Drinkers on Headingley's famous Otley Run pub crawl could face on-the-spot fines for anti-social behaviour.
The legendary bar crawl, consisting of up to sixteen pubs from Far Headingley to Leeds City Centre has come under fire in recent months for causing problems, often thought to be alcohol-related.
Local Labour councillor Neil Walshaw commented that the Otley Run is making "Headingley look like Magaluf".
The two mile bar crawl sees hundreds of fancy dress drinkers walking through Headingley each week. / Image: Commons Wikimedia
In a meeting yesterday, the councillor suggested that the fancy dress pub crawl was attracting a different crowd than its original audience, commenting:
"Judging from the hairlines and the waistlines, it’s not undergraduates- it’s Gavin and Gary from accounts who are coming back to relive their glory days of 10 years ago.
“But joking aside, it’s all led to some cases that we’re picking up of on-street harassment of female residents."
“On a Friday and Saturday, Headingley looks like Magaluf at times."
Head of Neighbourhoods at Leeds City Council, Claire Smith announces that the city is leading a "targeted response" to the issues raised and explained that a Public Space Protection Order in the area means that any alcohol-related problems could end with the perpetrators issued a fine.
It appears that a crackdown on the Otley Run is going to increase in importance of the council: "We're bringing that all together, a lot tighter than it was before, with the issues it's causing it's something we need to do."
Reports from the BBC and LeedsLive sharing the issue have been gathering the public's opinion on the comments shared by local councillors yesterday.
The first pub on the Otley Run, Woodies Craft Ale House / Image: wikimedia
One commented: "Here we go again LCC turning the city into a police state, thinking they have the right to infringe on peoples civil liberties. Its just a bunch of young kids having a beer and enjoying themselves, like we all did/do what's wrong with that?"
Whilst another suggested the Otley Run is simply "students enjoying a good time in difficult times."
Others made sure to explain a local's perspective: "For those of us who live and work in the area, we actually like to see people coming to do the Otley run".
Feature Image- Wikicommons
Leeds
‘End of an era’ as beloved Leeds bar announces move after 15 years
One of Leeds' most loved late-night bars has announced it will be moving on from its current location after more than a decade.
Known for its eclectic party atmosphere, fabulous cocktails and fun DJs, Wax has long been a go-to spot for Leeds night owls looking for a big night.
The New Briggate bar has built up a loyal following over the years, becoming something of an institution on the city’s nightlife scene.
And now, Wax has announced that it will be moving location, bringing an end to an era at its current home at the top of town.
Image: Wax Bar
Taking to Instagram, Wax shared the news with its loyal customers, stating: “Wax is moving!!!
"Thats right folks, our time on New Briggate is coming to an end. For 15 years many a drink we have drunk, many a dance we have shared, many a hangover we have nursed.... so let’s keep that going in our new home.
"Don't worry you can get your OG Wax fix for the next few months. More info announced soon. See you around. X"
Of course, in classic Leeds fashion, customers flocked to the comments to express their support.
One person said: "So many memories, will forever have a very special place in my heart" whilst another expressed that "Change is good! Long live Wax Bar."
We'll keep you updated with where Wax is moving to as and when we find out, but we're sure its loyal fans will follow them wherever they go.
For now, it’s business as usual at New Briggate - so if you’ve got memories to make (or simply want one last night in the OG Wax), you’ve still got a few months to do so.
Major Leeds Festival artist cancels string of dates after losing voice
Daisy Jackson
Rising rock star Violet Grohl has addressed fans after cancelling a series of sold-out gigs just hours before fans entered the venue.
The singer (who, yes, is the daughter of Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl) had been set to perform to a packed-out crowd at Band On The Wall in Manchester last night.
But just hours before doors opened, Violet announced that the show would be postponed, along with tonight’s show in Glasgow.
She said in a statement that she was ‘really f**king bummed’ to be cancelling the shows.
Violet told fans that the gigs had to be cancelled because she ‘doesn’t have a voice right now’.
She is due to perform on The Canopy stage at Leeds Festival this Friday, and its sister site Reading Festival on Sunday.
The star added ‘it pains me to make this decision’ as she officially postponed her Manchester show.
Those who had tickets will receive updated information soon, with the plan to reschedule them.
She wrote: “hey everyone. really f**king bummed to have to let yall know i’m canceling tonight and tomorrow’s shows in Manchester and Glasgow.
“i don’t have a voice right now and it pains me to make this decision, but i just can’t perform.
“we’re rescheduling these shows and everyone who bought a ticket will receive the updated info. looking forward to seeing you soon xx i’ll be back!!!”
Violet Grohl released her debut album, Be Sweet To Me, back in May, produced at the home of acclaimed producer Justin Raisen.
Her music takes influence from late 80s and early 90s rock, including Pixies, Soundgarden, Bjork, PJ Harvey, and more.
When she announced her UK tour dates, demand was so overwhelming her Manchester show was upgraded from The Deaf Institute to Band On The Wall.
Sophie Smith -
22nd July 2022 
