A massive new Mardi Gras festival is coming to Leeds this summer, bringing with it a host of Ru Paul’s Drag Race stars and a special DJ set from fashion icon Gok Wan.
The park is due to be completely transformed for the event, with two full-size festival production stages forming the focal point at Soldier's Fields in Roundhay Park.
The main stage will focus on all things house and dance with huge sets from international headliners like Jax Jones, SIGALA, Disciples and Gok Wan.
Support here will come from brilliant talents closer to home like Homoelectric's Will Tramp, Leeds' icon Angel Lee, Halifax selector Dale Castell, plus Essel, Marc Leaf and Tin Tin.
On the second stage, though, it's all about commercial, pop and cabaret acts. This is where you'll be able to catch the Drag Race gang, with performances from acts like Frock Destroyers, Tayce, Baga Chipz, Blu Hydrangea and Divina De Campo.
The festival Site at Roundhay Park will feature two huge stages, a fairground, street food area and market stalls
Pop acts the Cheeky Girls, Stephanie Hirst and Danny Beard are all confirmed headliners here, performing with support from Leeds-based DJs and hosts Dave Cooper, Luke Horsfield, Mamma Bear & The Rose and Miss Orry.
As well as a full-on music programme, there'll be a host of fairground rides and a street food market packed with tasty treats to keep you going throughout the all-day event.
Street food traders confirmed as taking part so far include Pizza Loco, Nok Thai Cuisine, Jenny’s Jerk Chicken, the Savvy Baker, newcomers The Chaat Walas and Pig Love Brewing Co.
The Chaat Wallas is a new street food venture that will make iits first appearance at Proud in the Park / Image: The Chaat Wallas
There'll also be a market village between the stages and the fairground rides, with craft stalls from local makers selling unique and lovingly hand-made items.
For those really wanting to push the boat out, there'll be VIP tickets on sale giving you fast-track entry and access to an exclusive Pavilion area with its own premium cocktail bar, a retro VW campervan called Mabel.
And for those unable to make it in person, DJs Wes and Leanne from LDC Radio Leeds will be covering the event live on the day so you can enjoy all the action from home.
“Whilst Leeds is known for its amazing festivals and events, including carnival in nearby Chapeltown, there hasn’t been anything quite like this before," said co-founder and organiser Shaun Wilson.
"So many big names have performed on-stage at Roundhay Park over the years and now we get to have it as the home to debut Mardi Gras. With many UK festivals sadly being cancelled for a second year running we felt it was particularly important to spread a little joy and positivity via this unique event.
"As well as amazing musical talent, we also have craft and food stalls, plus some white-knuckle fairground rides.
"It really is going to be a day to remember and we hope it will be the start of a new tradition for the city. It is so important for people to have a safe space to come and enjoy themselves with friends and loved ones and that is exactly what visitors can expect from Mardi Gras.”
Mardi Gras – Proud in the Park is taking place on Saturday 14th August, Roundhay Park and will celebrate love in all its forms. You can grab tickets starting from £30 here.
Leeds
Leeds Santa Dash is returning for 2026 and it’s set to be ‘bigger and better’ than ever
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!
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.
Georgina Pellant -
30th June 2021 
