How to join, what to expect and how to get in touch...
Incase you missed the memo on our socials over the past few weeks, we've been texting the people of Leeds and beyond twice a week.
Every Monday and Friday, around 4-6pm, we send out a WhatsApp broadcast message with all the best things you can up to in Leeds that week or weekend.
The idea is that a member of our team (usually our Social Exec, Fran) will drop you a message with all the best things to do in Leeds - expect a bit of news, foodie recommendations, new openings and everything in between.
Take a look below to see what the Whatsapp message you'll receive will look like...
How to sign up
To sign up, you must save The Hoot's phone number +447507689583 and send us a WhatsApp saying “hi ”.
From there, you must add us as a contact to receive our weekly message - and that's it! We'll do the rest to make sure you receive a message from us twice a week.
You can add yourself any time of the day or night, and from this point you'll be added to the next broadcast list. For instance, if you add us on a Wednesday, your first message will be on the Friday.
to receive our broadcasts for next week and take a look at all the cool stuff we’ve been talking about over on WhatsApp over the last few months
I've changed my mind
If you've decided you no longer want to be messaged from The Hoot, all you need to do is send a message to The Hoot phone - +447507689583, and we'll remove you from our broadcast list.
It's no fuss, and means you can easily test out our Whatsapp broadcasts without worrying about getting bombarded with messages if you decide it's not for you.
Have any more questions?
You can actually message us on Whatsapp if you have any further questions about the broadcast message. Alternatively, drop us a DM on Instagram and a member of our team will get back to you.
Feature Image- The Hoot Leeds / Unsplash
Leeds
Dazzling Christmas light trail Northern Lights will return to Leeds this year
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.
The Hoot -
27th December 2023 
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