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The best things to do in Leeds this week | 20 – 25 September 2022

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Sophie Smith Sophie Smith - 20th September 2022

It's Fresher's Week Leeds!

Welcoming thousands of new students to the city is undoubtably going to bring back that buzz of activity. Students unmistakably a huge part of our identity- but regardless of whether you're a Fresher, graduate or have nothing to do with the city's universities, there's a whole host of events going on in and around Leeds this week.

From Fresher's events to new openings, bottomless brunches, Leeds International Festival of Ideas and Sunday roasts, we've covered every single day of the week for you. Keep reading to find out our top picks of places to visit.

Headrow House Pub Quiz

Image: Headrow House

The Headrow House pub quiz is something quite special. Located in their huge beer hall, nestled amongst their sixty plus lines of beers from around the world, they promise a night of quizzes and games: start with the pub quiz and if you’re successful, your prize will be selected when you spin the wheel of fortune.

Head down to Headrow House for 6.30 pm on a Tuesday evening and take full advantage of their free entry and grab a pint before getting your game face on.

Find out more here.

Kodaline Live

Wednesday 21 September 2022 | The Wardrobe, St Peter’s Square

Image: Kodaline

Performing an intimate album launch show at The Wardrobe, Kodaline will be bringing their highly-anticipated Our Roots Run Deep to Leeds. The fifth album follows a series of top hits, including from their debut In A Perfect World, then Coming Up For Air, Politics of Living and more recently with the band’s 2020 album, One Day at a Time. Door open at the earlier than usual time of 7pm for this one with a set shortly after, so make sure to get there on time.

Find out more here.

Kino X MorMor Kitchen Takeover

Wednesday 21 September - Saturday 23 September 2022 | New Briggate

Image: The Hoot Leeds

After debuting the MorMor kitchen takeover inside Kino last week, bring moreish flavours to the table with a gorgeous combination of tender chicken, soft shell crab and a full menu of Levantine specials to Leeds- it's thought that the first week of full service will be extremely popular. Expect inventive combinations like French cut lamb racks served pink with a za’atar crumb, spiced chermoula yoghurt, roast butternut squash purée and homemade flatbread. And if that’s not enough, there’s plenty of nibbly bits on the Mezze menu for starters or a light bite. Think Kurdish naan, hummus, roasted feta and cucumber, as well as patron peppers and mixed bread portions with za’atar and garlic oil.

Find out more here.

The (Built) Environment with Kevin McCloud at Leeds International Festival of Ideas

Thursday 22 September 2022, 12-1pm | Howard Assembly Room, New Briggate

Image: Leeds International Festival of Ideas (LIFI)

Kevin McCloud: The (Built) Environment is the first event to kick off the festival, with a matinee keynote speech from Grand Designs presenter, writer and designer, Kevin McCloud. The celebrated broadcaster will be talking about making sustainable changes to our environment whilst “harnessing the heritage of our cities” and ensuring that our past is preserved with net zero in mind.

Find out more here.

Dijon Boys X Number 8 Cocktails

Friday 23 September 2022 | Number 8 Cocktails, Meanwood

Image: The Hoot Leeds

Taking over the kitchen inside Number 8 in Meanwod from Friday 23 September onwards, Dijon Boys is the new foodie pop-up that landed themselves a permanent kitchen residency- all less than six months after their first pop-up event. On the menu, you can expect small sharing plates of food, all inspired by British classics. The menu is ever-evolving, and will highlight the best of seasonal produce but is set to feature plenty of charcuterie, sweet and savoury plates, as well as smaller bar snacks.

Find out more here.

Oktoberfest

Friday 23 September – Saturday 24 September 2022 | Chow Down, Temple Arches

Image: Oktoberfest Leeds

Get your steins at the ready, because Oktoberfest is back and it is just around the corner. Famous for it’s electric atmosphere and guaranteed mayhem, expect steins of beer bigger than your head, traditional German eats and plenty of dancing to brilliant Bavarian music. What better way to celebrate the end of the summer than with the world’s biggest beer celebration in Leeds’ biggest beer garden? It seems like a no brainer to us.

Find out more here.

Get tickets for Oktoberfest at Chow Down on Friday 23 September or Saturday 24 September here.

Springwell Sessions Weekender


Friday 23 September – Sunday 25 September 2022 | Springwell

Image: North Brew Co.

Now here’s a foodie festival that’s bound to be a favourite for many. Springwell Sessions has a line up of some of the best UK breweries, natural wine from their friends at Bottle Chop, plus some cocktails and incredible food from cult Leeds favourites like Little Bao Boy, Kerbside Kids, Mor Mor and Homeboys Pizza. If that’s not enough, throughout the weekend there will be a range of live tastings, talks and even a tequila master class with El Jimador.

Find out more here.

Tom Zanetti Live at Insomnifest Freshers Festival

Friday 23 September 2022 | Beaverworks, Hunslet

Image: Tom Zanetti

Absolute Leeds legend, Tom Zanetti, will be coming to Beaver Works on Friday 23 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.

Get tickets for Insomnifest Freshers Festival on Friday 23 September 2022 here.

Rektek X InnerCity Vibe: Secret open air terrace rave

Saturday 24 September 2022, 1pm-10pm | Secret location, Leeds

Said to be one of the biggest open-air raves of the year, Rektek and InnerCity Vibe have joined forces to bring a huge all-day party to a secret location. The only hint so far is that the location will be on the outskirt of the city centre, so there’s much to anticipate, and even more to get excited about at this end-of-summer day rave.

Tickets cost £8.00 (plus booking fee) each whilst on early bird sale.

Get tickets for Rektek and InnerCity Vibe’s secret open air terrace rave on Saturday 24 September 2022 here.

What can you laugh about? At Leeds International Festival of Ideas

Saturday 24 September 2022, 7-8.30pm | Howard Assembly Room, New Briggate

Image: Geoff Norcott, Instagram

Banter, offence and political correctness are three phrases that are increasingly putting comedians to the front pages, and in a world where we all have a different version of what is humorous and what is offensive, this is quickly becoming one of the biggest social conversations of the year. Comedian and TV Presenter Jamali Maddix will be discussing his thoughts with a range of voices, including the UK’s brightest, funniest and most outspoken comedians.

Find out more here.

Basco's Bottomless Brunch

Saturday 24 September 2022 | Albion Place, Leeds city centre

Image: Basco's MMXX

During the weekend, there’s a different reason to be visiting Basco’s, and it has a lot to do with their free-flowing fizz. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday guests can expect a full 90 minutes of drinking as many glasses of Prosecco and strawberries and Mythos beer as possible. On the food menu, there’s plenty of options too. Think brekkie options, with all the eggs included: there’s poaches eggs with bacon and hollandaise sauce, Eggs Royale or smashed avo with eggs to choose from.

Find out more here.

Swiftogeddon

Saturday 24 September 2022 | Belgrave Music Hall, Leeds city centre

Image: Swiftogeddon / Belgrave Music Hall

Swiftogeddon will be taking over Belgrave Music Hall for a night of back-to-back hits from the pop sensation. Every song on the playlist will be either an original hit, a deep cut, or an extended mix of Taylor Swift’s massive back catalogue. Gig-goers at Belgrave Music Hall will be treated to versions of hits like Shake It Off, Blank Space, … Ready For It?, and Lover, spanning all the way back to 2006.

Find out more here.

Does sport have a social responsibility? At Leeds International Festival of Ideas

Sunday 25 September 2022, 7-8.30pm | Howard Assembly Room, New Briggate

Image: Marcus Rashford, Instagram

Marcus Rashford and Kevin Sinfield alone have given us a number of reasons to commend sportsmen for raising awareness for socially-driven causes, but the sporting world is made up of far more stereotypes than just the charitable star. This panel, led by Campaigner and Journalist Charlie Webster will dissect the DNA of a sports star and whether their role should be used to highlight important social issues.

Find out more here.

Fresher's Week UV Neon Rave

Sunday 25 September 2022 | Mint Warehouse, Holbeck

A group of girls at the Freshers UK 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 Sunday 25 September to play at this iconic event. Entry to this night is included in the ultimate fresher's wristband which can be bought here.

Find out more here.

Sunday Roast at Shear’s Yard

Sunday 25 September 2022 | Wharf Street, Leeds City Centre

Image: Shears Yard

Offering a good mix of veggie, fish and meat dishes, Shear’s Yard has one of the best-looking Sunday roast menus in town. Think truffled leek and potato wellington, tikka marinated cauliflower, or overnight-braised shoulder of pork, and we think you get the idea. The restaurant has only got a sample menu listed, but trust that you can get a solid roast with all the trimmings or a more adventurous main – with plenty of good options for all dietary requirements.

Find out more here.

Free beer from The Botanist

Tuesday 20 September - Sunday 25 September 2022 | Boar Lane, outside Leeds Trinity Shopping Centre

Image: Supplied

The Botanist, which has a site in the city centre on Bear Lane, is offering everyone the chance to enjoy a free pint of Tiny Rebel beer on the house this September.cIt has teamed up with the independent brewery to host a treasure hunt across Leeds, hiding 21 prints of Tiny Rebel’s bear mascot around the city. Dressed in a host of location-specific looks, the bears will be placed around Leeds city centre close by to its venue. In order to get their hands on a free pint, all customers need to do is find a Botanist Bear and scan the QR code on its poster. This will take them through to a survey, which once completed will automatically send them a voucher for a pint of Clwb Tropica.

Find out more here.

Feature Image- Shear's Yard / Headrow House / Tom Zanetti

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10 of the biggest live gigs coming to Leeds next year | 2026

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia

Leeds has some fantastic live music lined up next year, so we've rounded up 10 of the biggest concerts coming in 2026.

If there's two things that go hand-in-hand, it's Leeds and live music, so it'll come as no surprise that 2026 is shaping up to be another cracking year of gigs and concerts for the city.

No matter whether your ideal concert experience is a little boogie or some hardcore head-banging, this list has got you covered with a wide range of acts and artists.

It's been a brilliant year of live music this past year, but there's plenty more big names making their way to Leeds next year, so without further ado, here's 10 of the biggest gigs coming in 2026.

10 of the biggest live gigs coming to Leeds next year | 2026

Cast - The Wardrobe (Thursday 29 January)

Cast are gearing up to play a headline show at Leeds music venue The Wardrobe in January / Credit: Press Shot (via supplied)
Cast are gearing up to play a headline show at Leeds music venue The Wardrobe in January / Credit: Press Shot (via supplied)

After opening for Oasis earlier this summer one their Oasis Live '25 reunion tour dates, the Liverpool indie rockers are putting on a headline gig right here in Leeds.

Cast have chosen The Wardrobe as their latest live music spot, and they're ready for you to 'Live The Dream' with them when they play out in January.

If their support slot for Oasis is anything to go by, there's a lot of love for these rock legends. This gig will be one to remember, and you can find tickets HERE.

Miles Kane - Project House (Thursday 5 February)

Whether you know him from his stint in The Rascals, alongside Alex Turner as co-frontman of The Last Shadow Puppets, or simply from his solo work, Kane's career is nothing short of remarkable.

His latest discography addition Sunlight In The Shadows dropped in October and features huge numbers like 'Love Is Cruel' and 'Without You'.

Fans will also be hoping he plays tracks from his 2011 album Colour of the Trap, with its hits including 'Rearrange' and 'Come Closer' when he visits in February. Get tickets HERE.

Bob Vylan - O2 Academy Leeds (Saturday 7 February)

The Bobs, better known as Bob Vylan, are expected to raise the roof at O2 Academy Leeds next year / Credit: Ki Price(via supplied)
The Bobs, better known as Bob Vylan, are expected to raise the roof at O2 Academy Leeds next year / Credit: Ki Price (via supplied)

London punk rap duo Bob Vylan released their first project Dread in 2019 with a full-length album We Live Here releasing one year later.

Since then, Bobbie and Bobby have released an array of singles including 'Makes Me Violent', 'Dream Bigger', and 'Sick Sad World'.

The alternative rappers garnered widespread attention after their Glastonbury performance this year with their songs addressing a number of social and political issues, such as racism and economic hardship. You can get tickets HERE.

The Beaches - Stylus, Leeds University Union (Saturday 14 February)

Canadian four-piece The Beaches are coming to Leeds and ready to rock out at Stylus / Credit: Press Shot (via supplied)
Canadian four-piece The Beaches are coming to Leeds and ready to rock out at Stylus / Credit:
Press Shot (via supplied)

The 'Last Girls At The Party' are heading to Stylus to play tracks from their latest project No Hard Feelings, as well as a couple other hits.

Comprised of sisters Kylie and Jordan Miller alongside fellow bandmates Eliza and Leandra, The Beaches have been dropping bangers for quite a few years now.

The Canadian four-piece always put on a good show, and if you haven't joined The Beaches hype train yet, then we recommend the songs 'Blame Brett' and 'Edge of the Earth' to get you started. Find tickets HERE.

Chesney Hawkes - Brudenell Social Club (Thursday 12 March)

English singer Chesney Hawkes has chosen 'The One and Only' Brudenell Social Club to host his upcoming Leeds gig.

Hawkes became a recent frequent face on our screens after his appearance as a housemate on Celebrity Big Brother, and now he's about to become a frequent UK music venue player too with his new Smash It To Pieces Tour.

His most recent release, Living Arrows, dropped back in April and you can expect this 90s icon to command the Leeds crowd with all his usual charm. Get tickets HERE.

Brooke Combe - The Wardrobe (Thursday 2 April)

After supporting pop icon Lionel Richie on his Say Hello to the Hits tour, Combe is headlining her own show and she's bringing it to one of Leeds' staple music institutions, The Wardrobe.

She's touring up and down the country, including in Wigan, Preston, and Blackpool to name a few, and has kindly decided to bless Leeds with her bouncy and upbeat tracks too.

Get ready to be 'Dancing At The Edge Of The World' when the soul singer-songwriter plays out her cathartic tunes to this packed out Leeds city centre gig hotspot. You can grab tickets HERE.

Jessie J - O2 Academy Leeds (Saturday 11 April)

Expect incredible vocals and stage presence when Jessie J visits O2 Academy Leeds / Credit: Press Shot (via supplied)
Expect incredible vocals and stage presence when Jessie J visits O2 Academy Leeds / Credit:
Press Shot (via supplied)

Stomp, stomp she's arrived. UK pop heavyweight Jessie J is making her way to Leeds on the back of her self-released LP Don't Tease Me With a Good Time.

The 'Price Tag' songwriter has soundtracked the 2010s with radio hits spanning from 'Do It Like A Dude' and 'Domino', to 'Who's Laughing Now' and 'Bang Bang' - a triple-billed hit alongside Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj.

Earlier this year, Jessie J announced her recent breast cancer diagnosis saying it has inspired her to live life to the fullest. Now, the Brit vocalist is heading out on the road again and ready to thrill UK crowds.

Get tickets HERE.

Rick Astley - First Direct Arena (Saturday 18 April)

80s pop sensation Rick Astley is returning to Leeds for a stellar First Direct Arena show / Credit: Peter Neill (via supplied)
80s pop sensation Rick Astley is returning to Leeds for a stellar First Direct Arena show / Credit: Peter Neill (via supplied)

First Direct Arena is about to 'Keep Singing' because 80s chart-topper Rick Astley is heading to this major venue in April.

This arena has welcomed the 'Never Gonna Give You Up' singer countless times, most recently in February when he surprised fans with some covers of modern-day tracks like 'As It Was' by Harry Styles.

The Newton-le-Willows star and First Direct Arena are destined to be 'Together Forever', and you can witness him live on The Reflections Tour by getting tickets HERE.

Lily Allen - First Direct Arena (Sunday 21 June)

Lily Allen is coming to Leeds next Summer playing at First Direct Arena / Credit: Charlie Denis (via supplied)
Lily Allen is coming to Leeds next Summer playing at First Direct Arena / Credit: Charlie Denis (via supplied)

Get ready for an electric night when Lily Allen performs West End Girl as part of her biggest headline tour of her career.

Allen is getting ready to turn First Direct Arena into her pop-up 'P*ssy Palace' for one night only next summer.

The London star announced her arena tour after selling out a string of theatre dates one week prior. We expect this Leeds show to be just as exceptional, the only thing we don't know is "Who's Madeline?". Tickets are HERE.

Jane McDonald - First Direct Arena (Saturday 26 September)

Jane McDonald is gracing the Leeds crowd at First Direct Arena in September 2026/ Credit: Matt Crockett (via supplied)
Jane McDonald is gracing the Leeds crowd at First Direct Arena in September 2026 / Credit: Matt Crockett (via supplied)

Wakefield's finest Jane McDonald is also embarking on one of the biggest tours of her career too with the release of her new album Living The Dream.

The national treasure has amassed four UK top 10 albums, with her self-titled debut album spending three weeks at the top spot.

Expect to be out of your seat and singing along to quite a few hits when McDonald returns to First Direct Arena next autumn, and you can grab your seat HERE.

Read more: 10 of the best gigs and concerts we saw in Leeds this year | 2025

Featured Images: Matt Crockett / Ki Price / Charlie Denis (via supplied)

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Peter Kay announces final Leeds show on historic run – with all profits going to cancer charities

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

Peter Kay has announced some final arena shows, including one in Leeds, and he’s donating all profits to cancer charities.

The Bolton-born comedy legend will be playing one more night at the First Direct Arena as well as extra dates at The O2 in London, The AO Arena in Manchester and plenty more.

What sets these arena shows apart from his record-breaking run, which has seen him sell out arenas for four years now, is that all the profits will be going straight to charity.

Peter Kay has pledged that ‘every single penny’ from his final dates will be going to 12 leading cancer charities.

These will include Children With Cancer UK, the Teenage Cancer Trust, plus charities dedicated to 10 different types of adult cancer.

Peter Kay holds the record as the only artist in the world to have performed a monthly residency at the O2, and has performed more than 100 shows on this tour in his hometown, at the AO Arena in Manchester.

The star made the announcement on BBC’s The One Show last night.

Speaking of the announcement, he said: “It’s been the greatest privilege of my life to perform for audiences up and down the country.

“I’ve been completely overwhelmed by the support over the years, and it feels right to give something back. Every single penny of profit from these final shows will go to help fight cancer and support those affected.

“Unfortunately, just about everyone knows someone who’s been affected by one of the cancers on that list.

“I really hope people can get behind this – come out, have a great night, share a few laughs, and do something good for charity at the same time. It’s a win–win.

“You don’t even have to like me – raising money for these twelve charities goes far beyond that. Together, we really can make a difference.”

Peter Kay will perform one more night at the First Direct Bank Arena on Friday 24 July 2026 and you can get your tickets HERE.

Tickets will go on sale from 10am on Sunday 30 November 

The cancer charities Peter Kay will donate his final profits to are:

  • Children With Cancer UK
  • Teenage Cancer Trust
  • Kidney Cancer UK
  • Blood Cancer UK
  • Bowel Cancer UK
  • Prostate Cancer UK
  • DKMS
  • Ovarian Cancer Action
  • Pancreatic Cancer UK
  • Anthony Nolan
  • The Brain Tumour Charity
  • Breast Cancer UK

Peter Kay final show dates in full

  • Newcastle – Utilita Arena – Sunday 8 March
  • Nottingham – Motorpoint Arena – Friday 20 March
  • Glasgow – OVO Hydro – Friday 3 April
  • Dublin – 3 Arena – Thursday 16 April
  • Birmingham – Utilita Arena – Friday 1 May
  • Belfast – SSE Arena – Thursday 4 June
  • Liverpool – M&S Bank Arena – Friday 19 June
  • Sheffield – Utilita Arena – Saturday 20 June
  • Leeds – First Direct Bank Arena – Friday 24 July
  • London – The O2 – Friday 7 August
  • Manchester – AO Arena – Saturday 8 August

Read more: CMAT announces huge summer show at The Piece Hall in Halifax

Featured image: Publicity picture

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