From hip hop club nights to your classic Fresher's fair, there's an event for everyone to enjoy at this month's upcoming Fresher's Week.
Sadly the summer holidays have come to an end and it's time to get ready for the new term.
But if you're packing your bags to attend university in Leeds this month then the party is only just getting started, as there are some amazing events lined up for all you Freshers out there.
Kicking off on Sunday 18 September, the weeks that follow will be filled with club nights, parties, fairs and more to truly get you settled into your new home.
With so much exciting stuff going on, you'll definitely find yourself being spoilt for choice. So to help you out, we have handpicked 5 events for you to go to this Fresher's week.
Astroworld
Get ready for the UK's biggest hip-hop fresher's party. Taking place on Wednesday 5th October 2022 at Cargo Leeds, you can expect to dance all night long to your favourite artists.
From ASAP Rocky to Nicki Minaj, to Travis Scott and Cardi B. Top DJ's will be playing all the hits for you to get your groove on, so make sure you're wearing comfy shoes and your most show stopping outfit.
To find out more and to bag yourself a ticket, click here.
Wetherspoons Freshers Fair
Image: JD Wetherspoons
We all love a cheeky Wetherspoons, it's the perfect place to grab a drink (or two) en-route to the club. Well not only that, their annual Wetherspoons Freshers Fair is back and you do not want to miss out.
Get yourself to The Hedley Verity on Wednesday 21 September for a chance to win up to £100 worth of free drinks vouchers. Every person who attends will receive a voucher so whether it's £1 or £100, a free drink is a free drink right?
They'll also be giving away free merchandise, cocktails and food. Find out more here.
UV Neon Rave
Image: Freshers UK Neon Rave
Back for it's ninth year of raving, the Official Leeds Freshers UV Neon Rave promises to be a night to remember. Expect neon face paint, thousands of free neon glow sticks, prizes for the best neon raver and much more.
Some of the top DJs from across the country will be making their way to Leeds on the 25th September to play at this iconic event. Entry to this night is included in the ultimate fresher's wristband which can be bought here.
Tom Zanetti
Image: Tom Zanetti
Absolute Leeds legend, Tom Zanetti, will be coming to Beaver Works on Friday 23rd September for the unmissable Insomnifest Freshers Festival.
This night is not for the faint hearted, opening at 6pm and closing at 6am, this 12-hour dance party will be sure to blow your socks off. Expect 6 huge arenas of tech, house and bass with over 30 DJ’s across 3 warehouses. As well as an outdoor main stage, secret basement and hidden rooms.
This year you've been treated to a brand new venue which is sure to be you and your friends' new favourite spot. Cargo Leeds is home to four huge new rooms as well as a newly installed lighting rig and cutting-edge sound system.
Whether you want to sing your heart out to the best songs from the 90s or dance the night away in their state of the art techno room, there's something for everyone at Cargo.
Try it out for yourselves on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 September, grab your tickets here.
British-based reggae band UB40 are coming to Leeds for a celebration of all their greatest hits live at First Direct Arena.
Formed in Birmingham in the late 70's, this predominantly dub and reggae band has gone onto achieve much success including 50 UK charting singles.
UB40 have also sold over 100 million records as well as keeping a consistent line-up for almost 30 years, before lead vocalist Ali Campbell decided to leave the band.
Now, the band's lead vocalist is former Kioko lead singer Matt Doyle, who's taken on this role since mid-2021 and is ready to soundtrack your night while you enjoy some 'Red Red Wine'.
There's no official setlist confirmed for their latest tour, however, this 11-piece band have played an array of European dates with a pretty consistent roster of tracks:
Here I Am (Come and Take Me)
Maybe Tomorrow
Homely Girl
Sing Our Own Song
One in Ten
Home
Please Don't Make Me Cry
Many Rivers to Cross
Higher Ground
The Way You Do the Things You Do
I'll Be Your Baby Tonight
Cherry Oh Baby
Johnny Too Bad
Red Red Wine
Food For Thought
Forever True
Kingston Town
Can't Help Falling in Love
What are the stage times for UB40 in Leeds?
Anyone up for seeing UB40 play out at Leeds' impressive over 13,500 seater First Direct Arena will have to get there a tad early.
Doors will open at 6pm with a gig start time of 6.45pm due to the special guests who will be taking to the stage before them.
Make sure you get down early as you really won't want to miss the phenomenal duo Aswad, as well as standout vocalist Maxi Priest - It really is a reggae revolution.
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.
Featured Images - Press Shot (Mara Publicity via supplied)
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Iconic band Blossoms set for BIG return to Leeds Festival this year
Thomas Melia
Stockport-originating band Blossoms have just announced their big return to Leeds Festival, as the four-day music event continues to impress with its stacked line-up.
They might have a 'Joke About Divorce' from time to time but when it comes to entertaining a Leeds Festival crowd, Blossoms take it very seriously, playing at Bramham Park three times in the past decade.
This band have captivated audiences since the rise of standout track 'Charlemagne' and more recently with the addition of their fifth album studio album, Gary, named after an eight-foot-tall gorilla.
Known for always putting on a stellar performance, Tom, Joe, Charlie, Myles and Josh are bringing a brand-new set to Leeds when they pay us a visit this August.
As well as releasing new music, Blossoms are making a big return to Leeds Festival 2026 / Credit: Publicity Picture (Supplied)
Currently, Leeds Festival 2026 has seven headline acts spanning all genres from Dance and EDM to Pop and Rap with the likes of Charli XCX, Raye, Dave and more topping the bill.
The Stockport five-piece are featured alongside three other insane artists as 'Special Guests', appearing next to Skepta, Sombr and Role Model.
Also listed on the line-up are rising stars like R&B vocal powerhouse Skye Newman, pop princess Jade, Merseyside indie rockers The K's and Wigan-formed The Lilacs with more to be announced.
Although nothing is confirmed yet, this upcoming Leeds Festival set from Blossoms will contain high energy and obviously all their biggest and best bangers from across their four chart topping albums as well as new music.
Leeds Festival 2026 is set to be a belter with the addition of Stockport band Blossoms returning for a fourth time / Credit: Publicity Video (Supplied)
Whether you're there for 'Your Girlfriend' or 'What Can I Say After I'm Sorry', one thing's for sure, you're guaranteed to have an absolutely spectacular night.
Blossoms are making their big return to Leeds Festival 2026 which is taking place from 27 to 30 August at Bramham Park with tickets live HERE.
Clementine Hall -
8th September 2022 
