From baking and ballet to ballads and bums, Leeds is coming back to life – at last
As the sun starts to peek through the clouds of the May Bank Holiday Weekend, we look forward to the arrival of summer. Believe it or not, June is upon us already and with it come lots of activities to get you out of the house - finally.
Now you just need to remember your new normal checklist: Wallet, keys, phone, mask, sanistiser...
Read on for our selection of some of the best things to do in Leeds this month.
AJ BELL WORLD TRIATHLON SERIES | Roundhay Park | 5 – 6th June
The AJ Bell World Triathlon returns to Leeds for the fifth time at the beginning of June - set to see thousands of athletes (from amateur to elite) run, cycle and swim their way to victory. Make sure you register if you want to watch the fun unfold in Roundhay Park.
Roundhay Park, Mansion Lane, Roundhay, Leeds LS8 2HH (various times; tickets £5 at festivaloftriathlon.co.uk)
NORDIC BAKING CLASS | The Old Fire Station | Sunday 6th June
Get immersed in the magic of Nordic baking with this all-day workshop session from Leeds Cookery School. Participants will master techniques from Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland, before sampling a range of sweet treats and breads in a tasting session at the end of the day. And bring your Tupperware, because everything you bake, you keep!
The Old Fire Station Gipton Approach, Gipton Approach, Leeds LS9 6NL (10.30am-3.30pm; tickets £150 at leedscookeryschool.org.uk)
JAZZLAND SESSIONS | Brudenell Social Club | Wednesday 9th June
Brudenell Social is gearing up to welcome back Leeds DJ, Lubi Jovanovic for an evening of surprise and delight. June’s Jazzland Sessions concert will be headed up by local DIY jazz/experimental music collective Tight Lines, along with their two bands, Skwid Ink and The Mabgate Organ Trio.
Brudenell Social Club, 33 Queen’s Road, Leeds LS6 1NY (7pm; tickets £32.50 per table at brudenellsocialclub.seetickets.com)
SWAN LAKE | Leeds Grand Theatre | 17th -26th June
Prepare for an evening of beauty and romance as Northern Ballet’s stunning retelling of Swan Lake comes to Leeds Grand. David Nixon OBE’s reimagining of the classic tale is set to come alive with a live score from Northern Ballet Sinfonia – and at last, a live audience to match.
Leeds Grand Theatre, 46 New Briggate, Leeds LS1 6NU (various times; tickets from £22 at leedsheritagetheatres.com)
GIVE IT A GO - KANDINSKY | The Bowery | Friday 18th June
Fancy yourself a bit of an artist? Why not head over to Headingley and give one of The Bowery’s informal, beginner-friendly creative evenings a go? You’ll be guided by a tutor as you try your hand at painting like some of the greats – with all materials provided.
The Bowery 54 Otley Road, Leeds LS6 2AL (6pm-8pm; tickets £19.99 at eventbrite.co.uk)
RETURN TO WONDERLAND | Beaver Works | Monday 21st June
Beaver Works’ biggest ever party is set to take things up a notch this summer, as the venue comes back to life with a bang. Expect nine underground party areas, walking performers, live bands, DJs, MCs, fireworks, fairground rides and fancy dress. Also known as celebrating the end of lockdown in style.
Beaver Works, 36 Whitehouse St, Hunslet, Leeds LS10 1AD (10pm-5.30am; tickets £27.75 at skiddle.com)
SOPHIE HAGEN: THE BUMSWING | City Varieties | Saturday 26th June
Danish comedian, Sophie Hagen, returns to the Leeds stage with her brand new show – straight from the Edinburgh Fringe. With topics set to include forgetting, remembering and bums, it promises a memorable evening of fantastic stand-up from one of the scene’s brightest talents.
City Varieties Music Hall, Swan Street, Leeds LS1 6LW (7.30pm; tickets from £19.60 at leedsheritagetheatres.com)
COMIC CON | New Dock Hall | Sunday 27th June
Prepare to meet some of the biggest names in TV, film and literature at Leeds’ much anticipated 2021 Comic Con. Expect performances from The Superheroes Cosplay Group and The Flintstones, plus whole host of guest appearances, collectables, merch, and – of course – comics.
New Dock Hall, Royal Armouries Museum, Leeds LS10 1LT (11am-5pm; tickets £8 at unleashedtickets.co.uk)
ZADIE XA: MOON POETICS 4 COURAGEOUS EARTH CRITTERS AND DANGEROUS DREAMERS | Leeds Art Gallery | 18th May – 4th September
At last, Leeds Art is opening its doors once more, and with that comes a brand new exhibition from Canadian born artist, Zadie Xa. With an eclectic range of influences from ecology and science fiction to ancient religions, Xa’s work will take you on an experiential journey through multiple dimensions, with five animal guides to lead the way. Prepare for something completely different.
Leeds Art Gallery, The Headrow, Leeds LS1 3AA (10am-4pm, Tuesday – Saturday)
YOGA IN THE GARDENS | Lotherton Hall | 22nd May – 26th June
Bring the whole family and settle in a for a 45-minute yoga session in the stunning surroundings of Lotherton’s walled garden. Mats are provided – just remember your water bottle and some comfy clothes. Zen vibes recommended but not essential.
Lotherton, Off Collier Lane, Aberford, Leeds LS25 3EB (various times; tickets £9 at leedstownhall.co.uk)
FESTIVALS
COMPASS FESTIVAL: THE BALLAD OF CROWN POINT BRIDGE | Crown Point Bridge | 7th -27th June
Every two years, Compass Festival’s interactive projects bring Leeds’ public spaces to life, sparking new conversations and exploring the power of live art. This year, six playful projects are happening between March and the end of the year – and this sonic artwork created with the people and water of Leeds is one not to miss.
Crown Point Bridge, Leeds Dockside, LS10 1HG (6am-10pm)
CHOW DOWN | Temple Arches | April – June
Chow Down is back – bringing with it the very best that open-air drinking and dining can offer. From Thursday to Sunday throughout the summer and beyond, Temple Arches will illuminate with live music, delicious street food and the kind of in-person company we’ve been dreaming of. Tables book up fast, so don’t wait to swipe your tickets.
Chow Down Temple Arches, Leeds LS11 5QG (various times; tickets from £14 for two people at chowdownevents.co.uk)
