Northern Lights Leeds is making a triumphant return, and it's set to be even sparklier than before.
As soon as the weather takes a turn and the thought of a Sunday roast sounds ever so tempting, we start to feel a little bit festive inside.
Northern Lights will run from Friday 21 November until Wednesday 31 December 2025.
This year you can not only expect breathtaking illuminations, but guests can also enjoy delicious food and drink from a carefully curated Christmas Village.
Image: Supplied
As well as vintage fairground rides and stalls selling the likes of mulled wine, hot chocolate and toasted marshmallows, the village will host local artisanal street food vendors including gourmet burgers and fries from local favourites The Otley Burger Company, loaded hot dogs from sausage connoisseurs Diamond Dogs and for those with a sweet tooth, an authentic Spanish Churros stand.
Image: Supplied
At the heart of Northern Lights this year, taking pride of place on Temple Newsam’s Menagerie Ponds, will be Lily of the Lake. Designed by internationally renowned, Australian digital design firm Mandylights; Lily of the Lake is magnificent six metre wide mirrored lily that will float on the lake’s peaceful waters.
Elsewhere, the award-winning Ithaca Creative Sound & Light Art team will be transforming some of the park’s wintery woodland into Jungle Tree; a sumptuous digital rainforest with snaking, twisting vines of lush neon lights and sparking, Spanish Moss-inspired hanging garlands complemented by a bespoke jungle-themed soundscape.
Image: Supplied
Sounds pretty magical if you ask us.
Roxy Robinson - Director, From The Fields said: “It’s so exciting to finally be able to share a sneak peek of how we’re transforming Temple Newsam for the second Northern Lights Leeds this year! The response and ticket sales have been brilliant and we cannot wait to show Yorkshire our reimagined Christmas experience.
"It might seem a bit early to be thinking about the festive season but we’ve already sold a quarter of this year’s tickets so, if you want to experience these magical installations from our friends at Ithaca and Mandylights and more, best grab them whilst you can!”
We'll keep you updated with any more updates, but for now you can visit Northern Lights' website to find out more.
Matcha girls assemble, because a new cafe dedicated to it is opening right here in Leeds.
It seems like matcha has taken the world by storm over the past year or so, more often than not you'll see caffeine enthusiasts walking around with bright green drinks over a cup of coffee.
If you're one of those people then you're in luck, because a cafe dedicated to the stuff is opening right here in 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.
Images: The Sheff
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, the beautiful plant shop hasn't been around for long and sadly closed quietly without much noise.
So, what can we expect from Made?
This pastel green paradise specialise in seasonal matchas that (almost) look too pretty to drink.
Images: The Sheff
You can get everything from a Strawberry Shortcake Matcha to a Sticky Date Latte, and you can pretty much guarantee that every time you go they'll have a few more specials on the menu.
Our mates over at The Sheff recommend the Banana Bread Matcha and to be honest, you don't have to tell us twice.
Not only do they serve gallons of the good green stuff, but you can also get fresh açaí bowls, sandwiches and superfood smoothies.
We've got a feeling this spot will be very busy post-pilates class on a Saturday morning, and to be honest we'll see you there.
There's no opening date yet, but we'll keep you in the loop.
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 -
15th September 2025 
