Guides

The Ilkley Literature Festival announces 2022 headline acts

The festival takes place this Autumn.

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall - 19th August 2022

Ruth Jones, Ian McMillan, Gyles Brandreth, Gabby Logan and Melvyn Bragg are amongst the star studded line-up at this year's festival.

The Ilkley Literature Festival hosts an array of leading literary geniuses each year and this year's exciting programme hints towards another show stopping celebration of the arts.

The festival aims to celebrate all things reading and writing, with over 90 events exploring fiction, non-fiction and poetry, with authors from politicians to actors, academics to mountaineers, and journalists to chefs. 

This Autumn the festival will be taking place between 7 - 23 October 2022 and after taking a look at the headline acts, it is not one to be missed.

The Ilkley Literature Festival.
Image: Ilkley Literature Festival

Kicking off the festival is beloved Yorkshire poet Ian McMillan, who will be sharing stories about one of his great loves – the sea – and the places and memories that have shaped the grand old dad he is today.

Actor, co-creator of Gavin & Stacey and author, Ruth Jones, will be discussing her uplifting new novel Love Untold, on Saturday 8 October and Ardal O’Hanlon, star of iconic TV comedy series, Father Ted, will discuss his darkly comic novel and satire on Ireland’s politics, Brouhaha, on Saturday 15 October.

Leeds-born presenter Gabby Logan will explore her candid memoir that details her brother’s early death, her father’s alcoholism, and navigating sexism at work.

Other appearances include broadcaster Melvyn Bragg and festival favourite Gyles Brandreth. The full programme for the festival can be found here on the festival's website.

The festival includes in-person talks, digital events and workshops hosted at numerous venues around Ilkley including All Saints’ Church, Ilkley Grammar School, Ilkley Playhouse and the King’s Hall.

The festival promises to be a great day out for all the family. Tickets will go on sale on Tuesday 30 August and you can grab yours here.

Read more: Ilkley is named as The Sunday Times Best Place to Live 2022

Feature image: Ilkley Literature Festival

Guides

Where to watch the 2026 World Cup in Leeds city centre and beyond

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

Kick-off for the 2026 World Cup is almost upon us so it's time to find out in Leeds where we'll be watching, preferably with a pint in hand.

International tournaments are always a special occasion we eagerly await to come around and while we’re sure you could walk into any old pub and enjoy yourself, there are some seriously good venues showing the 2026 World Cup this year.

So, with that in mind, we thought we’d put together a list of the best places to watch the World Cup in Leeds. You’re welcome.

Where to watch the 2026 World Cup in Leeds

Green Room

Wellington Street, Leeds city centre

Get yourself on one of Leeds' best terraces to enjoy a spritz or two before heading into the main bar to watch the matches.

Meanwood Tavern

607 Meanwood Rd, Meanwood, LS6 4HQ

Over in Meanwood, the much-loved Meanwood Tavern will be showing the games with screens at the front and back of the pub. Walk-ins welcome but booking encouraged.

BOX

15 Infirmary St, LS1 2JS

Image: The Hoot Leeds

It's an absolute classic, but BOX will of course be showing all the games on their multitude of screens. We also recommend booking a table for this spot as it's always a busy one.

Hyde Park Book Club

27-29 Headingley Ln., Headingley, LS6 1BL

Image: The Hoot Leeds

A favourite amongst students, Hyde Park Book Club will be showing every England game and more on the big screen.

Trinity Kitchen

 27 Albion St, LS1 5ER

Image: Supplied

Trinity Kitchen will turn into one of the city’s biggest hotspots to watch the World Cup this summer.

The space is getting ready to be transformed into an evening fan zone with three super-size screens, a brand-new bar, DJs, brass bands and space for up to 1,000 supporters.

The space will be completely free to attend and will open just in time for the start of the tournament on Thursday 11 June.

Read more: A huge new venue designed for 1,000 fans to watch the World Cup is coming to Leeds city centre

Project House

Armley Rd, LS12 2DR

Image: The Hoot Leeds

This fantastic events venue will be showing all the England World Cup Games, so get your tables booked and make sure to head for some food at Galleria beforehand.

Brewery Wharf Tavern

Tetley's Brewery Wharf, 3 Brewery Pl, LS10 1NE

Image: The Hoot Leeds

One of Leeds' newest pubs right by the canal will be showing all the England games, booking is recommended.

The Melbourne

476 Roundhay Rd, Roundhay, LS8 2HU

Image: The Hoot Leeds

If you're in Roundhay then The Melbourne is the place to be. They'll be showing all the England games on their swanky new 75inch telly and they'll even have some new beers on the lines to celebrate the occasion.

The Beck and Call

Stainbeck Rd, Chapel Allerton, LS7 2NP

This absolute gem of a pub will be showing all the England World Cup games on multiple screens, including some big ones. If you're a fan of a huge beer garden, then this is the spot for you.

Kirkstall Bridge Inn

12 Bridge Rd, Kirkstall, LS5 3BW

This fabulous pub on the edge of the River Aire will be showing the footy on a huge screen in their expansive beer garden. If that doesn't scream summer, we don't know what does.

Brudenell Social Club

 33 Queen's Rd, Burley, LS6 1NY

Image: The Hoot Leeds

One of Leeds' most iconic gig venues will be showing the footy both outdoor and indoor, they'll also of course be providing plenty of pints, pies and good vibes.

Brotherhood

54 New Briggate, LS1 6NU

Image: The Hoot Leeds

One of Leeds' most iconic sports bars will be showing every single match of the World Cup alongside plenty of drink deals and food on offer to keep you fuelled up.

Beaverworks

36 Whitehouse St, Hunslet, Leeds LS10 1AD

If you're looking for a proper fan zone atmosphere, than Beaverworks is your best bet. For £5 a ticket, expect BBQs at each game, beer towers, DJs and a free beer or cider.

4TheFans at the O2 Academy

55 Cookridge St, Leeds LS2 3AW

Image: 4TheFans

4TheFans will be creating the ultimate atmosphere at the O2 Academy, expect a production and sound experience built for global superstars, combining the noise, the passion and the atmosphere into one electric, next-level fan experience.

Buy your tickets here.

Featured image - Supplied


Guides

Here’s 10 of the best places to visit in Farsley at the weekend

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

Farsley is one of Leeds' most beloved suburbs, and it's not hard to see why.

Drenched in history and industrial heritage, Farsley has a lot to say for itself and is overflowing with things to see and do.

It has a real community feel to it which you can feel almost instantly, and it's filled with loads of independent businesses which makes Farsley the perfect spot to explore at the weekend.

Here are our top picks of what to do in this this up-and-coming suburb of Leeds this weekend.

Westroyd Park

12 Sunfield Dr, Stanningley, Farsley, Pudsey LS28 6DS

Westroyd Park is a beautiful green gem situated in the heart of Farsley. A sprawling expanse of greenery featuring free tennis courts and colourful gardens with the lovely West Royd House at its centre.

Thanks to the brass band that play every weekend, the park really comes alive throughout the summer making it the perfect place to bring a picnic, relax and take in the stunning scenery.

Sunny Bank Mills

Sunny Bank Mills, Farsley, Pudsey, LS28 5UJ

Image: The Hoot Leeds

Sunny Bank Mills is an inspirational commercial and cultural destination in the heart of the local community of Farsley. Founded in 1829, these beautifully restored mills are now home to a range of independent organisations both large and small.

Visit their 3,000 square foot art gallery and view the work of local artists, designers and makers. You can buy many of the pieces on display or have a go yourself at one of their many workshops and creative courses.

Grumpy's

2 Old Combing, Farsley, Pudsey LS28 5UJ

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Tucked away inside Sunny Bank Mills, Grumpy’s has built a huge reputation for its incredible wood-fired pizzas, laid-back atmosphere, that more or less has a proper community feel at the forefront.

Created by sisters Alex and Cassie, the family-run restaurant was even named after their dad, 'Grumpy' himself, and that personal touch runs through everything they do.

Read more: The family-run neighbourhood Leeds restaurant that’s about more than just pizza – it’s about community

Amity Brew Co.

Sunny Bank Mills

Image: The Hoot Leeds

'Community, friendship and good beer' are Amity's ethos. Opening in December 2020 they have quickly become a Farsley favourite. Located in the Sunny Bank Mills, the brewpub serves limited batch beer on-site to their local community, focusing on modernised takes on classic beer styles.

La Grassa

Inside Amity Brew Co.

Image: The Hoot Leeds

La Grassa is a new concept from Stuzzi Leeds co-founders Jimbob Phillips and Brett Lee, that just a few weeks ago opened up inside Amity Brew Co.

La Grassa is a new Italian-American ‘Paninoteca’ and diner concept, where you can get your hands on paninos filled with house-made meats, cheeses and glossy sauces. But be warned, your hands may get a bit messy whilst doing so.

Silver's Bakehouse

62 Town St, Farsley, Pudsey LS28 5LF

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Just when you thought Leeds’ favourite sandwich spot couldn't get any better, they go and open a bakery.

Silver's Bakehouse has opened its beautiful pastel green doors today over in Farsley to queues of excited fans eager to get their first taste. Expect focaccia sandwiches, gooey brownies, chewy cookies and loads more.

Pardon Me

Unit 12, The Twisting, Sunny Bank Mills, Farsley, LS28 5UJ

Image: The Hoot Leeds

Tucked away in the beautiful Sunny Bank Mills, Pardon Me is a record bar built around 'music, atmosphere, and detail'.

It's been launched by Scott Rapson, who grew up in the Scottish Highlands and fell in love with music around the time of the arrival of hip hop in the early 80s. Bartenders here create a small but perfectly formed menu of cocktails and pour natural wines from Wayward Wines in front of a wall of vinyl, while a collection of Scott's records play as a soundtrack to your evening.

Cargo Wines

Sunny Bank Mills

Images: The Hoot Leeds

If you're after a proper nice wine bar then this is the spot for you. They've got a wine for everyone in a gorgeous, chilled out atmosphere. If you need us, we're probably here.

St Jude's

 69 Town St, Farsley, Pudsey LS28 5HX

Image: The Hoot Leeds

If you're after some lovely brunch and a cup of coffee, then look no further than St Jude's. This fabulous all-day dining spot serve up a really varied menu so everything that can get something they fancy.

Feature Image- Grumpy's

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