The kids have gone back to school and the Easter festivities have sadly come to a close, but that doesn't mean you have to stop having fun.
We can't quite believe how fast this year is going (yes it's almost the end of April).
And as the sun creeps out from behind the clouds, Leeds is shining in all it's glory and is absolutely bursting at the seems with exciting things to do.
From tequila festivals to new restaurant openings, pizza-flavoured burgers and pub quizzes next to the canal - grab your loved ones and get involved.
Keep reading to find out more...
Caity Baser
Monday 17 April 2023 | Leeds University Stylus
Image: Caity Baser
Viral Tik-Tok pop star sensation is embarking on her very first headline tour, and of course she'll be coming to Leeds.
Caity combines honest, no-holds-barred lyrics with lilting, catchy melodies resulting in uplifting pop songs with a real bite. Her lyrics are filled with British slang, often aimed squarely at those who have wronged her in her past.
Tuesday 18 – Sunday 23 April 2023 | Victoria Gate, Vicar Lane
Image: Opera North
“It’s time to take a soundwalk in your city as part of Leeds 2023…” This is an unmissable, free event taking place in collaboration between Opera North and Leeds 2023.
Composer and musician Abel Selaocoe has taken inspiration from the architecture of Leeds and his African heritage. Performing with the Orchestra and Chorus of Opera North and guest artists, Selaocoe creates beautiful music that embraces the healing power of walking.
Simply pick up a pair of headphones and meander on a musical adventure through the city as your sound pack triggers new musical chapters to accompany you on a transformative journey, taking in Leeds’ most recognisable landmarks.
MEAT:STACK Pizza Specials
Monday 17 - Sunday 23 April 2023 | Bishopgate Street
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Popular burger spot MEAT:STACK are back at it again with deliciously unique specials, and this time it’s all about pizza. They have collaborated with Scream For Pizza to create these unbeatable specials, a fantastic pizza restaurant based in Newcastle where MEAT:STACK was born.
Expect all your fave parts of a pizza combined with Meat:Stack’s delicious grass fed, aged beef smashed patties, and of course their perfect chips– absolutely unreal.
Officially embarking on it's first full week of opening, the new restaurant will seat 160 diners in an open plan setting, featuring an impressive marble bar, outdoor terrace, on-site deli, cicchetti bar and separate lounge area.
The full menu has been designed by Gino himself, with a team of esteemed chefs, to bring the best flavours to the city for an unforgettable experience. There’s a particular focus on quality and ingredient provenance for the food whilst the drinks menu will boast signature cocktails, Italian and international wines, Prosecco, Franciacorta, spirits and artisan beers.
Wednesday 19 April 2023 | Candle House, Granary Wharf
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Every Wednesday night from 7pm there’s the chance to win a £50 bar tab and test your knowledge with a quick-on-the-draw quiz at SALT Granary Wharf. Taking place on a smartphone, there’s rounds of general knowledge, pop culture, sports and everything in between.
Make sure to assemble a team full of your smartest mates for this one, with a £50 bar tab on the line, every Wednesday is the most competitive you’ll see this place.
Leeds Tequila Festival
Friday 21st April 2023 | The Tetley, Hunslet Road
Image: Leeds Tequila Festival
We've had the whiskey festival and now Rolling Social Events are treating us to another spirit-fuelled festival and this time it's tequila.
"Regardless of whether you can explain the difference between a mezcal and sotol, have just discovered the world of agave or simply enjoy a margarita, this is an event for all levels of interest."
If you're a tequila lover this shouldn't be missed and in the glorious venue of The Tetley, it's an absolute no brainer. Get your tickets here.
The Alchemist 10th Birthday Cocktails
Monday 17 – Sunday 23 April 2023 | Trinity Leeds
Image: Supplied
Trinity rooftop bar The Alchemist turns 10 this month and is celebrating a decade of ground-breaking mixology by bringing back some crowd favourites.
Head to the beautiful rooftop bar and sample their Butter Beer, Key Lime Pie or Maple Manhattan cocktail whilst overlooking an astonishing view of the city. These comeback cocktails are popular for a reason and are not to be missed.
Hidden inside the Grand Arcade, Tailor’s is a clothes alternation store by day, bar by night and bottomless brunch hotspot on the weekends. Priced at £30 per person for 90 minutes of bottomless drinks, served with a special ‘ring for gin’ bell so you can keep topped up throughout the entire experience.
Choose from a selection of craft gin and tonics, all carefully chosen flavours perfect for a summer’s afternoon. Think Yorkshire rhubarb, British berries, Seville orange marmalade, Sicilian lemon and elderflower and a modern take on Pimms, strawberry and basil.
Leeds
Audio North’s Artist of the Month : Holly Rolfe | May 2026
As you're well aware by now, the North has some of this country's best artists and musicians, so much so, we are showcasing a new one to you every single month.
Meet Holly Rolfe, a Lichfield-born, Leeds-based artist who's music is cathartic, emotive with her stage presence helping create a pure-pop package.
Her singles have captivated audiences online with one song in particular, 'I'll Come Back To You', amassing over 250,000 streams.
She's also focused on uplifting fellow female musicians, something which she has made into a real initiative titled 'Women in Music Presents'.
And if you're wondering why all her outfits have varied in shades of blue when she's featured in videos on Audio North's Instagram account - she explains later on.
An interview with Holly Rolfe | Audio North's Artist of the Month: May
Meet Hilly Rolfe, Audio North's artist of the month for May / Credit: The Manc Group
How did you get into music?
I started busking at 14 after some encouragement from my Mum who was also a busker. Then I started performing at weddings and taking part in gigs.
Every family holiday we used to listen to CDs whenever we'd drive around and play Adele, Robbie Williams, specifically the live albums, Mika too.
Who were some of your musical influences growing up?
Some of my favourite musicians who's music I am inspired by are Mimi Webb and Cian Ducrot. Obviously Harry Styles and Sabrina Carpenter too.
Especially Sabrina and Mimi, I love their fun pop girl energy, I just want to channel that.
Do you want to tell us a little bit more about your recent EP?
On 24 April I released my EP Lost in the Dark (Live in Session), which is a collection of songs that I believe aren't based around streams, but instead it's a passion project.
It means so much to me and it sums up who I am as an artist, the music I want to create and my experience of being a student in Leeds.
You're also part of a group called Women in MusicPresents, please can you tell us more about this?
It's a group created during my final year of university that I made with some friends.
We wanted something that focused around the positives and challenges that being a female artist brings, while uplifting each other with no real headliners at each event, instead we all share the spotlight.
Holly alongside Women in MusicPresents line-up at The Attic in Leeds / Credit: The Manc Group
We've noticed that you like to wear a lot of blue, how come?
I've always been obsessed with blue and when I was starting to brand myself as an artist I thought this colour really compliments me.
And honestly royal blue, navy, baby blue, whatever the shade is I love it.
What are some of your career highlights so far?
My first band gig was at the Piece Hall in Halifax where I got the opportunity to support Cian Ducrot and that's where everything really kicked off.
From there I performed at The Cavern Club in Liverpool, where as well as performing, I also got the chance to admire some of pop music's greatest memorabilia.
I was able to do my debut headline at Headrow House and did another headline show at Hyde Park Book Club too.
Rolfe backstage ahead of her Piece Hall supporting slot and the singer pictured underneath The Domino Club neon sign / Credit: Supplied
What does being an artist in the North feel like for you?
Anything is possible. There's something about the North that is so welcoming and it has helped me become my true self as an artist, performing for northern crowds.
I feel so inspired by artists from here and everyone northern as they all have this determination which is so nice to see, watching people chase their dreams.
And finally now we've learnt more about you, who are some Northern artists you love and want to show off?
Lois. She's incredible and has announced a listening party for her new album later this month.
Also The Wranglers, a country group who I got the opportunity to support at their recent gig at Oporto in Leeds. They just make you want to get up and dance.
Thank you Holly for letting us learn a little bit more about your artistry, we're sure that you're on track to claiming your pop princess crown in years to come.
Featured Images - Artist supplied / The Manc Group
Leeds
Leeds city centre set for hundreds of new flats after council agrees sale of ‘prime’ development site
Clementine Hall
It looks like even more new flats could be popping up in Leeds city centre.
The land in question is located near Leeds' Aire Park development, next to The Adelphi Pub in a prime location smack bang in the city centre.
It's looking like over 240 flats could be built on the site after the council has agreed to sell the coveted plot of land to a housing developer.
The current land that is surrounded by heritage assets has been sold by Leeds City Council to property developer Glenbrook.
A planning application from Glenbrook proposed mostly 246 one and two bedroom apartments in a whopping 24 storey development.
Around 20% of the homes would be classified as affordable housing, being rented out at 80% of the current private market rate.
The application will be discussed when the council's City Plans Panel meets next Thursday 14 May.
A council planning officer’s report said: “The emerging proposals present a significant opportunity to regenerate a prominent vacant brownfield site within the city centre.
“The development would deliver a substantial number of new homes, alongside the provision of some employment opportunities.”
A council decision report when selling the plot back in 2022 said: “It is surrounded by heritage assets in an area undergoing rapid regeneration and is widely considered to be a prime plot capable of supporting a high quality residential development.”
Well then Leeds, what do you make of these plans then?
Clementine Hall -
17th April 2023 
