We hope the transition into the new year has been a smooth one, and if you're looking for things to get up to this week then we've got you covered.
January can sometimes be a bit glum, but it doesn't have to be. There's loads going in and around the city which will make sure that you've started off 2023 in the best way possible.
From midweek yoga to star studded concerts and incredible foodie deals, there's something for everyone to get stuck into this January. Keep reading to see our top picks...
Up to 50% off food and drink in Leeds: January Offers
Monday 9 January – Tuesday 31 January 2023 | Around Leeds
The start of the year marks an incredible foodie sale for many of Leeds’ most exciting food and drink joints, and we’ve got a guide full of money-saving offers to help you eat out for less all month long.
I'm sure many of us have some new fitness goals which we would like to achieve in 2023, so why not head to House of Fu after work on a Monday to get the body moving and the mind grooving.
For just £5, you will be led through an hour of yoga by qualified yoga teacher Molly Gillett. We can't think of a better way to start the week, can you?
No need to book, just pay with card or cash on arrival.
Visit Things In Bread
Tuesday 10 - Sunday 15 January 2023 | Boar Lane, Leeds city centre
Image: Things In Bread
The people behind sweet treat favourite Doh’hut have opened an entire store dedicated to sarnies. Named ‘Things in Bread’, this is their first full week being open and it's definitely worth the trip.
Expect “Classic Proper British Sandwiches , Egg & Cress, BLT , Ham and Cheese & loads more…. sounds basic while I’m writing this but I promise you these sandwiches are anything but! If you’ve had our sandwiches you know we do them right & so excited to finally have the space to do them better than ever. Made to order & bread baked fresh every day! Works begin asap and hope to get open as soon as we can!”
Thursday 12 January 2023 | Northern Monk Refectory, Holbeck
Image: Skiddle
Paint your way through Thursday night and create your own version of Andrew Sales’s Van Gogh-inspired Starry Night over Leeds. Painting in blue and green, it’s an opportunity to unleash your creative side with a glass of wine in one hand and paint brush in the other.
Just because you’re doing Dry January, there’s no reason to skip the pub. In fact, it’s more important than ever to support hospitality after the winter. So why skip the pub crawl if you’re not drinking? There’s loads of non-alcoholic options in Leeds, all from the bars that need your support- seems pretty win, win if you ask us.
Take a look at our list of places to try out on your pub crawl, and the non-alcoholic or low-alcoholic drinks to try out in Leeds city centre.
Leeds Board Game Fest
Saturday 14 - Sunday 15 January 2023 | Hyde Park Book Club, Headingley
Image: Cards or Die
Organisers Cards or Die are passionate about bringing people together through board games. They will be bringing a selection of games to Hyde Park Book Club this weekend for you to get involved in. Or if you were kindly given a new board game for Christmas, then bring it along and take it for a spin.
For more information and to book your ticket, take a look at the event's website.
Lewis Capaldi Live
Saturday 14 January 2023 | First Direct Arena, Leeds city centre
Image: Skiddle
The Scottish singer will be tackling a massive 31-date arena tour, including a night at the First Direct Arena in January. He also confirmed a new album is finally on the way, with Broken By Desire to be Heavenly Sent set for release on 19 May 2023. The Someone You Loved songwriter recently made his long-awaited return to music with the release of single Forget Me, which marked his third UK number one.
Monday 9 January 2023 | The Wardrobe, St Peter’s Square
Image: Gabrielle Aplin, Facebook
To celebrate the release of her new album, Phosphorescent, The Power Of Love singer will be on stage at The Wardrobe for a special Intimate Launch show from 7pm and signing albums in the venue after her performance.
£25 Bottomless Roast Dinner
Every Sunday throughout January | Neighbourhood, Greek Street
Every Sunday for a full 90 minutes enjoy bottomless Prosecco, gin, pink gin, vodka, rum, seasonal cocktails and beer with your roast. Now that’s what we call a Sunday Funday Neighbourhood.
Choose from Roast Topside Beef, Roast Chicken Breast or Zucchini & Cashew Bake with roast potatoes, mash potatoes, a huge Yorkshire pudding, parsnips, carrots, cabbage and the best part – bottomless gravy.
Plus you can use the link in on our Instagram page to book for only £25pp – Available every Sunday until 29th Jan 2023.
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 -
9th January 2023 
