Kicking the week off with a bank holiday Monday has left plenty of room for things to do throughout the week.
Monday marks the beginning of Eid, Wednesday is Cinco de Mayo and the weekend brings exciting new openings and appearances from celebrities to our city- there really is a lot to be getting on with.
Here's our top picks of things to do during the four-day-work-week and everything else besides...
Taco and Tequila Festival
Monday 2 May 2022 | Waterlane Boat House, Canal Wharf
This three day event will come to its crescendo this bank holiday, having been supplying our city with food, live music and the all important tequila shots throughout the weekend. With free entry all day long, guests can opt for tequila produced in the highlands of the Jalisco Mountains in Mexico from Cazcabel Tequila: it's a Blue Weber Agave crafted spirit that’ll provide the perfect shot for the occasion.
This said, the pop-up bar services providers are pretty passionate about tall drinks and cocktails too, so we imagine the pop-up Cazabel bar will stock everything needed to make the perfect sunny afternoon tipple: whatever your preference. If you don't fancy a Mexican-inspired meal, the usual Waterlane Boat House menu will be serving up salads, burgers and pizzas aplenty.
The Al-Rahmah Faith Centre is hosting Eid al-Fitr in the Park as part of the Eid celebrations across the city. Inshallah starts at 9.00, but Eid will be dependent on the first moon sighting announcement.
Guests are encouraged to bring their own prayer may, but stalls serving hot and cold drinks, snacks and plenty of foodie options will be supplying everything else needed for the occasion. All money raised will go towards the Masjid Donations and all are welcome to attend at the Caribbean Cricket Club throughout. Eid mubarak, Leeds.
There's a dream job advertised on the DesignMyNight website at the moment, but if you want to apply, you'll have to act fast. In spirit of Cinco de Mayo on Wednesday 5 May 2022, one lucky foodie will get to spend £500 on reviewing tacos and margaritas across the UK and then get paid a further £1000 for their service.
This really is a niche job most of us could only dream of. The only. catch is that the job is paid in vouchers and DesignMyNight points (but really, that just means you can grab more meals out for free) and each meal during your reviewing time must be uploaded to the website help others plan their nights out.
Midweek madness is back at the O2 Academy- and absolutely nothing is off limits during their 2022 stint. Expect dance offs, celebrity cardboard cutout appearances and all the best tunes- and that’s before we’ve got into the game.
It’s the only place to expect the unexpected, guaranteed to fill your night with laughter, crazy mishaps and a lot of booze- all whilst enjoying a light game of bingo between shots from the bar, singing S Club and Gerry Cinnamon, before breaking into wails from Total Eclipse of the Heart with the rest of the crowd. It's also the only place we know of where you can walk away with a mobility scooter from this show- that’s certain to upgrade any student flat and make the neighbours jealous.
Olympian Rebecca Adlington's sports company to open new Batley swimming pool
Saturday 7 May 2022 | Frontier Business Park, Batley
The athlete has a number of swim-related businesses that help children to access swimming pools. / Image: Becky Adlington’s Swim Stars
A new purpose-built facility on Frontier Business Park in Batley (just fifteen minutes from Leeds city centre) will open on Saturday 7 May and will cater for families with children aged 0 – 11. Double Olympic medalist Rebecca Adlington has been behind the development, as co-founder of Sporting House, a group of Olympian-led brands, which includes swim!, SwimStars and Beth Tweddle Gymnastics.
There’s no current waiting lists and upon opening, lessons will run every day of the week, some of which will initially come free of charge- so there's plenty of reason to head down and make yourself the first to test out the waters.
Fans of the electro musician have been waiting a long time for this one. Showcasing explorative performances of Bonobo's music new and old, this Leeds concert will give gig-goers a rare opportunity to listen to sounds spanning across the musician's entire career.
Doors open at 6pm on Saturday 7 May 2022 with a curfew of 10pm and support from up-and-coming artist Jacques Greene. If you can't make it to the Leeds performance, fans will have the chance to catch Bonobo in Nottingham on the Sunday or at his five-day stint at the Royal Albert Hall in London the following week before the electro-artist heads across the channel to embark on the European stint of his world tour.
Monday 2 May - Sunday 8 May 2022 | Regent Street, Chapel Allerton
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Celebrating an impressive20 year anniversary, Sukhothai in Chapel Allerton has re-launched its long-archived menu from their first opening in 2002- and there's some seriously irresistible dishes on the menu.
Seafood and spice are the main ingredients on this menu- and the combinations allows any visitor to consume a rainbow of colour and wealth of flavours without venturing too far from their long-time favourites- an ideal combination for any Thai food enthusiast. The Sukhothai Seafood Platter for two (or more) offers a generous selection of crispy satay fish, satay prawns and crispy squid in batter between well-dressed mussels and satay and sweet chilli dipping sauce, all placed a bed of salad shoots and leaves- and comes as our must-try recommendation on the menu.
141 Beckett Street, Harehills | Monday 2 May – Sunday 8 May 2022.
Image: Thackray Museum of Medicine
A brand-new programme from Thackray Museum of Medicine promoting wellness and rejuvenation has opened in Harehills, and its an ideal R&R spot for all the family to learn about the importance of relaxing and unwinding.
As this season’s headline installation, the museum has partnered with The Wellcome Collection to bring ‘Regarding Forests’ to The Thackray. The project, Regarding Forests, is thought to evoke an atmosphere of tranquillity and provides visitors with a space to rest and relax whilst giving visitors the chance to learn about celebrated photographer Chrystel Lebas and their travels. From Hoh Rain Forest in Washington State, USA to the Japanese island of Yakushima, the installation seeks to provide a restorative encounter that reminds us of our reliance on the natural world.
The new exhibition will run until Sunday 17 July 2022. Find out more here.
Feature Image- Bonobo
News
Rick Astley at First Direct Arena, Leeds – tickets, times, setlist and more for UK tour
Pop hitmaker Rick Astley is playing a few UK shows and is treating Leeds to a night of live music as part of The Reflection Tour.
Newton-le-Willows-born singer Rick Astley has achieved worldwide success, most notably with his work in the 80s alongside songwriting and production duo Stock-Aitken and Waterman.
Astley's album Whenever You Need Somebody has amassed 15 million sales across the globe and is a pivotal record that many would use to define 80s music.
On this LP is his huge hit 'Never Gonna Give You Up' which dropped back in 1987, with the track gaining more attention courtesy of social media trickery.
The worldwide recognition of this hit is all down to people online who deliberately link to the music video for this song, with the term being coined 'The Rickroll'.
Now, Rick Astley is returning to Leeds and ready to play out to over 13,500 people at one of Leeds' biggest indoor arenas First Direct Arena this April.
Gig guide | Rick Astley at First Direct Arena, Leeds - all you need to know
Rick Astley is bringing The Reflection Tour to Leeds this April / Wikimedia Commons via Raph_PH
Rick Astley UK tour dates
Fri 10 April - Glasgow, UK - OVO Hydro
Sat 11 April - Newcastle, UK - Utilita Arena
Mon 13 April - Belfast, UK - SSE Arena
Tue 14 April - Dublin, IE - 3Arena
Thu 16 April - Liverpool, UK - M&S Bank Arena
Fri 17 April - Manchester, UK - Co-op Live
Sat 18 April - Leeds, UK - First Direct Bank Arena
Mon 20 April - Bournemouth, UK - Bournemouth International Centre
Tue 21 April - Cardiff, UK - Utilita Arena
Wed 22 April - Nottingham, UK - Motorpoint Arena
Fri 24 April - Birmingham, UK - BP Pulse Live
Sat 25 April - London, UK - The O2
Fri 5 June - Scarborough, UK - Scarborough Open Air Theatre
Fri 19 June - Newport, UK - Isle of Wight Festival
Wed 24 June - Llangollen, UK - Llangollen Pavilion
Thu 25 June - Lincoln, UK - Lincoln Castle
Sat 27 June - Gloucester, UK - Westonbirt Arboretum
Fri 24 July - Ludlow, UK - Ludlow Castle
Sat 25 July - Sheffield, UK - Tramlines
Sat 30 August - Silverstone, UK - Carfest
Are there any tickets left for Rick Astley in Leeds?
No need to 'Cry For Help', there's plenty of tickets for Rick Astley's Leeds show at First Direct Arena and you can grab yours HERE.
It's been 'Driving Me Crazy' waiting for the right opportunity to do a little Rickrolling of my own - the actual tickets can be found HERE.
Rick Astley setlist for 2026 tour
The Reflection Tour sees Rick Astley play various shows and festivals across the UK / Wikimedia Commons via Raph_PH
This year will mark Rick Astley's first official headline tour since 2024 meaning a full setlist is yet to be confirmed.
Here is a setlist from 2024 when the 80s performer played a series of festival sets:
Never Gonna Stop
Together Forever
Beautiful Life
It Would Take a Strong Strong Man
Dippin My Feet
Start Me Up (The Rolling Stones cover)
She Wants to Dance With Me
Juice (Lizzo cover)
Forever and More
Hold Me in Your Arms
Seventeen Going Under (Sam Fender cover)
Cry For Help
Dance
Angels On My Side
Whenever You Need Somebody (O 'Chi Brown cover)
Good Times (Chic cover)
Highway to Hell (AC/DC cover)
Maria Love
Never Gonna Give You Up
Stage times for Rick Astley and support act for First Direct Arena, Leeds
Doors for Rick Astley's The Reflection Tour are set to open from 6.30pm with an official starting time of 7.30pm.
Support for this show comes in the form of another celebrated UK performer who achieved prominence the decade after Astley - Gabrielle.
This R&B-pop singer is recognised for her 1993 hit 'Dreams' and is known for soundtracking the 90s and noughties with multiple chart entries throughout the decades.
Located on Dyer Street next to Leeds City Bus Station and approx. 15min walk from first direct arena and is wheelchair friendly.
Support and help for any persons with a disability is available as the station is a registered ‘Safe place’ to come into and ask for assistance.
Nearest Bus Stops
Clay Pit Lane
Wade Lane/Lovell Park Road
Woodhouse Lane
Nearest Train Station
Leeds City Station on New Station Street is around a 15min walk from first direct arena and a major hub on the national, regional and local rail network providing connections to a wide variety of destinations.
Parking
There are over 7,500 car parking spaces within a 15-minute walk of the arena. The arena doesn’t have it’s own car park however there are lots of options nearby. To receive 5% off Q Park when attending a show at first direct arena click here
The nearest Car Park with EV charging is located on Albion Street click here.
None of the above car parks are operated by the arena so for questions, queries or comments we ask that you contact the companies directly.
Hiring Bikes in Leeds
If you’re looking to hire a bike in Leeds, here are some of the best options you can try:
Beryl bikes – you’ll find the ‘Leeds City Bikes’ from Beryl stationed throughout the city. These are all e-bikes, and they’re available to hire on a pay-as-you-go basis. It costs £1 to unlock the bikes, and then 16p per minute to use them. We’d say these are great for zipping around the city and getting from A to B.
Talio – for a wider selection of electric bikes to choose from, Talio based at Buslinthorpe Green is a great option. From this company, you can hire cruiser bikes, mountain bikes, and cargo bikes. Prices start from £20 per day for rental, but if you’re hiring for a month or longer you’ll get a good discount.
And about the rickrolling earlier... sorry not sorry.
Featured Images - Press shots via Peter Neill / Wikimedia Commons via Raph_PH
News
Audio North’s Artist of the Month: Sharan | April 2026
Thomas Melia
Why have one northern city when you can have two? Sharan, our latest Artist of the Month, was born in Leeds and is now based in Liverpool.
Giving herself the titles of DJ, workshop facilitator and community advocate while also balancing life as a cardiac physiologist – is there anything Sharan can’t do?
This multi-talented music maker has played sets for Crop Radio, supported Sammy Virji, Barry Can’t Swim, SBTRKT and even soundtracked Liverpool FC’s official store ahead of a new kit launch.
Her sets cover all different music genres, meaning she can fit and curate any vibe, including UK funk, Amapiano, house and more.
Images: Press shots
An interview with Sharan – Audio North’s Artist of the Month
Now, the Leeds-born DJ takes a break from the decks, community programmes and medical assistance to chat about being Audio North‘s latest Artist of the Month.
What music did you grow up listening to?
I’ve always been around music. My Dad brought me up on Queen and then when I got to school my best friend listened to Bassline, UK Funky and I downloaded all these songs onto my Blackberry.
Annie Mac and Hannah Wants were real inspirations for me growing up and seeing female DJs in the media is great.
Tell us about the work you do in the DJ community?
I’m originally from Leeds but moved to Liverpool for work four years ago and I’ve become quite heavily involved in the DJ community. I do workshops through ‘Decks in the City‘; I’m a DJ Programmer for Dishoom and I play gigs across the North too.
Why do you want to give back to the DJ scene?
I joined a charity called Getaway Girls, who I still am with today, and I joined a music group through them and I remember decks being in the corner of the room and being intrigued. Then, at 14 I started going to their music workshops.
They’re the reason I got into music and inspired me to want to make the music industry a fairer place for women as well as advocating for women in music.
I love teaching women how to get into music or giving them the opportunity they wouldn’t necessarily have.
What do you hope to achieve through your DJ workshops?
I believe everyone should have the chance to try out being a DJ, or more broadly just have a go at learning a new skill in relation to music.
I want to give everyone a fair and equal chance to learn how to DJ and that’s why the courses I do are accessible and affordable.
As a South Asian DJ who’s also a woman, I want to encourage women and anyone from underrepresented communities to get involved.
In the long run, I’d love to improve festival line-ups and make the distribution of live music opportunities fairer.
What have been some of your favourite experiences as a DJ so far?
Alongside my community work, I’ve played at Leeds Festival for JD Sports and supported some big acts including Barry Can’t Swim, Virji, SBTRKT and Girls Don’t Sync.
What’s one fun fact about you?
I’m not just a DJ, I’m also a cardiac physiologist. It’s a really big part of my life aside from being a DJ. I balance the two together, I’m passionate about both.
How does your heritage influence your work?
I’m South Asian and I remember the Bend It Like Beckham soundtrack so vividly growing up. It fused British pop with Bhangra and Bollywood, it was revolutionary.
Even the storyline of the film itself resonates with me, watching the girl pursuing football against her parents wishes, something I’m doing by going against ‘the norm’ through following my dream of being a DJ.
I love this film and soundtrack so much that I wrote an article about this which explores the soundtrack and its impact on British Asian Youth.
Featured Images – The Manc Group/Press Shots (supplied via Liam Heeley)
Sophie Smith -
2nd May 2022 
