Temple Newsam will host Northern Lights, West Yorkshire's newest seasonal attraction.
Following sellout success in Newcastle last year, the acclaimed event is now making its debut in Leeds and it is going to be nothing short of spectacular.
Expected to attract over 100,000 visitors, a spectrum of illuminations and unique musical instalments will be set among the heritage gardens and picturesque woodlands of Temple Newsam.
Running from Thursday 21 November to Tuesday 31 December 2024, the jaw-dropping festival of light will take visitors on a journey of the beloved surroundings but in a new magical new light.
Images: Supplied
Visitors can expect a showcase of exclusive art installations and special effects from the UK’s leading lighting designers , along with interactive elements and festive photo moments, along a 90-minute route.
Approximately one mile in length, the light trail will feature 14 distinct illuminated zones along the way as well as vintage fairground rides and stalls serving a variety of festive treats, including mulled wine, hot chocolate and toasted marshmallows.
Image: Supplied
Roxy Robinson, Creative Director at From the Fields said: “It’s fantastic to have the opportunity to deliver a completely new trail at such an iconic location, with so much history and heritage.
"We have big plans and cannot wait to deliver an experience like no other; one that welcomes everyone from all ages and backgrounds to come together. We’re proud to have an incredibly experienced and talented team of creators behind Northern Lights, who will help make this an unforgettable experience for all, while remaining as inclusive and accessible as possible.”
Images: Supplied
Councillor Debra Coupar, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for resources, said: "We're delighted to be bringing the Northern Lights trail to Temple Newsam this Christmas, with stunning light installations and plenty of festive treats to be enjoyed.
"The people behind these lights are incredibly talented so we're looking forward to a full transformation of Temple Newsam's iconic grounds. It's going to be a great one for the whole family!"
Tickets for Northern Lights Leeds will go on sale Wednesday 3 July with prices starting from £13.95 for children and £19.50 for adults.
You can sign up to early bird access here to grab 20% off your tickets.
After six years in the city, independent homeware retailer North Home is closing its Leeds city centre shop.
If you're a lover of all things home then you'll have most likely visited the gorgeous North Home shop in the Victoria Quarter.
Stacked to the brim with unique pieces from striking ceramics to stylish soft furnishings, North Home is known for its well-curated stock and great customer service.
Seriously, we've probably spent a good hour in here in awe of all the beautiful pieces.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Last week, curious shoppers noticed the three-storey store was suddenly empty and now the company have confirmed that they have closed for good.
In a statement, they said: "After nearly 6 wonderful years trading in Leeds, we’ve made the difficult decision to close our physical store while we restructure the business and explore the next chapter for North Home.
"Retail has changed significantly in recent years and, like many independent businesses, we’ve faced increasing costs.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
"Taking this step now gives us the opportunity to protect what we’ve built and focus on the future of the brand. North Home continues to operate online and all existing customer orders will be fulfilled as normal although delivery times may be slightly extended.
"We’ve loved being part of the Leeds retail community since 2020 and are incredibly grateful for the support we’ve received. We hope to share more about our plans soon."
We'll be sad to see them go and we hope this isn't goodbye forever, but you can still shop from North Home online here.
Neighbourhood Leeds bistro hailed as ‘a bit horny’ and ‘brilliant’ by national critic Camilla Long
Clementine Hall
Food critic Camilla Long visited Leeds for her latest review for The Times with her sights set on Horsforth's finest - Bavette Bistro.
Ever since opening back in 2024, Bavette Bistro nestled in the leafy suburb of Horsforth has made waves across the country for its sheer brilliance.
It's pretty much received five star reviews across the board and been handed awards from left, right and centre. And rightly so.
The Good Food Guide crowned Bavette the best local restaurant of 2024, and Michelin handed them a well deserved Bib Gourmand - so it's safe to say it's not just us who think it's really something special.
So it was only a matter of time until The Times popped in for a review, and this one is truly glowing.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The review labels Bavette as "warm, unmannered and unpretentious" as well as "authentically French".
Long describes the food as "gorgeous, confident, surprising" with a menu that "isn’t too long" and "filled with sturdy, noble dishes, whiffing mightily of the sea and the soil."
It continues: "All of it made with generosity and cheer, served fast by nimble waiters, with a long, if slightly eccentric, wine list. To bang out French dishes with this much fiddly detail and to do it to a full room is not easy. Yet all four courses came in under two hours, for about £75 a head, which in London terms is nothing.
"It’s not that this place was perfect, it’s that it was decidedly not perfect. A bit too much chat about the menus; the oeufs in the meurette not quite runny enough. But the point is: it didn’t matter. All of it came charmingly together. It felt relaxed, just right."
The review is then wrapped up with a pleasing five stars, the cherry on top of the cake.
It's a review only restaurants can dream of, and we can't think of a more deserving team - congratulations Bavette.
Clementine Hall -
22nd May 2024 
