And it's all thanks to the stops on our Blue Plaque Trail.
Leeds holds a wealth of history, you don't need to tell us that twice. From building the first steam locomotive to bringing the world inventions like Cluedo, housing the UK's last remaining gas-lit cinema and not to mention founding major UK supermarkets...
Thanks to new research from the UK’s largest delivery service, Evri, Leeds has been recognised as one of the most 'heritage rich cities' in England.
The research analysed the amount of heritage plaques in each city across the UK, and naturally with 180 blue plaques around the city, Leeds has been revealed as one of the places with the most.
Placing a respectable fourth place, Leeds only lost out to the likes of Norwich, Liverpool and (unsurprisingly) London, who held the top spot with an incomparable 987 blue plaques.
The top ten cities, according to the study, were as follows:
CITY
NO. OF HERITAGE PLAQUES
London (Incl. Westminster)
987
Liverpool
295
Norwich
260
Leeds
180
Brighton + Hove
151
Coventry
142
York
135
Newcastle Upon Tyne
125
Wolverhampton
98
Birmingham
96
To decipher these numbers, the study counted the number of heritage plaques from official sources of every city across the UK, such as civic society websites and city council websites. Where these sources weren’t available, plaques were taken from the website, Open Plaques, which lists every heritage plaque within the city postcode. Duplicates were then emitted and cities were ranked highest to lowest to reveal the ranking.
The study from Evri noted that the original blue plaque scheme started in the capital by English Heritage, placing plaques honouring the likes of actor, Charlie Chaplain, novelist, Charles Dickens and prime minister, Sir Winston Churchill but since then, heritage plaques have been dotted across the country. They're known to highlight historical landmarks and give passersby an insight to the famous faces and historical moments that happened in the same spot they're standing, years ago.
Leeds has a grand total of 180 heritage plaques, honouring the likes of Sir Charles Wilson MP, J R R Tolkien CBE and Leeds Corn Exchange, many of which feature in The Hoot's series Short Stuff, where we uncover some of the best hidden gems in the city, or pay homage to important bulidings, faces and inventions that have made Leeds the cultural city it is today.
To find out more about Leeds blue plaques and see for yourself why Leeds has been named as such a heritage rich city, visit the Leeds Civic Trust website.
Ever-evolving Leeds music hotspot TESTBED is making its grand return to Leeds city centre with an impressive launch party lineup.
Recognised as a cultural venue for bringing people together via music, TESTBED has hosted a variety of club nights in its warehouse location since 2024.
Back in April, it was announced that the team behind this rave-centric club were transforming this space from it's 'Phase 1.3' to 'Phase 2.0'.
Now, TESTBED has released the full lineup for its upcoming launch party which will show off some of the venue's latest features like its 360-degree DJ booth, improved acoustics and 5,000 sq ft mezzanine and balcony area.
Annie Mac is headlining the TESTBED Leeds launch party joined by Horse Meat Disco / Credit: Press Shots (via supplied)
Previous performers include Liverpool dance music duo Camelphat, house music DJ Alisha, Netherlands-own Chris Stussy and more, so it will come as no surprise that this relaunch features an equally-stellar lineup.
Fronting the bill for the TESTBED Launch Party is none other than EDM connoisseur and influential figure Annie Mac, who's hosted a variety of radio shows across the BBC as well as curating a set or two herself.
Also in attendance is Horse Meat Disco, a group who put disco and queer culture at the forefront of each and every high-energy set.
Irish selector Shee is also showing off his music expertise and already having collaborations with the likes of A-trak and Karma Kid, expect to hear some tunes.
Shee and Junior Simba will be taking to the decks to wow the crowds over at TESTBED Leeds / Credit: Press Shots (via supplied)
Seasoned club DJ and presenter Marcia Carr, known for playing live sets with vinyl records, will also be soundtracking the night too, playing out everything from Afrohouse to dubstep.
Of course, it wouldn't be a Leeds-based party without some local talent courtesy of Junior Simba who's quickly become a key player in the house music scene.
And if that wasn't enough raving for you, TESTBED has already announced even more insane nights of music madness featuring ROSSI., Interplanetary Criminal and Obskür.
TESTBED's opening party is taking place on Saturday 3 October from 2pm til 12am and you can grab tickets from as little as £20 HERE.
Leeds Santa Dash is returning for 2026 and it’s set to be ‘bigger and better’ than ever
Emily Sergeant
Leeds' famous Santa Dash is returning for 2026, and it's set to be 'bigger and better' than ever.
Back by popular demand with the festive season around the corner, The Trinity Leeds Santa Dash has confirmed its return for 2026 this December, with thousands of Santas set to hit the streets of the city centre with festive fun, Christmas cheer, and an unforgettable atmosphere.
No matter whether you're taking part with your family, friends, colleagues, or little ones, organisers say it's the 'perfect way' to kick-start your festive season.
This iconic event welcomes everyone to take part - you can either jog, walk, or wheel your way around the 5K route, soaking up the sights and sounds of the city as you celebrate the most wonderful time of the year, and prams are also welcome too, making it a fantastic festive day out for all ages and abilities.
And this year, it's set to be bigger and better than ever, as there's an exciting new city centre route.
All Santa suits are provided (except for those under three) with your race entry, and you'll also get an exclusive Trinity Leeds Santa Dash finisher medal once you make it over the line, as well as a festive chocolate treat to nibble on.
So, gather your fellow Santas, embrace the Christmas magic, and get ready to join one of Leeds' most joyful festive traditions.
The Trinity Leeds Santa Dash returns for 2026 on Sunday 6 December, and you can find out more and enter to take part in the race online here.
Sophie Smith -
15th September 2022 
