This Sunday marks 40 years since the curtain came down on Leeds' ‘Rock Against Racism’ gig series.
Held in 1981, the series followed a year of rioting on Britain's streets and subsequently toured the country to mirror the general public desire for improved racial equality.
The penultimate concert was held in the Chapeltown area of Leeds and continues to be remembered fondly today by residents who were there (and those who've merely heard their tales).
The event saw The Specials headline, debuting their single Ghost Town - now an iconic song and piece of British cultural history.
Reggae bands Misty In Roots and Aswad, Rhoda Dakar, Leeds locals The Mekons, Delta5, Gang of Four and ska bands The Beat and the Selecter joined them on stage as part of the historic Leeds Carnival Against Racism.
Prior to the event, Chapeltown had been the epicentre for the Leeds riots- seeing a series of riots take place in the spring.
Prior to the concert, racially motivated attacks had frequently seen white youths clashing with black and Asian communities - so organisers were keen to flip the script by hosting something positive in the area.
This final Leeds show followed a slew of concerts across the country, all designed to quash a rising tide of nationalism that was being seen in the country during the late 80s.
Through it, the shows supported a wider 'Rock Against Racism' and 'Anti-Nazi League movement' - intended stamp out inequality and divisions by educating Britain's music-loving youth.
Remembering the show, renowned photographer Syd Shelton said: “Before Rock Against Racism, black bands mainly played to black audiences and white mostly white; RAR helped get rid of that."
“It was an amazing day, the weather was good and the audience was a mixture of dreads, mods, rude boys and punks.”
The shows paved the way for greater racial and women's equality, and RAR’s ‘Love Music, Hate Racism,’ mantra still lives on today.
Feature image - Syd Shelton.
News
A new açai cafe promising to be Leeds’ ‘neighbourhood social club’ is opening soon
An independent açai bowl pop-up is opening a permanent cafe in Leeds city centre.
It seems the açai bowl trend isn't over just yet, and we're absolutely not mad about it.
The aesthetically purple frozen treat isn't just delicious, but is also known to have numerous health benefits making it guilt-free and the perfect post-workout pick me up.
You may remember Açai Social Club that opened as a pop-up in the Victoria Quarter last year, and now they're moving into a permanent spot in the city centre.
Run by a lovely husband and wife duo who have spent the last 15 months exploring cafes around the world, it's safe to say they know exactly what they're talking about.
Their açai is made with the very best ingredients, topped with the freshest fruit and sprinkled with their homemade granola - it doesn't get much better then that does it?
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, they said: "Açai Social Club is getting a home. Our very first store is officially on the way! We’ve been working behind the scenes to create a space that’s more about than just açai.
"What started as an idea is finally becoming something you can walk into…There’s still a lot we’re keeping under wraps for now, but we’re so excited to finally share the beginning of what’s to come.
"We can’t wait to open our doors and welcome you in. Your new neighbourhood social club, coming soon."
The exact location of the cafe and its opening date is still under wraps, but we'll of course keep you updated as and when we find out.
Inside FaceGym – Leeds’ newest facial fitness studio loved by celebrities
Clementine Hall
We hope you're ready for your workout, because FaceGym has landed in Leeds.
You may be wondering...what on earth is Facegym? And to be fair, you've got a point.
FaceGym, as they themselves describe it, a 'non-invasive fitness studio concept for the face' using high-intensity facial massage, hand manipulation, and electrical muscle stimulation technology to tone, lift, and sculpt the face without surgery.
Sounds pretty fancy if you ask us, and it feels just as fancy from the moment you step through the door.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Unsurprisingly, it's loved by celebrities worldwide who are looking to get snatched and ditch their gua sha.
Currently occupying five standalone stores in London, one in Cambridge as well as a pop-up in Space NK in Selfridges Manchester, FaceGym will be opening this Friday 18 September inside the coveted Victoria Gate, taking over a 1,772 square foot studio.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The space really does look like a gym, ditching the standard beauty salon aesthetic for an American-style gym interior complete with the iconic red FaceGym balls all over the place.
A signature sculpt costs £110 for a 45 minute treatment, so it's definitely a treat if you're looking to have skin that can reflect the sun and cheekbones for days.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Angelo Castello, chief executive at Facegym, said: “We’re incredibly excited to bring Facegym to Leeds and to open in the beautiful Victoria Gate. The city has a thriving beauty, wellness, and retail scene, making it the perfect location for our next studio.
“We’ve seen growing demand from customers across Yorkshire, and we can’t wait to introduce even more people to the benefits of facial fitness.”
You can find out more and book a treatment at FaceGym via their website here.
Georgina Pellant -
3rd July 2021 
