Bonfire night is one of those dates in the calendar that you just can't miss.
Whether you're planning a quiet night in or off to an event in the city, you can't miss the burning embers in the sky as we celebrate the fifth of November.
Last month, Leeds City Council announced that the usual run of events would not take place this year due to Covid-related restrictions but there are still plenty of firework displays and bonfires around the city centre to enjoy.
Those moments when the night sky lights up in repeated bursts of neon sparks are truly special and usually where memories are made and cherished for years on end.
So we have put together the quite literally the hottest places to find your bonfire night celebrations so you can watch those smoky amber flames across Leeds city centre all weekend long.
Friday 5 November 2021
Kirkstall Valley
If you want an understated and stress-free bonfire experience, this one is for you. This year, Kirkstall Valley will be hosting a firework-less but nonetheless exciting bonfire event. From 6pm, head down to the farm and spent the evening wandering between cosy fire pits dotted around the farm whilst listening to a relaxing melody from live entertainment. Just don't forget to book your ticket in advance.
Firework displays were cancelled last year as the UK entered a second national lockdown, so this year's events are highly anticipated and many are selling out. Image: Jamie Street
The Hunsley Club
Hunslet Club are hosting a huge firework display that they hope will bring the community together once again. Like true professional displays, the fireworks will be accompanied by music, along with sweet treats, food and plenty of drinks to wash all that sugar down. This event is truly special as it is free to attend from 6.30pm, so that everyone can attend without worrying about their bank balance.
Hare & Hounds
The Hare & Hounds are hosting a family-friendly event on bonfire night. Although there will be no fireworks at the event, complimentary sparklers for both little and big kids will keep the sky illuminated. Fire dancers, stilt walkers and fire breathers are amongst the acts to gaze at during the evening from 6pm. Tickets cost £5 each or table reservations can be made.
Saturday 6 November 2021
Troydale Club
Troydale Club is expected to throw a spectacular bonfire event, complete with an outside bar. From 6pm, find tasty snacks from their food stall and dance the night away with tracks from DJ Brad before watching the firework display. There's no need to worry about booking either as it is a free-to-attend event with no tickets required.
Firework displays are taking place all over the world, but their scale depends on local coronavirus-related restrictions. We're just pleased there are some in Leeds this year. Image: Zuzu Galczynska
Yeadon Cricket Club
The Yeadon Cricket Club have three hours of bonfire fun for all the family planned. For grown ups, the bar will keep the booze flowing throughout the night, with an array of street food offering warm, tasty treats. From 6pm, expect fireworks a plenty and a huge bonfire ablaze throughout the night. Tickets cost £5 and will be available at the gate.
Walton Village Hall
Six is the magic number at Walton. On the 6 November, at 6pm their bonfire event will commence, with tickets costing £6 each. The mesmerising firework display will commence after you've warmed up by the bonfire, grabbed a drink or two and fed the family. Children under 4 can attend the family-friendly event for free, but tickets are limited and should be booked in advance when possible.
Anyone attending a firework display over the weekend will be in for a brightly-lit treat. Image: Brian Lopez
Colton Sports and Social Club
The Colton Sports and Social Club event is set to be a fantastic evening, dedicated to celebrating a night out with all the family. There will be face painting and toys for sale, as well as a disco, before the fireworks take off and illuminate the night sky. Tickets cost £5 each but membership cards must be shown, or purchased, to gain entry to this bonfire event.
The Miners Arms
For a night of fireworks and refreshments, the Miners Arms in Morley will have you covered. Choose to keep the cold out and sit in the indoor bar or brave it outside with a hot drink in hand at their second bar. This event will be free, but with limited availability to make sure to arrive early (from 4pm) or you'll have to find a nearby field to watch the fireworks from afar instead.
Matcha girls assemble, because a new cafe dedicated to it is opening right here in Leeds.
It seems like matcha has taken the world by storm over the past year or so, more often than not you'll see caffeine enthusiasts walking around with bright green drinks over a cup of coffee.
If you're one of those people then you're in luck, because a cafe dedicated to the stuff is opening right here in Leeds.
Introducing Made Matcha, a matcha and açaí bar that has created waves in the foodie scene over in Sheffield since opening back in September last year.
Images: The Sheff
And it's pretty clear they're doing very well indeed, to be opening a second site in another city less than six months after launching is no mean feat.
Made Matcha will be opening on Lower Briggate in the Nice Things site, the beautiful plant shop hasn't been around for long and sadly closed quietly without much noise.
So, what can we expect from Made?
This pastel green paradise specialise in seasonal matchas that (almost) look too pretty to drink.
Images: The Sheff
You can get everything from a Strawberry Shortcake Matcha to a Sticky Date Latte, and you can pretty much guarantee that every time you go they'll have a few more specials on the menu.
Our mates over at The Sheff recommend the Banana Bread Matcha and to be honest, you don't have to tell us twice.
Not only do they serve gallons of the good green stuff, but you can also get fresh açaí bowls, sandwiches and superfood smoothies.
We've got a feeling this spot will be very busy post-pilates class on a Saturday morning, and to be honest we'll see you there.
There's no opening date yet, but we'll keep you in the loop.
Leeds Pride 2026 announces dates and first wave of acts for 20th anniversary celebration this summer
Clementine Hall
Leeds Pride has confirmed the dates for its 2026 festival, which will mark the event’s 20th anniversary this summer.
And you bet that organisers are pulling out all the stops.
The city-wide celebration champions local LGBTQ+ talent alongside world-class headline acts, and this year for the first time ever, celebrations will be held across two days on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 July 2026.
The festival’s first performer has been announced as Strictly Come Dancing Icon & RuPaul’s Drag Race Star La Voix, who will be taking to the main stage.
Image: Supplied
And it doesn't stop there, Leeds Pride will feature a full weekend of diverse events, including the Leeds Pride Drag Brunch Fest, street parties across the city and of course the iconic Pride parade, which is set to be even bigger and better than ever before.
A Leeds Pride spokesperson said: "We're incredibly excited to celebrate 20 years of Leeds Pride. This milestone anniversary represents two decades of bringing our community together, championing LGBTQ+ voices and creating unforgettable moments.
Images: Supplied
“Leeds Pride is growing and stronger than ever and we're committed to giving Northern LGBTQ+ performers a platform to shine. This 20th anniversary festival will be our biggest and best yet, but as we expand, we need public and sponsor support more than ever to make our vision a reality. We're calling on businesses and individuals to get behind Leeds Pride and help us deliver an incredible celebration that our community deserves.
“Expanding to two days for the first time shows just how far we've come, and we can't wait to welcome everyone back to Leeds this summer for what will be our most spectacular Pride yet."
More details will be announced soon and you can find out more here on the Leeds Pride website.