The Euros, unmissable gigs, new openings and so much more happening this week in our vibrant city.
We’re officially into the thick of June, and as per usual there’s so many great things to get up to.
If you’re not jetting off to somewhere exotic this week then absolutely no fear, as Leeds is bursting at the seams with exciting things to do that you absolutely do not want to miss.
Once again, we’ve cherry-picked a few of the best bits for another edition of our ‘what’s on‘ guide this week.
Victoria Leeds Fashion Week
Monday 10 – Sunday 16 June | Victoria Leeds
Image: Supplied
Following the huge success and popularity of last year’s Fashion Weekender, Victoria Leeds Fashion Week will begin on Thursday 6 June, starting in style with a spectacular fashion show staged in the iconic Victoria Quarter.
Kicking off at 7:30pm, the catwalk will showcase the spectacular runway trends of SS24, from the ongoing domination of 90s-inspired minimalist oversized tailoring, through to sports luxe and ‘Western Rebel’.
Victoria Leeds Fashion Week will run from Thursday 6 to Sunday 16 June, with Fashion Show Standard tickets starting at £20 and VIP tickets available for £35. Grab your tickets here.
Thor’s Tipi Outdoor Bar
Opening Friday 14 June | City Square
Image: Thor’s Tipi
Thor’s Tipi, a popular name in Yorkshire already, is set to open a huge pop-up bar in Leeds right in time for the summer. With a big screen, outdoor seating, and (of course) a tipi, the huge space is set to open in City Square in just a few weeks’ time.
Thor’s Tipi will be serving up a selection of cocktails and street food, and punters can get stuck in to giant outdoor games, easels, and loads of events including performances from local bands.
June is here and Manahatta has a spectacular bottomless drag brunch extravaganza to kick start Pride month. A whole host of incredible drag queens will be bringing a glamorous and fabulous explosion of fun to Leeds with two hours of non-stop excitement, live music, flips, tricks, twirls, lip syncs and exclusive bottomless Pride cocktails for you to enjoy.
Girls Aloud
Saturday 15 – Sunday 16 June | First Direct Arena
Image: Publicity Picture
The iconic pop group are about to take on a two-night residency at the First Direct Arena on a tour that will honour founding bandmate and Mancunian Sarah Harding who sadly passed away in 2021.
Cheryl, Kimberley, Nadine, Nicola and Sarah won over the nation on Popstars: The Rivals, and have legions of loyal fans excited to see hits like Sound of the Underground, Love Machine, and The Promise live.
4TheFans Fan Park Euro 2024
Sunday 16 June – Sunday 14 July | TESTBED, 110 Hunslet Ln
Image: Supplied
Following on from the success of the 2021 Euro fan parks, which saw over 25,000 dedicated fans come together to watch England’s historic Euro campaign, 4TheFans is gearing up for another stellar summer of football.
With over 50,000 fans expected to attend across this year’s tournament, it’s fair to say it’s going to be a football-fuelled summer to remember and tickets are still on sale here.
From Sunday 16 June to Sunday 14 July 2024, TESTBED Leeds will welcome fans to experience some of the UK’s biggest anti-glare screens, world-class sound systems and exclusive bar and food traders as well as DJs, competitions and giveaways.
Sunday 16 June – Tuesday 25 June 2024 | Millennium Square
Image: Millennium Square
Millennium Square will play host to the Euro 2024 Fanzone with all England’s group stage matches against Serbia, Denmark, and Slovenia, as well as the knock-out stages, broadcast live on the Leeds Big Screen.
Entry is strictly by advance ticket only and you can grab yours here.
Feature
Leeds has been crowned the best city in the UK for foodies outside of London
It's fantastic news for our city as Leeds has been crowned one of the best cities in the UK for foodies.
It's news that we've been pretty certain of for some time, but it's still nice to be recognised isn't it?
It comes from a new study carried out by credit card brand Aqua who analysed 30 major UK cities across a range of dining and social media metrics, including cuisine variety, restaurant availability, meal affordability, Michelin recognition and TikTok hashtag volumes.
Coming in at number on was, of course, London.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
With 47 cuisines, 22.5 restaurants per 10,000 residents and 81 Michelin-starred establishments, the capital unsurprisingly continues to dominate the UK’s culinary scene.
But in at number two was our glorious city of Leeds, supported by the highest restaurant density in the study, with 38.5 establishments per 10,000 people, and strong affordability compared with cities in the south.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
We will absolutely take that.
Other northern spots to feature on the list include Sheffield and Bradford in sixth and eighth place.
The top ten UK cities for foodies are:
London
Leeds
Nottingham
Edinburgh
Wolverhampton / Leicester
Sheffield
Birmingham / Glasgow
Bradford / Swansea
Preston
Milton Keynes
Here in Leeds we've got so many fabulous food spots, with new openings cropping up every month it's hard to keep track.
From the multi award-winning Bavette Bistro in Horsforth to the highly acclaimed indie Bundobust that started off in Leeds - you certainly won't find yourself hungry or at a loss for somewhere to eat here.
Audio North’s Artist of the Month: Cole LC | March 2026
Thomas Melia
The North is full of amazing artists, and we’re spotlighting one every single month – it's time to go 'Rollin' with Cole LC
Leeds' own Cole LC has got very far doing his "little music thing" and has seen him reach all new heights as his upcoming project suggests with its title West Yorkshire to Westend Show
This musician has built a pretty distinctive artistic style that fuses rap, all while making sure his West Yorkshire identity was kept in the forefront.
That's because, all of Cole's visuals have been filmed across the city at some pretty recognisable spots like Kirkgate Market, City Varieties and Belgrave Music Hall.
So far, this local lad has captured the attention of music lovers with songs like 'Westbrook' and 'Your Tings My Ting' both having over one million streams.
Now, Cole LC sits down to talk all about being Audio North's ‘Artist of the Month’ and shares more teasers about his highly-anticipated EP.
An interview with Cole LC - Audio North's Artist of the Month
Audio North's Artist of the Month: Cole LC | March 2026 / Credit: Supplied via Press shots
What can we expect from your upcoming EP?
This is my first big release in quite a while after the release of Favourite Version in 2023 and I've done a lot of growing. I started writing last Summer when I was going through a tough period but it's gone onto create some of my best songwriting stories. It's a one big note to self that I hope helps other people out.
What is it like being a Northern independent artist?
I grew up in Roundhay with my family and Leeds as a city has had a monumental impact on what I do as an artist. By being close to the city centre, it has allowed me to be exposed to different types of music, soaking up all these genres has helped influence what I do now.
How do you think Leeds is shaping the UK music scene?
This city is a big credit to music and it's a testament to the musicians of Leeds having that talent but also being hardworking. It's also about authenticity and that's what we've got. The climate of music in general is very intense and there's lots of competition but the sheer talent here in Leeds makes it impossible for us to go unnoticed.
Cole LC has played a key part in Leeds' music scene / Credit: Supplied via Press shots
Who are some up and coming artists you're checking out?
Ellur and you spell it "Ell-uh" because she's from Bradford. She's an Alt-pop artist who I've been listening to a lot. I've also loved Charlotte Plank, especially her latest single 'crybby blue'. There's even Aaron Rowe who supported Lewis Capaldi.
What does a performance day look like for you?
I don't have a specific routine before a show. Practicing my lyrics is a big one and having a mint tea too.
What is your ultimate dream musically?
I'd love to perform whenever I like and just know people would be there and support me. I'd love the financial freedom to be able not worry and creative new tracks whenever whereever I want. Music is so powerful and speaks to everyone, I want to keep improving my quality and progress.
If you could collaborate with anyone who would it be?
Probably Justin Bieber because of how much I love him, he's the greatest of all time, he just is. When I was 14 I was so fuming watching him and seeing how good he is, I thought he'd put be out of a job forever. He has some unreal albums.
What's next for Cole LC?
I can guarantee you new music every single month for 2026. I know a lot of people have been getting in touch regarding a headline show so I'm hoping to organise a gig. I'm also going to make sure I keep the connection with people who enjoy my music whether that's in person or online.