Leeds Festival is one of the 103 festivals that has committed to the campaign.
1 in 5 festival-goers experience sexual assault or harassment at a UK festival. That's according to a 2018 YouGov report. Whilst this is what is called a lifetime statistic that isn't connected event or year- and shows that we need to do so much more to tackle sexual harassment and violence at festivals.
This year, festivals across the UK are hoping to change this, including Reading and Leeds Festival, Bluedot, Dot to Dot, Kendal Calling, Latitude, NASS, Parklife, Tramlines and Y Not? Festival.
The Association of Independent Festivals (AIF) announced this morning that over 100 festivals across the UK has signed up to commit to the Safer Spaces at Festivals campaign.
Image: Leeds Festival
The idea is that the campaign will tackle sexual violence at 2022 festivals and beyond. Relaunching from today, the AIF is working with Rape Crisis England And Wales, Good Night Out, Safe Gigs For Women, Girls Against and UN Women and has updated an charter of best practice developed with input and guidance from experts, which all festivals participating have committed to following.
A statement made by the AIF states that an important part of the charter is that it "states all allegations of sexual harassment, assault and violence will be taken seriously, acted upon promptly and investigated. This will be supplemented by a commitment to clear, robust reporting and disclosure procedures, including how to report incidents onsite and post event".
Training will also be given to staff and volunteers on how they can proactively monitor and deal with incidents of sexual assault or harassment by specialist providers.
Part of the campaign will see an update in festival policies to include all the relevant health guidance, promote the idea that consent can be revoked at any time and advise festival-goers on how to be an 'active bystander' by using a tactic known as the '5 D's of Bystander Intervention devised by the Right To Be' which include: Direct, Delegate, Distract, Document and Delay.
Image: AIF
AIF Membership & Operations Coordinator Phoebe Rodwell said: “The original Safer Spaces campaign has had a positive impact across festivals for music fans and festival staff alike. Festivals are microcosms of society and sexual violence is a problem that persists in our society.
"Our understanding and approaches to tackling the issue are evolving all the time. That’s why it’s important that we renew the Safer Spaces campaign in 2022 with up-to-date messaging, resources and practices, to prevent sexual violence and promote a survivor-led approach, helping festival organisers to fulfil their duty of care at events.”
Hop City, the long-running beer festival from award-winning Leeds-based brewery Northern Monk, returns this month for its ninth year.
Beer lovers, this one's for you.
Bringing over 35 of the best independent breweries from the UK, Europe and North America together to The Old Flax Store, Hop City will have approximately 250 different world-class beers for guests to try across one weekend of festivities.
The best part? Every pour across the weekend is included in the price of the ticket alongside a Hop City branded glass to enjoy them in, so don't worry about having to continuously reach for your wallet.
Images: Supplied
Joining Northern Monk this year are UK breweries including Brighton’s Beak, Deya from Cheltenham, Manchester-based Track and Edinburgh’s Newbarns who will be pouring next to the likes of US breweries Trillium, Root + Branch, Finback and everywhere; Canadian’s Messorem and Third Moon, and a selection of Europe’s finest indie brewers.
Seriously, this is a beer lover's paradise.
And it's not just about the booze, as joining Hop City 2026 will be joined by Leeds’ own Bundobust who will be bringing their Indian street food alongside Bonehead Fried Chicken and Hermanos Caliente, courtesy of Niko’s Comfort Kitchen.
Images: Supplied
Not a beer fan? Don't fret as natural wine bar Rinse will be pouring all weekend whilst Below Stairs will be providing the cocktails.
Russell Bisset, Founder of Northern Monk, said: “What started out as an idea to host some of our favourite breweries in Leeds has grown into something bigger than we could have imagined. From the beginning, the ambition was clear - to champion the best hop-forward breweries in the world and to create the first beer festival in Europe dedicated to celebrating hoppy beers and IPAs.
"Today, it’s about bringing some of the greatest breweries from across the globe together under one roof, creating something genuinely special for people who love beer as much as we do. Heading into our ninth year with a line-up of this calibre is something we’re incredibly proud of. It’s not just about the beer, but the community, collaboration, and spirit behind it.”
Hop City 2026 will take place from Friday 15 to Saturday 16 of May, and you can buy your tickets here.
A breathtaking giant sculpture of the sun is coming to Yorkshire for the summer
Clementine Hall
A giant model of the sun is set to be illuminated in Wakefield.
The sun is coming to Wakefield… and we’re not just referring to that one that’s popped up in the sky at long last.
We’re taking about Helios, the amazing art installation that’s about to stop off at Wakefield Exchange as it tours around the UK.
Created by renowned artist, Luke Jerram, the beautiful art piece measures a whopping seven-metres in diameter and has been created using images captured by NASA.
Helios builds on the success of Luke Jerram’s previous installations in Wakefield, including the hugely popular Museum of the Moon.
Image: Wakefield Exchange (Press photos)
With its striking scale and rich scientific detail,the artwork provides a safe and captivating way to encounter the Sun up close, highlighting everything from solar flares to the phenomena that created the unforgettable Northern Lights visible across the UK in 2024.
Stepping beneath the breathtaking glowing sculpture, audiences can experience an atmospheric fusion of solar imagery, sunlight and a specially commissioned surround‑sound composition that brings the science and mystery of our nearest star vividly to life.
Alongside the striking sun instillation, Wakefield Exchange will present a full programme of free, family‑friendly, space‑themed activities throughout the summer.
Visitors can enjoy hands‑on workshops, creative crafts, dressing‑up sessions and playful drop‑in experiences.
Helios will be hosted by Wakefield Exchange from Friday 12 June until Sunday 6 September 2026, and you can find out more here on their website.
Sophie Smith -
16th May 2022 
