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Independent Leeds bookshop raises money for trans healthcare by inviting customers to ‘deface’ Harry Potter books

Clementine Hall - 26th March 2026

A bookshop in Leeds is inviting its customers to vandalise Harry Potter books for charity.

Well, this is definitely one we haven't seen before.

The Bookish Type on Great George Street in Leeds is a fabulous independently-owned queer bookshop that prides itself on being a safe space for all.

They're raising money for trans healthcare by inviting customers to vandalise Harry Potter novels for just 25p per go.

A bargain if you ask us, and all for a good cause. And don't worry, all the books are second hand and have been donated.

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Images: The Hoot Leeds

If you're not understanding the immediate connection between the two, then allow us to fill you in.

J.K. Rowling, the author of the famous Harry Potter novels, has over recent years expressed transphobic comments and anti-trans political beliefs on social media.

Yesterday, Wednesday 25 March, the trailer for the new HBO Max Harry Potter series was released which has encouraged many people to speak out against Rowling and claim she should no longer be supported.

So, The Bookish Type are showing support for the trans community and asking those who feel frustrated to have a doodle and whilst they're at it, donate to a good cause.

If you're not able to make it into the shop, The Bookish Type have said "You will soon be able to donate online and we will personally deface a page with your message/doodle/scribble."

We're absolutely obsessed.

Find out more about The Bookish Type and if you can, pop in for a browse and a doodle whilst you're at it.

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Featured image - The Bookish Type Leeds (Supplied)

Leeds

Leeds to be transformed into a giant board game as Trivial Pursuit takes over the city

Clementine Hall

Leeds is set to become a giant board game this summer as Trivial Pursiot arrives in the city centre to celebrate a landmark moment in its history.

To mark 400 years since Leeds was granted its royal charter, LeedsBID (Leeds Business Improvement District) is transforming the city into a live interactive version of Hasbro’s iconic Trivial Pursuit board game, inviting residents and visitors to test their knowledge of all things Leeds.

It follows the huge success of the MONOPOLY Leeds Takeover back in summer 2024 and this year, LeedsBID is once again working with leading game, IP and toy company Hasbro to bring another of its iconic games to life.

This time, the focus is on the stories, achievements and surprising facts that have shaped Leeds over four centuries.

Running from 25 July to 30 August 2026, the free experience will see participants journey across the city centre answering questions and collecting wedges, just like the classic trivia game.

Key locations will represent the six traditional Trivial Pursuit categories: Entertainment, Geography, Sports & Leisure, Science and Nature, History, and Art & Literature.

Matt Proulx, Senior Vice President of Global Experiences, Partnerships and Music at Hasbro said: “After the incredible response to the MONOPOLY Leeds Takeover in 2024, we’re proud to collaborate with LeedsBID once again to reimagine another iconic brand in a bold new way.

"This is exactly how we think about Global Experiences at Hasbro - taking our brands beyond the table and creating experiences that are social, shareable and deeply connected to the communities they celebrate."

Andrew Cooper, Chief Executive of LeedsBID, said: “TRIVIAL PURSUIT Leeds is about celebrating everything about this great city, from those headline facts and figures people know to the lesser-known surprising details and discoveries.

“LeedsBID’s raison d’etre is to put Leeds on the map and tell the stories and successes of the city. Trivial Pursuit Leeds is doing just that, providing a free, fun and entertaining activity for all ages while sharing new and interesting achievements of this amazing place.”

Read more: Iconic Leeds venue The Reliance to be brought back to life under new name ‘The Smithfield’

Featured image - Supplied

Leeds

Iconic Leeds venue The Reliance to be brought back to life under new name ‘The Smithfield’

Clementine Hall

The Reliance, a much missed North Street site, is being brought back to life as The Smithfield.

The Smithfield is set to be a new social eatery and pub focused on seasonal, produce-led dining.

Set to open its doors to the people of Leeds in early April, The Smithfield will pay homage to the local area through both its produce and people.

The venue will focus on proper plates of seasonal ingredients, pairing a relaxed dining style with a strong sense of community. Sounds pretty brilliant if you ask us.

Building on the legacy of North Street, The Smithfield is a collaborative project between Yorkshire brewery Crooked Brewing and chef James Donovan.

Images: Supplied

Images: Supplied

Steve Dawson, co-founder of Crooked Brewing, has long admired The Reliance and want to build on its established legacy.

“What The Reliance was doing was cutting edge for its time,” says Donovan. “We want to bring that same vision and energy into Leeds in 2026. Our aim is to pick up the culinary torch that The Reliance left behind and continue its legacy of great food in Leeds,” adds Dawson.

The Smithfield takes its name from Church Street’s historic connection to the Smithfield cattle market of the early 1800s, once located on what is now Lovell Park.

“We really want the people around us to feel that The Smithfield is their space,” says Dawson. “We want to give them a place at our table.”

We'll keep you updated with an opening date as and when we know, but we're very excited indeed.

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Featured image - Supplied