The Leeds-Hull rivalry goes way deeper than football, it's now displayed on the 'Welcome to Hull' sign.
It's an open secret that certain counties in Yorkshire like to think they're better than Leeds and whilst we completely disagree, it's funny to think about the unnecessary vendetor that the likes of Sheffield, Hull and other Yorkshire cities have against Leeds.
Now, the people of Hull have taken the rivalry to an unprecedented level after a new 'Welcome to Hull' sign has appeared with mock at our city, reading 'Welcome to Hull: We know we aren't perfect but at least we aren't Leeds'.
BBC News Presenter, Peter Levy was one of the first to spot the mysterious sign and ask the council who put the sign up before sharing his adoration of the sign.
The BBC presenter tweeted, "Bottom line of signs just been put up. Not sure who at @Hullccnews is responsible for this but it’s genius. Love it."
The council have since stated that the sign is suspected to be "a bit of mischievous fun", but that doesn't appear to have stopped Twitter users questioning the sign's authenticity, or why they're desperate to put a downer on Leeds in the first place.
Hull was named the 'Capital of Culture' in 2019. / Image: 43 Clicks North
The responses to the sign have been mixed, fuelling the rivalry of the two cities even further. One user tweeted "When I lived in Sheffield we used to watch Look North for Lincolnshire and East Yorkshire, as we refuse to watch the one coming from Leeds", and another jibed "Cool [.] please leave it on there"
Meanwhile, plenty of others jumped to the defence of Leeds, suggesting the sign was in bad taste.
One Twitter user said, " [I] Suggest the people of Kingston Upon the River Hull don't need to have snide remarks defaming another city in order to welcome visitors. No city is perfect, we have nothing to be ashamed of and everything to be proud of. Please get the line covered up asap and apologise to Leeds."
'We know we aren't perfect but at least we aren't Leeds. / Image: Peter Levy, Twitter
Other comments included: "I think that is disrespectful. Yes, have great pride in your city but not at the defamation of another" and "Oh come on, surely we're better than that. What a great way to stir up trouble with away fans, visiting our City. What dimwit on our council thought that one up ?The signs need changing anyway, our City is called Kingston-upon-Hull."
Hull City Council have since issued a statement to clarify that the sign was not changed by the council itself and was just a bit of fun by a prankster that's got Yorkshire talking.
Whilst it may all be a bit of banter to Hull, it seems that the sign has sparked more comments about the whether the city should be preferred as Hull or Kingston Upon Hull.
"Please can you put back the rest of the city‘s name. It’s Kingston Upon Hull"
"The people of Hull spoke in a referendum that they wanted Hull over the full Kingston-upon-Hull but let's not talk about referendums as people get a tad touchy."
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.
Sophie Smith -
13th January 2022 
