Leeds Carnival is one of the longest-running in the UK and many have been waiting eagerly to find out how the programming will run in 2021, as restrictions begin to ease around the city.
Founded in the city in 1967 by Dr France, it is the celebration of the emancipation of slavery and attracts over 150,000 people each year.
Last year's event was forced to go entirely virtual, with all the festivities having to be moved online due to COVID. Now, after much anticipation, organisers have confirmed plans for how the festival will go ahead in 2021 in an announcement made earlier this week.
The festival is run entirely by volunteers who specialise in preserving and protecting Caribbean arts, culture and heritage.
A decision has been made for 2021's festival to go ahead, but organisers have confirmed the event will only be partly physical this year - with the rest held online.
The uncertainty surrounding the easing of restrictions on June 21 has impacted designers - meaning they haven't had enough time to design and create their costumes, as they usually would.
In response, people are being asked to get out their old costumes and 'upcycle' them instead as part of the Legacy Carnival celebrations - which will see the parade take a digital form this year.
Chairperson and Founder of LWIC, Dr Arthur France, said: “We are passionate about promoting and protecting our cultural heritage and carnival is the legacy of what our fore parents went through.
"Legacy Carnival here we come.
"Bring out your old costumes, upcycle them because we’re jamming still!”
As well as bringing together favourite popular elements like the Carnival Chronicles and Prince and Princess show, this year's festival will also introduce some new elements like its “Mas Makers” Carnival Volunteers.
This programme incorporates training for a number of committed volunteers to work with and build the Carnival Events Team, and will serve to help grow carnival's capacity and contribute to continuing to build its legacy.
Vice Chair LWIC, Bernadette Albert, stated: "It is important that we train the next generation of youth about the importance of Carnival; not only because it’s a good time on the road or for a weekend but so that they can learn and in turn teach others about the importance, history and meaning of Carnival.
"This will ensure we protect, preserve and promote our Caribbean heritage and culture in the community.”
The programme for Leeds 2021 Legacy Carnival is as follows:
Celebration of Emancipation Church Service – Sunday, August 1st
Carnival Chronicles – Saturday, August 14th
Prince and Princess Show– Sunday, August 22nd
King and Queen Show – Friday, August 27th
J’ouvert Morning – Monday, August 30th
Virtual Carnival Day – Monday, August 30th
Leeds
Historic Leeds watermill to reopen as a canal-side pub, cafe and museum
One of the best-preserved mills in Britain has been taken over by four new owners.
And they've got big plans for the place.
Will Habergham, Terry George, Michael Rothwell and Kirk Allen have taken ownership of Thwaite Mills - a Grade II listed site at Stourton, Leeds, that will start to undergo a full restoration this week, more than two years after the mill closed to the public in April 2024.
The work is expected to take around 12 months and will be carried out alongside volunteers from Friends of Thwaite Mills, the supporters' group the new owners are relaunching as part of the project.
Image: Supplied
No reopening date has been set yet, but early plans include reopening the mill as a working museum, a pub and cafe with canal-side seating, and fully landscaped grounds free for walkers, runners and dog walkers to use.
Not only that, but a programme of free family events is planned and the owners are exploring the return of the craft fairs and car boot sales that the site was once known for.
"Thwaite Mills was saved by its community once before, and it'll be brought back by its community now," said Will Habergham, director of Thwaite Mills.
"We're not going to disappear for a year and come back with a ribbon to cut. We want people watching it happen, turning up, and telling us what they want this place to be."
Built between 1823 and 1825, Thwaite Mills worked first as a flax mill and later produced whiting and paint, operating commercially until 1975, when a broken weir threatened its future. Local volunteers stepped in to save it the following year, and it opened as a museum in 1990, welcoming visitors until it closed in April 2024.
And now, Thwaite Mills is set to enter a brand-new era and you can follow the restoration journey here.
An après-ski themed beer house is opening on Leeds’ Call Lane this October
Clementine Hall
Lederhosen at the ready Leeds, because a new party bar is coming to the city.
Taking over the former Revolución de Cuba venue on Call Lane, the site will close for a major refurbishment before reopening in October as the seventh Barbara’s Bier Haus in the UK.
This isn't your average bar, guests can expect a proper themed experience with dancing bartenders in lederhosen, shot skis, DJs and interactive entertainment alongside beer and cocktail towers, shareable pizzas and wursts bringing the on-the-slopes atmosphere to the city.
Basically, it's time to cancel your upcoming skip trip as Barbara's will be bringing the slopes to you.
Image: Supplied
Russell Quelch, CEO of NEOS Hospitality, said about the opening: “Leeds has a fantastic nightlife scene, so it’s the perfect place for Barbara’s Bier Haus.
"The city is known for its energy and its love of a good night out, and Barbara’s brings something a little different with its après-ski theme, entertainment and big party atmosphere. We’re really excited to bring Barbara’s to Leeds and can’t wait to get the doors open this October.”
Images: Supplied
The upcoming Leeds opening forms part of a wider rollout of Barbara’s Bier Haus across the UK, as NEOS Hospitality continues to expand its core brands following its acquisition of 20 Revolution and Revolución de Cuba venues earlier this year.
Further details on the Leeds opening of Barbara's Bier Haus, including exclusive launch events and entertainment schedules will be announced ahead of October - and we'll of course be bringing you all the details.
Georgina Pellant -
8th June 2021 
