A host of Leeds' best lockdown success stories are coming together for a festive shopping event this month at this small business Christmas event.
In Leeds, we’re pretty passionate about supporting small businesses. After all, we do have a spectacular selection of bakeries, bars, gift shops, designers, creatives and more on offer in the city.
If you want to shop local for your presents this year and keep some money in the local economy, you need to check out this Christmas small business event.
Hosted by The Savvy Baker at Oaktree Business Park, some of the city's finest small producers will be in tow selling top-notch treats to make your Christmas extra special.
Think peanut butter melted Snowmen doughnuts with Reese's cup hats, specialty cheeses from the Cheesy Living Co, adorable dog treats from doggy pick and mix service Pick n Tricks. prints by local illustrator Emily Render and loads more.
Elsewhere, you'll be able to find handmade baubles and stylish garms from local maker Lucie the Label: resin coaster, keyrings, and more by The Resin Room; small-batch hot sauce from local makers Thiccsauce and loads more.
Image: Pick n TreatsCoasters from The Resin Room / Image: The Resin Room
There'll also be coffee from Humbl coffee and the signature gooey, chocolate-filled brownies from the Savvy Baker team.
Taking place on Saturday 11 December, the Christmas Small Business event will run from 11am to 4pm and give shoppers the chance to get their hand on some extra special locally-made presents this year.
Sharing the news to social media, the Savvy Baker posted on Instagram:
"CHRISTMAS POP UP IS HERE!!! Saturday 11th December at the bakery.
"Catch some of your favs here, you can get some fab xmas pressies, cards, sweet treats, pizza, plants, Christmas cheese, doggy pressies and more!!!! Not one to miss."
Feature image - The Savvy Baker / Pick n Treats
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Inside Sheffield’s new supersize JD Sports Store that has just opened in Meadowhall
Meadowhall has just welcomed a brand-new JD Sports Store - and it is absolutely mega.
Trainer and sportswear lovers, this one's for you as JD Sports has just opened the doors to its newest store.
Located in Meadowhall shopping centre on the Lower Level of the High Street, the new store is almost triple its previous size and spans a whopping 29,225 sq ft.
Shoppers can now browse an ever bigger selection of clothing, footwear and sportswear from big brands like Nike, Montirex, New Balance, Adidas and Berghaus just to name a few.
Image: The Sheff
To make your shopping experience even smoother, the new store features self-service tills so you can be in and out within a flash.
To celebrate the opening, Chunkz and Kenny from popular Youtube collective Beta Squad officially opened the store today and held a meet and greet for fans.
Image: The Sheff
And the celebrations don't stop there, as from Friday 31 July - Sunday 2 August customers can get involved in JD's Spin-to-Win, with the chance to win gift cards, trainers and JD-branded merchandise.
Not only that, but Montirex will be hosting games all-weekend-long.
And if you can't make it that weekend, then do not fear. As on Friday 7 - Sunday 9 August, The Crep Protect truck will be rolling into Meadowhall giving out free goodie bags for customers who sign up to JD Status and follow Crep Protect.
Image: The Sheff
Sneaker Throne will also be offering a shoe-cleaning experience, with demonstrations showing customers how to keep their trainers fresh using products available in-store and goodie bags will be on offer which will also include tokens to play the Cop & Flop game.
So, what are you waiting for? We'll see you there for a fresh new fit.
Shortlist for 2026 Mercury Prize announced with several northern names making the cut
Clementine Hall
The shortlist for the 2026 Mercury Prize has officially landed - and it's another huge year for music from the north.
The prestigious annual award, which celebrates the very best British and Irish albums released over the past 12 months, has unveiled its 12 nominated records ahead of this year's ceremony in Newcastle this October.
Among the biggest talking points is a first-ever Mercury Prize nomination for music legend and northern icon Sir Paul McCartney, whose latest album The Boys Of Dungeon Lane has earned him a place on the shortlist.
Elsewhere representing the north, Newcastle jazz collective Knats have been shortlisted for A Great Day In Newcastle while jungle pioneer Nia Archives, who comes from Bradford, is recognised for her acclaimed album Emotional Junglist.
Image: Audio North
Another artist flying the Newcastle flag is JADE with her debut solo album That's Showbiz Baby!, whilst other notable nominations include Olivia Dean, RAYE and and the charity compilation HELP(2) from War Child Records.
The full 2026 Mercury Prize shortlist is:
Paul McCartney – The Boys Of Dungeon Lane
Olivia Dean – The Art Of Loving
RAYE – This Music May Contain Hope
Dave – The Boy Who Played The Harp
Florence + The Machine – Everybody Scream
Dove Ellis – Blizzard
Knats – A Great Day In Newcastle
Kojey Radical – Don't Look Down
JADE – That's Showbiz Baby!
Nia Archives – Emotional Junglist
Suede – Antidepressants
War Child Records – HELP(2)
This year's Mercury Prize ceremony will return to Newcastle's Utilita Arena on Thursday 22 October after the city successfully hosted the awards for the first time last year.
The 2025 event saw hometown hero Sam Fender take home the coveted prize for People Watching, and who knows - maybe The Toon will bag another prize for a hometown hero.
Georgina Pellant -
7th December 2021 
