Leeds O2 Arena is set to be transformed beyond recognition when trippy part series Foreverland returns to the city this October.
Known for transforming dance floors into surreal, neon mazes, think Day-Glo flora, tropical palms, gigantic installations - and you're part way to imagining what's in store.
First launching in Bournemouth in 2004, Foreverland has been throwing its famously bizarre parties in locations around the world for the past seven years.
To date, they've sold 130,000 tickets to parties in 26 different cities. After a year off, they've had ample time to imagine their perfect party - and it looks set to be a mad one.
This October's event in Leeds will feature interactive walkabout characters, giant hanging inflatables suspended from the ceiling, CO2 jets, sparks and confetti explosions, trippy neon-themed decorations and even psychedelic dip painting.
Organisers will also be working with a range of new scents to create an all-encompassing sensory experience for the first time ever.
On the music front, House and bass-heavy tech are the order of the day.
Headline sets come from James Hype, Low Steppa, Weiss, Secondcity and Endor. All boast recent successes on labels like Defected, Top 10 UK chart placings, millions of Spotify streams and diaries taking in the likes of Abode and Elrow.
The resident team, meanwhile, features rising UK talents AmyElle, Tita Lau and Ben Rainey.
A spokesperson for Foreverland said: "We’re putting a focus on the whole sensory experience, adding themed smells to the venues to differentiate Foreverland shows from all other experiences revelers might have had.
"We’re incorporating a lot more technology into the stage builds and SFX, using holographic projections, water pumps and moving levers to add motion to parts of the decor build."
Register for ticket updates and find out more information online at the Foreverland website.
News
Courteeners to play huge Leeds gig as part of upcoming UK tour
Courteeners have just announced a UK tour including a date at Leeds' First Direct Bank Arena.
The indie rock legends have just confirmed that they're heading back out on tour, and of course they'll be returning to Leeds.
The news comes alongside an announcement for a best-of album, God Bless The Band.
Courteeners will be playing the Leeds First Direct Arena, London’s Alexandra Palace, Cardiff Utilita Arena, Liverpool M&S Bank Arena, Glasgow OVO Hydro and Birmingham Utilita Arena this autumn.
That comes in addition to their existing live shows this summer, which include an almighty outdoor summer show at Wythenshawe Park.
Courteeners have also released a new single, The Luckiest Man Alive.
£1 + VAT from every ticket sold will be donated to the newly launched LIVE Trust, a new funding initiative from LIVE that will offer much-needed financial support to those working across live music.
“It’s fantastic to see Courteeners supporting the LIVE Trust with a £1 per ticket contribution on their upcoming tour, building on their commitment for the Wythenshawe Park show in August,” said Jon Collins, CEO of the LIVE Trust. “This donation will directly benefit the full grassroots ecosystem – from venues and artists to promoters and festivals – helping to protect, expand and support grassroots music across the UK.”
Speaking about the release, Liam Fray says “In October it’s 20 years since our first gig, so with a couple of new songs fresh from the studio, the timing just seemed right for a Best Of. If we mean half as much to people as they have done to us over the years, then we’ve not done too bad. We look forward to seeing you down the front God Bless The Fans x”
Newly Announced Courteeners Arena Dates
Fri 06 Nov Leeds, First Direct Arena
Sat 07 Nov Cardiff, Utilita Arena
Fri 13 Nov Liverpool, M&S Bank Arena
Sat 14 Nov London, Alexandra Palace
Fri 20 Nov Glasgow, OVO Hydro
Sat 21 Nov Birmingham, Utilita Arena
Pre-sale tickets go on sale Wednesday 15 April. General sale from Friday 17 April from ticketmaster.co.uk and gigsandtours.com.
Additional Summer Shows already announced:
Thu 23 Jul Stoke-On-Trent, Victoria Hall (sold out)
Sat 25 July Sheffield, Tramlines (festival headline, sold out)
Thu 27 Aug Leicester, O2 Academy (sold out)
Sat 29 Aug Manchester, Wythenshawe Park (sold out)
A modern Mexican restaurant made famous in Manchester is opening in Leeds city centre next week
Clementine Hall
The North’s favourite Mexican restaurant is arriving in Leeds.
You've met Salon Madre, but have you met her older sister Madre?
This fabulous new restaurant is bringing a taste of Mexico to Leeds, and after making a name for themselves over in Manchester you already know it's going to be good.
By day, Madre is a laid-back space designed for relaxed lunches and by night, it transforms into a lively restaurant serving a menu that celebrates the breadth of Mexican cuisine.
Expect everything from rich Oaxacan-inspired moles and salsas to Baja-style mariscos and Sonoran grilled meats.
Images: The Manc Group
At the heart of Madre is the Mexican tradition of sobremesa - the art of lingering at the table long after the meal is over. It’s all about good food, great drinks and even better company.
Madre’s famous Taco Tuesday will also be heading to Leeds, launching on Cinco de Mayo and running every Tuesday thereafter, guests can enjoy two-for-one tacos all day, every Tuesday.
Madre joins its sister venue, Salon Madre - the lively tequila bar and taqueria- which opened just a few weeks ago. Just a few minutes walk apart, the two spots are perfectly paired for a full day or night out.
We're talking dinner at Madre followed by a few margaritas and a couple games of pool at Salon Madre - class.
Images: The Manc Group
Co-founder Sam Grainger, inspired by extensive travels across Mexico, says: “Mexico is alive with passionate artisans and cooks, mastering everything from street tacos to regional delicacies. It’s a world where traditions blend and evolve, and we’ve built that ethos into the heart of Madre.”
Madre Leeds will be located on Wellington Place and will officially open its doors next Friday 17 April, you can book your table here.
Georgina Pellant -
30th April 2021 
