The Light in Leeds is bringing the popular City Beach back to Cookridge Street this summer.
Following its huge success in 2021 and 2022, The City Beach invites anyone and everyone to take part in fun beach activities throughout the summer.
The Light will be transformed into a huge sandpit to make you feel like you're on holiday.
Frisbees, beachballs and bucket and spades will all be on hand for children to enjoy some fun and games in the giant sandpit.
Equally importantly, deck chairs will be provided for parents to relax in as they watch their little ones get stuck in building sandcastles and digging holes.
Image: The Light Leeds
The City Beach this year will also host a series of exciting events named 'Summer Sessions' for families and cocktail lovers alike, throughout the month of August.
The beach will be open until Sunday 3 September, with four free headline events taking place over the next few weeks.
First up on Wednesday 2 August is 'National Play Day' where children can get involved in a whole host of fun activities on the beach without driving to the coast. From glitter pace paint and dance parties to playing with bubbles and foam, this is the perfect way to entertain the little ones during the summer holidays.
'Sax on the Beach' on Saturday 5 August will see live music from local saxophone player Sarah Sax and DJ performers One2manyDjs between 3-7pm, complete with delicious food and drink on offer from The Radisson.
Do you love an Aperol Spritz? Then you'll want to head down to The City Beach on Saturday 19 August for their 'Spritz Session'. Complete with live music and food form 3-6pm, this is going to be a summer evening to remember.
And last but not least, the 'Family Beach Day' on Thursday 24 August will see Leeds Children Charity joining in on the celebrations and bringing with them a variety of beach-themed interactive activities. Including arts, crafts, games and giveaways for everyone to enjoy from 11am-4pm.
Stephanie James, Marketing Manager at The Light commented: “We are thrilled for the City Beach to return to Leeds this summer and are equally excited to offer such an exciting array of activities for all ages!
“With the beach freely accessible right up until the end of the school holidays, parents will be able to keep their children entertained and occupied, whilst being able to enjoy some of the best bits of the seaside, right here in the city.
"We’ll be hosting themed events throughout August to appeal to all audiences and can't wait to introduce live music and cocktails for our adult audience this year at the beach."
To find out more about The City Beach and the Summer Sessions, take a look at their website.
A much-loved black cat at Huddersfield Railway Station has died in a tragic road accident.
You may remember back in 2018 when a couple of adorable kittens went viral on the internet for being exceptional members of the Transpennine Express crew at Huddersfield Railway Station.
Bolt first joined as an apprentice to Felix, the station’s famous Senior Pest Controller, and quickly became a firm favourite of the team and of people at home.
So much so, that a Facebook page set up for Bolt and Felix gained more than 167,000 followers.
Sadly, Transpennine Express released the news yesterday that Bolt had sadly passed away in a road traffic accident.
Transpennine Express Press Office (Supplied)
Announcing the news, they said: "It is with heavy hearts that TransPennine Express (TPE) announces the passing of Bolt, Huddersfield’s much-loved former station cat, following a road traffic accident.
"Bolt joined the team at Huddersfield station in 2018 as an apprentice to Felix, the station’s famous Senior Pest Controller, and quickly became a firm favourite with colleagues, customers and visitors from around the world."
Of course, tributes have been pouring in with fans expressing their sadness.
One person said: "Oh no! I remember when Bolt first arrived. R.I.P. Sweet Bolt, may Felix be waiting to show you around just as when you first arrived at Huddersfield."
Whilst another said: "This is such very sad news. When all the work is completed at Huddersfield Station, might it be possible to give another deserving cat or kitten, a home there? There are so many cats and kittens in sanctuaries all over, who need a safe and loving home."
Andrew McClements, Customer Experience & Transformation Director for TPE said: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of Bolt. He was a much-loved member of the Huddersfield station family and brought joy and comfort to so many people over the years.
“From his early days learning from Felix to becoming a star in his own right, Bolt left his paw prints on the hearts of colleagues, customers and fans across the world. He will be very sadly missed.”
Bolt’s former companion Felix, another much-loved member of the Huddersfield station team, sadly passed away in 2023.
Featured image - Transpennine Express Press Office (Supplied)
Leeds
National food critic crowns Leeds restaurant as one of his top three in Britain
Clementine Hall
Renowned food critic Jay Rayner is singing his praises about a certain Leeds restaurant.
And it's probably a restaurant you've walked past time and time again, but have never thought to pop in.
Named Sous Le Nez, this independent French-inspired bistro and wine bar is tucked away in the basement of Quebec House on Quebec Street, right in the heart of the city centre.
Translating roughly as "under the nose", it's particularly fitting as its food and wine is now being hailed as some of the best in Britain by Jay Rayner himself.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Feeding the people of Leeds since 1991, has some of the best food in the city been under our nose this whole time?
Appearing on the Routes LNER podcast hosted by Jenni Falconer, Rayner was asked about his favourite three restaurants in Britain to which Sous Le Nez got a very special mention.
Jay Rayner said: “Sous Le Nez, an old stager in Leeds that has been there a very long time.
“Great wine list. Nothing on the menu will surprise you but it is done very very well.”
Elsewhere on the podcast, he gives a very quick shoutout Domo in Sheffield (also now in Leeds) for their special Lobster on toast.
It's safe to say that Jay loves a bit of Leeds, back in January he gave The Highland Laddie a glowing review hailing it 'the pub that refuses to die' and in 2024 he labeled Zucco in Meanwood 'the perfect Italian'.
High, high praise indeed. You can listen to the podcast here and you can find out more about the fabulous Sous Le Nez here.
Clementine Hall -
31st July 2023 
