Leeds

A brand-new city-wide festival dedicated to independent coffee is launching in Leeds

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall - 11th August 2026

Leeds is set to become one big fat coffee festival this September.

Born in Manchester, Slurpfest is a much-love celebration of coffee that is coming to the city for the first time ever.

Working alongside the Slurpfest founders, North Star Coffee Roasters and headline sponsors Oatly and Indie Coffee Guide are bringing the festival to Leeds on Saturday 26 September with over 30 venues already signed up to take part.

The festival is designed to showcase the incredible talent, creativity and community behind Leeds’ thriving independent coffee scene, bringing together independent cafés, coffeenprofessionals, roasters and coffee lovers for a weekend of tastings, workshops, events and experiences.

Images: The Hoot Leeds

“Leeds has an amazing independent coffee scene and we want to celebrate the people who make it so special,” said Holly Kragiopoulos. “Slurpfest is about bringing the whole coffee community together and turning the entire city into one big festival. Best of all, so many of the events are completely free, making it super accessible for everyone to get involved and try something new.”

Unlike a traditional festival held in one location, Slurpfest Leeds will take over the whole city, with coffee shops and venues across Leeds hosting their own events throughout the weekend.

We're talking tastings, workshops, a city-wide coffee trail, an opening and closing party as well as a full day of coffee workshops, talks and experiences at North Star’s Coffee Hub at Leeds Dock.

“We’re super excited to see the city of Leeds take on Slurp Fest and make it their own” said Nat, Slurpfest Co-Founder.

Tickets for individual events are expected to be released from August, with the full festival programme announced soon.

You can keep an eye on their socials here.

Read more: A massive food and drink festival is coming to Temple Newsam this weekend

Featured image The Hoot Leeds

Leeds

Everything you need to know about watching the solar eclipse in Leeds

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

People all across the UK will be able to see an almost total solar eclipse in the sky this evening.

For the first time this century, with the last one being all the way back in 1999, people in the UK and Ireland – including here in Leeds – will get to see 90-96% of the sun covered by the moon today (12 August 2026), and if that wasn’t exciting enough as it is, this will be the last chance to do so until 2081.

NASA and Royal Museums Greenwich has confirmed that tomorrow’s solar eclipse will be the most coverage seen from the UK and Ireland since the 1999 event.

But what can astronomy fans in Leeds expect from today’s eclipse? When will it be happening? How much coverage is our region going to see? And where are some of the best places to watch?

Here’s everything you need to know.

What is a solar eclipse?

First up, let’s get the basics out the way – what is a solar eclipse? A solar eclipse occurs when the moon moves between the sun and the Earth, blocking the sun’s light either partly or fully.

Although the UK will only see a partial solar eclipse this time, some other countries – such as parts of Iceland, Spain, Portugal, and Greenland – will be lucky enough to witness the spectacle of a total eclipse for a duration of up to two minutes and 18 seconds.

When will it be happening?

The eclipse is set to start at 6:13pm in Greater Manchester, and will run right through to 8:03pm – with the peak happening at 7:10pm.

How much coverage can Greater Leeds expect?

Of course, we always have to preface anything we say about astronomical events like this by saying ‘it depends on the weather’, as we do like in the north after all, and even though it is the height of summer, that won’t stop the skies from being overcast.

Luckily though, the Met Office is predicting some of the best weather conditions for an event like this in a long time, so it really is worth watching.

Spectators in Leeds will see 90 - 92% coverage, according to expert sources.

How can I watch the eclipse safely?

If there’s one thing experts are stressing, it’s the need to take correct precautions if you are planning to watch tomorrow.

The most important thing is to wear eclipse glasses and avoid looking directly at the sun.

It’s true that during an eclipse, the sun does appears dimmer therefore making it easier to look at directly, however solar radiation can still reach and damage the retina, often without causing any pain, so you may not realise harm is occurring until it’s too late.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) advises that there are two safe approaches – specialist eclipse viewers, or indirect viewing methods.

Eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers must be genuine, sold by a reputable retailer, and have specially designed filters that meet the international safety standard ISO 12312-2:2015(E). They must also have no scratches, tearing, or damage to the lens.

Old pairs may not be reusable, and sunglasses should never be used.

Indirect view methods include viewing the sun’s image projected through a colander or the gaps between tree leaves on to white paper, or using a pinhole pierced in one sheet of card and projected on to another.

Read more: A brand-new city-wide festival dedicated to independent coffee is launching in Leeds

Featured Image - Mathew Schwartz (via Unsplash)

Leeds

Facial fitness brand loved by celebrities to open second standalone store outside of London in Leeds

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

We hope you're ready for your workout, because Facegym is coming to Leeds.

You may be wondering...what on earth is Facegym? And to be fair, you've got a point.

Facegym, as they themselves describe it, a 'non-invasive fitness studio concept for the face' using high-intensity facial massage, hand manipulation, and electrical muscle stimulation technology to tone, lift, and sculpt the face without surgery.

Unsurprisingly, it's loved by celebrities worldwide and currently occupies five standalone stores in London, one in Cambridge as well as a pop-up in Space NK in Selfridges Manchester.

Facegym will be opening inside the coveted Victoria Gate, taking over a 1,772 square foot studio.

Image: The Hoot Leeds

Angelo Castello, chief executive at Facegym, said: “We’re incredibly excited to bring Facegym to Leeds and to open in the beautiful Victoria Gate. The city has a thriving beauty, wellness, and retail scene, making it the perfect location for our next studio.

“We’ve seen growing demand from customers across Yorkshire, and we can’t wait to introduce even more people to the benefits of facial fitness.”

James Edmondson, asset manager at Victoria Leeds owner Redical, said: “Facegym comes at a transformative time for Victoria Leeds, as we continue to branch out and diversify our tenant mix to a degree that sets us apart from the rest.

“This firmly reflects our position as a prime pitch for brands that want to expand outside of London, as we remain not only a place to shop but also a premium lifestyle choice.”

That's all the information we have for now, but we'll keep you updated with opening times as and when we find out more but in the meantime - get your face ready for the workout of its life.

Read more: A brand-new city-wide festival dedicated to independent coffee is launching in Leeds

Featured image - Facegym (via Facebook)

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