Things To Do

Leeds Santa Dash is returning for 2026 and it’s set to be ‘bigger and better’ than ever

The perfect way to kick-start your festive season.

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 9th September 2026

Leeds' famous Santa Dash is returning for 2026, and it's set to be 'bigger and better' than ever.

Back by popular demand with the festive season around the corner, The Trinity Leeds Santa Dash has confirmed its return for 2026 this December, with thousands of Santas set to hit the streets of the city centre with festive fun, Christmas cheer, and an unforgettable atmosphere.

No matter whether you're taking part with your family, friends, colleagues, or little ones, organisers say it's the 'perfect way' to kick-start your festive season.

This iconic event welcomes everyone to take part - you can either jog, walk, or wheel your way around the 5K route, soaking up the sights and sounds of the city as you celebrate the most wonderful time of the year, and prams are also welcome too, making it a fantastic festive day out for all ages and abilities.

And this year, it's set to be bigger and better than ever, as there's an exciting new city centre route.

All Santa suits are provided (except for those under three) with your race entry, and you'll also get an exclusive Trinity Leeds Santa Dash finisher medal once you make it over the line, as well as a festive chocolate treat to nibble on.

So, gather your fellow Santas, embrace the Christmas magic, and get ready to join one of Leeds' most joyful festive traditions.

The Trinity Leeds Santa Dash returns for 2026 on Sunday 6 December, and you can find out more and enter to take part in the race online here.

Featured Image - Run For All

Things To Do

Jane McDonald at First Direct Arena, Leeds – tickets, times and more for UK tour

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia

West Yorkshire's very own Jane McDonald is coming to First Direct Arena in Leeds for a hometown show that's set to be spellbinding.

Making her British TV screen debut nearly 30 years ago on The Cruise, before joining the Loose Women panel and going on to present a whole host of travel shows including Cruising with Jane McDonald, now this Wakefield legend returns to First Direct Arena.

This latest tour titled after her 2026 LP Living The Dream, will see Jane singing hits from both past and present including a couple covers too.

Earlier this year, Jane's Mighty Hoopla performance went viral online after she commanded the stage in a red leather jacket, donning a singular rainbow hair extension while belting out RAYE's 'Where Is My Husband!'

Audio North even got the opportunity to interview this legendary lady when she visited her hometown HMV store in Wakefield for an exclusive album signing - Oh look, it's me!

Gig guide - Jane McDonald at First Direct Arena, Leeds

Jane McDonald UK tour dates

  • Sat 29 August - Blackpool, UK - Blackpool Opera House
  • Sun 30 August - Blackpool, UK - Blackpool Opera House
  • Tue 1 September - Newcastle, UK - O2 City Hall
  • Wed 2 September - Aberdeen, UK - P&J Live
  • Fri 4 September - Glasgow, UK - SEC Armadillo
  • Sat 5 September - Edinburgh, UK - Usher Hall
  • Mon 7 September - Brighton, UK - Brighton Centre
  • Tue 8 September - Nottingham, UK - Motorpoint Arena
  • Thu 10 September - Manchester, UK - AO Arena
  • Fri 11 September - Liverpool, UK - M&S Bank Arena
  • Sat 12 September - Birmingham, UK - Utilita Arena
  • Tue 15 September - London, UK - London Palladium
  • Wed 16 September - London, UK - London Palladium
  • Sat 19 September - Belfast, UK - Waterfront Hall
  • Sun 20 September - Belfast, UK - Waterfront Hall
  • Wed 23 September - Sheffield, UK - Utilita Arena
  • Thu 24 September - Bournemouth, UK - Bournemouth International Centre
  • Fri 25 September - Cardiff, UK - Utilita Arena
  • Sat 26 September - Leeds, UK - First Direct Arena

Are there any tickets left for Jane McDonald at First Direct Arena?

Jane McDonald is visiting First Direct Arena in Leeds city centre on Saturday 26 September and you've still got time to bag yourself a seat or two.

Don't be left saying 'How Do I Move On' without seeing this Wakefield performer live, as there's still a variety of tickets available HERE.

Jane McDonald setlist for 2026 UK tour

The Wakefield wonder-woman's latest album Living The Dream was released in March and considering the tour is named after this impressive LP, we're sure fans can expect to hear quite a few tracks from this album.

  • Living The Dream
  • I'll Not Be Beaten
  • You Don't Know What You Got
  • Don't Mind If I Do
  • The Hand That Leads Me
  • Ain't Gonna Beg
  • I Will Always Love You
  • Islands in the Stream
  • Jolene
  • 9 to 5
  • You're My World
  • Where Is My Husband!
  • Let the Light In
  • Cake by the Ocean
  • Jai Ho!
  • APT.
  • Right Where I Belong
  • How Do I Move On
  • Beautiful Soul
  • All By Myself
  • You Still Lead Me

Of course, Jane also loves to cover a tune or two, and we'll never forget her renditions of 'Cake By The Ocean', 'Jai Ho' or 'APT.'.

What are the stage times for Jane McDonald in Leeds?

The doors for Jane McDonald's Living The Dream Tour in Leeds are set for 6pm with the event set to start at 7.30pm.

First Direct Arena has a curfew of 11pm meaning you have enough time to dash home and eat 'Cake by the (Sofa)' before ringing in the new day.

How to get to First Direct Arena

Bus Station

Located on Dyer Street next to Leeds City Bus Station and approx. 15min walk from first direct arena and is wheelchair friendly.

Support and help for any persons with a disability is available as the station is a registered ‘Safe place’ to come into and ask for assistance.

Nearest Bus Stops

  • Clay Pit Lane
  • Wade Lane/Lovell Park Road
  • Woodhouse Lane

Nearest Train Station

Leeds City Station on New Station Street is around a 15min walk from first direct arena and a major hub on the national, regional and local rail network providing connections to a wide variety of destinations.

Parking

There are over 7,500 car parking spaces within a 15-minute walk of the arena. The arena doesn’t have it’s own car park however there are lots of options nearby. To receive 5% off Q Park when attending a show at first direct arena click here

The nearest Car Park with EV charging is located on Albion Street click here.

None of the above car parks are operated by the arena so for questions, queries or comments we ask that you contact the companies directly.

Hiring Bikes in Leeds 

If you’re looking to hire a bike in Leeds, here are some of the best options you can try:

  • Beryl bikes – you’ll find the ‘Leeds City Bikes’ from Beryl stationed throughout the city. These are all e-bikes, and they’re available to hire on a pay-as-you-go basis. It costs £1 to unlock the bikes, and then 16p per minute to use them. We’d say these are great for zipping around the city and getting from A to B.
  • Talio – for a wider selection of electric bikes to choose from, Talio based at Buslinthorpe Green is a great option. From this company, you can hire cruiser bikes, mountain bikes, and cargo bikes. Prices start from £20 per day for rental, but if you’re hiring for a month or longer you’ll get a good discount.

Read more: James Blunt announces huge European tour, kicking off in Leeds

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Leeds and West Yorkshire, subscribe to The Hoot Leeds WhatsApp broadcast HERE.

Featured Image: Press Shot (via Matt Crockett)

Things To Do

A new Turkish-inspired street food spot serving homemade shawarma is coming to Leeds city centre

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

Authentic Turkish street food is coming to Kirkgate.

Leeds city centre is gearing up to welcome yet another new food spot, and this one is all about homemade lahmacun, shawarma wraps and plenty of signature tahini sauce.

Tahin will open its doors at 10 Kirkgate, next to The Cat Cafe, and with signs already up we don't think it'll be long until they welcome their first customers.

The restaurant is listed as a Turkish restaurant that specialise in their homemade tahini sauce, hence the name.

According to the restaurant's Instagram profile which has been going for a few years, Tahin also specialises in home-made lahmacun wraps alongside shawarma wraps.

For anyone unfamiliar with lahmacun, the Turkish staple is often described as a thin, crispy flatbread topped with a richly seasoned mixture of minced meat, herbs and vegetables.

Wrapped up with fresh salad and sauces, it makes for a satisfying and flavourful lunch to enjoy on-the-go.

Their Instagram suggests that Tahin once existed before back in 2022, so although this may not be a completely new venture, we're nevertheless very glad to see them back.

Its location puts it right in the middle of one of Leeds' busiest areas, making it the perfect mid-shopping pit stop for those wandering around Briggate or stopping for a bite to eat before heading out on the town.

The new opening comes at a time when Leeds' food scene is continuing to expand, with a string of independent restaurants and street-food concepts opening across the city centre throughout 2026.

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