After two long years of empty arenas, Stormzy returned to Leeds' First Direct Arena with two-hour set of his best hits- and it was well worth the wait.
Headlining the First Direct Arena yesterday evening was none other than the UK's favourite grime artist, Stormzy.
The original Heavy is the Head UK tour was due to commence in 2020, but we all know how that ended. After a long two year hiatus of absent music, empty stadiums and lost fans, the music industry is slowly returning to its former glory- with no expense spared.
You can tell that Leeds' been itching to return to the arena. Live music has been a legal activity for quite some time now, but it's taken a good few months- or perhaps just the need for a huge headline act to bring the city out of its reclusive state and into a music venue once more.
The Hoot was lucky enough to experience Stormzy's return to the stage from the First Direct Suite. The private suites host up to sixteen spots with a prime view of the stage.
Before we watched Stormzy entertain the crowd, we rubbed shoulders with Leeds United legend Kalvin Phillips (who we later found out was on his way to meet the headliner himself); sipped on drinks from the private booth and shared nervous-excited giggles with some of Leeds' best-known socialites whilst waiting for the two hour performance to begin.
As for the show itself, we've never experienced such an incredible performance in the luxury of the VIP suite.
Ever-humbling, Stormzy shared the limelight with his sister all evening long. Gig-goers arrived to the beat of sibling Rachel Anson's DJ set, hasting grabbing drinks whilst eager teens practised lyrics to the headliner's act as they swarmed the standing area with hours to spare and a nervous buzz echoed around the arena. Still, without fault, all eyes remained on the stage, waiting for the grime icon to appear on stage.
Stormzy is known for his incredible live performances, steeped in political agendas that unite crowds, even at gigs as large as Glastonbury.
Back in 2019, his memorable Glastonbury set featured a speech by the politician David Lammy, discussions of black and minority ethnic groups in the British criminal justice system. His Glasto debut was the same performance that featured the singer dressed in a Union Jack stab vest designed and the crowd sang the synonymous lines "f**k the government and f**k Boris" all afternoon long.
The same team have been a huge part of the Heavy is the Head UK tour and the two years of preparation was an obvious triumph from the organisers. Minuscule details like lighting changes and lavish backdrops effortlessly changed with each beat and asserted the performers' reputation as the UK's biggest rapper.
The third night of the rappers long-awaited UK and Ireland tour kicked off in Leeds with Big Michael, the opening track of his latest album as he stood, taking in the 13,000 strong crowd, whilst descending into the First Direct Arena.
The well-rehearsed set transcended into a pyrotechnic performance of his best-selling hits, featuring verse-upon-verse of fast paced, effortless rap. Flirting between his original grime tracks that projected the artist to fame and his soulful, heartfelt performances of smash-hits like Heavy is the Head that slowed the tempo and provided ample opportunity of backup singers, a saxophonist and a trumpeter to announce their influence on the genre.
Throughout the set, the London-based artist payed homage to the city of Leeds, reminding the audience that his last performance in our city was at Leeds Festival 2021, where we're certain that the internationally-acclaimed artist would have experienced the unique atmosphere and sensational crowds that the bestselling festival greets every headline act with.
With this in mind, Stormzy graciously complementing Leeds as a city, as well as a festival destination, deeming it one his favourite cities to perform in. The crowd was roaring and rewarded the rapper's kind words with applause and an increased enthusiasm for the rest of the set.
Like any international artist, his most popular singles were saved for the encore. Stormzy's final five songs had the crowd on their feet without faltering as they shouted the words to Clash, Big for your Boots and Shut Up before the artist made an announcement about his third studio album.
The concert finished with a soulful performance of Blinded By Your Grace Pt. 2 with interludes from a gospel choir before Stormzy closed the show with Vossi Bop, once again showcasing his talent in a variety of rap styles.
Stormzy is continuing his tour across the UK and Ireland, performing on Friday 18 March in Sheffield before travelling to Manchester on Saturday and finishing his weekend at Liverpool's M&S Bank Arena.
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.
Sophie Smith -
17th March 2022 
