Make Sunday the 21st of July the date for your summer social calendar because Leeds Pride is coming back.
It's time to start planning your post colourful outfit possible, because Leeds Pride is back.
Last year saw the biggest ever parade to date, with over 167 businesses taking part, but this year promises to be bigger, bolder, louder and prouder than ever before.
Taking place on Sunday 21 July 2024, Lower Briggate will host the main stage, whilst the legendary parade stage will remain at Millennium Square.
Image: Supplied
New for 2024 is the exciting addition of Call Lane, which will add a new dynamic to the day and see several more of the city’s most popular bars join in the fun.
Leeds Pride is one of the largest one-day festivals in Yorkshire and a major contributor to the local economy with a footfall of over 60,000 choosing to visit each year.
Image: Supplied
Once again, the event will be free to attend and will feature an incredible line-up of DJs, drag queens and fabulous entertainment as well as the infamous parade.
Defined by a strong community-driven spirit, Leeds Pride is run by a team of skilled and dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly to ensure the event remains completely free for all who wish to attend.
Image: Supplied
Leeds Pride spokesperson, Terry George said: “It's fantastic that Leeds now hosts one of the largest free Pride's in the country, attracting thousands of attendees from all over the UK.
"The event has seen unprecedented growth since the first official Leeds Pride in 2006, and we can't wait for this year's event to come back bigger than ever. The colourful, fun-filled event provides the perfect place to unite everyone from all backgrounds and celebrate our diverse community.”
Feeling excited? Us too.
If you'd like to find out more than visit the Leeds Pride website here.
A popular restaurant chain has closed permanently in Leeds city centre.
Popular pizzeria Franco Manca has closed its Leeds restaurant.
The chain was famed for its relaxed atmosphere, quick service and affordable sourdough Neapolitan pizzas that were on offer for as little as a fiver.
The chain occupied the site on the outskirts of Trinity Shopping Centre on Trinity Street, next door to Itsu and overlooking the back entrance of Marks and Spencer.
Hoardings have now gone up, signifying the site is now empty and Franco Manca has permanently closed.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
This can also be seen on Google when searching for the restaurant branch.
It was announced earlier this year that a number of Franco Manca's restaurants would be closing across the country.
This was down to a reconstructing plan approved by creditors for the chain. The brand said it had been knocked by “disproportionately high” UK taxes and a lack of business rates relief for hospitality.
Marcel Khan, chief executive of parent firm Fulham Shore, said at the time: “We are grateful for the support shown by our creditors today.
“Franco Manca is a fantastic brand with a strong heritage and loyal customer base. With this agreement in place, we will put the business back on a firm footing and press ahead with strengthening our customer offer and performance.”
The Leeds brand was not included in the initial list of restaurant closing, but it seems further closures were made.
Miami-inspired Leeds bodega to open second site in Horsforth following huge success of first
Clementine Hall
A sandwich shop in Leeds is expanding to the suburbs.
Famed for it’s toasted Cuban sandwiches, stacked subs and loaded breakfast bagels - Alfonsos Deli has made a name for itself for serving some of the best sandwiches around the city.
Such a good reputation in fact, that they’ve just announced a second location over in the leafy suburb of Horsforth. Get in.
Currently, you'll find Alfonso's in the Grand Arcade where their light-filled and airy space is slinging out sandwiches non-stop until sell-out.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
It's not just sandwiches, though. They're also serving up fantastic Cuban coffee, beer and even Cuban cigars.
Basically, it's everything you'd expect to find in a deli in Miami.
The team shared the news of the expansion on social media, confirming that a brand-new Horsforth site is on the way.
While an official opening date is yet to be revealed, the announcement has already sparked plenty of excitement among loyal customers, many of whom have been calling for a second location since the deli first opened.
Alfonso's has built a devoted following in Leeds, with its signature Cubano sandwich becoming a firm favourite, while its breakfast bagels draw queues of hungover punters through the doors.
The move to Horsforth marks the next chapter for the independent business, bringing its popular menu to a whole new neighbourhood. And they're in fantastic company too, in a suburb that is flourishing with independent local businesses.
If the success of the Grand Arcade site is anything to go by, the new deli is likely to be just as busy from day one. More details, including an opening date and the full menu, are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
Good luck to the team, we can't wait to check it out.
Clementine Hall -
29th January 2024 
