Leeds

Leeds City Council begin search for new Christmas Market operator for 2026

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall - 16th January 2026

A hunt for a new operator of the Leeds Christmas Market on City Square has begun.

Cast your mind back to 2023 and the welcome return of Leeds' Christmas Markets on City Square.

The operators at that point were awarded a three-year contract to produce the market until 2025.

Now that that's been and gone, if you can believe, a search for a new operator to take on the next three-year period has begun.

The market on City Square which is most famous for its food offerings and unique gifts is a completely different entity to the council-run 'Ice Cube at Christmas' attraction on Millennium Square and Cookridge Street.

Images: The Hoot Leeds

A council report said: “The Christmas Market is an important footfall driver for the city centre at a key time of year for retail and hospitality businesses. The additional footfall and associated spend supports the city centre economy.

“The continuation of the Leeds Christmas Market will allow the Council to build on the previous three years, where the market has been re-established in the city centre.

"This is an opportunity to build on the overall quality of the Christmas Market and continue to promote Leeds as an attractive visitor destination at Christmas time, encouraging day trips as well as driving overnight stays.”

The new contract period would run until 2029 with the option to extend for one year beyond that.

We'll keep you updated as and when we know more, and we do profusely apologise for mentioning the C word in January.

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Featured image - The Hoot Leeds

Leeds

Johnny Depp supergroup Hollywood Vampires have announced a huge gig in Halifax

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson

Hollywood Vampires are heading back out on tour, with a huge Yorkshire gig announced for this year.

The supergroup, which consists of one of the biggest names in Hollywood as well as one of rock’n’roll’s most iconic names, are set to perform at the AO Arena as part of a run of shows.

Hollywood Vampires is made up of A-lister Johnny Depp, as well as rock royalty including Alice Cooper, and Aerosmith’s Joe Perry, plus Tommy Henriksen.

They last performed with an arena tour back in 2023, making these their first gigs in almost three years.

Hollywood Vampires have now announced a return to the stage, with a show at the iconic Piece Hall in Halifax on 22 August.

They’ll be supported by The Jesus and Mary Chain, who marked their 40th anniversary in 2024 with a new album, Glasgow Eyes.

Johnny Depp supergroup Hollywood Vampires announce Manchester gig. Credit: Aaron Perry

Hollywood Vampires formed in 2012, named after Cooper’s celebrity drinking club of the same name where the aim was reportedly to ‘drink until no one could stand up’.

Over the years, the supergroup has worked with the likes of Paul McCartney, Dave Grohl, and Zak Starkey (formerly the drummer for Oasis).

A Three Presale for tickets will take place from 10am on Wednesday 21 January, followed by a venue presale on Thursday 22 January, then general sale from 10am on Friday 23 January.

You can grab tickets HERE.

Hollywood Vampires tour dates in full

  • Wednesday 12 August – The O2, London
  • Friday 14 August – TK Maxx presents Depot Live, Cardiff Castle, Cardiff
  • Saturday 15 August – TK Maxx presents Scarborough Open Air Theatre, Scarborough
  • Monday 17 August – OVO Hydro, Glasgow
  • Tuesday 18 August – AO Arena, Manchester
  • Wednesday 19 August – Utilita Arena, Birmingham
  • Friday 21 August – Colchester Castle Summer Series, Colchester
  • Saturday 22 August – TK Maxx presents Live at The Piece Hall, Halifax
  • Tuesday 25 August – PSD Bank Nürnberg ARENA, Nuremberg
  • Wednesday 26 August – Adidas Arena, Paris
  • Friday 28 August – Lanxess Arena, Cologne
  • Sunday 30 August – Barclays Arena, Hamburg
  • Tuesday 1 September – Parco Della Musica Open Air, Milan
  • Wednesday 2 September – Castello Carrese Open Air, Este

Read more: A daytime rave where you can be in bed by 8pm is returning to Leeds

Featured image: Aaron Perry

Leeds

Leeds to make history as the host for Tour de France Femmes 2027

Danny Jones Danny Jones

It’s official: both the male and female Tour de France are coming to Leeds and nine other destinations across the UK in 2027.

As one of the biggest locations on the list, it’s a big sporting landmark for us Leeds lot.

Confirmed on Thursday, 15 January, the men’s race will be passing through Leeds next summer whilst the Tour de France Femmes (TdFF) will be hosted here.

Revealing the news in an exciting announcement video on social media, you can see the other cities and towns that the world-famous endurance event will be hitting here:

Exciting times, right?

It’s been more than a decade since the Tour de France last took place in the UK, with London and Yorkshire hosting three stages of the biggest date on the annual cycling calendar back in 2014.

Fast forward a dozen years, and not only will they both be participating again, but Great Britain will see dual Grand Départs for men and women for the very first time.

You can see the full route map broken down below.

Speaking in an official press release, race director Christian Prudhomme said: “The UK has always welcomed the Tour with passion and pride, and the route details we are revealing today reflect the beauty and diversity of Britain’s terrain.”

"Bringing both Grand Départs here is a testament to the strength of our partnership with British Cycling and the enthusiasm of the UK.”

TdFF counterpart, Marion Rousse, added: “The UK has played an important role in the history of women’s cycling, with champions such as Lizzie Deignan.

“Starting the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift in Leeds is a strong choice, closely linked to this heritage and to the enthusiasm of a public that knows and loves the Tour. These stages clearly reflect the race’s ambition: to continue growing women’s cycling and to inspire future generations.”

‘Allez Tour de France!’

Read more: Leeds confirm signing of Brighton youngster on loan

Featured Images — Publicity pictures (supplied)

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