A massive, inflatable igloo bar is coming to Leeds this Christmas, bringing a touch of wintry Eskimo culture to Yorkshire in time for the festive season's kick-off.
Selling festive drinks in Millenium Square next to the city's giant ice skating rink, the giant igloo bar will feature staff dressed in ice-inspired costumes serving a range of festive drinks.
Inside, it will be decorated in the style of a winter garden with greenery and festoons of little twinkling lights to give its drinkers that ultimate wintry festive feeling.
There'll also be live entertainment inside, music, and a broad menu of festive drinks offering something for everyone.
Image: Ice Cube Leeds
And that's not all - alongside the giant igloo, a string of German market huts will also be on hand selling bratwurst, gluhwein, Yorkshire pudding wraps, poutine, pizza and more.
There'll be a brand-new stall from Germany featuring a 35ft high Christmas tree on the roof, funfair rides and games, plus seating inside the igloo and also outside in the square - with covered bench tables dotted around offering shoppers a respite from the busy high street.
Elsewhere, there will be funfair rides like the 100 ft high Star Flyer, a giant festive helter-skelter a North Pole funhouse and - just a stone's throw from the square - a 110ft Leeds Wheel of Light and Golden Gallopers traditional carousel ride.
James Mallinder, the artist, founder and managing director of Igloo Disco said:
“After working with many blue-chip companies and providing inflatable structures all over the UK, I am so excited to be able to create something beautiful for my much-loved home city of Leeds.
“Our new bar installation is fully immersive, totally bespoke and I hope it gives everyone who visits a whole load of festive Joy, especially after last year’s lockdown Christmas.”
Roger Tuby of International Funfairs said: “After working in partnership with Leeds City Council for many years, we are really excited to be able to help bring back a bit of the traditional Christmas look and feel to Leeds.
“With a variety of alpine style cabins serving tasty hot food and drink, a brand-new stall from Germany featuring a 35ft high Christmas tree on the roof, and a selection of themed attractions, rides and games, there really is something for all the family to enjoy this Christmas in Leeds.”
Leeds
Independent Leeds bookshop raises money for trans healthcare by inviting customers to ‘deface’ Harry Potter books
A bookshop in Leeds is inviting its customers to vandalise Harry Potter books for charity.
Well, this is definitely one we haven't seen before.
The Bookish Type on Great George Street in Leeds is a fabulous independently-owned queer bookshop that prides itself on being a safe space for all.
They're raising money for trans healthcare by inviting customers to vandalise Harry Potter novels for just 25p per go.
A bargain if you ask us, and all for a good cause. And don't worry, all the books are second hand and have been donated.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
If you're not understanding the immediate connection between the two, then allow us to fill you in.
J.K. Rowling, the author of the famous Harry Potter novels, has over recent years expressed transphobic comments and anti-trans political beliefs on social media.
Yesterday, Wednesday 25 March, the trailer for the new HBO Max Harry Potter series was released which has encouraged many people to speak out against Rowling and claim she should no longer be supported.
So, The Bookish Type are showing support for the trans community and asking those who feel frustrated to have a doodle and whilst they're at it, donate to a good cause.
If you're not able to make it into the shop, The Bookish Type have said "You will soon be able to donate online and we will personally deface a page with your message/doodle/scribble."
We're absolutely obsessed.
Find out more about The Bookish Type and if you can, pop in for a browse and a doodle whilst you're at it.
Featured image - The Bookish Type Leeds (Supplied)
Leeds
Leeds to be transformed into a giant board game as Trivial Pursuit takes over the city
Clementine Hall
Leeds is set to become a giant board game this summer as Trivial Pursiot arrives in the city centre to celebrate a landmark moment in its history.
To mark 400 years since Leeds was granted its royal charter, LeedsBID (Leeds Business Improvement District) is transforming the city into a live interactive version of Hasbro’s iconic Trivial Pursuit board game, inviting residents and visitors to test their knowledge of all things Leeds.
It follows the huge success of the MONOPOLY Leeds Takeover back in summer 2024 and this year, LeedsBID is once again working with leading game, IP and toy company Hasbro to bring another of its iconic games to life.
This time, the focus is on the stories, achievements and surprising facts that have shaped Leeds over four centuries.
Running from 25 July to 30 August 2026, the free experience will see participants journey across the city centre answering questions and collecting wedges, just like the classic trivia game.
Key locations will represent the six traditional Trivial Pursuit categories: Entertainment, Geography, Sports & Leisure, Science and Nature, History, and Art & Literature.
Matt Proulx, Senior Vice President of Global Experiences, Partnerships and Music at Hasbro said: “After the incredible response to the MONOPOLY Leeds Takeover in 2024, we’re proud to collaborate with LeedsBID once again to reimagine another iconic brand in a bold new way.
"This is exactly how we think about Global Experiences at Hasbro - taking our brands beyond the table and creating experiences that are social, shareable and deeply connected to the communities they celebrate."
Andrew Cooper, Chief Executive of LeedsBID, said: “TRIVIAL PURSUIT Leeds is about celebrating everything about this great city, from those headline facts and figures people know to the lesser-known surprising details and discoveries.
“LeedsBID’s raison d’etre is to put Leeds on the map and tell the stories and successes of the city. Trivial Pursuit Leeds is doing just that, providing a free, fun and entertaining activity for all ages while sharing new and interesting achievements of this amazing place.”
Georgina Pellant -
10th November 2021 
