Plans to place a northern version of London's renowned Brit School in Bradford have been given the go-ahead.
The famous Brit School in Croydon, South London, originally opened its doors in 1991.
It helped launch the careers of international stars including Adele, Amy Winehouse, Jessie J and Katie Melua.
The school is supported by the British Phonographic Industry and graduates have collectively sold more than 250 million albums and won 15 Brit awards over the past 30 years.
The Brit School in South London. Image: Brit School
The government have said the new Bradford location will be backed by huge music industry companies such as Sony Music Entertainment UK, Universal Music UK and Warner Music UK.
The BPI plans were submitted in February and although no official opening date has been announced, they've said they hope it will be up and running by 2026.
The BPI said that the northern school will match the already vibrant and cultural scene in Bradford.
The Brit School North will be free to attend for 500 pupils aged 16 to 19, and will offer courses in music, theatre and dance.
Image: Wikimedia Commons
BPI chair YolanDa Brown said the new school will improve access to creative education and diminish the need for young people to move to London.
The Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, spoke about the news: "This is a fantastic win for the North and supports our ambition to ensure opportunities for all, no matter where you're from or where you live. The build up to Bradford UK City of Culture 2025 has already started to inspire the next generation of artists.
"And now, with West Yorkshire becoming the home of Brit School North, more young people can follow in the footsteps of our world-class homegrown artists, from the likes of Mel B and Corinne Bailey Rae to the Kaiser Chiefs."
Bradford-born One Direction star Zayn Malik has expressed his support for the new school.
Lederhosen at the ready Leeds, because a new party bar is coming to the city.
Taking over the former Revolución de Cuba venue on Call Lane, the site will close for a major refurbishment before reopening in October as the seventh Barbara’s Bier Haus in the UK.
This isn't your average bar, guests can expect a proper themed experience with dancing bartenders in lederhosen, shot skis, DJs and interactive entertainment alongside beer and cocktail towers, shareable pizzas and wursts bringing the on-the-slopes atmosphere to the city.
Basically, it's time to cancel your upcoming skip trip as Barbara's will be bringing the slopes to you.
Image: Supplied
Russell Quelch, CEO of NEOS Hospitality, said about the opening: “Leeds has a fantastic nightlife scene, so it’s the perfect place for Barbara’s Bier Haus.
"The city is known for its energy and its love of a good night out, and Barbara’s brings something a little different with its après-ski theme, entertainment and big party atmosphere. We’re really excited to bring Barbara’s to Leeds and can’t wait to get the doors open this October.”
Images: Supplied
The upcoming Leeds opening forms part of a wider rollout of Barbara’s Bier Haus across the UK, as NEOS Hospitality continues to expand its core brands following its acquisition of 20 Revolution and Revolución de Cuba venues earlier this year.
Further details on the Leeds opening of Barbara's Bier Haus, including exclusive launch events and entertainment schedules will be announced ahead of October - and we'll of course be bringing you all the details.
Call Lane bar closes down for good after almost a decade in Leeds
Daisy Jackson
A popular bar and nightlife spot on Call Lane has closed its doors for good this weekend.
Revolución de Cuba - or Revs de Cuba, to most of us - announced the imminent closure of its Leeds bar last week, and went out with a 'final fiesta' on Saturday.
The venue opened on Call Lane, right in the heart of Leeds' nightlife heartland, back in 2015, and remained open after the collapse of Revolution's parent company back in January 2026.
The group's other venue in the city, Revolution at the Electric Press, did close immediately in January.
Revs de Cuba was famed for its Latin-inspired food and cocktails, and its late-night parties that tried to recreate the party atmosphere of Cuba.
The two-storey venue also had live music throughout the week, plus dancers and entertainment at the weekends.
Posting a statement to followers, Revs de Cuba wrote: "We have loved shaking your cocktails and creating unmissable parties and events over the years, but as of today, 15th August 2026, we will sadly be closing our doors in Leeds.
"We want to extend an enormous thank you for joining the Revolucion party and making some unforgettable memories.
"Any guests with bookings will be contacted in due course - Thank you for your patience and understanding. Goodbye and Gracias."
Commenting on their farewell post, one person wrote: "Noooooo! I had the best nights ever at Revs. I have the best memories. This cannot be trueeee."
Another said: "Thanks for so many years of Live Music and Joy."
And someone else posted: "what a place, end of an era."
The existing Revs de Cuba site in Leeds is under the steer of the NEOS Hospitality, who have revealed grand plans for its future...
Clementine Hall -
21st August 2023 
