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The Big Sleep returns to Leeds Rhinos’ Emerald Stadium to raise money for charity
Three Leeds-based charities will be raising money by inviting adults to sleep out in the cold on Thursday 25 November at the Emerald Headingley Stadium.
St Gemma's Hospice, Leeds Rhinos Foundation and St George's Crypt are joining together to raise money for those most in need across Leeds at the Big Sleep.
The Big Sleep 2021 is all about coming together for charity and spending the night under the stars.
On Thursday 25 November, Headingley is the chosen location and the LS6 postcode will become a giant sleepover location for those participating in the outdoor sleepover.
This year, the event will be held at the Emerald Headingley Stadium, where groups over 18 are invited to bring their sleeping bags and brave it out in the cold for one night, all in the name of charity.
Donations from the evening will be split evenly between the charities in their fifth annual Big Sleep.
In 2018, St Gemma's Hospice Chief Executive Kerry Jackson took part in the Big Sleep. / Image: St Gemma's Hospice
St George's Crypt is a Leeds-based charity dedicated to offering care, compassion and hope to the homeless, vulnerable and those suffering from substance dependance. The organisation operates every day of the year to help those most in need across the city.
Leeds Rhino Foundation, hosting the event at their home turf of Emerald Headingley Stadium, are dedicated to changing lives through sports. Their five key principles of education, health, sport, art and heritage aid the development of healthier and more meaningful lives through collaborative work across Leeds city centre and surrounding areas.
St Gemma's Hospice is Yorkshire's largest hospice organisation and provide expert care and support to local people with life-limiting and terminal illnesses. Their care is always free of charge and provides care to anyone, regardless of age, gender, disability, race, sexual orientation or diagnosis.
These three charities will all greatly benefit from the donations made to the Big Sleep on Thursday 25 November.
The event so far has 32 supporters and £623 has been raised from the charities on a JustGiving page, but more donations are expected to come in closer to the event.
To get involved, visit any of the charities' websites for more information or if you can't make it down but would still like to donate, their JustGiving page is taking donations until the end of the year.
Leeds restaurant The Cut & Craft has announced further expansion plans for the spring.
Swanky all-day dining restaurant and bar, The Cut & Craft, is expanding its popular Leeds site, investing a whopping £1.2 million to create a new adjoining elegant bar, lounge and private spaces.
Located within the former historic Collinson’s Cafe, the renovation will transform the former neighbouring Paul Smith store, to extend the existing brand offering.
The extension will celebrate the original beauty of the space, whilst acknowledging the legacy of Wallace Hartley - a talented musician who played at Collinson’s Cafe in the early 1900s before his role as bandleader on Titanic during its maiden voyage.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The Grade II-listed building’s features including its iconic glass dome, stained glass and circular central bar will remain, with the addition of two beautifully designed private dining rooms.
The extension is due for competition this spring and will transform the existing venue into a space with seating for an impressive 370 covers.
Oscar Akgul, CEO at The Cut & Craft said: “Planning for this new chapter began within the first year of opening. By year two, it was clear that we required additional space to serve the city’s appetite for The Cut & Craft’s signature hospitality.
Image: Supplied
“The brand’s deep affinity with the Victoria Quarter and the heritage of the building played an essential role in the decision to grow here.
“We want to thank our regular guests and everyone who has joined us at The Cut & Craft Leeds since opening and we look forward to entering this exciting new chapter with you all.”
New BBC TV drama starring Bel Powley and Harley Squires to be filmed in Leeds this spring
Clementine Hall
The BBC has announced a brand-new crime drama set to be filmed in Leeds and Hull.
We all love a BBC drama, and luckily for us one is about to be filmed right here in Leeds.
The new drama will be titled Shy & Lola, starring Harley Squires from The Night Manager and Bel Powley from The Diary of A Teenage Girl.
The six-part series has been described as a "dark comedy" about two women caught up in a murder in the criminal underworld.
The plot follows an unassuming pair in a small coastal town in northern England where the pair both realise they have a hidden talent for crime.
The series synopsis states: "As they build an operation that threatens to blow the local bad guys out of the water, opposing futures beckon – using their earnings to fund a fresh start, or becoming the new bosses in town."
The show is based on a popular French TV series and is written by Amanda Coe, an acclaimed English screenwriter and novelist.
Amanda Coe spoke about the announcement: "With such a rich and spiky central relationship at its core, Shy & Lolais a dream of a show to write, full of fun, action and emotion. I can't wait to see our hugely exciting cast and director bring it to life."
Rachelle Constant, executive Producer for Clerkenwell Films, said: "Amanda has written a brilliantly bold series centred on a dynamic female duo, which blends dark comedy with propulsive storytelling.We’re thrilled to have Hayley and Bel as our leads, alongside an exceptional cast and crew."
The new series will begin filming in Leeds and Hull this spring and will air on BBC One and iPlayer and we'll absolutely be tuning in.
Sophie Smith -
15th October 2021 
