Feature

The best things to do in Leeds this month | November 2022

Rugby League World Cup, Bundo specials, Kaiser Chiefs live and plenty more...

Sophie Smith Sophie Smith - 28th October 2022

The top ten things to do in and around Leeds this month.

Time to put away the spooky decor to gather cobwebs for another year (although there's still a few Halloween-themed foodie specials to take advantage of) and get out the festive gear, this month is all about the Christmas build-up in Leeds.

Whilst there's no council-led Christmas markets, there's plenty of alternatives to get involved in that allow you to appreciate the most wonderful time of the year and support independents at the same time.

For those not quite ready to see the fake snow on the ground or visit Santa's Grotto, there's still plenty of activities to get involved in. The Rugby World Cup remains in Leeds for another five games, including the Men's semi final and Women's England v Brazil and Papua New Guinea games; plus a very special homecoming gig from the Kaiser Chiefs.

And that's just the tip of the iceberg! Keep reading to find out all our top picks of things to do in and around Leeds this month...

Bundobust Halloween specials

Monday 31 October - Friday 4 November 2022 | Bundobust, Mill Hill

Image: Bundobust

Back for another year by popular demand, Indian street food favourite Bundobust will bring back pumpkin samosas for one week. The deep-fried snack filled with pumpkin and peas, spiced in chilli, garlic and house garam masala before being encased in a spinach and nigella seed pastry. Available from Monday 31 October, these handmade specials will be extremely limited, so make sure you head down early to get your hands on one.

Find out more here.

Rugby League World Cup

Tuesday 1 November - Friday 11 November 2022 | Headingley Stadium / Elland Road

Image: RLWC21

Leeds has been hosting more games at this year's Rugby League World Cup than any other city, and there's still plenty to get stuck in to.

The following Rugby League World Cup games will be held in Leeds is month:

  • Women's England v Brazil on Tuesday 1 November, 2.30pm @ Headingley Stadium
  • Women's Papua New Guinea v Canada on Tuesday 1 November, 5pm @ Headingley Stadium
  • Women's Canada v Brazil on Wednesday 9 November, 5pm @ Headingley Stadium
  • Women's England v Papua New Guinea on Wednesday 9 November @ Headingley Stadium
  • Men's Semi Final on Friday 11 November, 7.45pm @ Elland Road

Find out more, including how to grab tickets, here.

Bonfire Night at Yeadon Cricket Club

Saturday 5 November 2022, from 6pm | High Street, Yeadon

The 2021 bonfire. / Image: Eventbrite

The Yeadon Cricket Club have three hours of bonfire fun for all the family planned. For grown ups, the bar will keep the booze flowing throughout the night, with an array of street food offering warm, tasty treats. From 6pm, expect fireworks a plenty and a huge bonfire ablaze throughout the night. Tickets cost £8 each or £28 for a family ticket.

Find out more here.

Read More: All the places in Leeds to visit on Bonfire Night 2022 with tickets still available

Chow Down Winter Village

Thursday 10 November onwards | Chow Down, Temple Arches

Image: Supplied

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.

Find our more here.

Corn Exchange Christmas Market

Friday 11 November 2022 onwards | Corn Exchange, Leeds city centre

The Corn Exchange Christmas Market.
Image: Supplied

Luckily for us, Rolling Social Events, the brains behind the legendary Leeds Rum Fest, Leeds Whisky Fest, and Leeds Tequila Fest are returning to Leeds Corn Exchange for the 2022 Christmas Market. Think a host of independent stalls to snap up your Christmas pressies from, a range of delicious food offerings from local chefs and all in the most beautiful building in Leeds. Sounds good? We think so too.

Find out more here.

Kaiser Chiefs Homecoming Gig

Saturday 12 November 2022 | First Direct Arena, Arena Way

Image: First Direct Arena

The Leeds' legends are back in town for one night only- and their homecoming gig is expected to be one of the biggest in the city. The indie-rock band will bring all their best known tunes like Ruby and I Predict A Riot to the First Direct Arena, along with (hopefully) their nostalgic hits about our own city.

Find out more here.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Live

 Friday 18 November 2022 - Saturday 28 January 2023 | Leeds Playhouse

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.

Find out more here.

Harry Styles Bottomless Brunch

Saturday 19 November 2022 | Playroom, Electric Press

Image: The Brunch Club UK

Guests can enjoy 90 minutes of free-flowing fun alongside a tasty brunch dish of their choice, all whilst vibing out to a resident DJ playing only Harry’s top hits. Doors open at 11am and the brunching commences just 30 minutes later, after the 90 minutes is up you can take the party to the dance floor and singalong to the ultimate Harry Styles megamix and show off your best 70s fits (disclaimer: fancy dress very much encouraged).

Find out more here.

The End Bar Opening

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.

Find out more here.

Millenium Square Ice Cube

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.

Find out more here.

Feature Image- RLWC21 / First Direct Arena / Leeds City Council

Feature

You can stay in this beautiful TV-free gothic hall in the Peak District

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia

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)
There's a gothic hall in the Peak District that's completely TV-free / Credit: Airbnb (supplied)
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)
Pictor Hall is an impressive 1700s property where you can have your own Yorkshire staycation / Credit: Airbnb (supplied)
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.

Read more: The old-fashion Sheffield sweet shop that’s been open for 152 years

Featured Images - Airbnb (via supplied)

Feature

Audio North’s Artist of the Month: Cruz | July 2026

Thomas Melia 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)
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)
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.

Who are some Northern artists that you're enjoying listening to at the moment?

Leeds-based band The North, there's also The Rosadocs and Montello. We played a gig not too long ago with some class acts too, Bochum Parkway and Jessops, And we can't forget The Slates as well.

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 most important to them / Credit: Press Shot (supplied)
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.

Read more: Sheffield’s Peddler Market to relaunch as FREE monthly mini music festival

Featured Images - Press Shots (supplied)

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