From the ticket prices to the dress code (or lack thereof), anyone can go and enjoy a magical evening full of music, storytelling and suspense.
In Leeds, we’re lucky enough to have the wonderful Opera North right here on our doorstep in Leeds- the company is highly regarded as a leading arts organisation outside London, and this reason alone was enough to put our city on the map as one of the best travel destinations in 2023.
From the ticket prices to the dress code (or lack thereof), anyone can go and enjoy a magical evening full of music, storytelling and suspense.
For first timers like us, this was music to our ears.
When you think of the opera, words that spring to mind include 'big', 'bold' and 'extravagant'. Attending your first performance can of course feel daunting and somewhat overwhelming, but it definitely doesn't have to be - and Opera North well and truly showed us that.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Tickets and the Try it ON scheme
Having always wanted to go to the opera, to witness the incredible spectacle, amazing performances and be a part of the drama, we took the plunge and bought our tickets through Opera North's Try it ON membership scheme, which offers newbies a way to try out the art form for the first time.
For just £20 you can get your hands on two great seats to a performance of your choice, a tote bag filled with goodies and access to exclusive offers after the show so that you can continue to enjoy your newfound passion.
The scheme is open to anyone who is new to opera and fancies giving it a whirl.
We booked online in a flash and our tickets were ready for us to collect from the box office next door to the theatre, it really could not have been easier.
Our performance of choice was The Cunning Little Vixen - described as a bittersweet fairy tale that guides the audience through an emotional yet life-affirming reflection on the nature of life.
Performed in English, we thought this was the best option for our first visit.
Visiting Opera North for the first time: dining, drinks and drama
It was a cold February evening, and the warm lights of the beautiful Leeds Grand Theatre invited us in.
We stopped off at Opera North's restaurant Kino for a quick bite to eat before the performance. Located just next door to the theatre it's the perfect place to start your evening.
Kino, meaning cinema, is housed in a newly renovated, beautiful Grade II-listed building. The restaurant is hosting award-winning Levantine-inspired MorMor who serve delicious mezze and sharing plates focused on incredible flavours and fresh ingredients – until 1 Apr 2023.
After enjoying their pre-theatre menu and a couple of cocktails, we made our way to the box office to collect our tickets, eagerly awaiting the experience we were about to embark on.
Our tickets were swiftly checked, we grabbed a drink from the bar which had a buzzing atmosphere to it with excited theatre-goers, before making our way to our seats where our 'Try it ON' tote bags were left waiting for us.
The bags were filled with goodies, handy leaflets and tasty sweets which of course were very welcome during the interval.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Before we knew it, the curtains flew open and we were left astonished by an incredible set which resembled rolling hills complete with overhanging foliage.
The multitalented cast led us through the enchanting tale of Vixen Sharp-Ears. We remained mesmerised throughout, unable to look away from the spectacle before us.
Although this performance was sung in English, every show features surtitles which can easily be viewed on screens at either side of the stage, making it even easier to follow along with the plot.
Overall our experience at the opera was absolutely fantastic, from our meal at Kino to the final curtain call where we rapturously applauded the company for their triumphant performance.
From the outset we were made to feel so welcome, comfortable and at ease, leaving with any pre-conceived ideas of opera blown out of the water.
We left looking at what performance we could attend next, in Opera North's current exciting season alone.
And the fun definitely doesn’t stop there, with the spring season just around the corner there is lots to look forward to as Opera North embark on an exciting collaboration with Leeds-based contemporary dance company, Phoenix Dance Theatre.
From 26 May - 4 June 2023, the two companies will be joining forces to bring an electric co-production of Mozart’s Requiem to the Leeds Grand Theatre and it is certainly not one to be missed.
In this cross-cultural production, Phoenix Dance Theatre will join and performing artists from South Africa will join forces with the Chorus and Orchestra of Opera North in a unique response to the grief experienced by so many around the world during the pandemic.
So what are you waiting for? Dip your toe into the wonderful world of opera with Opera North's Try it ON scheme and find yourself a newfound hobby.
You can have a look at the list of upcoming performances and book your tickets here on Opera North's website.
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10 of the best new openings coming to Leeds in 2026
Allow us to get you excited about the next one with a list of new openings coming to the city.
If you're feeling a little bit down in the dumps about 2025 ending then do not fear, because we've got a feeling that the next year is about to be even bigger and better.
There's already a great selection of restaurants, bars and shops gearing up to open up in Leeds during, so let us fill you in.
Salon Madre and Madre
Wellington Street
Image: The Manc Eats
Are you ready for a fresh taste of Mexico Leeds? Well you better be – because Madre, the day-to-night eatery that has made waves over in Manchester and Liverpool, is setting up shop on Wellington Street in due course.
Not only that, but their lively sibling Salon Madre will be opening next door on Friday 20 February. Expect tequila-fuelled nights, pool tables, lively DJs and Lucha Libre on the big screens. Madre will open one month later.
Trinity Kitchen 2.0
Image: Supplied
Trinity Leeds is embarking on a major transformation with a £15 million expansion, introducing a second food court called ‘Freight Island’ The upgrade will add around 72,000 sq ft of new space, including a stunning rooftop terrace overlooking City Square the perfect spot to enjoy great food with skyline views.
Burgerism
Meanwood
Image: The Manc Eats
You may remember when Burgerism had a delivery kitchen in Leeds, and ever since it closed we’ve had a Burgerism-shaped hole in our hearts. Well not any longer, because the Manchester-based burger chain has been given the go ahead to open a takeaway on Meanwood Road - hallelujah.
Dishoom
Taking over the old Flannels Site on Vicar Lane
Image: The Hoot Leeds
The legendary Indian restaurant group is coming to Leeds, and we’re absolutely buzzing about it. Dishoom is inspired by the Irani cafes of 1960s Bombay, which were meeting places for people from all walks of life.
Famed for their Indian twist on a classic breakfast (seriously, their breakfast naans are out of this world), Dishoom offers an all-day dining approach so you can get your Bombay fix from morning to noon and noon to night.
Planning permission is up for the restaurant to take over the former Flannels site on Vicar Lane, so fingers crossed it won’t be too long until we can all get stuck in.
Just when you thought the wine scene in Headingley couldn’t get any better, Once Upon A Vine is popping the cork on their third site - right in the heart of Headingley.
Expect hundreds of wines, plenty of bottles of fizz, and of course, a carefully curated local beer selection.
Uniqlo
Briggate
Image: Uniqlo
It’s happening…Uniqlo has confirmed it’s opening up right here in Leeds next year and we must say it’s looking very nice indeed. The Leeds store will be 1,100 square metres and will be located on Briggate in the old House of Fraser site. It’s part of a new expansion across the UK alongside new stores in Birmingham and Bristol.
A new Japanese grill and BBQ restaurant is opening up from Fern, the absolute mastermind behind Fern Modern Sushi. Opening up in the heart of the city on Vicar Lane, we can't wait for this one.
Dough Club
Burley Road
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Dough Club, a Manchester-based Detroit-style pizzeria, is planning to open up in Leeds.
Famed for their chewy, thick, cheesy crusts that are loaded with all the toppings imaginable, they’ll be opening up a spot on Burley Road for all your pizza needs.
MADE Matcha
Lower Briggate
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Introducing MADE Matcha, a matcha and açaí bar that has created waves in the foodie scene over in Sheffield since opening back in September last year. And it's pretty clear they're doing very well indeed, to be opening a second site in another city less than six months after launching is no mean feat.
Made Matcha will be opening on Lower Briggate in the Nice Things site and this pastel green paradise specialise in seasonal matchas that (almost) look too pretty to drink.
Lane 7
Albion Street
Image: The Hoot leeds
The independent bowling brand is set to open at Trinity Leeds in late spring, spanning a whopping 23,000 sq ft.
As well as 12 state-of-the-art bowling lanes, Lane7 will be home to other games including darts, pool tables, beer pong, golf simulators, and even an interactive 'Playground'.
Featured images - The Hoot Leeds
News
Leeds Pride 2026 announces dates and first wave of acts for 20th anniversary celebration this summer
Clementine Hall
Leeds Pride has confirmed the dates for its 2026 festival, which will mark the event’s 20th anniversary this summer.
And you bet that organisers are pulling out all the stops.
The city-wide celebration champions local LGBTQ+ talent alongside world-class headline acts, and this year for the first time ever, celebrations will be held across two days on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 July 2026.
The festival’s first performer has been announced as Strictly Come Dancing Icon & RuPaul’s Drag Race Star La Voix, who will be taking to the main stage.
Image: Supplied
And it doesn't stop there, Leeds Pride will feature a full weekend of diverse events, including the Leeds Pride Drag Brunch Fest, street parties across the city and of course the iconic Pride parade, which is set to be even bigger and better than ever before.
A Leeds Pride spokesperson said: "We're incredibly excited to celebrate 20 years of Leeds Pride. This milestone anniversary represents two decades of bringing our community together, championing LGBTQ+ voices and creating unforgettable moments.
Images: Supplied
“Leeds Pride is growing and stronger than ever and we're committed to giving Northern LGBTQ+ performers a platform to shine. This 20th anniversary festival will be our biggest and best yet, but as we expand, we need public and sponsor support more than ever to make our vision a reality. We're calling on businesses and individuals to get behind Leeds Pride and help us deliver an incredible celebration that our community deserves.
“Expanding to two days for the first time shows just how far we've come, and we can't wait to welcome everyone back to Leeds this summer for what will be our most spectacular Pride yet."
More details will be announced soon and you can find out more here on the Leeds Pride website.
Clementine Hall -
3rd March 2023 
