A bird's-eye view of Leeds, Sheffield, and Yorkshire

X

News

A breathtaking giant sculpture of the sun is coming to Yorkshire for the summer

Clementine Hall - 5th May 2026

A giant model of the sun is set to be illuminated in Wakefield.

The sun is coming to Wakefield… and we’re not just referring to that one that’s popped up in the sky at long last.

We’re taking about Helios, the amazing art installation that’s about to stop off at Wakefield Exchange as it tours around the UK.

Created by renowned artist, Luke Jerram, the beautiful art piece measures a whopping seven-metres in diameter and has been created using images captured by NASA.

Helios builds on the success of Luke Jerram’s previous installations in Wakefield, including the hugely popular Museum of the Moon.

Image: Wakefield Exchange (Press photos)

With its striking scale and rich scientific detail, the artwork provides a safe and captivating way to encounter the Sun up close, highlighting everything from solar flares to the phenomena that created the unforgettable Northern Lights visible across the UK in 2024.

Stepping beneath the breathtaking glowing sculpture, audiences can experience an atmospheric fusion of solar imagery, sunlight and a specially commissioned surround‑sound composition that brings the science and mystery of our nearest star vividly to life.

Alongside the striking sun instillation, Wakefield Exchange will present a full programme of free, family‑friendly, space‑themed activities throughout the summer.

Visitors can enjoy hands‑on workshops, creative crafts, dressing‑up sessions and playful drop‑in experiences.

Helios will be hosted by Wakefield Exchange from Friday 12 June until Sunday 6 September 2026, and you can find out more here on their website.

Read more from The Hoot Leeds:

Featured image - Wakefield Exchange (Press photos)

News

Popular beer festival showcasing over 35 indie breweries is returning to Leeds this month

Clementine Hall

Hop City, the long-running beer festival from award-winning Leeds-based brewery Northern Monk, returns this month for its ninth year.

Beer lovers, this one's for you.

Bringing over 35 of the best independent breweries from the UK, Europe and North America together to The Old Flax Store, Hop City will have approximately 250 different world-class beers for guests to try across one weekend of festivities.

The best part? Every pour across the weekend is included in the price of the ticket alongside a Hop City branded glass to enjoy them in, so don't worry about having to continuously reach for your wallet.

Images: Supplied

Images: Supplied

Joining Northern Monk this year are UK breweries including Brighton’s Beak, Deya from Cheltenham, Manchester-based Track and Edinburgh’s Newbarns who will be pouring next to the likes of US breweries Trillium, Root + Branch, Finback and everywhere; Canadian’s Messorem and Third Moon, and a selection of Europe’s finest indie brewers.

Seriously, this is a beer lover's paradise.

And it's not just about the booze, as joining Hop City 2026 will be joined by Leeds’ own Bundobust who will be bringing their Indian street food alongside Bonehead Fried Chicken and Hermanos Caliente, courtesy of Niko’s Comfort Kitchen.

Images: Supplied

Images: Supplied

Not a beer fan? Don't fret as natural wine bar Rinse will be pouring all weekend whilst Below Stairs will be providing the cocktails.

Russell Bisset, Founder of Northern Monk, said: “What started out as an idea to host some of our favourite breweries in Leeds has grown into something bigger than we could have imagined. From the beginning, the ambition was clear - to champion the best hop-forward breweries in the world and to create the first beer festival in Europe dedicated to celebrating hoppy beers and IPAs.

"Today, it’s about bringing some of the greatest breweries from across the globe together under one roof, creating something genuinely special for people who love beer as much as we do. Heading into our ninth year with a line-up of this calibre is something we’re incredibly proud of. It’s not just about the beer, but the community, collaboration, and spirit behind it.”

Hop City 2026 will take place from Friday 15 to Saturday 16 of May, and you can buy your tickets here.

Read more: A breathtaking giant sculpture of the sun is coming to Yorkshire for the summer

Featured image - Supplied

News

‘It’s not goodbye, it’s see you soon’ – Iconic Leeds LGBTQ+ venue The Bridge announces shock closure

Clementine Hall

It's the end of an era as The Bridge announces its shock closure "with great sadness and a heavy heart".

The Bridge has been serving the LGBTQ+ community of Leeds for decades now, providing a safe space for all in the centre of town.

On Thursday 30 April, The Bridge sadly announced their sudden closure with a heartfelt statement on social media directed toward their customers old and new.

The statement read: "Due to circumstances very much beyond our control, like others we have seen rising costs cripple many independent businesses.

The Bridge in Leeds. — Image: The Hoot Leeds

"There has been blood sweat and tears put into bridge as you see it now, I can only thank our customers who have supported us for nearly five years.

"Thank you for the memories and please feel free to share yours with us and only leave positive comments as this is already upsetting for us all."

The post continued: "Thank you to all the performers and staff that have walked through our doors and were a part of making it a more inclusive venue and growing every year into something we are very proud of.

"Keep your eyes peeled for our next venture. Our final calendar of events will be posted shortly so please come and see us and have one last knees up. Love from The Bridge family.

"It's not goodbye, it's see you soon"

You can view the full post here and leave your fond memories of The Bridge in the comments.

Read more:

Featured image - The Hoot Leeds