Chow Down have announced that Winter Village will return later this year and that they will no longer be charging entrance fees.
If you live in Leeds, then you will definitely know about Chow Down in Temple Arches.
It's the ultimate weekend activity, think delicious food from a variety of different street food vendors, incredible drinks, live DJ's and an unbeatable, party atmosphere.
After a successful summer season spanning across twenty one electric weekends, the venue is temporarily closing it's gates to get ready for it's next upcoming events.
First up is Oktoberfest, the legendary event full of bratwurst and beer will be taking place over the course of two consecutive weekends.
Image: Oktoberfest Leeds
On the 23 - 24 September and 30th September - 1st October, the site will be filled with oompah dancing and stein swilling and it's set to be one for the memory books.
Last year saw palm trees being swapped for pine trees and sun terraces being transformed into cosy tipis. It was the perfect place to enjoy a mulled wine with friends whilst cosying up round a roaring fire, and we are delighted that it's coming back.
Open from 10 November til 31 December, Temple Arches will resemble a fairytale winter wonderland and is sure to get everybody into the festive spirit.
Yesterday 14 September 2022, Chow Down released a statement on their social media explaining that they will no longer be charging entrance fees for any of their customers.
The statement read "Ever since we opened in Leeds, we've listened to your feedback and strived to keep developing Chow Down to ensure it's the best possible place to experience amazing independent food, drink and entertainment in this great city we call home."
"We understand that rising costs are making times uncertain for many households. With that and your feedback in mind, entry to the venue will now be free of charge for the vast majority of the time at Winter Village."
The lovely people at Chow Down still encourage booking in advance to avoid disappointment and you can find out more about this here.
Thanks to Chow Down, the end-of-summer blues are no more as we look forward to the exciting events ahead.
Temple Newsam will be transformed into a brand-new immersive festive story event.
Following a second successful winter, Leeds’ spectacular immersive light show Northern Lights is returning with a brand-new journey.
The Lost Light of Christmas is a narrative driven adventure that will lead visitors around the iconic grounds of Temple Newsam this winter, running from Friday 20 November to Thursday 31 December 2026.
With over 100,000 visitors each year, Northern Lights Leeds has been completely reimagined this winter with a showcase of exclusive art installations from some of the UK’s leading light artists.
Image: Supplied
There'll be special effects, interactive elements and bespoke audio compositions all tied together with an illuminating new narrative theme.
Visitors will follow a glowing trail through enchanted forests, along sparkling pathways and around shimmering lagoons with plenty of hidden surprises along the way as you help the fairies on their quest restore the Lost Light of Christmas before it goes out forever.
Approximately one mile in length, the light trail will host over a dozen illuminations with a curated selection of vintage fairground rides and a variety of classic festive treats, including mulled wine, hot chocolate and toasted marshmallows.
Images: Supplied
Ben Robinson - Director, From The Fields said: “After two incredible years at Temple Newsam we’re thrilled to be reinventing Northern Lights Leeds. The team have excelled themselves with a truly immersive narrative experience unlike anything we’ve ever done before and we think Leeds is going to love The Lost Light of Christmas.
"Having worked with Temple Newsam closely over the past few years, we’re constantly improving the Northern Lights experience in order to make it as inclusive and accessible as we can."
Tickets for The Lost Light of Christmas will go on sale Thursday 2 July with prices starting at £12.00 for children and £17.00 for adults. Get yours here.
A ‘Mini Mall’ full of independent food traders and local brands is coming to Leeds city centre
Clementine Hall
The Merrion Centre is set to become the home of an exciting new retail and food destination this summer.
Introducing The Mini Mall, an innovative retail concept designed to create a flagship city-centre destination for local brands, artisan producers and independent food traders.
The new 4,885 sq ft ground-floor space will be completely dedicated entirely to independent Yorkshire brands, artisan producers, and local food creators.
Operating as a premium 'satellite department store', The Mini Mall provides established independent businesses with fully staffed, centrally managed retail bays.
Image: Supplied
Shoppers can expect a carefully curated selection of Yorkshire-based homeware designers, fashion labels, craft producers, and street food vendors under one roof.
The Mini Mall will open on Saturday 25July with an official public grand opening featuring a ribbon-cutting ceremony, live brand showcases, and the full launch of the Mini Food Hall.to meet the makers behind the brands.
Shaz Westfield, founder of Eventszo, said: "The Mini Mall was created to give independent businesses the opportunity to trade in a prime city-centre location without the barriers that often come with traditional retail.
“Yorkshire is home to an incredible community of makers, creators and food businesses, and our goal is to provide a platform where they can grow, connect with new customers and thrive. We're delighted to be launching our flagship venue at the Merrion Centre and look forward to building a destination that champions local talent and entrepreneurship."
Charles Newman, asset management director at Town Centre Securities PLC (TCS), owners of The Merrion Centre, said: "What makes the Merrion Centre different is the breadth and character of our occupier mix. We've always championed businesses that bring something unique to the city centre, creating a destination that offers visitors experiences they won't find elsewhere on the high street."
You can find out more about Leeds' new Mini Mall here.
Clementine Hall -
15th September 2022 
