A new bus network has launched in Leeds this week with eighteen different lines running services every fifteen minutes.
New network maps, divided into zones are reminiscent of London-style coloured tube maps, with named and coloured bus lines demarcating different routes running across Leeds.
Known as the Leeds Core Bus Network, this is the product of over a year's worth of efforts by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority to improve connectivity across the city and help bus users travel with ease.
As part of the new network upgrade, 2,300 bus stops will be receiving a facelift thanks to a £270 million pound cash injection into bus travel in and around the city.
A snapshot of how the new map looks / Image: Network maps First Bus
The implementation of the new network follows a sustained community outreach programme that found overwhelming support amongst local residents for the new, colour-coded map system.
Funding has come in part from the central government, as part of an overall allocation of £173.5m from the Department for Transport.
Local contributions have then topped up the investment to £183.4m.
Speaking on the new system, West Yorkshire's mayor Tracy Brabin said that she hoped the new system would not just make bus travel more cost-effective and efficient, but also pleasurable.
"I am therefore fully behind the creation of the new Core Network and as set out in my manifesto, I am looking at how travelling by bus can be further improved and more attractive. My plan is to bring buses back under public control and build an integrated transport system," she continued.
As part of the new network upgrade, 2,300 bus stops will be receiving a facelift / Image: Graham Robson
"As I have said before, if this kind of system is good enough for London, it is good enough for West Yorkshire.”
"I am looking forward to taking the bus and I am particularly excited by the real-time information screens at bus stops. I think the new bus stop flags which show all the services that run from that stop will be well very welcomed by passengers.
"I think in addition to the practical benefits to understanding routes, there is also the advantage that passengers can plan better day trips and fun things with family and friends as meeting people and going to new places will be far easier to plan for bus users.”
Modern funk and soul band Jungle are officially heading back to Leeds.
The Mercury Prize-nominated group will be performing at the First Direct Bank Arena this November, following their blistering summer on the festival circuit last year.
They'll be heading to Leeds on Saturday 21 November 2026.
Jungle was formed back in 2013 by producers and friends Josh Lloyd-Watson and Tom McFarland.
While they technically worked as a duo for years (until 2023, when touring member Lydia Kitto became an official member of the band), Jungle are known for their huge live performances.
They always fill stages with musicians and vocalists, for incredible funk n soul live shows.
The bands huge hits include Back on 74, Casio, and Busy Earnin’, from four top-10 albums including 2023’s groundbreaking Volcano.
The upcoming Leeds date forms part of the band’s upcoming world tour, which arrives in the UK in November 2026 following a string of international performances across Europe, North America, and beyond.
Fans can expect a setlist jam packed with standout tracks, including fan favourites such as ‘Volcano’ and ‘Back On 74’ and newer material from their upcoming album ‘Sunshine’, released on 14 August that continues to push the band’s signature sound forward.
With over 3.4 billion streams to their name, Jungle’s Leeds show is set to be one of the hottest tickets of 2026 so we wouldn't mess about if we were you.
Tickets for Jungle in Manchester will go on general sale from 10am on Friday 27 March, with pre-sale from 10am on Thursday 26 March.
Leeds band Yard Act announce 2026 UK tour including homecoming gig
Clementine Hall
Yard Act are back as they announce first round of UK headline dates since 2024.
We are so, so back.
It's been a few years, but Yard Act have just announced a small selection of UK gigs for later in the year including a homecoming gig at the O2 Academy on Friday 6 November.
The dates follow the band’s first show of the year at the 6Music Festival this Friday across The Pennines in Manchester.
After Leeds, the lads will be performing shows at the O2 Victoria Warehouse on Friday 13 November before making their way down south to the O2 Academy in Brixton on Thursday 26 November.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Yard Act completed the touring for their critically acclaimed second album Where’s My Utopia? with a victory lap back home at the 5000 capacity Millennium Square in Leeds in August 2024.
It was a record that brought a stark change of pace to the acerbic, post-punk of their debut, embracing something altogether more playful and bringing a different energy. It shifted the dynamic on stage too, with the addition of dancing backing singers and additional musicians and openly challenged listeners to reconsider who they thought Yard Act were.
Since then, the band have remained active, whether writing Where’s My Utopia’s follow-up on scratching the itch to get back on stage, heading out across the UK and Europe with The Hives, which was preceded by an intimate one-off show at Blackpool Tower last May.
Following a lengthy stint in the studio, the band now look to the Autumn for three big UK dates and we cannot wait.
Tickets go on artist presale from 10am on Wednesday 25 March before hitting general sale at 10am on Friday 27 March. Sign up here.
Georgina Pellant -
30th July 2021 
