Leeds
Airbnb will pay Leeds hosts to house up to 20,000 Afghan refugees
Company boss Brian Chesky has offered to host and pay for the board of up to 20,000 Afghan refugees at Airbnb properties
The online accommodation platform is calling for local hosts in Leeds to contact them directly if they would like to volunteer their properties.
Starting from today, the company has announced it will begin hosting 20,000 Afghan refugees for free at its properties in Leeds and across the country.
The cost of the refugees stays is to be funded by a mixture of contributions from Airbnb and company boss Brian Chesky directly.
The Airbnb.org Refugee Fund will also be used to contribute to the cost of their accommodation, which is funded entirely by donors.
Calling the current situation "one of the biggest humanitarian crises of our time", company boss Mr. Chesky said the firm felt it was their responsibility to step in.
"I hope this inspires other business leaders to do the same. There's no time to waste."
"As tens of thousands of Afghan refugees resettle around the world, where they stay will be the first chapter in their new lives. For these 20,000 refugees, my hope is that the Airbnb community will provide them with not only a safe place to rest and start over, but also a warm welcome home." he said.
Hosts of Airbnb properties have long been encouraged to open their doors to those in need, but this new move signifies a huge gesture by the company.
The company has a long-running 'people in crisis' scheme, first set up in 2012 in response to Hurricane Sandy which displaced more than 1,000 in New York City when the natural disaster hit more than a decade ago.
Since then, it has gone on to help more than 75,000 people in need - and looks set to continue to help many more.
Last week, the fund provided emergency cash to the International Rescue Committee, HIAS and Church World Service to help fund temporary stays for up to 1,000 arriving Afghan refugees.
Now, the company is going one step further - encouraging British hosts to open their doors long-term to house Afghan refugees in crisis.
If you are a host of an Airbnb in Leeds and want to offer your property, you can contact Brian Chesky directly here.
Feature image - EU Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid.
Leeds
Smash-hit West End musical Trainspotting is coming to Leeds later this year
Emily Sergeant
Trainspotting The Musical is coming to Leeds.
30 years on from the film that changed everything, and following its successful world premiere run in London’s West End, Trainspotting The Musical is heading out on a major UK tour later this year, and will be taking to one of Leeds' most iconic stages this winter.
Written by Irvine Welsh – as adapted from his best-selling debut novel – and directed and developed by Caroline Jay Ranger, Trainspotting The Musical has been described by critics as ‘radical, invigorating and life-affirming’ since its premiere.
It’s said to be an unforgettable production that’ll have even the most sceptical audiences leave on a ‘consciousness-altering high.’
In 1996, the breakthrough British film of the same name was released and became the biggest grossing UK film of the year, winning a slew of awards in the process – including a BAFTA for Best Screenplay, and even being ranked tenth in the BFI’s top 100 greatest British films of the 20th century.
Now, three decades later, the industrial drug crazed working-class heroes of British youth culture are back… but this time, live on stage.
“I believe the musical has a bigger, loudly beating human heart than either the book or the film,” creator Irvine Welsh commented as the UK tour was announced this week.
“People need to think about the world we’re living in, and we offer that inspection, but they also need to sing their hearts out and laugh their heads off. It’s what being human is all about. We’ve put together an incredible Scottish cast and I can’t wait to see them bring the musical to life.”
Trainspotting The Musical will taking to the stage at the Leeds Grand Theatre from Monday 7 until Saturday 12 December 2026.
Get your tickets when they go live here.
Featured Image – Supplied
Leeds
Leeds speakeasy crowned one of the best cocktail bars in the world by industry experts
Clementine Hall
The beloved Domino Club is receiving its flowers, and rightly so.
Rapidly becoming one of the industry’s most respected accolade of excellence, The Pinnacle Guide is a worldwide ranking of the best bars across the globe.
Based on a thorough self-application process, rigorous assessment modules, followed by a series of spot check interviews and anonymous in-bar reviews, it's no easy feat to get a spot on this list.
Which is why it makes The Domino Club's achievement all that more impressive.
Known amongst locals and visitors alike as basically one of the coolest bars in town, the hidden speakeasy invites you through a barbershop in the Grand Arcade where downstairs you'll find a dimly lit jazz and cocktail bar oozing sex appeal.
Not only are the cocktails exceptional, but their live music listings is something to behold playing everything from jazz and funk to cabaret and disco every Wednesday - Sunday.
Announcing the news to Instagram, The Domino said: "Listed by The Pinnacle Guide. The Domino Club has been recognised on the global list of the world’s best bars.
"What began as a hidden basement bar in Leeds, built around live music, cocktails and atmosphere, is now being recognised alongside some of the finest bars in the world.
"A huge thank you to our team, musicians, suppliers and every single guest who has supported us over the years. This means a lot. Leeds belongs on the world cocktail map."
We absolutely could not agree more and if you haven't ventured behind the barbershop and discovered the magical Domino Club, then we very much recommend you do.
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Featured image - The Hoot Leeds
Georgina Pellant -
24th August 2021 
