Mark your calendars, tell your mates, grab your sunglasses - it's time to raise a glass to summer.
Is there anything better than dancing in the sunshine with all your mates, drink in hand, with the smell of street food wafting in the air? We don't think so.
And you can absolutely be living this life next Saturday 9 August at The Junction, as they'll be hosting their ultimate Summer Fair.
From 1 - 9pm, you can head over to the scenic Monk Bridge Viaduct and enjoy live DJs, music, street food, ice cream, a fully stocked bar, games (did someone say tug of war?), face painting and a live sketcher to remember the moment with.
Image: Supplied
The best part? It's completely free entry and it's all to raise money for Latch.
Latch is a fantastic charitable organisation that refurbishes derelict and rundown houses in the Chapeltown, Harehills and Burley areas of Leeds.
Once fully modernised and furnished, the properties provide supported housing for people who are homeless or in housing need. It's a fantastic cause and you can support it all whilst partying with your mates - it's a win win.
And that's not all The Junction has on this summer, there's so much for you to get involved in to really embrace the last few summer weeks.
Image: Supplied
If you're an early bird who likes to catch the worm, then head over to The Junction for Sunrise Yoga with We Are Wellness.
From 7.30 - 8.30am you can breathe in, stretch out and rise with the sun. It's all completely free and open to residents and non-residents, there's numerous dates throughout summer and you can book your spot here. We can't think of a better way to kickstart the day.
If yoga isn't your thing then do not fret, The Junction are all about learning new skills and are hosting craft workshops in collaboration with Esk House and Studio Dawn.
Image: Supplied
Whether you want to try your hand at plant pot painting, coaster painting or just fancy a relaxed paint and chill - there's a workshop for everyone. Have a read and choose yours here.
For the music lovers out there, The Junction are hosting two afternoon acoustic sessions for you to jam out to on the weekend. Jake Kirkham will be taking to the stage on Sunday 10 August whilst Matthew Grant will be providing the tunes on Saturday 23 August.
Taking place from 3-5pm, these sessions are completely free to attend and open to all. No need to sign up, just sit back, relax and enjoy.
The Junction are constantly keeping busy and providing amazing events like these throughout the year, and you can keep up to date with it all via their website here.
It's a fantastic community and a great opportunity to meet like minded people, so if you haven't yet - get involved.
Singer-songwriter Myles Smith has just announced his biggest headline tour and is set to play a huge arena gig in Leeds this year.
Quit ‘Stargazing’ and get ready to fight for tickets as Myles Smith has just announced he’ll be visiting Leeds later this year for his biggest arena gig to date.
Known for hits like ‘Nice To Meet You’, ‘Stay (If You Wanna Dance)’ and ‘Wait For You’, this BRIT School graduate is now heading on the road for some headline shows across the UK.
Recognised for his folk-pop sound, Smith has built quite a name for himself just three or so years into his career, with solo efforts and a few collaborations under his belt.
Myles Smith is heading to First Direct Bank Arena, Leeds, on tour this year / Credit: Press shots (supplied)
Recently, the Luton-born artist collaborated with some well-known names like Shaboozey on their track ‘Blink Twice’ and even features on a new single from former One Direction member Niall Horan titled ‘Drive Safe’.
It was only last year that the ‘Stargazing’ songwriter visited Leeds, bringing his high-energy hits to O2 Academy back in February.
Now, Smith is ready to tackle an arena crowd and has chosen Leeds First Direct Bank Arena and is expected to raise the roof when 13,500 fans flock to the star’s show this winter.
Titled after his upcoming album My Mess, My Life, My Heart, Smith will be playing a variety of well-known and brand new hits when he makes his way up North.
Fans who are signed up to the official artist presale can get exclusive access to tickets from Wednesday, 25 March at 10am, with the window closing on Friday, 27 March at 9am.
Meanwhile, general admission tickets go live by 10 am that same Friday (27 Mar).
Myles Smith is embarking on his ‘My Mess, My Life, My Heart’ tour this winter and visiting First Direct Bank Arena, Leeds on Sunday 8 November – tickets and more info HERE.
Leeds city centre crowned one of the best places to live in the north by The Sunday Times
Clementine Hall
Today, Leeds city centre earned itself a coveted spot in the annual Sunday Times Best Places to Live guide.
What brilliant news to end the week on, hey?
Leeds city centre was amongst eight other locations across the north and the north east to be featured on the list.
The market town of Skipton took home the dazzling first prize, but it's still nice to be included isn't it.
Here's what the judges had to say about Leeds city centre: “Leeds has five universities, the fourth largest urban economy in the UK (with job opportunities in finance, insurance and big business), a youthful vibe and a relatively affordable average house price (£285,100).
Image: Unsplash
“Stay close to the centre, where you won’t have to worry about the patchy public transport, and it all adds up to a fun-filled, fulfilled life within walking distance of stylish shops, cafés, bars and restaurants. There’s a good choice of riverside homes, where you may spot kingfishers and otters, and even the schools are good.”
In total, 72 places across the UK were selected by The Sunday Times to showcase the very best of Britain, with Norwich named the overall national winner.
The full list of locations in the north and northeast include:
Skipton
Howardian Hills, North Yorkshire
Leeds city centre
Morpeth, Northumberland
Newcastle: Gosforth
Saltburn-by-the-Sea, North Yorkshire
Slaithwaite, West Yorkshire
York
Helen Davies, editorial projects director and Best Places to Live editor, said: “This guide is a great opportunity to highlight the best places in Britain.
“It is full of places that show that our village, town and city centres can still be full of life, as well as places bursting with natural beauty, culture, connectivity and most importantly a sense of community.
“Our expert team of judges visit every location on the list and talk to the locals to find out what they love about the place they live."
Clementine Hall -
5th August 2025 
