Pride in Leeds is one of a very few free Pride events in the UK and in 2019 attracted over 65,000 people making it one of the biggest events held in the city centre, so you can bet that this year, the celebrations will be more exciting than ever before.
This Sunday will see the annual parade return to Lower Briggate and across Leeds with special tribute to the late Robert Payne, who sadly passed away in December 2021. A new route and name has been given to the parade in his honour.
Keep reading to find out everything from road closures to parade timings for the two day Pride weekender in Leeds...
Image: Viaduct Showbar
Parade Times
️The following times have been confirmed by Leeds Pride for the parades across the weekend.
12pm - 2pm Parade stage at Millennium Square️
2pm - 3pm The Robert Payne parade from Millennium Square to the The Calls️
3pm - 9pm Main stage at Lower Briggate
Image: Viaduct Showar
The Viaduct Showbar Flash Mob and Street Party
Taking place three times throughout the weekend, Viaduct Showbar will be sharing a celebration through dance outside the Apple Store inside Trinity Shopping Centre.
Taking places at 2pm, 3pm and 4pm on Saturday 6 August 2022, this will be an exciting way for all ages to begin their weekend-long Pride celebration.
Image: Viaduct Showbar
Down on Lower Briggate at the renowned bar, Viaduct Showbar will be hosting a range of exciting celebrations at their dedicated Viaduct Street Party, taking place on the same day.
The parade this year has been named the Robert Payne Parade after Robert Payne from Blayds Bar who sadly passed away in December 2021. Many may remember Robert as ‘Drag with no Frock’ who worked tirelessly with husband Duncan to run Blayds Bar in Leeds for over ten years.
Blayds Bar. / Image: Change UK
Husband Duncan and daughter Gemma have been fundraising for Pride in Robert’s memory on JustGiving.
“Robert was a huge supporter in Leeds Pride every year. We would like to help raise as much money as we can to an event that can be overlooked and seen as a party however it helps so many people. Leeds pride is an event that takes place every year in the lower part of Leeds city centre. We are asking everyone who knew Robert to donate if you can.
So far, the JustGiving pages has raised around £1500 in total, including donation boxes donations from Blayds bar. Fundraising will continue throughout Leeds Pride and the total will be updated afterwards.
The first UK Pride event with Premier League players
The attendance of past and present players from Leeds United makes Leeds Pride the first UK Pride event to have Premier League footballers in attendance.
Leeds United is a premium sponsor of the event, for the second time, but this will be the first time players have attended the Pride Weekend.
Image: Leeds United
Luke (Bill) Ayling, Leeds United CEO Angus Kinnear and former Leeds United playesr Jermaine Beckford and Noel Whelan will all be in attendance, appearing with members of Marching Out Together, the LGBTQ+ and other Leeds United supporters.
Angus Kinnear the Leeds United CEO, issued a statement to explain why he looking forward to attending his first Pride event here in Leeds: “The Leeds United players and directors all send their best wishes to Marching Out Together and everyone associated with Leeds Pride. We do hope fans will come along and join us or watch the Parade pass through the city – it is a great opportunity to show our support to the LGBT+ community.
Image: Marching Out Together
“Everyone will be meeting at 1.30pm, as the parade assembles on Cookridge Street and Portland Crescent. Please look out for the Leeds United shirts and the Marching Out Together flags!”
Leeds United has also reported that a number of members of the first team have recorded messages to show their support for Marching Out Together. Captain Liam Cooper said: “I am proud to captain a club that not only supports Leeds Pride, but also works throughout the year with Marching Out Together, to make sure that everybody at Elland Road feels welcome.”
Marching Out Together is sharing updates via Twitter about this exciting UK first.
Travelling to and from Pride
Leedscity by First Bus is offering a Pride Day ticket, allowing those travelling by bus to pay just £3 for unlimited travel across Leeds for the entire weekend.
To take advantage of this offer on both Saturday 6 August - Sunday 7 August 2022, make sure you download the First Bus App and find the offer in the promotions section on the day of travel.
Due to the nature of the parade, bus services across the city will be affected. The route for the Leeds Pride Parade this year covers: Millennium Square, Cookridge Street, The Headrow, Vicar Lane, Kirkgate, York Street, Duke Street, Kirkgate, High Court, The Calls, Call Lane and Lower Briggate and therefore WY Metro has reported that "Leeds Highways have advised that the road closures for the Pride Parade are from 1345 –1615 though these are approximate and may be different on the day."
The following services will be affected throughout the weekend: 1, 2, 3, 3A, 4, 5, 6, 7(First), 7(Harrogate), 8(First), 11A, 12, 13, 13A, 14, 15, 16, 16A, 19, 19A, 27, 28(First), 29, 33, 34, 36(Harrogate) 40, 42, 49, 50, 50A, 51, 52, 55C, 60, 72, 75, 110, 140, 141, 163, 166, 200, 201, 201A, 202, 203, 229, 254, 255, 444, 446, 508, A1, PR1, PR3, X6, X84 and X99.
Many of these appear to be minor changes to fit around the road closures, for the full information on how individual buses are affected, visit the WY Metro website.
More Information
The following websites will be able to answer any other queries or additional information:
When the weather is rubbish, there’s nothing better than tucking away in the corner of a cosy pub with a good pint and a bowl of chips.
Thankfully, Leeds is blessed with many.
Roaring fires add extra comfort, as do old-fashioned characteristics like low-slung wooden beams and wood panelling, whilst big windows serve to let in a bit of light on the darker days.
To help you pick where to go, we’ve put together a list of our favourites below.
The Victoria & Commercial
Great George Street, LS1 3DL
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Newest and maybe the most festive is The Victoria, originally opened in 1865 this historic pub has recently been reborn courtesy of Kirkstall Brewery and Whitelock's Ale House.
The interior here is absolutely beautiful, even without the decorations it feels festive. So if you're looking for that Christmas feeling all year round, this is the place to be.
Whitelock’s Ale House
Turk’s Head Yard, Leeds LS1 6HB
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Of course it wouldn't be a cosy pub guide without the iconic Whitelock's Ale House. The oldest pubs in Leeds, Whitelock’s is easy to miss – tucked away down a side alley off the main high street, but once you find it it's well worth the hunt.
A former marketman’s pub, inside you’ll find historic features like an old wooden bar and stained glass windows as well as good selection of beers, ales and traditional British dishes.
Crowd of Favours
4-12 Harper Street, Leeds City Centre, LS2 7EA
This laid back spot in Leeds is the perfect spot to get nestled in, enjoy a few pints and escape the dreary weather.
Food-wise, think lemon and thyme chicken wings, braised beef cheek and hearty stews. As for the drinks, there’s a solid wine and cocktail menu as well as a good selection of beers on draught.
The Highland Laddie
38 Cavendish Street, LS3 1LY
Images: The Hoot Leeds
From the team behind Empire Cafe, The Highland Laddie is one of Leeds' newest pubs but it's as cosy as it gets.
Fabulous traditional interiors with a proper homely feel to it, and of course the food is absolutely banging. Think oysters, ham and chips and belting sausage rolls.
The Lamb and Flag
1 Church Row, Leeds City Centre, LS2 7HD
Housed in a renovated 19th-century building, The Lamb and Flag boast a locally-sourced menu and a strong selection of local ales. A stone’s throw from Leeds Minster, there are two bars – one upstairs and one down. Between them, you’ll find ten different hand pulls pouring some of the best beer in Leeds..
The Brunswick
82 North St, Leeds LS2 7PN
Images: The Hoot Leeds
This absolute gem at the top of town has everything you could ever want in a pub. Great drinks, a warming atmosphere, a pool table and brilliant food.
The staff are always lovely and there's usually an adorable dog knocking about too.
January 2026 deals, discounts and offers at restaurants and bars across Leeds
Clementine Hall
Food might be the last thing you want to think about right now, but if there's anything to brighten up the gloomy month of January then it's the deals.
Right across the city centre, you’ll find generous discounts, special set menus, and other offers all the way through January, to help our local hospitality scene through famously one of the most difficult times of year.
You'll be able to save money on just about every kind of food you can think of, from steaming bowls of ramen to champagne and steak.
There are a lot of January offers to discover around Leeds, and it can get a bit overwhelming to narrow it all down, so we’ve done the hard work for you with a fairly comprehensive guide to the very best January deals.
The Cut & Craft
23 King Edward Street, LS1 6AX
Image: The Hoot Leeds
What is it: A luxury steak and seafood restaurant in the heart of the city centre.
The offer: Steak and Chips for £19′ offer, available Monday to Friday from 11:30am-4pm; there’s also a new set evening menu priced at £26 for two courses – Monday to Thursday, 4:45-10pm.
Blackhouse
What is it: An iconic Leeds steakhouse just moments away from the train station.
The offer: Enjoy 50% off food when you book online.
Galleria
Armley Road, LS12 2DR
Images: The Hoot Leeds
What is it:One of Leeds' trendiest all-day hangouts and restaurants, located next to Project House this spot is perfect for some pre-gig scran.
The offer:Every Friday and Saturday night from 5pm through January (starting on the 9th), guests will be able enjoy a whopping 25% off their evening menu when booked advance.
House of Fu
15-19 The Headrow, LS12 2DR
Images: The Hoot Leeds
What is it:A staple for ramen lovers in the city with an interior so bright it'll blow away the January blues in an instant.
The offer:£10 ramen and rice bowls on weekdays plus a scratch card revealing a special prize.
Oporto
33 Call Lane, LS1 7BT
Image: The Hoot Leeds
What is it:The city's most iconic late night Irish bar.
The offer: This one's a good one, £3 pints of Guinness from 12 - 3pm and £5 Guinness 3pm - close. Every single day throughout January.
Olive Tree Brasserie
8 S Parade, LS1 5QX
Images: The Hoot Leeds
What is it:A modern Greek-inspired restaurant in the heart of the city centre.
The offer:Diners can enjoy 40% include Sunday - Friday throughout January and half of February.
Harvey Nichols Brasserie and Bar
107-111 Briggate, LS1 6AZ
Images: The Hoot Leeds
What is it:A restaurant serving brunch, small plates, and lunch options at any time of day.
The offer:30% off the a la carte menu from from 12pm between 6 - 30th January, excluding Saturdays.
Tattu
29 East Parade, LS1 5PS
Images: The Hoot Leeds
What is it:A swish Chinese restaurant famed for its enormous cherry blossom tree in the dining room, and its refined take on Chinese favourites.
The offer:30% off the a la carte menu, all Sunday to Thursday (plus until 4.45pm on Fridays) between 1 January and 8 February, when you book online.
Bundobust
6 Mill Hill, LS1 5DQ
Images: The Hoot Leeds
What is it:Indian street food at its finest, Bundobust is a firm favourite amongst Leeds locals and has been for the past 10 years.
The offer: Two dishes and a beer for just £12.50.
Belgrave Music Hall
Cross Belgrave Street, LS2 8JP
Images: The Hoot Leeds
What is it: A laidback bar and music venue serving up delicious food from different vendors.
The offer: Get half price slices from Dough Boys Pizza until 7pm Sunday to Thursday and 5pm Friday and Saturday, or between Sunday and Friday choose from five dishes for just over a fiver from Patty's Burgers - we're talking smash burgers and their iconic session fries.
Power, Corruption and Lies
36 Call Lane, LS1 6DT
What is it: The funkiest bar on Call Lane serving dim sum and great cocktails.
The offer: Get 50% off dim sum and £20 bottles of prosecco every Monday throughout January.
Meat:Stack
3 Bishopgate Street, LS1 5DY
Image: The Hoot Leeds
What is it:A laidback burger joint serving American-style smash patties, fries and milkshakes.
The offer: Get a burger, chips, dip AND drink for just £10 between 11 and 3pm Monday to Friday.
Cinnamon Kitchen
City Square, LS1 1PJ
What is it: Leeds' newest Indian restaurant located in the beautiful Queen's Hotel.
The offer: Dine on two courses for £19 or three for £22 if you visit between 12 and 5pm, Monday to Sunday.
Neon Cactus
35 Call Lane, LS1 7BT
Images: The Hoot Leeds
What is it: A Mexican cocktail bar and taqueria that gives ultimate party vibes.
The offer:A whopping 50% off food throughout January. Simple, but very effective.
Waterlane Boathouse
Canal Wharf, LS11 5PF
Images: The Hoot Leeds
What is it:The city's best canal side pub and eatery.
The offer:From 5 - 22nd January, enjoy 35% off all food all day every day and a sandwich plus drink for just £9.95 lunchtimes from Monday to Friday.
Sophie Smith -
3rd August 2022 
