Leeds will be illuminated in neon lights this week, and that can only mean one thing.
The return of Light Night.
As one of the official markers of the autumn season,Light Nightis one of the key calendar events to bring people together across the city and celebrate an array of beautiful installations and pieces of artwork, all of which can only be seen once the skies go dark.
Over atThe Junction, the celebrations will be taken to a whole new level, with an on-site bar serving drinks, live circus performers and street food pop-ups serving delicious grub to get stuck into.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
This has got to be one of the cosiest spots to take in the wonders of Light Night.
The Junction will be a standout location over the two spectacular nights, Thursday 24 and Friday 25 October.
The first installation at, ‘Globoscope’, is a magnificent immersive display of over 200 luminous spheres dotted across the landscape of the gardens. Located over Monk Bridge Viaduct, the light and sound pulse sequences will transform the gardens into a glowy, otherworldly landscape sure to awe visitors.
Image: Supplied
The second art installation, ‘Reflect’, is nestled in The Arches under Monk Bridge Viaduct, and is a mindful and meditative experience where shafts of light dance and bounce off moving water. Guided by an ambient soundtrack, attendees will trail their hands across the water and watch as ripples are reflected off the archway.
Beyond the incredible art instillations, The Junction will also welcome the Roller Girl Gang from 6:30-7:30pm, and Yorkshire Circus, hosting their event ‘Starlight Developing Artist LED Show + LED ‘have-a-go' area’ on the Multi Use Sports Pitch.
Younger visitors (and older, we don't judge) can also get involved with UV Face Painting, ensuring the whole family can take part in the festival fun.
Local Leeds traders Neighbourhood Fried Chicken and The Savvy Baker will be there to keep you fuelled up, and at The Junc Shed New Citizen will be hosting a bar serving up all the tipples.
The North’s favourite Mexican restaurant is arriving in Leeds.
You've met Salon Madre, but have you met her older sister Madre?
This fabulous new restaurant is bringing a taste of Mexico to Leeds, and after making a name for themselves over in Manchester you already know it's going to be good.
By day, Madre is a laid-back space designed for relaxed lunches and by night, it transforms into a lively restaurant serving a menu that celebrates the breadth of Mexican cuisine.
Expect everything from rich Oaxacan-inspired moles and salsas to Baja-style mariscos and Sonoran grilled meats.
Images: The Manc Group
At the heart of Madre is the Mexican tradition of sobremesa - the art of lingering at the table long after the meal is over. It’s all about good food, great drinks and even better company.
Madre’s famous Taco Tuesday will also be heading to Leeds, launching on Cinco de Mayo and running every Tuesday thereafter, guests can enjoy two-for-one tacos all day, every Tuesday.
Madre joins its sister venue, Salon Madre - the lively tequila bar and taqueria- which opened just a few weeks ago. Just a few minutes walk apart, the two spots are perfectly paired for a full day or night out.
We're talking dinner at Madre followed by a few margaritas and a couple games of pool at Salon Madre - class.
Images: The Manc Group
Co-founder Sam Grainger, inspired by extensive travels across Mexico, says: “Mexico is alive with passionate artisans and cooks, mastering everything from street tacos to regional delicacies. It’s a world where traditions blend and evolve, and we’ve built that ethos into the heart of Madre.”
Madre Leeds will be located on Wellington Place and will officially open its doors next Friday 17 April, you can book your table here.
Take a look inside the huge Tulip Festival that’s just opened in Yorkshire with over one million tulips
Clementine Hall
Farmer Copley's Tulip Festival is back and it's just as beautiful as we remember.
Spring has officially sprung and with it, so does Farmer Copley's iconic Tulip Festival that officially opened last Sunday.
Based in West Yorkshire, nestled between Pontefract and Featherstone, the Copley family really know how to get you feeling ready for the season ahead.
Just moments after entering the festival, we can assure you that winter will feel like a distant memory.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Spanning over 8 acres, Jack and the team have planted over 600,00 tulip bulbs consisting of 100+ different varieties of all shapes and colours that arrived directly from the Netherlands.
In addition to the 500,000 planted last year, that means there's over one million tulips to enjoy - now that is pretty impressive if you ask us.
Varieties include Carnaval de Rio, Tom Pouce, Gavota, Lily Flowering Mix, Blushing Appledorn, Wedding Dress and Rodolfo.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The festival includes five sections that have been split by 5 metre walkways enabling the best customer interaction in the field.
There's two dedicated pick your own areas where a mix of bulbs have been planted to ensure that visitors have a wide range of tulips to explore, pick from and create the perfect bunch of tulips. How lovely is that?
Of course there's plenty of photo opportunities, fairground rides and a bar to enjoy the view with a tipple or two.
This really is the perfect family-friendly day out and with the weather looking gorgeous (for now), we'd take the opportunity to see the tulips looking their best whilst you can.
The festival is on until Sunday 3 May 2026, with tickets starting from just £9.
To find out more and to book your ticket, take a look at Farmer Copleys website. We'll see you in the tulip fields.
Clementine Hall -
21st October 2024 
