Bonfire night is one of those dates in the calendar that you just can't miss.
Whether you're planning a quiet night in or off to an event in the city, you can't miss the burning embers in the sky as we celebrate the fifth of November.
Last month, Leeds City Council announced that the usual run of events would not take place this year due to Covid-related restrictions but there are still plenty of firework displays and bonfires around the city centre to enjoy.
Those moments when the night sky lights up in repeated bursts of neon sparks are truly special and usually where memories are made and cherished for years on end.
So we have put together the quite literally the hottest places to find your bonfire night celebrations so you can watch those smoky amber flames across Leeds city centre all weekend long.
Friday 5 November 2021
Kirkstall Valley
If you want an understated and stress-free bonfire experience, this one is for you. This year, Kirkstall Valley will be hosting a firework-less but nonetheless exciting bonfire event. From 6pm, head down to the farm and spent the evening wandering between cosy fire pits dotted around the farm whilst listening to a relaxing melody from live entertainment. Just don't forget to book your ticket in advance.
Firework displays were cancelled last year as the UK entered a second national lockdown, so this year's events are highly anticipated and many are selling out. Image: Jamie Street
The Hunsley Club
Hunslet Club are hosting a huge firework display that they hope will bring the community together once again. Like true professional displays, the fireworks will be accompanied by music, along with sweet treats, food and plenty of drinks to wash all that sugar down. This event is truly special as it is free to attend from 6.30pm, so that everyone can attend without worrying about their bank balance.
Hare & Hounds
The Hare & Hounds are hosting a family-friendly event on bonfire night. Although there will be no fireworks at the event, complimentary sparklers for both little and big kids will keep the sky illuminated. Fire dancers, stilt walkers and fire breathers are amongst the acts to gaze at during the evening from 6pm. Tickets cost £5 each or table reservations can be made.
Saturday 6 November 2021
Troydale Club
Troydale Club is expected to throw a spectacular bonfire event, complete with an outside bar. From 6pm, find tasty snacks from their food stall and dance the night away with tracks from DJ Brad before watching the firework display. There's no need to worry about booking either as it is a free-to-attend event with no tickets required.
Firework displays are taking place all over the world, but their scale depends on local coronavirus-related restrictions. We're just pleased there are some in Leeds this year. Image: Zuzu Galczynska
Yeadon Cricket Club
The Yeadon Cricket Club have three hours of bonfire fun for all the family planned. For grown ups, the bar will keep the booze flowing throughout the night, with an array of street food offering warm, tasty treats. From 6pm, expect fireworks a plenty and a huge bonfire ablaze throughout the night. Tickets cost £5 and will be available at the gate.
Walton Village Hall
Six is the magic number at Walton. On the 6 November, at 6pm their bonfire event will commence, with tickets costing £6 each. The mesmerising firework display will commence after you've warmed up by the bonfire, grabbed a drink or two and fed the family. Children under 4 can attend the family-friendly event for free, but tickets are limited and should be booked in advance when possible.
Anyone attending a firework display over the weekend will be in for a brightly-lit treat. Image: Brian Lopez
Colton Sports and Social Club
The Colton Sports and Social Club event is set to be a fantastic evening, dedicated to celebrating a night out with all the family. There will be face painting and toys for sale, as well as a disco, before the fireworks take off and illuminate the night sky. Tickets cost £5 each but membership cards must be shown, or purchased, to gain entry to this bonfire event.
The Miners Arms
For a night of fireworks and refreshments, the Miners Arms in Morley will have you covered. Choose to keep the cold out and sit in the indoor bar or brave it outside with a hot drink in hand at their second bar. This event will be free, but with limited availability to make sure to arrive early (from 4pm) or you'll have to find a nearby field to watch the fireworks from afar instead.
Singer-songwriter Myles Smith has just announced his biggest headline tour and is set to play a huge arena gig in Leeds this year.
Quit ‘Stargazing’ and get ready to fight for tickets as Myles Smith has just announced he’ll be visiting Leeds later this year for his biggest arena gig to date.
Known for hits like ‘Nice To Meet You’, ‘Stay (If You Wanna Dance)’ and ‘Wait For You’, this BRIT School graduate is now heading on the road for some headline shows across the UK.
Recognised for his folk-pop sound, Smith has built quite a name for himself just three or so years into his career, with solo efforts and a few collaborations under his belt.
Myles Smith is heading to First Direct Bank Arena, Leeds, on tour this year / Credit: Press shots (supplied)
Recently, the Luton-born artist collaborated with some well-known names like Shaboozey on their track ‘Blink Twice’ and even features on a new single from former One Direction member Niall Horan titled ‘Drive Safe’.
It was only last year that the ‘Stargazing’ songwriter visited Leeds, bringing his high-energy hits to O2 Academy back in February.
Now, Smith is ready to tackle an arena crowd and has chosen Leeds First Direct Bank Arena and is expected to raise the roof when 13,500 fans flock to the star’s show this winter.
Titled after his upcoming album My Mess, My Life, My Heart, Smith will be playing a variety of well-known and brand new hits when he makes his way up North.
Fans who are signed up to the official artist presale can get exclusive access to tickets from Wednesday, 25 March at 10am, with the window closing on Friday, 27 March at 9am.
Meanwhile, general admission tickets go live by 10 am that same Friday (27 Mar).
Myles Smith is embarking on his ‘My Mess, My Life, My Heart’ tour this winter and visiting First Direct Bank Arena, Leeds on Sunday 8 November – tickets and more info HERE.
Leeds city centre crowned one of the best places to live in the north by The Sunday Times
Clementine Hall
Today, Leeds city centre earned itself a coveted spot in the annual Sunday Times Best Places to Live guide.
What brilliant news to end the week on, hey?
Leeds city centre was amongst eight other locations across the north and the north east to be featured on the list.
The market town of Skipton took home the dazzling first prize, but it's still nice to be included isn't it.
Here's what the judges had to say about Leeds city centre: “Leeds has five universities, the fourth largest urban economy in the UK (with job opportunities in finance, insurance and big business), a youthful vibe and a relatively affordable average house price (£285,100).
Image: Unsplash
“Stay close to the centre, where you won’t have to worry about the patchy public transport, and it all adds up to a fun-filled, fulfilled life within walking distance of stylish shops, cafés, bars and restaurants. There’s a good choice of riverside homes, where you may spot kingfishers and otters, and even the schools are good.”
In total, 72 places across the UK were selected by The Sunday Times to showcase the very best of Britain, with Norwich named the overall national winner.
The full list of locations in the north and northeast include:
Skipton
Howardian Hills, North Yorkshire
Leeds city centre
Morpeth, Northumberland
Newcastle: Gosforth
Saltburn-by-the-Sea, North Yorkshire
Slaithwaite, West Yorkshire
York
Helen Davies, editorial projects director and Best Places to Live editor, said: “This guide is a great opportunity to highlight the best places in Britain.
“It is full of places that show that our village, town and city centres can still be full of life, as well as places bursting with natural beauty, culture, connectivity and most importantly a sense of community.
“Our expert team of judges visit every location on the list and talk to the locals to find out what they love about the place they live."
Sophie Smith -
11th October 2021 
