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.
Matcha girls assemble, because a new cafe dedicated to it is opening right here in Leeds.
It seems like matcha has taken the world by storm over the past year or so, more often than not you'll see caffeine enthusiasts walking around with bright green drinks over a cup of coffee.
If you're one of those people then you're in luck, because a cafe dedicated to the stuff is opening right here in Leeds.
Introducing Made Matcha, a matcha and açaí bar that has created waves in the foodie scene over in Sheffield since opening back in September last year.
Images: The Sheff
And it's pretty clear they're doing very well indeed, to be opening a second site in another city less than six months after launching is no mean feat.
Made Matcha will be opening on Lower Briggate in the Nice Things site, the beautiful plant shop hasn't been around for long and sadly closed quietly without much noise.
So, what can we expect from Made?
This pastel green paradise specialise in seasonal matchas that (almost) look too pretty to drink.
Images: The Sheff
You can get everything from a Strawberry Shortcake Matcha to a Sticky Date Latte, and you can pretty much guarantee that every time you go they'll have a few more specials on the menu.
Our mates over at The Sheff recommend the Banana Bread Matcha and to be honest, you don't have to tell us twice.
Not only do they serve gallons of the good green stuff, but you can also get fresh açaí bowls, sandwiches and superfood smoothies.
We've got a feeling this spot will be very busy post-pilates class on a Saturday morning, and to be honest we'll see you there.
There's no opening date yet, but we'll keep you in the loop.
Leeds Pride 2026 announces dates and first wave of acts for 20th anniversary celebration this summer
Clementine Hall
Leeds Pride has confirmed the dates for its 2026 festival, which will mark the event’s 20th anniversary this summer.
And you bet that organisers are pulling out all the stops.
The city-wide celebration champions local LGBTQ+ talent alongside world-class headline acts, and this year for the first time ever, celebrations will be held across two days on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 July 2026.
The festival’s first performer has been announced as Strictly Come Dancing Icon & RuPaul’s Drag Race Star La Voix, who will be taking to the main stage.
Image: Supplied
And it doesn't stop there, Leeds Pride will feature a full weekend of diverse events, including the Leeds Pride Drag Brunch Fest, street parties across the city and of course the iconic Pride parade, which is set to be even bigger and better than ever before.
A Leeds Pride spokesperson said: "We're incredibly excited to celebrate 20 years of Leeds Pride. This milestone anniversary represents two decades of bringing our community together, championing LGBTQ+ voices and creating unforgettable moments.
Images: Supplied
“Leeds Pride is growing and stronger than ever and we're committed to giving Northern LGBTQ+ performers a platform to shine. This 20th anniversary festival will be our biggest and best yet, but as we expand, we need public and sponsor support more than ever to make our vision a reality. We're calling on businesses and individuals to get behind Leeds Pride and help us deliver an incredible celebration that our community deserves.
“Expanding to two days for the first time shows just how far we've come, and we can't wait to welcome everyone back to Leeds this summer for what will be our most spectacular Pride yet."
More details will be announced soon and you can find out more here on the Leeds Pride website.
Clementine Hall -
5th August 2025 
