The weather is getting colder but the festivities are hotting up.
If you're a football fan then you will have been waiting for this week to come around for a long, long time. Many of you will be itching to get nestled inside a cosy pub, sports bar or beer hall to watch the matches in an incredible atmosphere and luckily for you, we've got a list of places around the city for you to get yourself to.
And not only that, but Leeds has truly got it's Christmas hat on with tipis, ice rinks, markets and more popping up around the city. There's something to get involved in every night this week as we get closer and closer to the end of the month.
Keep reading to find out how you can make the most of this week in Leeds…
World Cup 2022
Sunday 20 November - Sunday 18 December 2022
Image: BOX
The Qatar World Cup 2022 kicked off yesterday and we couldn't be more excited about it. It feels as though it was only yesterday we were sat in the pub, watching the 2021 Euros games in a world that was just reopening after being locked down for months on end.
Now we finally have the chance to make the most of the local sports bars and watch the world cup in the company of like-minded fans, there’s ample opportunity to grab a seat and pint around the city. So take a look at our guide on where to watch the games over the next few weeks, it's going to be a whole lot of fun.
Chow Down Winter Village
Thursday 10 November onwards | Chow Down, Temple Arches
Bringing together indie food trucks, live music, boozy bingo and the sports of the season, Chow Down’s Winter Village is returning in all of its glory- and you’ll have a full eight weeks to get yourself down there. There’s going to be plenty to get involved in too. We’re talking the return of the ever-popular drag brunches, as well as Bingo Lingo, comedy nights, a Christmas-themed dog social and the big pub quiz to round off the year with Chow Down Quizmas.
Monday 21 November - Saturday 31st December | Bundobust, Mill Hill
Image: Supplied
It’s officially the festive season and with that comes Christmas specials aplenty popping up around the city. Indian Street Food favourite Bundobust are of course getting in on the action, and we could not be more excited about it.
From Sprout Bhajis to Mince Pie Parathas, there's something for everyone to tuck into on this new festive fuelled menu. Built for the party with it’s beer hall style interior and a food menu made for sharing, it really is the perfect place to gather with friends, family or colleagues to cheers to the festivities.
Monday 21 November 2022 – Saturday 26 November 2022 | Leeds Playhouse, Quarry Hill
Image: Sarah Lou, Flickr
Roald Dahl’s devilishly delicious tale of young golden ticket winner Charlie Bucket and wild confectionary wizard Willy Wonka will take you to a world of pure imagination this festive season. Take a journey down the chocolate river and grab your golden ticket to this incredible production by Leeds Playhouse with Neal Street Productions & Playful Productions.
Friday 25 November 2022 onwards | Millenium Square, Leeds city centre
Image: Leeds City Council
Taking centre stage on Millennium Square, the 400 sqm real ice rink will feature a transparent marquee-styled roof to ensure sessions can take place whatever the weather. And with it comes a string of exciting attractions and stalls which will set up shop in the nearby Victoria Gardens and Cookridge Street. Including a family funfair where thrill-seekers can climb aboard the 30m high Star Flyer or check out the North Pole Funhouse alongside a selection of Children’s’ festive themed rides and games.
Thursday 24 November 2022 | Hirst’s Yard, just off Duncan Street / Call Lane
Image: The End Bar
The trendy new bar is due to open in November and will offer visitors an “elegant and lavish drinking space” in Leeds city centre. Named ‘The End’, the hip new bar will be the result of a complete transformation of a historic building on Hirst’s Yard, of what was previously occupied by Mook Bar.
Wednesday 23 November 2022 | O2 Academy, Millenium Square
Image: O2 Academy
Returning for the second time this year after her performance at Live At Leeds: In The Park, Holly Humberstone is back in Leeds at the O2 Academy for one night only. The BRIT Rising Star performer will be bringing tunes from her new album Can You Afford To Lose Me, as well as single Sleep Tight, which was co-written with The 1975’s frontman, Matty Healy.
Get tickets for Holly Humberstone at the O2 Academy here.
Yard Act
Thursday 24 November 2022 | O2 Academy, Millenium Square
Image: O2 Academy
The Leeds legends are returning for a huge homecoming gig at the O2 Academy, and the city couldn’t be more excited. Since releasing their debut album in February, The Overload, reached number two in the charts, the four piece Yorkshire band have been continuing to bring their tuneful observations of everyday life to the masses, and this performance will be no different.
Friday 25 November 2022 | O2 Academy, Millenium Square
Image: Skiddle
Worried about Henry presents a huge Friday night line-up. Chase and Status will be taking over the O2 Academy until 4am with sets from the likes of S.P..Y, Voltage, Born On Road Ft Aries, b2b Kelvin373 b2b Gray, Disrupta, Dilemma, Garston, Hosted by, Lowqui, Fox and Carasel.
Get tickets for Chase and Status on Friday 25 November 2022 here.
Feature
Audio North’s Artist of the Month : Holly Rolfe | May 2026
As you're well aware by now, the North has some of this country's best artists and musicians, so much so, we are showcasing a new one to you every single month.
Meet Holly Rolfe, a Lichfield-born, Leeds-based artist who's music is cathartic, emotive with her stage presence helping create a pure-pop package.
Her singles have captivated audiences online with one song in particular, 'I'll Come Back To You', amassing over 250,000 streams.
She's also focused on uplifting fellow female musicians, something which she has made into a real initiative titled 'Women in Music Presents'.
And if you're wondering why all her outfits have varied in shades of blue when she's featured in videos on Audio North's Instagram account - she explains later on.
An interview with Holly Rolfe | Audio North's Artist of the Month: May
Meet Hilly Rolfe, Audio North's artist of the month for May / Credit: The Manc Group
How did you get into music?
I started busking at 14 after some encouragement from my Mum who was also a busker. Then I started performing at weddings and taking part in gigs.
Every family holiday we used to listen to CDs whenever we'd drive around and play Adele, Robbie Williams, specifically the live albums, Mika too.
Who were some of your musical influences growing up?
Some of my favourite musicians who's music I am inspired by are Mimi Webb and Cian Ducrot. Obviously Harry Styles and Sabrina Carpenter too.
Especially Sabrina and Mimi, I love their fun pop girl energy, I just want to channel that.
Do you want to tell us a little bit more about your recent EP?
On 24 April I released my EP Lost in the Dark (Live in Session), which is a collection of songs that I believe aren't based around streams, but instead it's a passion project.
It means so much to me and it sums up who I am as an artist, the music I want to create and my experience of being a student in Leeds.
You're also part of a group called Women in MusicPresents, please can you tell us more about this?
It's a group created during my final year of university that I made with some friends.
We wanted something that focused around the positives and challenges that being a female artist brings, while uplifting each other with no real headliners at each event, instead we all share the spotlight.
Holly alongside Women in MusicPresents line-up at The Attic in Leeds / Credit: The Manc Group
We've noticed that you like to wear a lot of blue, how come?
I've always been obsessed with blue and when I was starting to brand myself as an artist I thought this colour really compliments me.
And honestly royal blue, navy, baby blue, whatever the shade is I love it.
What are some of your career highlights so far?
My first band gig was at the Piece Hall in Halifax where I got the opportunity to support Cian Ducrot and that's where everything really kicked off.
From there I performed at The Cavern Club in Liverpool, where as well as performing, I also got the chance to admire some of pop music's greatest memorabilia.
I was able to do my debut headline at Headrow House and did another headline show at Hyde Park Book Club too.
Rolfe backstage ahead of her Piece Hall supporting slot and the singer pictured underneath The Domino Club neon sign / Credit: Supplied
What does being an artist in the North feel like for you?
Anything is possible. There's something about the North that is so welcoming and it has helped me become my true self as an artist, performing for northern crowds.
I feel so inspired by artists from here and everyone northern as they all have this determination which is so nice to see, watching people chase their dreams.
And finally now we've learnt more about you, who are some Northern artists you love and want to show off?
Lois. She's incredible and has announced a listening party for her new album later this month.
Also The Wranglers, a country group who I got the opportunity to support at their recent gig at Oporto in Leeds. They just make you want to get up and dance.
Thank you Holly for letting us learn a little bit more about your artistry, we're sure that you're on track to claiming your pop princess crown in years to come.
Featured Images - Artist supplied / The Manc Group
Feature
Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon 2026 guide – everything you need to know
Clementine Hall
The 2026 Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon (RBLM) is nearly upon us.
And with thousands set to flood the region, we thought we'd round up all the important information you need to know, from waves and start times to the route and more.
Getting underway this weekend, this year marks just the third-ever edition of the modern Leeds Marathon, which was set up in honour of Rhinos legend and MND champion Rob Burrow in 2023.
In addition to over 12,000 locals, marathon enthusiasts, fantastic fundraisers and casual runners alike taking part in the 2025 RBLM , there are set to be even more spectators expected to line the streets, so it's best you're all kept in the loop.
So, without further ado, here's our comprehensive guide for the 2026 Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon.
Hosted by Run For All yet again, this year's Leeds Marathon is set to be just as special.
What is the route?
Where else to start other than, well, with where the run will be starting?
Getting underway once again from the Headingley Stadium, the 26.2-mile slog will see Yorkshire's finest pass through the busy student district, as well as around Golden Acre Park, towards Bramhope, around Otley, into the city centre and back.
You can see the full route map down below.
Leeds Marathon Map 2026
If you're running it, you'll also be glad to see that there are a total of eight different toilet stops and water stations, meaning you'll have the opportunity to take any necessary breaks every few miles.
How to get there?
For those travelling to the start/finish line (yes, it finishes back at the iconic cricket ground too), it is advised that people avoid driving and use public transport where possible to avoid further congestion.
Upon arriving, the only way to access the start line on race day is via Gate G behind the western terrace of the cricket stadium off Kirkstall Road.
Spectator shuttles will also be running between Queenswood Drive and the two main spectator hubs: Adel and Otley. You can find out more details on where to watch HERE.
Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon waves and start times
Now, as for start times, participants will be set off in waves depending on their estimated finish time, which corresponds to the colour of their bib.Wave start times
Blue – 09:00
Red – 09:04
Green & Yellow – 09:10
MND Wave – 09:19
Purple - 09:21
Meanwhile, those doing the half-marathon distance and fun runners will be starting at 10am.
Leeds Marathon road closures and travel advice
Now, it goes without saying that setting up a major marathon that spans all the way from Headingley to Leeds, passing through some of the busiest parts of West Yorkshire, involves quite a lot of logistical planning.
Luckily, Leeds City Council have worked closely with the event team to make the marathon route run as smoothly as possible whilst also trying to minimise the impact on traffic and general travel.
You can find a full breakdown of all the road closures for this year's Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon here.
So, for everyone taking on the Leeds Marathon to honour not just Rob Burrow but whoever they might be running it for, we wish you the best of luck and just know that you've already done him, us, yourselves and everyone else SO very proud.
Clementine Hall -
21st November 2022 
