The trail was created as a way to celebrate and highlight the history, events and people that have influenced Leeds' LGBTQ+ heritage.
You may be aware of the numerous blue plaques dotted around the city, awarded by the Leeds Civic Trust to commemorate people, events and buildings which hold cultural and historical significance.
But did you know that there's also 15 rainbow coloured plaques placed around the city which make up the Rainbow Plaque Trail?
Image: Leeds Civic Trust
Created in 2018, the Leeds Civic Trust and the Leeds LGBTQ+ Hub worked together to prepare the special trail, recognising places around the city which have influenced our rich LGBTQ+ history.
Image: Leeds Civic Trust
You can find plaques at 15 different locations across the city including one at The Mill Hill Chapel in city square. This chapel was the first place of worship in Leeds city centre to marry same-sex couples after the legalisation of the 2014 marriage act.
The chapel itself has a rich and fruitful history going back hundreds of years, the unitarian church was granted Grade II listed status in the 1960s and was later awarded a blue plaque by Leeds Civic Trust in 1991 as a spot of cultural significance.
You can find another plaque at The New Penny on Call Lane, an iconic venue which is reportedly the longest continually running gay bar in the country. Starting life as the Hope and Anchor in 1953, fourteen years before The Sexual Offences Act in 1967 decriminalised homosexual acts, meaning the bar had to operate under a shroud of secrecy.
Image: Wikimedia Commons
After a change of ownership, the pub changed its name to the New Penny in 1982 and has since become one of the most popular and most iconic venues in Leeds.
There are 15 plaques in total to find and other locations include Charlie's Nightclub in Queen's Court, the BBC building and many more. Embarking on the trail is a fantastic way to remember and appreciate the experiences, people and events that have shaped our LGBTQ+ heritage.
US pop star Conan Gray and BRIT award winner Jacob Alon join the line-up for Lewis Capaldi's headline date at Roundhay Festival.
Leeds' Roundhay Park is welcoming back live music to its grounds this summer for two outdoor gigs headlined by Lewis Capaldi and Pitbull titled Roundhay Festival, with special guests slowly being announced.
Gray is recognised for standout tracks like 'Heather' and 'Maniac' while Alon has built a cult following of fans around their indie tunes like 'Fairy in a Bottle' as well as 'Liquid Gold 25'.
Jacob Alon has been showing off their artistry within the indie music scene thanks to their 2025 LP In Limerence catching the attention of many in the process.
This album has gone onto attract widespread love from music listeners and even industry professionals bagging themselves their first-ever BRIT award nomination and win - The Critics' Choice award.
Conan Gray AND Jacob Alon join Lewis Capaldi's Roundhay Festival line-up / Credit: Supplied via Press Shots
Conan Gray started out covering other artists hits before creating some of his own and releasing debut studio album Kid Krow back in 2020.
The project has production credits shared between Gray and Dan Nigro, Grammy-winning producer who has worked with Chappell Roan, Olivia Rodrigo, Lorde and more.
It's always exciting hearing updates like these, but this one is even more impressive as it's not just one stellar act joining the Roundhay Festival line-up but two, with further acts to be announced.
The almost 70,000 crowd who are heading down to Roundhay Festival when Lewis Capaldi makes his way to Leeds next summer are going to be blessed with some phenomenal live music.
This year marks American Express Presents Roundhay Festival first year with two star-studded dates fronted by powerhouse performers with the second show fronted by Pitbull and special guest Kesha.
These events have been organised with Leeds City Council and are expected to bring benefits to the local area by employing local suppliers, staff and boost spending on accommodation, food and entertainment.
Conan Gray and Jacob Alon will play alongside Lewis Capaldi at Roundhay Festival in Leeds on Saturday 4 July 2026 with tickets available HERE.
Award-winning vintage retailer announces new store in Leeds city centre
Clementine Hall
Popular vintage store brand Glass Onion is returning to Leeds with a brand-new permanent site.
Following the huge success of its temporary pop up shop in Leeds Trinity, Glass Onion is coming back with a bang and expanding into a larger, two-floor space in Leeds city centre.
They'll be taking over the old Levi's jeans unit on Lands Lane and will be opening on Wednesday 18 March, so we really don't have long to wait.
Customers can shop Leeds' best collection of sustainable vintage clothing with every piece hand selected for store at their Yorkshire HQ.
Images: The Sheff
Shop from an expertly curated mix of all your vintage favourites, including Y2K, techwear, workwear, sportswear, boho, and loads more.
The store will also feature big-name brands like The North Face, Nike, Levi’s, Adidas, and Harley Davidson, along with an exclusive Rare Archive section - home to some of Glass Onion’s rarest vintage finds.
Glass Onion’s journey began in 2005, when founder John started selling vintage clothing out of his grandma’s coal shed in Barnsley. They opened their first retail store in Sheffield in 2019, quickly becoming a local favourite and their commitment to quality and sustainability has earned them “Best Indie Retailer in Sheffield” and “Best Vintage Retailer in Sheffield” at the Exposed Magazine Awards for three consecutive years.
To celebrate the exciting launch, Glass Onion are offering free VIP tickets where shoppers will be treated to first entry as well as freebies and vouchers from Leeds indies and entry into a competition to win a £100 Glass Onion voucher to spend on the launch day.
Clementine Hall -
11th August 2022 
