Short of plans this bank holiday weekend? Not quite up to a traditional booze-up? That’s fine, Leeds has plenty to offer. Take this new graphic art trail, for example.
Trail for Hope has teamed up with comic artist and Thought Bubble founder Tula Lotay to create an experience unlike any other.
Split into eight parts and located across the city, this trail will treat punters to ‘a never-before-seen story of hope and renewal inspired by local communities.’
Leeds native Tula said: “I worked in comic book shops, I’ve always loved comics, so 14 years ago, I started Thought Bubble. I was expecting a couple of hundred people to come, but we had about 500, which was amazing. Since then, I’ve got to know more and more people in the comic book industry, but nobody knew that I drew.”
Some seven years later, Tula started posting her work on social media and like a lot of success stories these days, that was where she got recognised. The rest is history. Tula is now a critically acclaimed comic artist. Her CV includes the likes of DC, Marvel, Warner Brothers, Image Comics and Disney.
Credit: Andrew Benge
But like a true Yorkshire lass, she’s never lost her sense of identity, remaining the director of Thought Bubble.
“The last year has been difficult,” Tula added. “But at the same time, communities have rallied together. It’s been uplifting to see how people have looked out for one another — and that’s what I wanted to touch on with this story. It got me thinking about the iris because it’s the flower of hope, and I don’t want to give too much away, but that’s become a theme, it signifies that things are coming to an end.”
If you fancy having a wander along this trail, begin at The Majestic, beyond Fint and Belgrave Music Hall, before reaching OK Comics. Then on to Cafe 164, Water Lane Boathouse and Fred Aldous. Give or take, the journey will take an hour. But savour it, drink it in. Indulge. Maybe buy a comic or two. Christmas is right around the corner…
The trail will run alongside Leeds Jurassic Trail, which sees 13 life-sized animatronic dinosaurs spread across the city centre. A great day out for the kids. Well, anyone come to think of it. Who doesn’t like dinosaurs?
“It’s great to be collaborating with Thought Bubble on such a fun and unique set of artwork, showcasing a home-grown talent as well as a renowned international festival, while adding to the city’s amazing array of art,” Karen Butler, Head of Place Management & Delivery at LeedsBID, said. “We hope to help inject more colour and creativity into the city, providing points of interest for people coming back in, while finding innovative ways to support key sectors as part of the ongoing recovery.”
News
Kesha pulls out of Roundhay Festival as all-new Pitbull line-up revealed
American pop singer Kesha has dropped out of the Pitbull-fronted Roundhay Festival line-up, with a major shake-up announced today.
The second instalment of artists for Pitbull's headline Roundhay Festival show has been announced and it's missing highly-anticipated and originally-announced artist Kesha.
Festival organisers have said that the star will no longer be able to perform due to 'unforeseen scheduling conflicts'.
The American singer's musical adventure has taken a 'Joyride' since becoming independent in September 2024 and releasing her sixth studio album "." or Period almost a year ago.
Now, Kesha's title as 'Special Guest' has now been handed over to three very impressive artists who also shared a role in soundtracking some of the 2010s biggest hits.
Kesha was originally listed as a 'Special Guest' for Pitbull's Roundhay Festival gig in Leeds this July / Credit: Brendan Walters / Press Shots
One of these new artists is Jason Derulo, who is ready to treat the crowd to his array of chart-topping melodies like: 'Whatcha Say', 'Talk Dirty to Me', 'Trumpets'.
Another act who knows a thing or two about travelling the globe like Mr. Worldwide is 'Miami 2 Ibiza' hitmaker Tinie Tempah - things are definitely about to get 'Frisky'.
The final artist joining this already impressive list of names is Lil Jon who's bringing his high energy tracks to Roundhay Park such as 'Turn Down For What', 'Shots' and 'Get Low'.
Jason Derulo is just one of the artists making up the all-new Pitbull Roundhay Festival line-up / Credit: Wikimedia Commons (via Supplied)
Kesha's departure from this Leeds gig comes as a complete shock as the star is still set to play a whole host of UK festival dates including a BST Hyde Park show in London on 10 July.
In a statement shared via social media, Roundhay Festival has stated the reason for this very big change to the line-up:
"Due to unforeseen scheduling conflicts, Kesha will no longer be joining us this July. We hope to welcome her to Roundhay Park in the future."
Although fans who have already bought tickets to the show might still be 'Praying' for Kesha's return to the Roundhay Festival bill, it's safe to say these artists are a great addition.
Pitbull is coming to Roundhay Park in Leeds on Friday 3 July 2026 and so far he's bringing along Jason Derulo, Tinie Tempah and Lil Jon with more acts to follow - Tickets HERE.
Popular Leeds boutique gym and reformer pilates studio suddenly shuts down
Daisy Jackson
One of Leeds' leading boutique gyms, and its sister reformer pilates studio, has shut down suddenly.
Both TRIB3 and PILAT3S announced their shock closure last night, as owners seek new operators to take over the spaces.
TRIB3 is known for its high intensity workouts, where members move between treadmills, assault bikes, and free weight zones.
And PILAT3S opened its doors just last year, offering a state-of-the-art reformer pilates studio.
But now both have closed with immediate effect, after several weeks of silence due to 'legal constraints and an ever-changing landscape'.
In a statement shared last night, they wrote how the studios had become 'a community', and thanked members and instructors for being part of the journey.
They signed off: "We remain incredibly grateful for the community that was built and the moments shared within these walls."
Inside TRIB3 Leeds, which has announced its shock closure
TRIB3 and PILAT3S Leeds members with any outstanding memberships or credits are encouraged to get in touch with the business.
You can read their full statement here: "Dear TRIB3 and PILAT3S family,
"Firstly we would like to apologise that it has taken a little time to get this message out. But with legal constraints and an ever-changing landscape, we are now finally able to put this message out there:
"It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that the TRIB3 and PILAT3S Leeds studios are closed and we are exploring opportunities with potential interested parties to take over moving forward.
"Over time, these studios became so much more than just places to train. They became a community—built on energy, connection, and a shared commitment to showing up and pushing limits together. We are incredibly proud of what was created and the people who brought it to life every single day.
"We know this news will be upsetting and unexpected for many, and we truly appreciate your patience and understanding during this time.
"We want to thank every member, client, instructor, and team member who has been part of this journey. Your support, loyalty, and passion are what made these spaces so special, and it’s something that will not be forgotten.
"Should you have any queries regarding memberships, credits or any outstanding matters please contact tribeleeds@btguk.com.
"We remain incredibly grateful for the community that was built and the moments shared within these walls.
Josh Teal -
28th August 2021 
