You can now swim in Leeds Dock this summer - you'll just need to sign a waiver first.
Leeds Dock has revealed it will open its waters up to wild swimmers this summer.
Sharing the news to its Facebook page, it announced the first series of open water swimming sessions will start on August 7.
Lifeguards will be on hand to oversee swimming sessions and there will also be plenty of buoys in the water to demarcate allotted swimming areas.
Those taking part will need to sign a safety waiver before getting into the water and are advised to bring their own wetsuit, goggles and swimming cap down to Leeds Docks with them.
Sessions will last for an hour each and tickets will cost £5 per person.
The original post on Leeds Dock Facebook read:
"Leeds Dock are delighted to announce open water swimming sessions on 7 August 2021 from 9am - 4:30pm."
"Each session lasts 1 hour. Tickets cost £5 per person.
"A lifeguard will be present at each session. A wetsuit, goggles and swimming cap are strongly advised.
"Please note that that there will be no changing facilities or equipment available due to COVID-19 restrictions.
"Plus, watch this space for an upcoming announcement about weekly open water swimming launching soon!"
It has since been updated to mention that additional open water swimming times have been added to the Eventbrite page due to overwhelming demand.
To see all of the swimming times available at Leeds Dock and book your tickets, head over to the Eventbrite page here.
It's been a great start to the year here in Leeds, but it seems the city is only getting started.
We don't know about you, but recently it's felt like Leeds is really heating up with a whole host of new opening announcements.
From viral brunch spots to ice bath and sauna cafes, we're really in for a treat over the next few months.
Allow us to fill you in on what's to come.
Kontrast
Saxton Gardens
Images: Supplied
If you’re one of those psychopaths that enjoys jumping into a freezing cold pool of water, then get pumped as Kontrast is opening its second site right here in Leeds. Tucked behind a railway arch in Saxton Gardens, Kontrast Leeds will combine saunas, ice baths, and a cafe, designed to bring wellness into everyday life. The new space will feature two traditional saunas, one infrared sauna and four ice baths, each varying in temperature between three and 13 degrees.
In case you’ve been living under a rock for the past year or so, you may not be clued up on the whole acai bowl trend that has been sweeping the nation.
Acai and the Tribe first opened in 2021 in Manchester and since then, they’ve opened up three other locations across the country. Next stop? Leeds.
Expect stacked acai bowls and superfood smoothies that almost look too good to eat, all bundled up in the most aesthetically-pleasing cafe you could imagine.
If you remember The Reliance, then you're going to love this.
Set to open its doors early April, The Smithfield will pay homage to the local area through both its produce and people and “pick up the culinary torch that The Reliance has left behind”. The venue will focus on proper plates of seasonal ingredients, pairing a relaxed dining style with a strong sense of community. Sounds pretty brilliant if you ask us.
Independent Leeds bookshop raises money for trans healthcare by inviting customers to ‘deface’ Harry Potter books
Clementine Hall
A bookshop in Leeds is inviting its customers to vandalise Harry Potter books for charity.
Well, this is definitely one we haven't seen before.
The Bookish Type on Great George Street in Leeds is a fabulous independently-owned queer bookshop that prides itself on being a safe space for all.
They're raising money for trans healthcare by inviting customers to vandalise Harry Potter novels for just 25p per go.
A bargain if you ask us, and all for a good cause. And don't worry, all the books are second hand and have been donated.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
If you're not understanding the immediate connection between the two, then allow us to fill you in.
J.K. Rowling, the author of the famous Harry Potter novels, has over recent years expressed transphobic comments and anti-trans political beliefs on social media.
Yesterday, Wednesday 25 March, the trailer for the new HBO Max Harry Potter series was released which has encouraged many people to speak out against Rowling and claim she should no longer be supported.
So, The Bookish Type are showing support for the trans community and asking those who feel frustrated to have a doodle and whilst they're at it, donate to a good cause.
If you're not able to make it into the shop, The Bookish Type have said "You will soon be able to donate online and we will personally deface a page with your message/doodle/scribble."
We're absolutely obsessed.
Find out more about The Bookish Type and if you can, pop in for a browse and a doodle whilst you're at it.
Georgina Pellant -
16th July 2021 
