There's a free event taking place in Leeds city centre at Kirkgate Market and it's all themed around the iconic movie-musical Wicked.
Whether you're a Glinda or an Elphaba, this family-friendly event is tailored entirely to you and we're fairly certain it's going to be quite 'Popular' - especially since you don't need to pay for entry.
Titled 'Wizardry Fun at Leeds Kirkgate Market', expect lots of interactive workshops throughout the day including Wand and Wizard training as well as balloon modelling.
There will be themed games and a 'Wizard Magic' show occurring on all three dates, so if you're after spending 'One Short Day' or 'Dancing Through Life' from dusk til dawn, you're in for a treat.
Get ready to meet the two witches of Oz face to face and have your photo taken with them behind a tapestry of Glinda's iconic bubble.
A free Wicked themed meet and greet is coming to Leeds' iconic Kirkgate Market / Credit: Supplied
Make sure you have your voices warmed up to as there will be a sing-a-long opportunity on all three days where you can belt-out all the huge hits from the stage and film production.
You can dress up in your most wicked attire or simply come as you are with fancy dress being optional, but with Halloween approaching we're sure there will be plenty of recognisable outfits and lookalikes walking round Kirkgate Market during this event.
This city centre space has also made sure to arrange quieter time slots on each of the dates from 11am to 12pm which are suitable for any children who are sensitive to noise or crowds.
The free themed event is taking place at the perfect time, especially since the sequel to the hugely-popular 'Wicked' film is coming to cinemas this November.
Other activities which your children can get involved with on the day include a dedicated crafts and colouring zone and various LEGO and DUPLO building tables.
'Wizardy Fun at Leeds Kirkgate Market' is taking place across Tuesday 28 October to Thursday 30 October and it's completely free, all you have to do is be there - see more information HERE.
Two motorways in and around Leeds have been named the ‘most challenging’ in the UK.
As part of MoneySuperMarket’s new Great British Motorway Report, new research has found that one in three UK motorists find motorway driving ‘stressful’ – despite more than 70 billion miles being travelled on Britain’s motorways each year.
From delays and congestion to high traffic levels, there are a number of factors that can contribute to driver stress levels.
But are some motorways more challenging for drivers than others? According to the data, yes. And two of the top 10 worst motorways in the UK are in and around Leeds.
Three Manchester motorways have been named in the UK’s top 10 ‘most challenging’ / Credit: pxfuel
To find out which are the most challenging, MoneySuperMarket analysed everything from collision rates and roadworks, to lane closures and driver feedback in order to reveal the top 10.
Leeds is home to three of the UK’s top 10 most challenging motorways – the M62, and the M621.
The M60, M25, and the M11 ranked as the UK’s most challenging motorways, with lengthy delays and a high number of incidents affecting their scores.
“If you’re feeling anxious, allow extra time for your journey so you don’t feel pressured to rush or make last-minute decisions,” commented Alicia Hempsted at MoneySuperMarket.
“Plan your route in advance, including where you’ll stop for breaks, as regular rest stops can help you stay alert and reduce stress on longer trips, and if you’re travelling alone, consider sharing your route with someone you trust if it helps you feel more comfortable.”
End of an era as Harvey Nichols is leaving Leeds after 30 years on Briggate
Clementine Hall
It's time to say goodbye to one of Leeds' most recognisable shops.
One of Leeds’ most iconic shops is set to undergo a major makeover - as Harvey Nichols is reportedly leaving Briggate after three decades.
The luxury department store has been a staple in the heart of Leeds since 1996, but its days under the famous Harvey Nichols name are coming to an end.
It has been reported that the store is set to become a Flannels, following the takeover of Harvey Nichols by Frasers Group earlier this year.
The brand was bought by Frasers Group after the luxury retailer entered administration in August.
At the time, Frasers said the business had faced “sustained trading and operational challenges” and that significant restructuring would be needed.
Now, Frasers boss Michael Murray has confirmed that Leeds and Bristol are the two stores set to lose the Harvey Nichols name and become Flannels.
Murray has said the group plans to invest in its Manchester store, while the future of the Knightsbridge flagship in London is also being considered.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
For Leeds, though, it means saying goodbye to a name that has been part of the city for almost 30 years.
And with another Flannels already sitting just a stone’s throw away, there are plenty of questions about what the change will mean for the city's already luxury-heavy retail offering.
Whether you've dined in the beautiful Fourth Floor Brasserie restaurant or enjoyed browsing the beauty hall over the years, we all have our own memories of Harvey Nichols and there's no doubt it will be missed.
For now, there’s no confirmed date for exactly when the Harvey Nichols name will leave Leeds but we will keep you updated.
Thomas Melia -
17th October 2025 
