds Beer Fest graced the hallowed steps of the Town Hall – and the 2021 edition is looking like an absolute belter. Sample hundreds of beers from all over the world, snaffle street food, get embarrassingly competitive at the arcade games and then embarrassingly (yet socially acceptably) tipsy in the street. What more could you want?
Leeds Town Hall, The Headrow, Leeds LS1 3AD (various times; tickets from £5 at leedstownhall.co.uk)
Leeds International Festival of Ideas | Various venues | 7-13 September
Back with a new angle and an extra two words in its title, Leeds International Festival (now "of Ideas") is asking the big questions this autumn. Alongside headline speakers Lenny Henry, (TV’s) Katherine Ryan, Kanya King and George Clarke, this year’s festival hosts a series of panel talks, with guests from all walks of the public eye joining the conversation. Are we more lonely? Can we ever be who we want to be? Green or growth? Does the future have enough food? Is the UK media broken? Hopefully, we’re about to find out.
Venues across Leeds (tickets £10-20 at leedsinternationalfestival.com)
Leeds Digital Festival | Various venues | 20th September-1st October
Another long-awaited one, this time in the form of an all-out digital feast for the senses. From coding, fintech and social media to AI, health-tech, cyber security and VR, this is the place to dive into the budding talent and knowledge in our city. And it’s not just just for tech-heads. This is the self-proclaimed "tech event for everyone" so look out for the programme (dropping 31 August) and see what you could learn.
Venues across Leeds (tickets on sale from September at leedsdigitalfestival.org)
Read next: Leeds venues closed, adapting and still facing challenges this year
Read again: 'Buzzing' but 'be kind': Northern music venues react to ‘Freedom Day’
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