The Peacock mural celebrates the Marching Out Together campaign: the community "paving the way for an inclusive space for LGBTQ+ fans at Leeds United Football Club (LUFC)".
Internationally recognised artist Jay Gilleard, Cbloxx, has taken the mural from concept to creation and has unveiled their work today in Leeds city centre.
Celebrating the Leeds-based 'Marching Out Together' group, East Street Arts, the leading artist-led arts charity in the city, and Leeds United Football Club teamed up to commission the mural to show the progress the club has made, the safe spaces they offer and the incredible community of LGBTQ+ supporters.
Organisers have commented: "the focus of The Peacock is to bring a union of football, art and queer culture into the limelight. Cbloxx’s intention is to deliver an image that would both honour the lengthy heritage of LUFC, whilst celebrating the diversity of its fans and the important work of Marching Out Together".
The Marching Out Together group now has over 300 members, and chose Cbloxx, a Huddersfield-born and celebrated internationally as a multi-disciplined muralist, painter, music producer and co-founder of street art duo, Nomad Clan, as the perfect artist to complete the mural.
Speaking about their work with East Street Arts, Leeds United and Marching Out Together, Cbloxx said:
''It’s an honour to be painting back in a place I used to call home. Leeds has always rallied for liberalism, equality, and multiplicity, its cultural significance is something to remain incredibly proud of. Speaking personally, football at its very best is a cohesive healer when it champions diversity. Football signifies a unification, the Leeds chant 'All Leeds Aren't We' speaks volumes and is a wonderful sentiment to start ideas flowing around LGBTQI inclusivity.
“The core thematic of The Peacock really is Pride, what is more sassy and full of pride than a peacock? Its otherworldly flamboyance, confidence and striking visuals made it a focal point no brainer.
"To convey the notion of activism, protest and visibility I borrowed aesthetics from the old coal mining embroidered flags, which echo the typical northern working class heritage that is so often celebrated in my work. It’s hard to not be inspired by your own ancestry! The elegance and creativity executed in the banners really highlight the ornate features of the building, so that it adds to its aesthetic beautifully.
Image: @spraydaysofficial
“With The Peacock I hope to echo the sentiments of 'Marching Out Together', take some visible space for LGBTQI football fans and spread a wider message of solidarity and togetherness.”
The mural will sweep across the side of East Street Arts Studio building adjoining York Road, inspiring hope and change to 68,000 people passing by each day.
Feature Image- @spraydaysofficial
News
North Star Coffee announces opening date for new site – and they’re giving away 200 coffees to celebrate
One of Leeds' most iconic brands is expanding with two city centre openings.
Coffee lovers, you're going to love this one.
North Star Coffee Roasters are one of the early pioneers of specialty coffee in the North of England and among the UK’s first B Corp-certified coffee roasters.
They've been keeping the people of Leeds awake since 2013, and you'll find their coffee across the country as well as at their current city centre locations.
One of their brand-new locations inside the Victoria Quarter will be opening next Monday 1 June.
Their new kiosk will be located outside Jo Malone London and marks the brand’s third site in Leeds.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
To celebrate the launch, North Star will be giving away 50 free coffees a day from Tuesday 2 June until Friday 5 June - a total of 200 free drinks across the opening week. Customers will be able to claim any coffee from the menu, with one free drink per person available on a first come, first served basis, each day.
Their other new site is expected to be on Great George Street, and we'll keep you updated with any news on that one as and when we know more.
Speaking about the opening, Holly Kragiopoulos, Co-founder of North Star, said: “Opening a third site in the centre of Leeds feels incredibly special for us. Leeds has always been at the heart of North Star, so being able to bring our coffee into Victoria Quarter is a huge milestone.
"We wanted to celebrate by giving something back to the city and welcoming both loyal regulars and new customers with free coffee throughout our opening week.”
Thor’s Tipi chosen as the new operator to create a ‘distinctly Yorkshire’ Leeds Christmas Market 2026
Clementine Hall
Leeds City Council has appointed Thor's tipi as the new operator of Leeds Christmas Market 2026 on City Square.
We hate to mention the C word in May... especially in the midst of a heatwave, but just bare with us on this one.
The beloved Leeds Christmas Market will have a new operator this year, as creators of pop-up seasonal bars Thor's Tipi have been given the responsibility by Leeds City Council.
So, what's going to be different?
Thor's tipi will create a ‘distinctly Yorkshire’ retail, craft and food market which celebrates Leeds identity.
Image: Supplied
The market will feature a Yorkshire based line-up, full of popular local names and Leeds street food legends and a series of cabins will also be reserved for local craft businesses and emerging artisans.
Alongside plenty of shopping and eating options, the Christmas Market will become a full-on-festive experience for visitors. There will be winter games and karaoke huts in an Alpine Lodge, the original THOR’S tipi - complete with its signature firepit seating area, free live music from local artists, school choirs & community performances throughout the season.
There will also be a host of family-friendly events, including a ‘Leeds Night Before Christmas’ trail, family raves and free craft tables.
Image: Supplied
Amanda Monaghan, Director of THOR’S tipi, said: "This is our eleventh year in Leeds and we’re super excited to bring the most beautiful Christmas Market to City Square! We’re especially looking forward to speaking with local traders about how we can showcase their talents. Get in touch if you’d like to be involved! We’d love to have you on-board.”
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council's executive member for economy, said: "We're delighted that Leeds will be welcoming a Christmas market again this year with a new look and that visitors will once again have the chance to experience the wonders of the festive season at the heart of the city centre.”
“As always, the council is committed to working with partners and providers to bring high quality and exciting events to the city. We know Christmas is always a special time in Leeds, and this year is set to be a memorable one."
Sophie Smith -
7th April 2022 
