This week sees the return of indoor mixing as bars, restaurants, cafes and pubs reopen their doors for the first time in a long time. Museums, art galleries and cafes can also now reopen to the public.
So it seems understandable that some Leeds students are wondering why they can't go to university for in-person learning, but they can go and sit in the pub.
A group of students at Leeds University have started a petition demanding "a complete return to in-person teaching for University of Leeds students."
Students also want to see the current "blended learning approach" - confirmed as policy by the University just this week - be dropped immediately.
The current blended learning approach sees small group learning situations, like seminars, tutorials and practicals, continue face-to-face whilst larger gatherings, such as lectures with over 50 students, will continue to be hosted remotely.
Leeds student protest
The University insists on its website: "your health, safety and wellbeing is our top priority and we will continue to review our plans and implement any changes, in line with government guidance, as quickly as possible."
However, students - such as Will Huddie, who set up the online petition - feel angry and ignored.
He told student paper The Tab that he "felt extremely angry and frustrated at their [the university's] decisions."
"I know LLU is separate from the university but the thing is that if clubs and other mass gatherings are allowed to go ahead, then why not a lecture theatre with 250 people."
So, Will set up an online petition and created an open letter template to help students make their voices heard.
After all, it doesn't make much sense that the Student Union club night Fruity's is back hosting five events in June, but the the University still claims to be unable to hold in-person lectures or exams next year.
Others have pointed out that the decision adversely affects those with learning disabilities and asked why their tuition fees are so high when remote learning is now the norm.
Public Technology
At the time of writing, the petition has gathered over 2,500 signatures.
The Change,org petition reads: "It has come to our attention as students that the University of Leeds plans to continue with a blended teaching approach for the coming academic year 2021/2022.
"It is our opinion that this approach is unacceptable, considering the quality of teaching and assessment that is expected at a university of such a high standard.
"The University should emphatically not be planning for a blended teaching approach, considering the freedoms that will be allowed in other parts of society come the start of the next academic year.
"Instead, the University should, considering the advice of the UK Government and UK Chief Medical Officers, be planning for a return to complete normality in terms of teaching. A blended teaching approach should be a last resort in the event that the UK’s return to normality is delayed.
"Online teaching is in no way a substitute for in-person learning and it is ridiculous that the University would expect us to agree with or even accept their decision on teaching for the next academic year.
"We welcome discussion with the University over this issue, but our aim is clear: Normality must return in all areas of society, and most importantly we demand a complete return to in-person teaching for all students at the University of Leeds."
Feature image - WikiCommons.
Leeds
You can watch The Traitors finale on a massive screen in Leeds next Friday
The finale of The Celebrity Traitors is hitting our TV screens next Friday, and there’s a big screening party happening in Leeds especially for it.
Don't panic guys, it's happening.
Fancy sitting down to watch one of the cultural events of the year on a big screen with dozens of others who are just as invested in the show as you are? Well, now you can.
And that’s because Belgrave Music Hall, one of the city’s most beloved event spaces and bars, will be hosting a finale watching party and we’re all invited.
Taking place next Friday 23 January, fans of The Traitors are invited to watch the finale which kicks off 9pm in the canteen.
Best part? The tickets are absolutely free and we've no doubt there'll be some banging drink deals on to get the party started.
We’re already searching our wardrobes for an item of clothing that remotely resembles a cloak.
Announcing the news to Instagram, Belgrave said: "The world famous Traitors finale screening is back at Belgrave! In the past we've been graced with the presence of OG Faithful @theomayne1, plus our Clauds has been known to make an appearance (please scroll for evidence)... twists and turns are promised 👀"
So to give this series of The Traitors a proper send off, get yourself to Belgrave Music Hall from 6pm and enjoy a few beverages with like minded fans whilst screaming at the screen as Claudia makes her way into the frame.
Whilst we're on the topic, has anyone got an incredibly glossy black fringed wig we could borrow?
Johnny Depp supergroup Hollywood Vampires have announced a huge gig in Halifax
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.
Georgina Pellant -
18th May 2021 
