Rounding off our series of '2023 according to' the businesses that shape Leeds.
2023 has been a huge year – but nobody knows the ins and outs of the city better than the independent businesses that keep the cogs whirring – and so rather than us telling you what’s been going on this year, we’ve reached out to five different small business owners to give us the lowdown on 2023.
And who better to ask than Chapter 81, an award-winning PR, social and content firm that knows everything there is to know about the city months before anyone else.
Simon Fogal, the Managing Director, has been involved in a huge array of projects, including Leeds International Festival of Ideas, Thackray Museum of Medicine's acclaimed 'On The Bench' exhibition, and were responsible for highlighting The Queen's gingerbread house you might have seen on City Square in the festive build-up.
Image: Chapter 81
So here's what he had to say about the year gone by, and everything to be excited for in 2024...
It’s been one heck of a year! What have you been up to? Tell us about any major events, exciting moments etc.
We picked up our first award which is interesting for us as we don’t normally put ourselves up for this. We were awarded Best Independent PR Specialists 2023 in the Northern Enterprise Awards, we won this based on the bespoke services we now offer.
2023 has been a fantastic celebration of the brilliant culture Leeds has, and we've been grateful to have worked with some of our longstanding clients, as well as some brand new ones, to truly showcase this. From launching the critically acclaimed 'On The Bench' exhibition at Thackray Museum of Medicine, to capturing photography and video content for renowned music festival company 'Superstruct', we did a regional media campaign for WOW Festival too, to leading on the socials for event giants ‘Hedonist Events' and ‘Endpoint Creates', we've seen our creativity flourish.
We were very proud to have worked with LeedsBID on various projects, from the monumental 'Christmas At The Queen's' projection show (which had 100,000 people visit the installation over the 9 nights), to leading on the press and content capturing of the Leeds International Festival of Ideas 2023 as well as producing and making LIFICAST (the festival’s podcast) and LIFITV was new this year.
The team at LeedsBID have brought truly remarkable names to the city, including entrepreneur Steven Bartlett, comedian and writer Ruby Wax OBE, drag sensation Bimini and renowned actor Christopher Eccleston. The stellar lineup of celebrities weaved into the team's work has been truly remarkable. We also made some incredible films (that we sadly can’t share) for LeedsBID AGM which was a big piece of work at the beginning of the year.
We've also had a great year celebrating all things food! From new events at Chow Down (Wing Fest was a highlight) to launching the brilliant Flat Iron in Leeds, and have supported a variety of other local businesses throughout the year. We've led on all of the video and social media content for Welcome to Leeds, seeing us capture and review some fantastic new spots in the city, including Blue Sakura, Farmhouse, The Indian Tiffin Room, Pizza Pilgrims, and Empire Cafe.
What was one highlight from 2023 that you’ll always remember?
There have been some fantastic highlights throughout this year, as the teams we have worked with have made an incredible impact on Leeds' vibrant culture and community. However, nothing stands out more to us than the launch of the remarkable Flat Iron. The steak pioneers declared in October that they would be opening their very first restaurant in the North of England, an announcement that got the whole region truly excited.
We were truly grateful to have led on the publicity and content for this incredible launch. From hosting key figures throughout Leeds, including city stakeholders, media and hospitality leaders, to trying the restaurant ahead of the launch, to orchestrating exclusive first looks and interviews, we had an exceptional time supporting this incredible restaurant. Of course, we must also mention the wagyu steak giveaway that took place the day before launch, which saw a crowd of over 300 queue to get their very first taste of the famed Flat Iron, and media coverage spread across the region.
We can’t really say much about a lot of the work, as with all new projects. However, a move into longer form content is happening and we can’t wait to get our teeth into this one. It will be a welcome relief to assist a client in uniting their several businesses into a single event powerhouse (more details on this early January). We have already begun to help shape up LIFI24 and it’s an incredible start to building on 2023 version of the festival, expect news in April. In addition, we are working on an exciting summertime Monopoly activation throughout Leeds and an Easter project with a space theme. Hopefully, the few projects on the TBC line of the spreadsheet, can be moved into a new column soon. Thackray will step into the world of Visual Art with a new exhibition and we are working on a new TikTok series for them (think CBBC).
Where is one place that people should go and visit next year?
For anybody moving to the city and unsure of a place to get settled, you should turn your attention to The Junction. Uniquely built on one of Leeds' stunning old viaduct, the stylish new apartment complex in the heart of Leeds is the perfect place for new people looking to rent, with an offering of communal work spaces, basketball courts, a private garden, lavish dining spaces to hire and a 24 hour reception service. Not only this, but The Junction also holds community and resident events every single day, inviting those living in the complex and beyond to enjoy a selection of activities, from wine tasting to fancy dress for pets (that's right - you can have pets live with you too). We will be helping them on some new events in 2024.
If, on the other hand, you are just visiting, the options are endless. For us, we'd personally recommend paying a visit to Flat Iron if you haven’t done so already? But we are looking forward to a few new openings including Bavette in Horsforth and the new larger Latitude Wines. We shall also see if all the food halls can keep up with demand as Kirkgate Market Food Hall welcomes new traders and the new White Cloth Hall opens, joining Trinity Kitchen and Northern Market.
One of Leeds' most iconic brands is expanding with two city centre openings.
Coffee lovers, you're going to love this one.
North Star Coffee Roasters are one of the early pioneers of specialty coffee in the North of England and among the UK’s first B Corp-certified coffee roasters.
They've been keeping the people of Leeds awake since 2013, and you'll find their coffee across the country as well as at their current city centre locations.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
And there's just no stopping them, as North Star is expanding into both Great George Street and the historic Victoria Quarter. Hurrah!
The Great George Street site will open as a takeaway-focused kiosk and retail store, designed to slot into your every day morning routine for that quick on-the-go brew.
They'll also be serving up house-made breakfast and lunch sandwiches, bakes, and a curated selection of retail coffee, brewing equipment, and accessories.
The Victoria Quarter location will offer similar, set amongst the Quarter’s tiled arcades and heritage storefronts, the site will reflect a more visible presence for the business within Leeds’ evolving food and drink landscape.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
“While it’s easy to focus on the challenges facing hospitality, we still believe deeply in the role that cafés play in our city's community,” said Holly Kragiopoulos, CEO of North Star Coffee Roasters.
“They are places where people come together, to meet, to pause, to connect. Choosing to invest now is a reflection of our belief in Leeds, and in the long-term value of creating spaces people genuinely want to spend time in.”
“These new sites allow us to create meaningful opportunities for both new and existing team members,” Holly added.
“Hospitality is ultimately about people - both those we serve and those who make the experience possible.As a Leeds-born business, we’re incredibly proud to continue investing in our city. The support we’ve had from day one is what’s made this growth possible.”
Rick Astley at First Direct Arena, Leeds – tickets, times, setlist and more for UK tour
Thomas Melia
Pop hitmaker Rick Astley is playing a few UK shows and is treating Leeds to a night of live music as part of The Reflection Tour.
Newton-le-Willows-born singer Rick Astley has achieved worldwide success, most notably with his work in the 80s alongside songwriting and production duo Stock-Aitken and Waterman.
Astley's album Whenever You Need Somebody has amassed 15 million sales across the globe and is a pivotal record that many would use to define 80s music.
On this LP is his huge hit 'Never Gonna Give You Up' which dropped back in 1987, with the track gaining more attention courtesy of social media trickery.
The worldwide recognition of this hit is all down to people online who deliberately link to the music video for this song, with the term being coined 'The Rickroll'.
Now, Rick Astley is returning to Leeds and ready to play out to over 13,500 people at one of Leeds' biggest indoor arenas First Direct Arena this April.
Gig guide | Rick Astley at First Direct Arena, Leeds - all you need to know
Rick Astley is bringing The Reflection Tour to Leeds this April / Wikimedia Commons via Raph_PH
Rick Astley UK tour dates
Fri 10 April - Glasgow, UK - OVO Hydro
Sat 11 April - Newcastle, UK - Utilita Arena
Mon 13 April - Belfast, UK - SSE Arena
Tue 14 April - Dublin, IE - 3Arena
Thu 16 April - Liverpool, UK - M&S Bank Arena
Fri 17 April - Manchester, UK - Co-op Live
Sat 18 April - Leeds, UK - First Direct Bank Arena
Mon 20 April - Bournemouth, UK - Bournemouth International Centre
Tue 21 April - Cardiff, UK - Utilita Arena
Wed 22 April - Nottingham, UK - Motorpoint Arena
Fri 24 April - Birmingham, UK - BP Pulse Live
Sat 25 April - London, UK - The O2
Fri 5 June - Scarborough, UK - Scarborough Open Air Theatre
Fri 19 June - Newport, UK - Isle of Wight Festival
Wed 24 June - Llangollen, UK - Llangollen Pavilion
Thu 25 June - Lincoln, UK - Lincoln Castle
Sat 27 June - Gloucester, UK - Westonbirt Arboretum
Fri 24 July - Ludlow, UK - Ludlow Castle
Sat 25 July - Sheffield, UK - Tramlines
Sat 30 August - Silverstone, UK - Carfest
Are there any tickets left for Rick Astley in Leeds?
No need to 'Cry For Help', there's plenty of tickets for Rick Astley's Leeds show at First Direct Arena and you can grab yours HERE.
It's been 'Driving Me Crazy' waiting for the right opportunity to do a little Rickrolling of my own - the actual tickets can be found HERE.
Rick Astley setlist for 2026 tour
The Reflection Tour sees Rick Astley play various shows and festivals across the UK / Wikimedia Commons via Raph_PH
This year will mark Rick Astley's first official headline tour since 2024 meaning a full setlist is yet to be confirmed.
Here is a setlist from 2024 when the 80s performer played a series of festival sets:
Never Gonna Stop
Together Forever
Beautiful Life
It Would Take a Strong Strong Man
Dippin My Feet
Start Me Up (The Rolling Stones cover)
She Wants to Dance With Me
Juice (Lizzo cover)
Forever and More
Hold Me in Your Arms
Seventeen Going Under (Sam Fender cover)
Cry For Help
Dance
Angels On My Side
Whenever You Need Somebody (O 'Chi Brown cover)
Good Times (Chic cover)
Highway to Hell (AC/DC cover)
Maria Love
Never Gonna Give You Up
Stage times for Rick Astley and support act for First Direct Arena, Leeds
Doors for Rick Astley's The Reflection Tour are set to open from 6.30pm with an official starting time of 7.30pm.
Support for this show comes in the form of another celebrated UK performer who achieved prominence the decade after Astley - Gabrielle.
This R&B-pop singer is recognised for her 1993 hit 'Dreams' and is known for soundtracking the 90s and noughties with multiple chart entries throughout the decades.
Located on Dyer Street next to Leeds City Bus Station and approx. 15min walk from first direct arena and is wheelchair friendly.
Support and help for any persons with a disability is available as the station is a registered ‘Safe place’ to come into and ask for assistance.
Nearest Bus Stops
Clay Pit Lane
Wade Lane/Lovell Park Road
Woodhouse Lane
Nearest Train Station
Leeds City Station on New Station Street is around a 15min walk from first direct arena and a major hub on the national, regional and local rail network providing connections to a wide variety of destinations.
Parking
There are over 7,500 car parking spaces within a 15-minute walk of the arena. The arena doesn’t have it’s own car park however there are lots of options nearby. To receive 5% off Q Park when attending a show at first direct arena click here
The nearest Car Park with EV charging is located on Albion Street click here.
None of the above car parks are operated by the arena so for questions, queries or comments we ask that you contact the companies directly.
Hiring Bikes in Leeds
If you’re looking to hire a bike in Leeds, here are some of the best options you can try:
Beryl bikes – you’ll find the ‘Leeds City Bikes’ from Beryl stationed throughout the city. These are all e-bikes, and they’re available to hire on a pay-as-you-go basis. It costs £1 to unlock the bikes, and then 16p per minute to use them. We’d say these are great for zipping around the city and getting from A to B.
Talio – for a wider selection of electric bikes to choose from, Talio based at Buslinthorpe Green is a great option. From this company, you can hire cruiser bikes, mountain bikes, and cargo bikes. Prices start from £20 per day for rental, but if you’re hiring for a month or longer you’ll get a good discount.
Sophie Smith -
2nd January 2024 
