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Global pop superstar Olivia Rodrigo says she ‘really wants to go to Leeds’ in 2026

Let us know if you need a tour guide, Olivia.

Clementine Hall - 15th June 2026

American pop sensation Olivia Rodrigo has outlined her ambitions for 2026 - and one of them involves a trip to Leeds.

It's safe to say the concept of Olivia Rodrigo taking a stroll down Briggate or waiting for a train at Platform 16 is one we're struggling to get our heads around, but we're absolutely not mad about it.

The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter is known for her love of the UK, having been spotted spending chunks of time in both Manchester and London over recent years.

But in a recent interview with Hits Radio UK, Olivia Rodrigo stated she wanted to explore more of the UK. And the city at the top of her list? Leeds.

@hitsradiouk let us know if you need a tour guide @Olivia Rodrigo 😌x Friday Fry-Up with Olivia Rodrigo drops on our YouTube channel at 10am BST tomorrow! 🍳✨ #oliviarodrigo #youseemprettysadforagirlsoinlove #UK #leeds ♬ original sound - Hits Radio UK

When asked if she has a favourite area of the UK, she said: "I spent some time in Manchester which was really nice. Very inspiring, so many great bands from there.

"I spent some time in Wales too, which was fun. I've been around but I need to go and see more things. I really want to go to Leeds this year. I think that'll be fun. Just like as a spectator, I think that'll be cool."

You know what Olivia, it absolutely will.

Interviewer Will Best then suggests she attends a Leeds match to which she responds "yes" enthusiastically.

So next time we're at Elland Road we'll definitely be keeping a firm eye out for Miss Rodrigo who we've no doubt will look exceptional in a Leeds United jersey.

Read more: Grassroots Leeds music venue secures long-term future as part of community ownership scheme

Featured image - Hits Radio UK

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Grassroots Leeds music venue secures long-term future as part of community ownership scheme

Clementine Hall

Northern Guitars in Leeds has had its long-term future secured after the building has been purchased as part of a nationwide community ownership initiative.

If you've ever been on a night out on Call Lane, then you will know of (or have heard) Northern Guitars.

It's about as grassroots as it gets, a proper intimate venue supporting artists of all levels.

And now the much-loved city centre venue, which has become a staple of Leeds' music scene, is one of the latest independent music venues to benefit from a scheme designed to protect cultural spaces from the pressures of the commercial property market.

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Images: The Hoot Leeds

The space has been acquired by community benefit society Music Venue Properties (MVP), an organisation set up by the Music Venue Trust to buy the buildings occupied by grassroots venues and rent them back to operators on long-term agreements.

The move means the brilliant Northern Guitars can continue doing what it does best without the uncertainty that often comes with being in an increasingly challenging landscape.

MVP was launched in 2022 in response to the growing number of grassroots venues disappearing across the UK. According to the organisation, more than a third of the country's grassroots music venues have closed over the last two decades, with many struggling due to short-term leases and rising property costs.

Since launching, MVP has raised more than £7 million through community investment and funding, using the money to secure permanent homes for venues that play a vital role in nurturing emerging artists and supporting local music scenes.

This is a proper win for Northern Guitars and we're absolutely chuffed to know that they'll be going absolutely nowhere.

Read more:

Featured image - The Hoot Leeds

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Opening party announced for Leeds’ newest XL nightclub taking over the old PRYZM site

Clementine Hall

Leeds-based events brand Mint has officially revealed the location of its highly anticipated new venue, Mint XL.

And it's set to open in none other than the iconic former PRYZM nightclub site on Woodhouse Lane in the heart of Leeds city centre.

Known for its longstanding contribution to the city's electronic music landscape through Mint Festival, the brand is now embarking on its most ambitious venue project to date with the launch of a completely reimagined 2,500-capacity space.

The vast space is currently undergoing an extensive redevelopment and full-scale renovation, which will see Mint XL transformed into a state-of-the-art venue built around high-spec production, immersive experiences and forward-thinking programming.

Of course, it's all about the music. So at the heart of the venue is a major commitment to sound and production with a newly installed Funktion-One Vero sound system throughout the main space complemented by cutting-edge lighting, immersive visual production and bespoke room design.

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Enough of the details though, let's get stuck into when it's actually going to open its doors.

Mint XL will officially launch on Friday 25 September with an opening party curated by renowned electronic music platform system which aims to set the tone for an ambitious inaugural season.

Taking over the entire venue, the event will bring together some of the most respected and influential names in underground electronic music, including Craig Richards, Enzo Siragusa, Fumiya Tanaka and Sonja Moonear, alongside a carefully selected lineup of acclaimed artists from across the scene.

Also on the line up is none other than Francesco Del Garda, Truly Madly, Prosumer, Laidlaw, Rich NXT, Voightmann, Foehn & Jerome Kinso, Isabelle Koci and of course long standing residents Annie Errez & Bobby ODonnell.

Tickets for the opening party for Mint XL will go live this Thursday 6 June at 6pm and you can get yours here.

Read more: Team behind Mint Warehouse to open new 2,000 capacity venue in Leeds with strict no-phone policy

Featured image - Supplied