Yorkshire’s Olympic and Paralympic heroes will be given a homecoming to remember with a major event at the Leeds first direct arena on October 10.
Olympians and Paralympians will take to the stage to talk about their exploits in an event hosted by 2016 Olympic medallist Nile Wilson and sports broadcaster Tanya Arnold.
Athletes attending include Jess Learmonth, Jonny Brownlee, Georgia Taylor-Brown, Jack Laugher MBE and Hannah Cockroft MBE among many others - with more athletes being confirmed daily.
Tickets are available to the public for just £5 per ticket which includes a donation to charity SportsAid, an organisation that has supported so many of the Yorkshire athletes, and will include live entertainment including headline Yorkshire act, The Skylights, along with Phoenix Dance, Yorkshire Prose live poetry and other acts.
Tickets have been priced as affordably as possible to give thousands of people the chance to be part of this historic event to celebrate our county’s athletes under one roof, together.
Channel 4, who have just opened their new National HQ in Leeds, are backing the event – which will take place on Sunday October 10 from 3-5pm – as headline partner.
Tickets go on sale on Friday from 9am via the arena. In addition to the public tickets, free tickets will be distributed to local grassroots sports clubs, and organisations working with more vulnerable children and young people to enable these groups to attend the event.
All of Yorkshire’s 22 councils are joining forces on the event, with Leeds City Council acting as lead organiser supported by Yorkshire and Humber Councils.
Leader of Leeds City Council, Councillor James Lewis, said: “Our Leeds and Yorkshire athletes performed brilliantly at Tokyo 2020, and this homecoming celebration event promises to be the perfect way of congratulating them all on their inspiring achievements.
"The first direct arena will be the ideal venue and we are delighted to have Channel 4 supporting the event, so we look forward to a really special day honouring our sporting heroes and the importance of grassroots sports across the county which helped produce them.”
Sinead Rocks, Channel 4 MD Nations and Regions, said: “Channel 4 is delighted to join the celebrations welcoming back Yorkshire’s athletes from the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic and Olympic Games. Having just opened our new national HQ at the Majestic in Leeds, we’re thrilled to be able to join the party giving our athletes a rousing welcome home.”
Tickets are £5 plus booking fee and can be purchased via the arena here.
Leeds
Popular Leeds gaming bar announces immediate shock closure after going into liquidation
Point Blank in Leeds city centre have suddenly closed after going into liquidation.
The popular gaming bar hasn't been open all that long, and was marketed as the country's first simulated shooting range bar.
Despite being a popular attraction since opening last year, the bar has closed immediately, unable to honour any future bookings.
Point Blank confirmed late this Tuesday 3 February that it had sadly entered liquidation, describing the move as “completely unforeseen and beyond our control.”
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Up until just a few days ago, the Point Blank branch in Leeds had been promoting events including happy hours, shooting experiences, and even a Superbowl event scheduled for next Sunday 8 February.
A statement on their website reads: "It is with a heavy heart that we announce that Point Blank Shooting has entered liquidation.
"This situation was completely unforeseen and beyond our control. Due to our Manchester landlord entering administration, our lease was lost as part of that process. This had a serious knock-on effect across the wider business, leaving us with no other option.
"After seven incredible years of trading, this is a devastating moment for everyone involved at Point Blank.
"If you currently have a booking with us, we are working closely with the relevant parties to gain clarity and provide answers. We kindly ask for your patience while this process is ongoing.
"Thank you to everyone who has supported us over the years — hopefully this is a see you later, not a goodbye."
Leeds foodies rejoice as much loved restaurant brings back their ‘legendary Pie Nights’
Clementine Hall
The Swine Bistro is bringing back one of its most-loved and hotly anticipated events; its legendary Pie Nights.
Is there anything more comforting in winter than a proper hearty pie? No, we don't think so either.
And there's no better place to go for one than the beloved Swine Bistro.
Since reopening and relocating to Otley Road, the Swine Bistro has been named amongst the Good Food Guide and SquareMeal’s Top 100 Best Local Restaurants, and it's not hard to see why.
The Swine Bistro excels in bold British flavours, slow-cooked comfort and generous, joy-filled cooking - and this is exactly what Pie Nights showcase.
Image: SuppliedImage: The Hoot Leeds
This season’s Pie Night menu includes a mix of rich, meat-led classics and inventive vegetable-led pies, all made in-house and served with the Swine Bistro’s signature warmth and homely hosting.
The pie line-up includes Beef Cheek & Ox Tail, Chicken, Leek & Tarragon, Artichoke, Ricotta, Portobello & Walnut and Fennel, Hispi Cabbage, Butter Bean & Old Winchester.
Or if you're coming as a group and you can all agree on the filling (hard, we know), there is the show-stopping Suet-Topped Venison, Red Wine & Bone Marrow Pie, which is good enough for the table of Henry VIII.
Jo Myers, cofounder of the Swine Bistro, said; “Our love of making and serving the finest pies are a huge part of our story. They’re about taking the time to cook things properly, slow braises, good pastry, big, bold flavours for people to enjoy together. It’s comfort food, Swine-style.”
Pie Nights at The Swine Bistro will run on selected dates, initially kicking off on Wednesday 11 February, with further dates to be added, and are priced from £24 per person.
To find out more and to book your table, visit their website here.
Georgina Pellant -
24th September 2021 
