Leeds
Leeds West Indian Carnival 2021: Everything you need to know
The Leeds West Indian Carnival will host a new 'legacy' event programme for 2021.
Leeds Carnival is one of the longest-running in the UK and many have been waiting eagerly to find out how the programming will run in 2021, as restrictions begin to ease around the city.
Founded in the city in 1967 by Dr France, it is the celebration of the emancipation of slavery and attracts over 150,000 people each year.
Last year's event was forced to go entirely virtual, with all the festivities having to be moved online due to COVID. Now, after much anticipation, organisers have confirmed plans for how the festival will go ahead in 2021 in an announcement made earlier this week.
The festival is run entirely by volunteers who specialise in preserving and protecting Caribbean arts, culture and heritage.
A decision has been made for 2021's festival to go ahead, but organisers have confirmed the event will only be partly physical this year - with the rest held online.
The uncertainty surrounding the easing of restrictions on June 21 has impacted designers - meaning they haven't had enough time to design and create their costumes, as they usually would.
In response, people are being asked to get out their old costumes and 'upcycle' them instead as part of the Legacy Carnival celebrations - which will see the parade take a digital form this year.
Chairperson and Founder of LWIC, Dr Arthur France, said: “We are passionate about promoting and protecting our cultural heritage and carnival is the legacy of what our fore parents went through.
"Legacy Carnival here we come.
"Bring out your old costumes, upcycle them because we’re jamming still!”
As well as bringing together favourite popular elements like the Carnival Chronicles and Prince and Princess show, this year's festival will also introduce some new elements like its “Mas Makers” Carnival Volunteers.
This programme incorporates training for a number of committed volunteers to work with and build the Carnival Events Team, and will serve to help grow carnival's capacity and contribute to continuing to build its legacy.
Vice Chair LWIC, Bernadette Albert, stated: "It is important that we train the next generation of youth about the importance of Carnival; not only because it’s a good time on the road or for a weekend but so that they can learn and in turn teach others about the importance, history and meaning of Carnival.
"This will ensure we protect, preserve and promote our Caribbean heritage and culture in the community.”
The programme for Leeds 2021 Legacy Carnival is as follows:
Celebration of Emancipation Church Service – Sunday, August 1st
Carnival Chronicles – Saturday, August 14th
Prince and Princess Show– Sunday, August 22nd
King and Queen Show – Friday, August 27th
J’ouvert Morning – Monday, August 30th
Virtual Carnival Day – Monday, August 30th
Leeds
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.
Featured Image - Run For All
Leeds
Jane McDonald at First Direct Arena, Leeds – tickets, times and more for UK tour
Thomas Melia
West Yorkshire's very own Jane McDonald is coming to First Direct Arena in Leeds for a hometown show that's set to be spellbinding.
Making her British TV screen debut nearly 30 years ago on The Cruise, before joining the Loose Women panel and going on to present a whole host of travel shows including Cruising with Jane McDonald, now this Wakefield legend returns to First Direct Arena.
This latest tour titled after her 2026 LP Living The Dream, will see Jane singing hits from both past and present including a couple covers too.
Earlier this year, Jane's Mighty Hoopla performance went viral online after she commanded the stage in a red leather jacket, donning a singular rainbow hair extension while belting out RAYE's 'Where Is My Husband!'
Audio North even got the opportunity to interview this legendary lady when she visited her hometown HMV store in Wakefield for an exclusive album signing - Oh look, it's me!
Gig guide - Jane McDonald at First Direct Arena, Leeds
Jane McDonald UK tour dates
- Sat 29 August - Blackpool, UK - Blackpool Opera House
- Sun 30 August - Blackpool, UK - Blackpool Opera House
- Tue 1 September - Newcastle, UK - O2 City Hall
- Wed 2 September - Aberdeen, UK - P&J Live
- Fri 4 September - Glasgow, UK - SEC Armadillo
- Sat 5 September - Edinburgh, UK - Usher Hall
- Mon 7 September - Brighton, UK - Brighton Centre
- Tue 8 September - Nottingham, UK - Motorpoint Arena
- Thu 10 September - Manchester, UK - AO Arena
- Fri 11 September - Liverpool, UK - M&S Bank Arena
- Sat 12 September - Birmingham, UK - Utilita Arena
- Tue 15 September - London, UK - London Palladium
- Wed 16 September - London, UK - London Palladium
- Sat 19 September - Belfast, UK - Waterfront Hall
- Sun 20 September - Belfast, UK - Waterfront Hall
- Wed 23 September - Sheffield, UK - Utilita Arena
- Thu 24 September - Bournemouth, UK - Bournemouth International Centre
- Fri 25 September - Cardiff, UK - Utilita Arena
- Sat 26 September - Leeds, UK - First Direct Arena
Are there any tickets left for Jane McDonald at First Direct Arena?
Jane McDonald is visiting First Direct Arena in Leeds city centre on Saturday 26 September and you've still got time to bag yourself a seat or two.
Don't be left saying 'How Do I Move On' without seeing this Wakefield performer live, as there's still a variety of tickets available HERE.
Jane McDonald setlist for 2026 UK tour
The Wakefield wonder-woman's latest album Living The Dream was released in March and considering the tour is named after this impressive LP, we're sure fans can expect to hear quite a few tracks from this album.
- Living The Dream
- I'll Not Be Beaten
- You Don't Know What You Got
- Don't Mind If I Do
- The Hand That Leads Me
- Ain't Gonna Beg
- I Will Always Love You
- Islands in the Stream
- Jolene
- 9 to 5
- You're My World
- Where Is My Husband!
- Let the Light In
- Cake by the Ocean
- Jai Ho!
- APT.
- Right Where I Belong
- How Do I Move On
- Beautiful Soul
- All By Myself
- You Still Lead Me
Of course, Jane also loves to cover a tune or two, and we'll never forget her renditions of 'Cake By The Ocean', 'Jai Ho' or 'APT.'.
What are the stage times for Jane McDonald in Leeds?
The doors for Jane McDonald's Living The Dream Tour in Leeds are set for 6pm with the event set to start at 7.30pm.
First Direct Arena has a curfew of 11pm meaning you have enough time to dash home and eat 'Cake by the (Sofa)' before ringing in the new day.
How to get to First Direct Arena
Bus Station
Located on Dyer Street next to Leeds City Bus Station and approx. 15min walk from first direct arena and is wheelchair friendly.
Support and help for any persons with a disability is available as the station is a registered ‘Safe place’ to come into and ask for assistance.
Nearest Bus Stops
- Clay Pit Lane
- Wade Lane/Lovell Park Road
- Woodhouse Lane
Nearest Train Station
Leeds City Station on New Station Street is around a 15min walk from first direct arena and a major hub on the national, regional and local rail network providing connections to a wide variety of destinations.
Parking
There are over 7,500 car parking spaces within a 15-minute walk of the arena. The arena doesn’t have it’s own car park however there are lots of options nearby. To receive 5% off Q Park when attending a show at first direct arena click here
The nearest Car Park with EV charging is located on Albion Street click here.
None of the above car parks are operated by the arena so for questions, queries or comments we ask that you contact the companies directly.
Hiring Bikes in Leeds
If you’re looking to hire a bike in Leeds, here are some of the best options you can try:
- Beryl bikes – you’ll find the ‘Leeds City Bikes’ from Beryl stationed throughout the city. These are all e-bikes, and they’re available to hire on a pay-as-you-go basis. It costs £1 to unlock the bikes, and then 16p per minute to use them. We’d say these are great for zipping around the city and getting from A to B.
- Talio – for a wider selection of electric bikes to choose from, Talio based at Buslinthorpe Green is a great option. From this company, you can hire cruiser bikes, mountain bikes, and cargo bikes. Prices start from £20 per day for rental, but if you’re hiring for a month or longer you’ll get a good discount.
Read more: James Blunt announces huge European tour, kicking off in Leeds
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Featured Image: Press Shot (via Matt Crockett)
Georgina Pellant -
8th June 2021 
