Given the host of events designed to empower and celebrate all women and girls around the city, it's going to be a truly special week to be a woman in Leeds.
Here are some of our favourite events going on in Leeds this week...
Duke Studios is kicking off their six-day International Women's Week celebrations with an opportunity to switch up your wardrobe in an environmentally-friendly and inclusive setting. The event is pay-as-you-feel and guaranteed to bring some joy to your Monday.
"For our all gender inclusive clothes swap facilitated by feminist activist Bonnie Milnes. Bring down your unwanted clothes and leave with a new preloved wardrobe".
Celebrating social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women, East 59th is hosting a buffet breakfast with live panel Q&A from some of the most influential women in Leeds. In collaboration with Smart Works, hear from magazine owner, Laura Bartlett, who has recently been spotted on Channel 4's Steph's Packed Lunch; as well as the likes of Stephanie Hirst, a BBC and Hits Radio host; Jodie Hill, the Managing Partner and Founder of Thrive Law and Siobhan Murphy, who is best known as a Finalist on BBC’s Interior Design Masters and now as a Presenter of Channel 4’s Steph’s Packed Lunch.
Brunch will take place from 8 - 10am with a 90 minute panel discussion in the middle of the event. £5 of all ticket sales will be donated to our chosen charity, with £1 added onto East 59th diners bills throughout the month too.
Tuesday 8 March 2022, 8 - 10am. Find out more here.
The popular brewery pub is hosting a quiz to celebrate International Women's Day this year. Expect an evening full of gorgeous pints cocktails & wines, tunes by our fave female artists (think TLC, Blondie, Spice Girls, you know the drill) followed by an International Womens Day Quiz from 7pm.
The quiz is £3 donation entry per person and the proceeds will go to Leeds Womens Aid, a local charity that provide services to women and children affected by domestic violence and abuse in Leeds. Their services include emergency accommodation, practical and therapeutic support, community services & sanctuary support for those with complex needs.
Speaking about the event, North Brew Taps said: "We're proud of the wonderful women that fill our team here and fill this industry and want to use this day as a chance to celebrate, empower and uplift eachother while raising some money to support vulnerable women who need our support Leeds Womens Aid. This event is inclusive to ALL, let's celebrate the gals."
Tuesday 8 March 2022 from 7pm. Find out more here.
Truman Books- Draw-along wit Kate Pankhurst
Image: Truman Books
Author and illustrator Kate Pankhurt, creator of the series 'Fantastically Great Women' is joining Truman Books in Farsley for a draw-along and celebration of her new book 'Fantastically Great Women Artists and Their Stories'.
During the event, Kate will be drawing some of her best-selling book characters and guiding children to draw along at the same time- this is bound to be a memorable experience for all generations though.
Tuesday 8 March 2022, 3.30 - 4.30pm. Find out more here.
Get the girls down for this one. The collaboration project between Babenation and local singer, Beth Ibbotson is an all-singing, all-dancing night of bingo and sing along, surrounded by likeminded individuals.
Cost-wise, you're looking at a fiver per bingo card and you can buy as many as you’d like- all proceeds go to the worthy cause of Womenkind Worldwide though.
Tuesday 8 March 2022 from 8pm. Find out more here.
Duke Studio is celebrating International Women's Week with a six-day calendar of exciting events. On Wednesday, feeling empowered (and maybe a bit of a sore head) from the celebrations on International Women's Day, Duke is inviting Leeds city goers to join their Drag Life Drawing class.
The event says: "Life drawing with a twist- a two hour session for beginners and the experiences, bring your own materials. oin our Community Assistant Jas as they lead you through a life drawing you’ve never experienced, modelled by our resident Midnight Dancers Donna The Domme and China. Bring your own materials and let's draw some drags in our spacious and colourfully lit event space". Tickets will cost £7 on the door.
Wednesday 9 March 2022 from 7pm. Find out more here.
This event is all about developing your writing skills with supportive company. Empower and create at HEART on this in-person course, where you’ll learn how to push through doubt, reduce fear of the blank page, become disciplined in your practice and enjoy writing so much more as a result.
Hundreds of women and non-binary writers have graduated from Write like a Grrrl, and so if you're looking for a reason to get to the pen and paper once more, this is sure to be a great kickstarter to reignite the joy of writing.
Thursday 10 February - Thursday 17 March 2022. Find out more here.
Feature Image- Headingley HEART
Feature
You can stay in this beautiful TV-free gothic hall in the Peak District
There's a gothic hall in the heart of the Peak District where you can enjoy a staycation with a difference - because it's completely TV-free.
Get ready to cosy up by the fire while soaking up everything this screen-free property in the Peak District has to offer.
This two bedroom, three bed gothic hall looks out onto some stunning views through its unique framed windows.
If you're up for a stroll, this staycation has many popular walking routes to the unique village of King Sterndale, Cheedale Stepping Stones and more.
There's a gothic hall in the Peak District that's completely TV-free / Credit: Airbnb (supplied)
Only 10 minutes from Buxton and 15 minutes from Bakewell, this historic property is the perfect location for anyone wanting to explore more of Yorkshire.
Pictor Hall has a gorgeous landscape that can be enjoyed simply by opening the front door with an abundance of foliage and greenery surrounding the property.
And if you're still worried about the idea of being stuck without a TV, the Airbnb host has noted that the property has a variety of board games, books and free wifi.
Although, with Pictor Hall dating back to the 1700's, you'll probably spend a considerable amount of time gawking at all the impressive features and characteristics throughout.
Pictor Hall is an impressive 1700s property where you can have your own Yorkshire staycation / Credit: Airbnb (supplied)
There's striking wooden beams, a vintage writers' desk, tables with old-timey carvings etched into the side, an array of big clay pots and a carved log that greets you upon arrival.
Previous visitors to this property have commented on Pictor Hall's "peaceful location", listing it as "amazing spot for a woodland getaway" and labelling the property as a "storybook cottage".
If you're up for staying in this gorgeous gothic Airbnb property while also having a mini digital detox, you can find out more and book your stay HERE.
Struggling to book a date? It's probably because our whole office is scrambling to enjoy their own staycation in this gothic hall.. sorry not sorry.
Audio North’s Artist of the Month: Cruz | July 2026
Thomas Melia
July already? We're Cruz-ing through the year. Meet this Northern Indie rock band who've been crowned Audio North's latest Artist of the Month.
Sam, Tom, Jamie and Ethan, better known by band-name Cruz, are well and truly making a name for themselves with a whole host of gig dates scattered throughout the Summer.
Live music lovers are about to become very familiar with the 'Disco Colour Beams' songwriters, as Cruz' Summer schedule includes Isle of Wight Festival, Truck Festival and two Sheffield dates.
The Sheff-based shows are special for the fourpiece as they're hometown shows at both Everywhere At Once Festival and the incredible Tramlines Festival - Congrats lads.
Cruz are feeling the love, as the reason they're heading out to Tramlines is because they were voted the Fans' Pick, and this recognition continues as they've been chosen by Audio North to be our Artist of the Month.
An interview with Cruz | Audio North's Artist of the Month: July
Cruz-ing there way from festival to festival this Summer, the Sheffield band sat down with Audio North to talk Artist of the Month title / Credit: Press Shots (supplied)
For those who don't know, introduce us to Cruz
Tom and Sam were jamming in early 2022 before deciding to start a band while looking for other members, with Ethan and Jamie finding out through friends of friends.
Ahead of their first live gig, Cruz were drummer-less, Ethan's recruitment was lifesaving for the band as he stepped up a week before and never looked back since, four years strong.
How has Sheffield shaped you as a band?
It's such a rich city full of creatives, music-based as well as even broader to art and culture, Sheffield isn't just a city, it's a support system.
When we were starting out we got involved with all the local gig venues, who are always on the lookout to champion upcoming bands, it was so nice.
Do you feel any connection to this city's musical heritage?
Pulp, Arctic Monkeys and Richard Hawley of course, Human League and Def Leppard, the list goes on.
Growing up in Sheffield and going to gigs at The Leadmill was so incredible too.
What have been some of your favourite live shows so far?
Sidney and Matilda is prominent to us because it's where we played our very first headline date. We also supported Overpass, which was our fifth show ever as the band as we know it, then playing our headline in the same room was awesome.
Sam, Tom, Jamie and Ethan, better known as Cruz, are making waves in the Sheffield music scene / Credit: Press Shot (supplied)
If someone wanted to experience the Sheffield music scene, where would you take them?
The Washington does free shows with bands and acoustic sets, making it accessible for everyone. The majority of venues in Sheffield are always hosting gigs.
Kelham Island has a lot of free entry venues too, it's great, getting to watch four or five bands playing out all on one night in this current economy is top tier.
Tramlines and Tramlines Fringe is chaotic in the best way, you never know what to expect but you'll leave with a buzz of energy every single time.
What's some of your favourite songs by these artists?
'Soundcheck Your Soul' by The North they've got so many great tunes, they're an amazing band. Montello's 'Suit and Tie', 'Runaway Instead' The Rosadocs.
Playing out at various festivals across the UK, for this Sheffield act it's Tramlines which is the most important to them / Credit: Press Shot (supplied)
What's your favourite track off your newest EP?
Jamie picked 'Man of the People' quoting it as a 'Proper anthem', 'I Get By' is Ethan's pick, it's a track which has been in the works for a while but now the band have finally cracked the code.
While Sam's favourite song is 'Amsterdam' as it's the most personal to him and it's a chilled out number.
Sophie Smith -
7th March 2022 
