Just over an hour from Leeds, you'll find a huge Banksy exhibition inside a purpose-built space in Greater Manchester.
Opening this month, with tickets on sale now, this is going to be well worth the trip across to the North West.
The Art of Banksy event will take over a 1,200 sq metre structure in the heart of MediaCityUK, celebrating one of the world’s most famous artists, reports The Manc.
It’s set to open on the Piazza space on 21 October and will remain until 8 January 2023.
With his iconic street art-style work including Balloon Girl, Kissing Coppers and Flower Thrower, not to mention paintings like Show Me The Monet, Banksy is up there with the most influential artists of all time.
The massive new art event, presented in partnership with HOME, will feature 145 authenticated Banksy works from 2002 to 2017, on display in a way not possible in a museum or gallery.
Banksy's Show Me The Monet. Credit: Sothebys
It will also include an extremely rare Banksy art work, Leopard and Barcode, whichhasn’t been publicly seen for more than a decade.
The piece was originally sprayed onto the side of a house near Bristol, but after being saved from demolition work by a local architect, spent years wrapped in a blanket under a spare bed.
The Art of Banksy will show how art has the power to affect social change, inspire the public and lay bare the undercurrents of social issues.
It will be at the Piazza in MediaCityUK between 21 October 2022 and 8 January 2023.
The exhibition has been produced by GTP Exhibitions Ltd and will be presented by The Art of Banksy Touring Ltd in association with HOME. The exhibition is not curated or authorised by Banksy.
Tickets for The Art of Banksy are priced from £19.50 (concessions available) and can be booked online at artofbanksy.co.uk or over the phone, on 0343 208 1838.
Get ready to enjoy a taste of the Caribbean as Jerk Junction is gearing up to open in Leeds.
The street food favourite has made waves in the foodie scene over in Manchester and Liverpool, so it's only right that its making its way into Trinity Kitchen.
Jerk Junction specialises in authentic Caribbean flavours, from dumplings and jerk chicken to curried goat and rice and peas, it's all flame-grilled and packed with island spices.
It is expected to open this spring.
Image: The Manc Group
Steven Foster, Centre Director at Trinity Leeds, said: “We’re so excited to be welcoming Jerk Junction to Trinity Kitchen and we’re sure it will prove very popular. Bringing an authentic Caribbean flavour to Leeds, it’s the perfect new addition and complements our already stellar line-up of street food vendors.”
Jake Shaffi, founder at Jerk Junction, said: “Jerk Junction is all about real Caribbean food and culture. Everything we do is rooted in Jamaican tradition, from bold spices and authentic cooking to dishes that bring people together.
“For us, food is family. From our kitchen to every person who comes to our counter, we want people to feel the warmth, the energy and the spirit of the islands. We can’t wait to bring those authentic flavours and good vibes to Trinity Kitchen.”
The announcement follows news that the UK’s largest independent boutique bowling brand Lane7, and footwear retailers schuh and Footasylum, would be opening at Trinity Leeds later this year, whilst the LEGO Store will be relocating to a larger space within the shopping centre.
Posting to their social media, The Maven said: "When news broke The Maven could close its doors at the end of March, the reaction across the city was immediate. The response from customers, bartenders, and hospitality operators showed just how much this bar means to Leeds.
"For nearly 15 years, The Maven has been one of the city’s most loved cocktail destinations and a true institution within the local bar scene.
"When we told you about its potential closure we were flooded with support and interest from across the hospitality community. In the days that followed, several Leeds-based operators stepped forward with genuine offers to buy the venue and keep the bar alive.
"At a time when our industry is too often filled with stories of closures, today brings a little hope - a story about a community stepping up to protect something it values.
"The reports that The Maven would close at the end of March are now firmly in the past: The Maven Lives.
"Thanks to the passion of the Leeds hospitality community and the loyalty of its guests, the bar will continue to be part of the city’s nightlife story. More details about the next chapter for The Maven will be shared soon."
The Hoot -
14th October 2022 
