Summer is finally here and along with the sun comes loads of exciting things happening in and around Leeds.
From obstacle courses to foodie festivals to open-air music performances, there is something for everyone to enjoy (or endure) this week. So slap your sun cream on and welcome the hot weather and longer evenings with open arms at one of our top picks.
Curated Makers Market
Friday 24 - Sunday 26 June 2022 | Trinity Leeds
Image: Curated Makers
This well loved festival showcasing local artists and creatives is coming back to Trinity Leeds.
Head to the ground floor of Trinity shopping centre where Curated Makers will be hosting 15 markets stalls, giving the public just a taste of what local, independent businesses have to offer. Support small and come find yourself (or others) the perfect gift that is made locally and with plenty of love.
Tickets are free.
Nile Rodgers and Chic
Friday 24 - Saturday 25 June 2022 | Piece Hall Halifax
Image: Visit Calderdale
Taking over the incredible outdoor venue and kicking off the weekend is the legendary Nile Rodgers and Chic. Showcasing their endless catalogue of hits such as 'Le Freak', 'Everybody Dance' and 'Good Times', this will truly be a night to remember.
Put on your dancing shoes and head to the piece hall ready to boogie on into the moonlight. There will even be special guests including Rebecca Ferguson and August Charles. We can't think of any better way to celebrate the start of summer.
This weekend at Bramham Park, those brave enough will have the opportunity to tackle what is known as one of the most challenging obstacle courses in the country. Obstacles that contestants will have to endure include ice cold plunge baths, fire pit jumps, climbing walls and mud slide.
If you don’t fancy doing the course but still fancy being a part of it then the entire event is free and can host up to 10,000 spectators. Not only can you watch those endure the gruelling endurance test comfortably from the sidelines, but you can also enjoy live music and an array of food and drink. Read morehere.
If you’d like to challenge yourself and be a part of this amazing event, then you can enter here on Total Warrior’s website.
The first of it's kind, the Yorkshire Feastival will take place in the beautiful Nidderdale Countryside and promises to be a day to remember.
Live cooking demos, craft markets, live music, cocktail making, forestry school, inflatable village, you name it. There's an activity here for everyone and we can promise you'll be going home with a huge smile and a full belly.
Tickets start from just £6.50 and can be booked online here.
Barry Manilow
Saturday 25 June 2022 | First Direct Arena
Image: First Direct Arena
Head down to the Copacabana and have a groove to Barry Manilow at the First Direct Arena. With such a catalogue of non-stop classics, you are guaranteed to have the time of your life. You won't be able to resist tapping your foot and singing along to every lyric, even if you thought you didn't know them.
If you're tying the knot soon or simply adore weddings, then this Sunday head to the beautiful Parsonage Hotel in York to gaze at all things wedding.
This idyllic countryside hotel which is the perfect wedding venue in itself, is teaming-up with award winning events company The UK Wedding Event for a free wedding fayre offering couples the chance to see it all for themselves. The day is set to feature around 35 top wedding suppliers to help brides and grooms plan their big day.
Admission is free but pre-booking is advised and can be done here.
Pete Tong & The Heritage Orchestra
Sunday 26 June 2022 | Piece Hall Halifax
Image: The Piece Hall
The critically acclaimed 'Ibiza Classics' show is coming to the historic and iconic venue of The Piece Hall in Halifax.
Legendary dance music pioneer and DJ Pete Tong with the HeritageOrchestra conducted by Jules Buckley will bring a taste of Ibiza to The Piece Hall in Halifax this summer. Grab your mates and dance along to some party anthems in this beautiful open-air concert hall as the sun comes down.
If you can't make it to Ibiza this year, this could be the next best thing.
A brunch spot made famous across the pond is opening a site in Leeds.
If you're a fiend for all things brunch, then this news is going to get you a little bit excited.
Bruncho is known for its brunch dishes that have a real knack for going viral on social media, including New York-style breakfast rolls in croissant bread; fresh coconut water and matcha served in the coconut; and its innovative watermelon sandwiches.
Oh, and they also went viral for serving a Labubu French Toast...but we'll let the photos do the talking on that one.
Images: The Manc Group
They've currently got one site in Manchester city centre with one more almost ready to open its doors, and now they're making their way across the Pennines and opening their first Yorkshire cafe right here in Leeds. Aren't we lucky.
Announcing the exciting news to Instagram, Bruncho said: "We’ve been keeping a HUGE SECRET, but now it’s finally time to share… LEEDS CITY CENTRE WE’RE COMING FOR YOU!!
"Keep your eyes peeled on our socials, we’ll be announcing our opening date SOON!!"
Images: The Manc Group
With queues constantly forming at their cafe in Deansgate, Manchester - we're sure that their weird and wonderful creations will go down just as well here in Leeds.
It's not the first brunch spot to make their way over, with Federal opening on Boar Lane earlier this year that has been packed out ever since.
We'll of course keep you in the loop with opening dates as and when we find out but for now, Bruncho we can't wait to welcome you to our city.
Loyle Carner at Kirkstall Abbey, Leeds – tickets, times, setlist and more
Lydia Mastrolonardo
Everyone's favourite hip-hop and chilled rap artist is coming to Leeds for one night and one night only, make sure you don’t miss out.
That’s right, Loyle Carner is set to headline for ‘Above All Else,’ a brand-new event set up by local promoters ‘Futuresound,’ joined by the extremely talented Jordan Rakei, KOKOROKO, Kofi Stone and Bricknasty - what a treat.
As one of the UK’s most influential and inspiring young writers, producers and musicians, Loyle has recently been nominated for a bunch of awards in the past year, including the MOBO and BRIT awards, following the release of his most recent full album ‘Hopefully!’ which has become his highest-charting release to date.
He has also been in the media for being a fantastic role model for younger generations, using his platform to champion emotional vulnerability through his emotive lyrics. As well as utilising his platform to discuss mental health awareness, toxic masculinity, neurodiversity, and generational healing - what a good egg he is.
The gig is set to take place this Saturday 1 August, and will be an all-day outdoor celebration, with gates opening at 4pm and performances blending into the evening.
Gig guide | Loyle Carner at Kirkstall Abbey, Leeds – all you need to know
Are there still tickets for Loyle Carner in Leeds?
Yes, there are currently still tickets available to see Loyle Carner but hurry.
General admission and accessible tickets are priced at £67.20, with premium admission standing priced at £100.20.
ou can see the latest availability and grab your tickets HERE.
Stage times
Gates Open: 4:00 PM
Bricknasty: 4:45 PM – 5:15 PM
Kofi Stone: 5:40 PM – 6:10 PM
Kokoroko: 6:40 PM – 7:25 PM
Jordan Rakei: 7:55 PM – 8:40 PM
Loyle Carner: 9:15 PM – 10:30 PM
Loyle Carner expected setlist
We are unsure on the exact set list for the concert but many are expecting a lot from Loyle’s most recent album ‘Hopefully!’ which centres around topics of family relations, with thought provoking and emotional lyrics, in true Loyle fashion.
Fans have also been eagerly awaiting to see whether Loyle will bring out Joe James to promote his newest collaboration on the single Ignorance Was Never Bliss.
What does a Premium ticket get you?
If you're thinking of making your night a little fancier, there's a Premium area in Kirkstall Abbey that includes all of this:
Premium Entrance (please note this opens at the same time as all gates)
Premium Hang Out Area located in the Historic Abbey’s Cloister with Private bar and toilets.
Premium food vendors.
Live at Kirkstall Abbey map
Getting to Kirkstall Abbey
You can pre-book parking for only £11, which will open at 3.30pm. However, it’s important to note that no overnight parking is allowed and vehicles left overnight will be towed - don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Entry to Kirkstall Abbey Car park is located next to Abbey House Museum on Abbey Walk in Kirkstall (LS5 3EJ).
Fans are urged to use public transport or travel on foot wherever possible.
Kirkstall Abbey has two local train stations nearby; Kirkstall Forge is located approximately 1.3 miles from Kirkstall Abbey and Headingley Station is approximately 0.7 miles.
There are several bus stops near Kirkstall Abbey too, for more information visit here.
Clementine Hall -
20th June 2022 
