There are lots of things in January in Leeds to get involved with as we jump into 2024. We have collected a number of events, foodie heavens and more that you just can't miss.
Keep reading to find out all the best things in January in Leeds...
Miles Kane, O2 Academy
Thursday 25 January 2024 | O2 Academy
Image: The Hoot Leeds
When: Thursday 25 January 2024, from 7pm
Where: 55 Cookridge Street, Leeds LS2 3AW
Miles Kane, an artist from Birkenhead, brings his one man band to Leeds, with his almost infectious musical sound.
When: Until 27 January 2024, each performance lasts around two hours and 30 minutes
Where: Playhouse Square, Quarry Hill, Leeds, LS2 7UP
The sensational musical Oliver! is wowing the Leeds Playhouse with its take on the original musical by Lionel Bart. The musical is in the round stage and helps cultivate a breathtaking performance for all ages that will leave you singing along.
New Restaurant Olive Tree Brasserie launches 50% off lunches
Image: The Hoot Leeds
When: From Wednesday 3 January, every Sunday - Friday
Where: South Parade, Leeds City Centre
Description: This Mediterranean gem is offering 50% off the lunch menu, perfect for a meal with friends. With a variety of choices from their A La Carte menu there’s foodie options aplenty for any palette; with the likes of pork gyros, mushroom calamari, beef stifado and more.
Where: Unit F, West Point, Wellington Street, Leeds LS1 4JJ
It’s like bringing Hong Kong to Leeds when you bite into the pillow-like ‘Man’s Market’s’ Bao Buns with options like Roast Duck, Pulled Sticky Beef Bao, Char Siu and Aubergine Tempura. Guaranteed to make you not want to say bao-bye anytime soon.
Boozy Brushes, Landscape Paint Party at Canal Club
11 and 21 January 2024 | Canal Club
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Image: Paint Party via Skiddle
When: Thursday11 and Sunday 21 January 2024
Where: Unit 1 and 2, Little Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4ED
A fun light-hearted class taught by a professional artist that values not just skill, but artistry too. With fun, sing your heart out music in the back to help create the atmosphere that will let you socialise and be inspired whilst drinking.
When: Saturday 27 January 2024,Doors open at 7pm, Event starts at 7.30pm
Where: 33 Queen's Road, Burley, Leeds LS6 1NY
Brudenell social club is set to host a rock event that showcases some of Leeds’ best upcoming bands. The 1950s decor and fun-loving environment will help to add to the electric atmosphere making it a must see event.
Description: Is your new year's resolution to look after yourself? Left Bank will take you on a spiritual journey into physical and mental wellbeing through yoga. After this Frawl, a veggie pop-up, will be serving up a two course vegan and gluten-free menu to completely transform you into a glorious state of spiritual abyss.
Image: Charlotte Tilbury, Buchanan Street via Facebook
When: Tuesday23 January 2024
Where: Banyan, City Square, Leeds City Centre
Description: Why not transform your look this year by attending the legendary Charlotte Tilbury team’s masterclass? For a night of sophistication and glamor, e class is accompanied by a two course meal and a cocktail at Banyan.
Where: Aquatite House, Water Lane, Holbeck, Leeds LS11 9UD
Mint Warehouse, renowned for its hypnotic lights and garden parties, has hit its 12th birthday. To celebrate the occasion the event is being headlined by Enzo Siragusa and has some amazing DJs accompanying him. The house tech event will be a great way to two step into the new year.
Tuesday16 - Saturday 20 January 2024 | Leeds Grand Theatre
Image: Pamela Raith Photography
When: Tuesday16 - Saturday 20 January 2024
Where: Leeds Grand Theatre, 46 New Briggate, Leeds LS1 6NU
Inspired by The Play That Goes Wrong, and the BBC TVv show, The Goes Wrong Show this show is cultivated into a hilarious comedy that will leave you laughing throughout. It’s a performance of chaos and technical mishaps, leaving you with the question: What more could go wrong?
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.