Leeds is set to welcome an exciting new addition to the city’s interactive gaming scene, as Prison Island prepares to open its first northern venue.
The new multi-activity entertainment venue at the Merrion Centre will make itself at home inside an 11,000 sq ft unit across two floors, with Prison Island being at the heart of the action.
Prison Island is an immersive team challenge that sees players in teams of up to five tackle a series of themed cells designed to test physical ability, skill, teamwork, and problem-solving, and unlike a traditional escape room, teams can take on a variety of challenges that enable them to create a different experience with every visit.
The internationally established concept will also offer a range of additional competitive experiences - including interactive darts and interactive golf.
Leeds will join a global network of more than 110 Prison Island locations, and will become the concept’s fourth venue in the UK and first venue in the North of England - joining existing locations in Belfast, Maidstone, and Camden.
Credit: SuppliedCredit: Supplied
Prison Island Leeds - which will create 18 jobs once it opens - will be operated by the team behind the hugely successful Belfast venue, which opened seven years ago and has established itself as one of Northern Ireland’s leading attractions.
Suitable for groups of friends and families, as well as celebrations, corporate events, and team-building activities, the venue is joining the Merrion Centre and wider Arena Quarter’s growing leisure and entertainment offer.
Ryan Lyttle, director of Prison Island Leeds, said: "We’re most looking forward to finally bringing the Prison Island experience to Leeds. We’ve seen how well the concept works in Belfast, particularly because it appeals to such a broad audience and every visit can be completely different.
Global interactive action game Prison Island to open first northern venue in Leeds / Credit: Supplied
"With Prison Island alongside a range of additional activities, we’re excited to create a venue where people can come together, compete, have fun and discover something they haven’t experienced before."
Prison Island Leeds is expected to be open in time for Christmas, with the team promising special plans to mark its arrival in the city, although details are being kept firmly under wraps for now.
Further information on the opening, including launch plans, will be announced in due course.
Featured Image - Supplied
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You can watch The Celebrity Traitors finale on a massive screen in Leeds this Friday
The finale of The Celebrity Traitors is hitting our TV screens this Friday, and there’s a big screening party happening in Leeds especially for it.
Don't panic guys, it's happening.
Fancy sitting down to watch one of the cultural events of the year on a big screen with dozens of others who are just as invested in the show as you are? Well, now you can.
And that’s because Headrow House, one of the city’s most beloved event space, rooftop and bar, will be hosting a finale watching party - and we’re all invited.
Taking place this Friday 30 October, fans of The Traitors are invited to watch the finale at 8pm.
The best part? Entry is completely free and they'll even be streaming the semi-final ahead of the final at 6pm, so you can indulge in a double bill of the country's most beloved show.
We honestly couldn't think of a better way to spend a Friday evening and we're already searching our wardrobes for an item of clothing that remotely resembles a cloak.
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, Headrow House said: "celebrity traitors final this friday! we’ll be showing the semi-final for anyone who missed it before tuning in for the live final. free entry, get down early for a seat and bring your claudia wigs x"
So to give this series of The Celebrity Traitors a proper send off, get yourself to Headrow House from 6pm and enjoy a few beverages with like minded fans whilst screaming at the screen as Claudia makes her way into the frame.
Whilst we're on the topic, has anyone got an incredibly glossy black fringed wig we could borrow?
Leeds’ biggest food festival confirms 2027 dates for its best one yet
Clementine Hall
Organisers of The North Leeds Food Festival have confirmed the dates for their eleventh annual celebration.
Following an absolute belter of a milestone tenth anniversary, the beloved North Leeds Food Festival is gearing up to return to Roundhay Park.
The festival, which is the biggest food festival in Leeds, will take place on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 May 2027.
And it's set to be the best one yet, as plans are already underway to build on a decade of celebrations, introducing an expanded entertainment programme, brand-new attractions and partnerships with hundreds of independent businesses from across Leeds and the wider Yorkshire region.
Image: Supplied / Jack Biggins Photography
The ethos of the festival remains the same and lies in a celebration of international influence and community spirit expressed through street food, artisan markets, live entertainment, music, performing arts and charity.
Visitors can expect an expanded street food village, two independent bars, and an even bigger programme of events including live music, cooking demonstrations and family-friendly activities.
Image: Supplied / Jack Biggins Photography
Festival Director, Michael Johnston, said: “We’ve come a long way since our first event at Roundhay Park back in 2016. Celebrating our tenth anniversary this spring was incredibly special, and we owe it to the wonderful support we’ve received from the local community year after year.
"It’s not something we’ll ever take for granted. In testament to that, we want to keep building on what we’ve achieved together over the last ten years and continue to find new ways to elevate the experience for everyone who joins us.”
Image: Supplied / Jack Biggins Photography
Assistant Festival Manager, Izaak Shuttleworth, added: “We want there to be something exciting for every person who walks through our doors, whether they’re joining us for the first time or returning each year."
"Attendee feedback plays a huge role in how we develop the festival, and we’re working closely with new entertainers and independent businesses to bring some fresh ideas to life. We’re looking to create our most varied and interactive programme to date, so there’ll be plenty to look forward to next spring.”
Emily Sergeant -
25th August 2026 
