Leeds

A state-of-the-art mobile planetarium is coming to Leeds city centre this summer

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall - 7th August 2026

Get ready for an out-of-this-world experience Leeds.

The mobile planetarium will be popping up at Millennium Square where visitors can explore the wonders of the universe this summer.

Planetarium Go UK will arrive just next month, promising immersive astronomy and science-based experiences using the latest technology to capture the stunning far reaches of space.

The attraction employs high-resolution digital projections all housed within an impressive portable dome
structure and will screen a programme of films for visitors of all ages.

Image: Supplied

From Friday 4 until Wednesday 26 September, Planetarium Go UK will host screenings every day
between 11am and 6pm Sunday to Friday and 10am to 8pm on Saturdays.

José Jiménez, CEO of Planetarium Go UK said: “Our objective is clear: to bring science to places where it has not reached before.

“We want children, young people and families to enjoy an immersive experience that sparks scientific curiosity and brings the universe closer to everyday life, regardless of where they live.”

Image: Supplied

The planetarium is part of the programme of summer events which have taken place on Millennium Square this year, including another belting series of concerts and performances which attracted audiences of thousands.

Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for economy, said: “Millennium Square continues to host an exciting and diverse programme of events and activities at the heart of the city centre each and every year and this summer has been no exception.

“Giving families the opportunity to explore the fascinating wonders of space and astronomy will be an incredible experience and will hopefully help to inspire the next generation of young scientists in Leeds.”

Tickets for Planetarium Go UK are priced from £8 and you can find out more and buy your tickets here.

Read more: Nostalgic rock icons Weezer announce huge arena show in Leeds

Featured image - Supplied

Leeds

Everything we ate and drank at Dishoom Leeds – one of the city’s hottest new openings

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

From Bombay to Leeds, Dishoom has opened in the city to resounding success.

Look, if you've been in town over the past week then you will have seen the snaking queues forming outside the city's hottest new restaurant - Dishoom.

This is one that's been in the pipeline for quite some time now, known amongst the UK for their all-day Bombay-inspired food and it seems the people of Leeds couldn't wait to tuck in.

But before we delve into the food, let's talk about the space.

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Taking over the old Flannels site on Vicar Lane, Dishoom Leeds is nothing short of beautiful.

Dusty pink exteriors welcome you into a huge dining room complete with gold picture frames, baby blue walls and huge arched windows.

They've really thought of every little detail, eve down to the relaxing incense burning on the windowsill.

The menu is large and can seem overwhelming, featuring everything from breakfast naan rolls and small plates and to big sharing curries, but the staff are keen to lend you a helping hand.

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Kicking off with a few Dishoom staples like the crunchy, salty okra fries and peppery chilli cheese toast was the perfect start to our meal.

But an absolute must order is the lamb chops, marinated overnight in raw papaya, yoghurt and spices before being blackened on the grill and finished with a thrilling Kashmiri chilli sauce. These will be on our order list every single time.

Elsewhere the charred masala prawns were juicy and perfectly aromatic, whilst smokey gunpowder potatoes served with a yoghurt dip were a perfect respite from the building spices.

Images: The Hoot Leeds

A really special dish which you can only get in Leeds is Malvani Lamb Curry, made using tender lamb leg nestled in a silken gravy of roasted coconut, cardamom, chillies, turmeric and pippali pepper. Served with a heap of golden laccha paratha for dipping and a sharp onion salad alongside, this is as perfect as it gets.

Drinks wise we got their special Dishoom Margarita which is shaken with a tamarind spice as well as the New Permit Room Old Fashioned that uses date liqueur. Both a twist on a classic, and just as delicious as the next.

If the queue doesn't make you want to try out Dishoom then let this be your sign. A fantastic addition to the city, and we'll certainly be back for more.

Read more: Five of the best new openings in Leeds recently – from Japanese sando cafes to tiramisu pop-ups

Featured image - The Hoot Leeds

Leeds

TESTBED unveils major transformation to become Leeds’ premier destination for music and culture

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

Here's your first look at the new and improved TESTBED music venue in Leeds city centre.

Gearing up to relaunch this September, the landmark Leeds venue will reopen its doors to showcase permanent structural improvements and major upgrades across sound, lighting and overall customer experience.

With a capacity of a very impressive 2,500, there's no denying that TESTBED is preparing to relaunch at the forefront of Leeds’ vibrant creative culture.

The venue is expanding from 10,000 sq ft to 23,000 sq ft, guests will now enter through a new lobby where they can enjoy a brand-new 5,000 sq ft mezzanine level with customisable seating and a view of the dance floor from a brand-new balcony.

Image: Supplied

There will be a new upstairs bar that will continue TESTBED’s commitment to support local brands and suppliers.

Downstairs, the custom-built stage allows for a 360-degree crowd and a room two is also underway for a 2027 reveal, creating a multi-purpose space and chill-out area.

Image: Supplied

The newly designed lighting includes multiple moving lights and strobes, together with a large LED ceiling installation and bespoke under-balcony display of LED strips and curves, complemented by a high-res 8m x 4m LED video wall.

Guests will also keep cool thanks to significant upgrades to ventilation and air circulation, with powerful high-capacity fans creating a fresher, more comfortable environment throughout.

Image: Supplied

Now onto the important stuff... the portaloos are gone and replaced by four brand new toilet blocks, doubling capacity and of course - comfort.

So, what are you waiting for? We'll see you on the dance floor at the brand-new TESTBED when it opens its doors again this September.

Full lineups and opening details will be announced soon, we'll keep you posted as and when we find out more.

Read more: ‘There is no refurb. There is no reopening. This is it.’ – legendary Sheffield club announces shock closure

Featured image - Supplied

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