News

The best things to do in and around Leeds this week | 27 March – 2 April 2023

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Clementine Hall Clementine Hall - 24th March 2023

It's the last week of March so let's end it with a bang by getting out and about and enjoying the best of what the city has to offer.

Leeds was recently named one of the best places to live in the UK by The Sunday Times and we have to say, we whole-heartedly agree.

The city was praised for its incredible culture and arts, which just by glancing at this list of events you can clearly see why.

So as we step further into Spring, let's take advantage of what's going on in our wonderful city. From musical performances to food festivals and family-friendly Easter activities, this week is going to be a fun one...

Snoop Dogg Live

Monday 27 March 2023 | First Direct Arena, Arena Way

Snoop Dogg has finally rebooked the gigs that got pushed back during lockdown (then again for other reasons) and will be performing in Leeds with Xzibit as a special guest plus support from Warren G, Tha Dogg Pound, Obie Trice and D12, and Irish rap duo Versatile.

Tickets are still available, costing between £45.50 and £68.50 via See Tickets.

Find out more here.

Sister Act

Monday 27 March - Saturday 1 April 2023 | Leeds Grand Theatre, New Briggate

 
 
 
 
 
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The sisters have officially landed in Leeds and will be giving you the show of a lifetime all week at the beautiful Leeds Grand Theatre. 

This life-affirming musical is a joyous celebration of sisterhood which is bound to leave you beaming in your seats. Tickets for this heavenly performance can be bought here. 

Trinity Kitchen New Vendors

All Week | Trinity Shopping Centre

Image: The Hoot Leeds

We’re officially into spring – and with the new seasons come new food trucks over at Trinity Kitchen. From much-loved Levantine cuisine MorMor to newcomers bringing ‘weiner’ dogs to the table, there’s truly something for everybody to get stuck in to.

Head on over to Trinity Kitchen and see what takes your fancy, we promise you won't be disappointed.

Leeds School of Arts Launch Night

Wednesday 29 March | Leeds Beckett University, Portland Way

Leeds Beckett.
Image: Leeds Beckett University

Leeds Beckett University are to launch their brand new, state-of-the-art Leeds School of Arts building this Wednesday. The new building will house a community of 3,000 diverse creators studying design, fashion, architecture, music, film and the performing arts.

The launch will be marked with an exciting programme of events, including an exclusive live performance, reception and concert featuring live academic and student performances. Anyone is welcome to attend the launch and celebrate the incredible role that the university plays in the arts and cultural life of our city.

Read more: Leeds Beckett to launch new state-of-the-art Leeds School of Arts building

Untold Bar

Wednesday 29 March - Sunday 2 April | 95 Kirkgate, Leeds City Centre

Image: The Hoot Leeds

This brand new Ibiza-themed bar in Kirkgate only just opened on the weekend, so why not head down this week as they embark on their first full week of opening. Expect a Mediterranean-inspired cocktail menu, an epic party atmosphere and regular live music to get you dancing into the night.

Think rattan chairs, turquoise walls adorned with striking neon signs and plush pink soft furnishings to nestle down in- the interior alone makes you feel as though you’ve hopped on a flight to the Balearics.

Read more: Inside the new Ibiza-inspired bar opening in Kirkgate Leeds

Burrowing Bunnies Easter Trail

Friday 31st March - Sunday 16 April 2023 | White Rose Shopping Centre

Image: Supplied

There’s nothing like a bunny trail to get you in the Easter spirit. White Rose Shopping Centre will be hosting a fantastically free Burrowing Bunnies Easter Trail where families are invited to find eight mischievous bunnies hiding around the centre.

And the best part is, after you’ve completed the trail and located each mischievous bunny then you can trade in your map at the end for a delicious Easter treat and a pair of adorable rabbit ears.

Real Food Market Ilkley

Sunday 2 April 2023 | The Grove, Ilkley

Image: The Ilkley Kitchen

On the first Sunday of every month there is an artisan food market in Ilkley that will absolutely blow your socks off. Hosted by Real Food Markets, you can expect a selection of the best stallholders in Yorkshire who will be selling an array of goodies for you to take home with you.

Whilst you're there we urge you to stop by The Ilkley Kitchen to sample one of their epic sausage rolls, mammoth scotch eggs or irresistible sweet treats (the mini bundt cakes are to die for). We recommend picking up a few things, as you won't be able to resist the temptation of tucking in right there on the spot.

Feature image - The Ilkley Kitchen / Supplied / The Hoot Leeds

News

Northern rock and blues veterans Proud Mary announce run of reunion shows in 2026

Danny Jones Danny Jones

Veteran Manchester rock and blues band Proud Mary recently announced a limited run of UK reunion shows, including one right here in Leeds.

The seasoned Northern outfit may have seen plenty of lineup changes and a long hiatus of sorts, but now they’re returning for just a small handful of comeback gigs across the country.

Ahead of their seminal debut album turning 25 years old this year, 2026 also seems them steadily creeping up on the best part of three decades as a group in some form or another.

What better time to step back into the spotlight?

For anyone uninitiated, the native 90s and early noughties name was the first band signed to Noel Gallagher’s Sour Mash Records in 2001.

Their first-ever LP, The Same Old Blues, still remains their most revered work to this day.

Dubbed by the older Burnage brother and legendary Manc musician as “a lesson in songwriting” in an interview with the NME way back when, they started out as long-time friends and turned into fellow studio peers.

As well as supporting the likes of Oasis, Neil Young, The Stereophonics, Paul Weller, Ocean Colour Scene, Ryan Adams, Noel’s High Flying Birds and more on various tours over the years, they also famously headlined Isle of Wight Festival in 2004.

Having collaborated with the likes of another Britpop legend, Gem Archer, as well as The Smiths’ Andy Rourke, not to mention gaining plaudits from so many other contemporaries, they’re likely one of your favourite bands’ old faithful bands.

Moreover, in regional terms, rising local indie rock quintet Rosellas are also joining them on the road for their shows.

Proud Mary will be playing at The Warehouse in Leeds on Friday 8 May and you can grab your tickets HERE.

Read more: New grassroots music space aiming to make DJing and music more accessible opening in Headingley this month

Featured Images — Proud Mary (press shots supplied via Sonic PR)

News

Reverend and the Makers frontman Jon McClure becomes chairman of Sheffield FC

Danny Jones Danny Jones

Reverend and the Makers frontman Jon McClure has officially been confirmed as the new chairman of the oldest football team in the world, Sheffield FC.

He might be a die-hard Wednesday fan, but given the turbulence his lifelong club have been through over the past couple of years, maybe this is the start of a new love affair.

Sheffield FC had teased that important news was coming soon earlier this month, simply writing on socials: "Not long until we can tell all. We’ve been sitting on something big."

As it turns out, the news is that one of the Steel City's most famous and beloved sons is now part of the club's new ownership structure. McClure quickly took to social media to help join in with the announcement as well.

The veteran indie frontman and Day Fever co-founder has continued to branch out from solely music-related ventures, having gone into business not only with multiple names for the smash hit afternoon-into-early evening music festival, but also joining forces with a fellow Sheffielder.

Since November of last year, Jon's has often appeared alongside his brother Chris, who plays the comedy character of 'Steve Bracknall' on the Game's Gone podcast.

A bit like Yorkshire's answer to Alan Partridge, there remains a sporting throughline in pretty much all of the 44-year-old's career at the moment - now so more than ever.

Speaking online, McClure said: "What am I doing at the world’s oldest football club, you ask? Well, meet the new chairman of Sheffield FC.

"Our vision is that we honour the club’s roots and pay homage to its incredible history, whilst restoring it to its former glory." He's already been making his presence known around their home ground.

While some are still looking for updates on the plans to bring the historic outfit back closer to Sheffield proper - the non-league club currently playing at The Home of Football Stadium in Dronfield, Derbyshire - this fresh start for the now oft-neglected native minnows has still sparked some excitement.

At present, 'The Ancients' are in the process of developing a new 5,000-seater arena at the old Sheffield Transport Sports Club site in Meadowhead, which was initially slated to open this year.

But as for the musician, he went on to add that "There’s a lot to be done, but we’re ready to get stuck in and give Sheffield FC the love it deserves"; McClure and co. have dubbed this "a new chapter" for "the first in the world", and the update will no doubt bring some fresh hope to the organisation.

What do you make of the announcement, and is a local figure like Reverend and the Makers' Jon McClure the right person to help take over this community cornerstone and national institution?

Read more:

Featured Images — Sheffield FC/Reverend and the Makers

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