If you've been following The Great British Sewing Bee over the past few weeks, you might have noticed a new location closer to home.
Having taken over Sunny Bank Mills in Farsley, the new Leeds filming spot will share one of the city’s biggest creative hubs with TV screens across the UK and beyond.
Whether its the new season of fresh talent or new location thats piqued your interest in the show or the introduction of new presenter Sara Pascoe, it's safe to say that The Great British Sewing Bee has returned with all guns blazing this year.
Sadly, there’s no contestants from Leeds to rally behind, but there’s plenty of talent to gasp in awe of over the coming weeks.
Now, the BBC series is looking for applicants for their brand-new series of the show, which is due to be filmed between August and November 2022.
So if you fancy yourself as an undiscovered sewing talent, this might be your chance to shoot to fame and share your skills on the big screen.
All you need to is be over the age of 16 and be able to commit to 20 days across 6-8 weeks of filming between August and November 2022 and you must not hold formal sewing qualifications to enter. Anyone across the UK can apply (though we're hoping to see some Yorkshire folk inside the Yorkshire filming spot, assuming the producers stick with their new filming location.)
The rules of entry for The Great British Sewing Bee include:
You must not have completed any sewing NVQ or other equivalent sewing-related qualification unless acquired 5 or more years ago.
You cannot have worked full-time as a dressmaker, sample machinist, pattern cutter, tailor or seamstress at any time during the last 15 years.
You must be an amateur sewer, meaning that your main source of income must not derive from your sewing and you do not sew in a professional environment.
You are not a close relative (for example, mother, father, son, daughter, brother, sister), nor a close friend of anyone who is an employee or contractor of Love Productions or the BBC, or anyone working on, appearing in or connected with the Programme.
If you reckon that you've got what it takes to join the team in Sunny Bank Mills and show off your skills inside the historic Yorkshire building, you'd better apply quickly.
For the full details, including the application form, visit sewing.take-part.co.uk and fill out the form supplied. Alternatively, if you're unable to apply online and would like an application form posted to you, you can email applyforsewingbee@loveproductions.co.uk or call 0207 067 4843 stating your full name, full address (including postcode) and telephone number.
The deadline for all applications is at 8pm on Wednesday 18 May 2022. The application also points out that if you are successful, a member of the team will be in touch via phone or email by Friday 1 July.
Feature Image- The Great British Sewing Bee / BBC One
Leeds
A popular Caribbean street food restaurant is coming to Leeds this spring
Get ready to enjoy a taste of the Caribbean as Jerk Junction is gearing up to open in Leeds.
The street food favourite has made waves in the foodie scene over in Manchester and Liverpool, so it's only right that its making its way into Trinity Kitchen.
Jerk Junction specialises in authentic Caribbean flavours, from dumplings and jerk chicken to curried goat and rice and peas, it's all flame-grilled and packed with island spices.
It is expected to open this spring.
Image: The Manc Group
Steven Foster, Centre Director at Trinity Leeds, said: “We’re so excited to be welcoming Jerk Junction to Trinity Kitchen and we’re sure it will prove very popular. Bringing an authentic Caribbean flavour to Leeds, it’s the perfect new addition and complements our already stellar line-up of street food vendors.”
Jake Shaffi, founder at Jerk Junction, said: “Jerk Junction is all about real Caribbean food and culture. Everything we do is rooted in Jamaican tradition, from bold spices and authentic cooking to dishes that bring people together.
“For us, food is family. From our kitchen to every person who comes to our counter, we want people to feel the warmth, the energy and the spirit of the islands. We can’t wait to bring those authentic flavours and good vibes to Trinity Kitchen.”
The announcement follows news that the UK’s largest independent boutique bowling brand Lane7, and footwear retailers schuh and Footasylum, would be opening at Trinity Leeds later this year, whilst the LEGO Store will be relocating to a larger space within the shopping centre.
Posting to their social media, The Maven said: "When news broke The Maven could close its doors at the end of March, the reaction across the city was immediate. The response from customers, bartenders, and hospitality operators showed just how much this bar means to Leeds.
"For nearly 15 years, The Maven has been one of the city’s most loved cocktail destinations and a true institution within the local bar scene.
"When we told you about its potential closure we were flooded with support and interest from across the hospitality community. In the days that followed, several Leeds-based operators stepped forward with genuine offers to buy the venue and keep the bar alive.
"At a time when our industry is too often filled with stories of closures, today brings a little hope - a story about a community stepping up to protect something it values.
"The reports that The Maven would close at the end of March are now firmly in the past: The Maven Lives.
"Thanks to the passion of the Leeds hospitality community and the loyalty of its guests, the bar will continue to be part of the city’s nightlife story. More details about the next chapter for The Maven will be shared soon."
Sophie Smith -
5th May 2022 
