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.”
Norfolk-based jewellery brand Lisa Angel is opening their first Yorkshire site right here in Leeds.
Jewellery and trinket lovers, this one's for you.
Lisa Angel, a female-founded jewellery and gifting brand will open the doors to its new store in Victoria Gate next month.
Shoppers can expect a wonderful range of jewellery, gifts, and accessories that have established a loyal following during more than twenty years of business.
Founded in 2004 by Lisa hand making jewellery which she sold at craft fairs local to her Norfolk home, the business has only gone from strength to strength since.
Image: Supplied
The brand is now a recognised part of the British high street landscape, boasting seven other stores across Norfolk, Suffolk, and the Midlands.
After opening two stores last year and three stores in 2024, Lisa Angel’s founder and Creative Director, Lisa, said: “As an independent retailer, we are thrilled to launch in a destination with such a reputation as Victoria Leeds.
"We believe retail should remain grounded in inspiration and discovery, and we look forward to bringing just that to the vibrant city of Leeds, in our first store in the north.”
Managing Director James Moody explained the significance to the business of opening a new store in a city as influential as Leeds: “We're incredibly excited to be opening our first northern showcase store in such a prestigious location.
"Victoria Leeds represents exactly the kind of vibrant retail destination where we can bring the full Lisa Angel experience to new customers. This is a significant milestone for us as we continue to grow our retail presence."
We'll keep you up to date when we know an opening date, but for now you can check out what to expect here.
Yorkshire residents are being invited to name two new bin lorries
Clementine Hall
Well...this is a new one.
Ever fancied naming a bin lorry? Well today is your lucky day, because now you can.
Yorkshire-based waste management experts Divert are celebrating the arrival of two swanky new tbin rucks by inviting the local community to help name them.
The iconic purple bins, vans and trucks can be seen across the Yorkshire area helping to clean up waste from Bradford to Harrogate.
Two new lorries are set to be joining the fleet in April and May, and of course they need a name.
And who better to ask than the general public? The winning names will be added to the cabs of each of the trucks for all to see, and announced via the Divert website and social media channels.
Absolutely anyone from across the UK is welcome to take part, but the company are especially keen for people from Yorkshire to enter.
You can be as creative as you like, but there are a couple of rules...
No swearing or offensive names. Aside from that, you can let your freak flag fly.
The Divert team are keen to hear the 'best celebrity puns, local namesakes, and downright silly names' the public have to offer.
John Verity, Managing Director of Divert, comments: “Naming our bin trucks is a great way to bring some joy to the local community. We hope to bring a smile to the faces of passing drivers and pedestrians as our fleet passes by.
“Not only that, naming our lorries can help our drivers to take pride and ownership in the vehicles they drive and be a key reminder of our engagement within the community. We’re always keen to employ any initiatives that help the public to engage with us and ensure we’re seen as a friendly face in the area.”
Winners will be voted for by the team internally, and the competition closes at 5 pm on 31 March 2026.
Georgina Pellant -
14th July 2021 
