As the nation's revellers count down to restriction-free partying on July 19, one nightclub in Leeds isn't planning on wasting any more time than is strictly necessary.,
The Backroom on Call Lane is preparing to open its doors at one minute past midnight for an epic "freedom" party they're calling "Leeds BIG re-opening party".
Taking to social media to share the news, the nightclub said on Facebook:
"If you haven’t already booked Monday off work yet, this is your friendly reminder to get that holiday request in now, because we PROMISE you do not want to miss this one!"
Inside The Backroom on Call Lane in Leeds / Image: The Backroom
“We aren’t waiting until Monday night and we don’t think you should either! Be sure to join us for a night of good music, dancing and good vibes.”
Promising a solid selection of hip hop, house and smooth r&b rhythms, DJs Dan Hills, Chris Powell and friends will take to the decks to provide the selections throughout the early-hours of the morning.
Inside The Backroom on Call Lane in Leeds / Image: The Backroom
The nightclub will be open until 6am, giving punters a solid nearly six hours of partying as they ring in the early hours of what has been dubbed "freedom day".
The Backroom said: “After 16 months closed WE WILL 1000% be re-opening.”
It's' been a tough time for nightclubs and other members of the late-night events sector, who were the first to close and are now the last to reopen.
The 'Big reopening party' takes place on July 19, starting at 00:01 / Image: The Backroom
Plans for the lifting of remaining restrictions on July 19 were confirmed by the Prime Minister on Monday 12, with him addressing a press conference from the briefing room inside Downing Street.
He said he would: “lift legal restrictions and to lift social distancing, but we expect and recommend that people wear a face-covering in crowded and enclosed spaces where you come into contact with those you don’t normally meet, such as on public transport.”
"As a matter of social responsibility we’re urging nightclubs and other venues with large crowds to make use of the NHS Covid Pass which shows proof of vaccination, recent negative test or natural immunity, as a means of entry.”
Leeds City Council has confirmed that work to stabilise buildings on Lower Kirkgate is set to begin later this month, with repairs expected to take around 20 weeks to complete.
Back in 2024, Lower Kirkgate in Leeds city centre was closed following the partial collapse of a building, leaving one of the city's oldest streets inaccessible.
Since then, the street has remained closed while plans were developed to address the structural issues affecting the buildings.
Now, almost two years after the initial incident, the council has confirmed that a contractor has been appointed to carry out the work.
The buildings are privately owned, but Leeds City Council says it will step in to carry out the stabilisation work to prevent further deterioration and protect the historic properties.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
A spokesperson for Leeds City Council said: “We are pleased that, following months of careful planning and preparation, we are now in a position to begin stabilising these privately owned buildings.
“A contract has been awarded for the work, which is scheduled to get under way later this month and is expected to take around 20 weeks to complete.
“It should be stressed that the situation on Lower Kirkgate is not of the council's making, with the owners of the buildings allowing their condition to deteriorate over many years and then failing to take the necessary steps to address the resultant structural issues.
“By stepping in and carrying out this work itself, the council will be able to arrest the deterioration of important heritage assets on one of Leeds’s oldest streets. As always, we thank the local community for their continued patience and support.”
Further details about the work, including when the street may be able to reopen, have not yet been confirmed.
Canadian rock legends Nickelback announce Leeds gig on huge world arena tour
Clementine Hall
Nickelback announce world arena tour in support of their new album - and they're coming to Leeds.
The Canadian rockers will be bringing their biggest hits as well brand-new music to arenas around the world.
Formed in Hanna, Alberta, the band made up of Chad Kroeger, Ryan Peake, Mike Kroeger and Daniel Adair, have sold nearly 65 million albums worldwide.
Best known for rock anthems including Rockstar, Photograph and How You Remind Me, Nickelback have built up a huge global following over the course of their career.
The upcoming tour will see the band celebrate their new album, Everything Under The Sun, and they'll be kicking off the UK leg of the tour right here in Leeds at the First Direct Bank Arena.
The tour follows their record-setting Get Rollin' world tour, and will once again take them to venues across North America, Europe, and Australia.
The group have sold nearly 65 million albums worldwide, and achieved billions of streams across digital platforms.
Their new album will be released at the end of the month on Friday 30 October, so you'll have plenty of time to get to know their new tracks before they come to Leeds on Saturday 22 May 2027.
They'll be supported on the tour by Don Broco, an English four-piece featuring Rob Damiani, Simon Delaney, Tom Doyle and Matt Donnelly. Known for their genre-defying sound and dynamic approach to modern rock.
Nickelback 2027 UK Tour Dates in full
22 May - Leeds First Direct Bank Arena
24 May - London The O2
28 May - Birmingham Utility Arena
1 June - Glasgow Ovo Hydro
2 June - Manchester Co-op Live
Tickets for Nickelback at the Leeds First Direct Arena go on sale next Friday 16 October and you can get yours HERE.
Georgina Pellant -
14th July 2021 
