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Girls Night In: Students are making a stand against drink spiking and violence on nights out
Join Girls Night In on Wednesday 27 October and boycott clubs for one night in protest of drink spiking, violence and unwanted behaviour on nights out.
On Wednesday 27 October, Leeds students are urging students to boycott clubs and bars to tackle drink spiking.
Students across Leeds have had enough of worrying or actually having their drinks' spiked on a night out.
And rightly so. Students, nor anyone, should have to worry about having their drink spiked, violence or any unwanted behaviour.
According to founding groups,Girls Uncut Leeds and Girls Night InLeeds, cases of assault, spiking and violence against women on nights out have increased and with methods of injecting drugs into victims through needles on the rise, it's important to make a stand and show that this cannot be tolerated any longer.
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So next Wednesday, grab yourself a seat on the sofa and enjoy a night in with the girls for 'Girls Night In': a boycotting event to show the industry that more needs to be done to prevent and tackle drink spiking.
For those outside of the student bubble wondering why a mid-week protest is taking place, it's unofficially student night across the city.
It's known as the 'sports society night' and according to Girls Uncut Leeds, it's often the biggest night in the week for nightclubs across Leeds.
Responses to the boycott have been overwhelmingly positive and comments have flooded across social media:
"I hope this leads to change, women’s safety on nights out needs to be prioritised now. Fingers crossed."
Even though clubbing won't be on the agenda, there are still plenty of exciting and empowering activities to get involved in during the evening.
Girls Night In will be collaborating with Leeds Student Radio and hosting a five hour live event from 7pm until midnight.
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Although the Girls Night In has been organised by Leeds students and groups in collaboration with University of Leeds Clubs and Societies, they are keen to stress that the problem of drink spiking isn't just Leeds-based.
"Increased reports all over the country of young students on nights out facing violence are being seen every week. Universities, clubs and student even organisations have done little to nothing to address this problem."
According to a study by the BBC found that between 2015 and 2019, there were 2650 reports of drink spiking in England and Wales, 72% of victims were women and 10% were under 18.
Clubs in Leeds have also been overwhelmingly supportive, Cirque Du Soul states that:
"We are completely and utterly appalled by the rise in spiking within both Leeds and the broader student population of the UK. We will be consulting with Beaver Works as well as other venues we use to look at ways to improve this moving forward."
The event, amongst other organisations across the UK are calling to make it a legal requirement for nightclubs to thoroughly search guests on entry.
The petition has already received over 120,000 signatures so it is eligible for Parliamentary consideration, but the more signatures the petition receives, the more substantial the case for increasing security will be.
If you have been affected by any of the issues that have been brought up in this post, please reach out to #AskForAngela, Street Angels Leeds, Good Night Out Campaign, Not on my Campus UK, Women's Lives in Leeds or Nightlife Crew.
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Leeds
Legally Blonde at Leeds Grand Theatre – a powerful portrayal drenched in pink | Review
Nearly twenty years on, Legally Blonde still reminds audiences never to underestimate themselves.
There is something wonderfully refreshing about a musical that embraces joy without irony, and the 2026 touring production of Legally Blonde at the Leeds Grand Theatre & Opera House does exactly that.
This sparkling revival captures all the charm, humour, and heart that has made the show a modern musical theatre favourite, proving that Elle Woods' story has lost none of its appeal.
Adapted from the beloved 2001 film, Legally Blonde remains far more than a fluffy feel-good comedy. Nearly twenty years after its Broadway debut, its themes of self-worth, perseverance and refusing to be underestimated continue to resonate, making the show's message feel as relevant as ever.
Image: Supplied
From the opening strains of 'Omigod You Guys!', the production establishes an infectious energy that rarely lets up.
Much of its success lies in Leah Hill's exhilarating choreography, which is packed with vitality and executed with astonishing precision. The ensemble attacks every routine with unwavering commitment, and the athletic feat that is 'Whipped Into Shape' proves a particular highlight. I will forever question how nobody appears remotely out of breath in this number.
Images: Supplied
At the centre of it all is Amber Davies, who proves herself perfectly suited to the role of Elle Woods. Effortlessly capturing the character's optimism and determination, Davies delivers a performance that goes far beyond the familiar blonde stereotype.
She brings warmth, vulnerability and impeccable comic timing to the role, ensuring that Elle's transformation from heartbroken sorority president to accomplished law student feels both authentic and genuinely moving.
Image: Supplied
Vocally, Davies is superb. She tackles the demanding score with apparent ease, bringing emotional depth to the title number whilst delivering a thrilling rendition of 'So Much Better'. Her natural comic playfulness shines throughout, making both performer and character utterly irresistible.
Equally memorable is Karen Mavundukure's delightful turn as Paulette Bonafonté. Bringing warmth and comic flair in abundance, she proves herself as one of the evening's standout performers. Her heartfelt rendition of 'Ireland' beautifully captures the character's hopes and insecurities, while her scenes with Kyle provide some of the night's biggest laughs.
What makes Legally Blonde so enduring is its sincerity. Rather than making Elle Woods the punchline, the show celebrates kindness, female friendship and self-belief. In a world often quick to judge, there is something deeply appealing about a story that wears its optimism so proudly.
Legally Blonde is running until 13 June at Leeds Grand Theatre & Opera House and you can grab your tickets here.
Five of the best new openings in Leeds recently – from ice bath cafes to listening bars
Clementine Hall
It's been a brilliant couple of months for new openings in Leeds.
We don't know about you, but we think our city is really thriving with all it has to offer at the moment.
There's been a flurry of new spots opening up, and if you haven't visited them then we urge you to check them out.
But first, allow us to tell you all about them...
Domo
Tower works, 2 Globe Rd, Holbeck, LS11 5QG
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Introducing Domo, an independent restaurant born in Sheffield that is loved by many for its delicious food, inviting atmosphere and stellar service.
Run by Raffaele Busceddu and Sarah May Elliott, Domo serves a range of traditional Sardinian specialities that aren't often seen outside the island, all made entirely in-house.
Located right on the water's edge, we've got a feeling this is going to be our go-to spot this summer for long lunches fuelled by spritzes.
Also born in Sheffield, this one's for the matcha lovers and we know there's a lot of you. Think iced banana bread matcha, superfood smoothies and refreshing acai bowls served in a super cool setting.
Kontrast
84-86 Railway Street, Saxton Gardens, LS9 8HB
Images: The Hoot Leeds
After already making a big name for themselves over in Manchester, Kontrast has brought its popular sauna and ice bath cafe concept over to Leeds. Located under the railway arches, Kontrast features two traditional saunas, one infrared sauna, and four ice baths, each varying in temperature between three and 13 degrees. It's the perfect space to enjoy solo or with a group of like-minded wellness-loving people.
Scott and his partner have opened the coolest, 70's inspired record bar that is full of his massive record collection alongside a carefully curated cocktail menu with a twist. With the best view of Sunny Bank Mills, Pardon Me is just the most chilled out place to watch the world go by whilst sipping on a coffee or a glass of wine whilst hearing everything from hip hop and soul to deep house, and disco. We loved our visit and we know you will too.
We all know and bloody love Silver's Deli over in Bramley, but now they’ve branched out to Farsley and opened the wonderful their very own bakery which is already a sell-out.
The all-new neighbourhood bakehouse is slinging out the likes of homemade focaccia, buttermilk brownies, sausage rolls, cookies, tiramisu and, of course, the ever-so-famous sandos but this time in homemade, fluffy focaccia.
Sophie Smith -
20th October 2021 
