It's the last full week of January so let's make it a corker, we've gathered together the highlights of what's happening in Leeds for you to take a peak at.
Congratulations all, we have officially made it to the end of January (well, almost) and believe us when we say that with what's going on this week, we are finishing it off with a bang.
Get your best tartan on because we've got Burns Night celebrations happening all over the city as well as super exciting gigs (hello Matty Healy), delicious foodie openings and so much more.
Get your calendar at the ready and keep reading.
The 1975 Live
Monday 23 January 2023 | First Direct Arena, Leeds city centre
The 1975. Credit: Samuel Bradley
Everybody stay calm, it's happening. The 1975 are coming to Leeds and performing at the First Direct Arena.
Social media has been awash with videos from The 1975’s tour so far (notably Matty Healy’s autotune) and the time has finally come where we get to see the spectacle for ourselves. To say we are excited is a bit of an understatement.
Saturday 28 January 2023 | Opera North, Grand Theatre
Image: Richard H Smith
Opera North is preparing to breathe new life into the classic operatic performance of Puccini’s Tosca in the coming weeks- and it’s going to be an incredible experience. The operatic performance has been loved for over 100 years, but this month there’s two opportunities to see the Opera North’s 2023 version in person.
Wednesday 25 January 2023 from 6pm | Ox Club, The Headrow
Image: Ox Club
Bringing back the special six course tasting menu for the eighth year in a row. There’s tables all night long from 5pm – 10pm but booking is advised as this one is going to sell out fast. Michelin Guide and Good Food Guide have already given their blessing to the restaurant’s dishes, so we’re certain the quality will be worth the £65 price tag.
Monday 23 - Sunday 29 January 2023 | Trinity Kitchen
Image: Little Red Eats
New year means new Trinity Kitchen food trucks, and for the next nine weeks there’s going to be plenty of winter warmers to tuck into. Expect burgers, bhajis, bagels and everything in between from five street food vendors, including some newbies and old favourites.
Feeling hungry yet? Us two. Read all about it here.
Lone Design Club Pop-up Shop
Thursday 26 January 2023 | 27 Albion Street, Trinity Leeds
Image: Lone Design Club
This January, enter the New Year with a bang as Lone Design Club brings the best of the most exciting and up-and-coming lifestyle, home, beauty and wellness brands to Leeds in the form of a pop-up concept store.
Opening on Thursday, expect an exclusive selection of the most promising brands of the future, showcased within an interactive store, alongside a full events programme to bring you into the world of LDC’s beloved and experimental brands.
Astoria
Thursday 26 January 2023 | The Wardrobe, St Peter’s Square
Image: Astoria
Playing their biggest show to date, Leeds-born rock and roll band, Astoria, is preparing for an intimate show to crowds like never before. Expect a night to remember featuring catching riffs, alt-rock ballads and heartfelt lyrics from Where The Light Lives, amongst other hits.
Tickets cost £7.70 and can be purchased through See Tickets.
Saturday 28 January 2023 | O2 Academy, Millennium Square
Bringing back Saturday nights in the Academy for the new year, one of the North’s leading events is back and still going strong after 10 years of production. The event is known to have ‘the killer combination of unparalleled production, performers, resident DJs and very special guests’.
Tickets cost £5.50 and can be purchased through Ticketmaster.
Enjoy one of the UK's top ranked Sunday Roasts
Sunday 29 January 2023 | Across Leeds
Image: The Tetley
Did you know that five Leeds' based restaurants have been ranked in the Top 15 in the whole of the UK? Rate Good Roasts provides us with an annual list of roast dinners that are well worth the type, so it would be rude not to sample one this weekend wouldn't it.
This year the top slot was given to The Hawthorn in Haworth before places like long-standing local favourites and Michelin Guide-recommended Ox Club and newcomers Braizin’ Squad over in Meanwood snook their way into the top roast list.
Sunday 29 January 2023 | Neighbourhood, Greek Street
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Neighbourhood Leeds, located on Greek Street, is the ultimate city centre party venue. Not only do they know how to make showstopping cocktails and delicious food, but they’re absolute professionals in the bottomless brunch sector.
And for all those ABBA fans out there, this is your lucky day as Neighbourhood are officially hosting a Mamma Mia themed Bottomless Brunch at the end of this week.
Monday 23 - Sunday 29 January 2023 | Năm Sông Caphe, New Briggate
Image: Nam Song
To help celebrate the Vietnamese Year of the Cat, Năm Sông will be hosting a Lucky Red Envelope giveaway all week. Every time you dine with them, you will receive a lucky red envelope where you will win anything from your entire meal for free, filter coffee sets, a round of drinks or even a free slice of the green mean machine Pandan Cake.
As you're well aware by now, the North has some of this country's best artists and musicians, so much so, we are showcasing a new one to you every single month.
Meet Holly Rolfe, a Lichfield-born, Leeds-based artist who's music is cathartic, emotive with her stage presence helping create a pure-pop package.
Her singles have captivated audiences online with one song in particular, 'I'll Come Back To You', amassing over 250,000 streams.
She's also focused on uplifting fellow female musicians, something which she has made into a real initiative titled 'Women in Music Presents'.
And if you're wondering why all her outfits have varied in shades of blue when she's featured in videos on Audio North's Instagram account - she explains later on.
An interview with Holly Rolfe | Audio North's Artist of the Month: May
Meet Hilly Rolfe, Audio North's artist of the month for May / Credit: The Manc Group
How did you get into music?
I started busking at 14 after some encouragement from my Mum who was also a busker. Then I started performing at weddings and taking part in gigs.
Every family holiday we used to listen to CDs whenever we'd drive around and play Adele, Robbie Williams, specifically the live albums, Mika too.
Who were some of your musical influences growing up?
Some of my favourite musicians who's music I am inspired by are Mimi Webb and Cian Ducrot. Obviously Harry Styles and Sabrina Carpenter too.
Especially Sabrina and Mimi, I love their fun pop girl energy, I just want to channel that.
Do you want to tell us a little bit more about your recent EP?
On 24 April I released my EP Lost in the Dark (Live in Session), which is a collection of songs that I believe aren't based around streams, but instead it's a passion project.
It means so much to me and it sums up who I am as an artist, the music I want to create and my experience of being a student in Leeds.
You're also part of a group called Women in MusicPresents, please can you tell us more about this?
It's a group created during my final year of university that I made with some friends.
We wanted something that focused around the positives and challenges that being a female artist brings, while uplifting each other with no real headliners at each event, instead we all share the spotlight.
Holly alongside Women in MusicPresents line-up at The Attic in Leeds / Credit: The Manc Group
We've noticed that you like to wear a lot of blue, how come?
I've always been obsessed with blue and when I was starting to brand myself as an artist I thought this colour really compliments me.
And honestly royal blue, navy, baby blue, whatever the shade is I love it.
What are some of your career highlights so far?
My first band gig was at the Piece Hall in Halifax where I got the opportunity to support Cian Ducrot and that's where everything really kicked off.
From there I performed at The Cavern Club in Liverpool, where as well as performing, I also got the chance to admire some of pop music's greatest memorabilia.
I was able to do my debut headline at Headrow House and did another headline show at Hyde Park Book Club too.
Rolfe backstage ahead of her Piece Hall supporting slot and the singer pictured underneath The Domino Club neon sign / Credit: Supplied
What does being an artist in the North feel like for you?
Anything is possible. There's something about the North that is so welcoming and it has helped me become my true self as an artist, performing for northern crowds.
I feel so inspired by artists from here and everyone northern as they all have this determination which is so nice to see, watching people chase their dreams.
And finally now we've learnt more about you, who are some Northern artists you love and want to show off?
Lois. She's incredible and has announced a listening party for her new album later this month.
Also The Wranglers, a country group who I got the opportunity to support at their recent gig at Oporto in Leeds. They just make you want to get up and dance.
Thank you Holly for letting us learn a little bit more about your artistry, we're sure that you're on track to claiming your pop princess crown in years to come.
Featured Images - Artist supplied / The Manc Group
Feature
Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon 2026 guide – everything you need to know
Clementine Hall
The 2026 Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon (RBLM) is nearly upon us.
And with thousands set to flood the region, we thought we'd round up all the important information you need to know, from waves and start times to the route and more.
Getting underway this weekend, this year marks just the third-ever edition of the modern Leeds Marathon, which was set up in honour of Rhinos legend and MND champion Rob Burrow in 2023.
In addition to over 12,000 locals, marathon enthusiasts, fantastic fundraisers and casual runners alike taking part in the 2025 RBLM , there are set to be even more spectators expected to line the streets, so it's best you're all kept in the loop.
So, without further ado, here's our comprehensive guide for the 2026 Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon.
Hosted by Run For All yet again, this year's Leeds Marathon is set to be just as special.
What is the route?
Where else to start other than, well, with where the run will be starting?
Getting underway once again from the Headingley Stadium, the 26.2-mile slog will see Yorkshire's finest pass through the busy student district, as well as around Golden Acre Park, towards Bramhope, around Otley, into the city centre and back.
You can see the full route map down below.
Leeds Marathon Map 2026
If you're running it, you'll also be glad to see that there are a total of eight different toilet stops and water stations, meaning you'll have the opportunity to take any necessary breaks every few miles.
How to get there?
For those travelling to the start/finish line (yes, it finishes back at the iconic cricket ground too), it is advised that people avoid driving and use public transport where possible to avoid further congestion.
Upon arriving, the only way to access the start line on race day is via Gate G behind the western terrace of the cricket stadium off Kirkstall Road.
Spectator shuttles will also be running between Queenswood Drive and the two main spectator hubs: Adel and Otley. You can find out more details on where to watch HERE.
Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon waves and start times
Now, as for start times, participants will be set off in waves depending on their estimated finish time, which corresponds to the colour of their bib.Wave start times
Blue – 09:00
Red – 09:04
Green & Yellow – 09:10
MND Wave – 09:19
Purple - 09:21
Meanwhile, those doing the half-marathon distance and fun runners will be starting at 10am.
Leeds Marathon road closures and travel advice
Now, it goes without saying that setting up a major marathon that spans all the way from Headingley to Leeds, passing through some of the busiest parts of West Yorkshire, involves quite a lot of logistical planning.
Luckily, Leeds City Council have worked closely with the event team to make the marathon route run as smoothly as possible whilst also trying to minimise the impact on traffic and general travel.
You can find a full breakdown of all the road closures for this year's Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon here.
So, for everyone taking on the Leeds Marathon to honour not just Rob Burrow but whoever they might be running it for, we wish you the best of luck and just know that you've already done him, us, yourselves and everyone else SO very proud.
Clementine Hall -
23rd January 2023 
