A massive Hot Wheels-themed monster truck event is coming to Leeds city centre as part of a brand new UK tour.
You can file this under one for the kids and for the big kids.
Following the success of the brand’s award-winning ‘Glow-N-Fire’ event earlier this year, Hot Wheels is hitting the road once again and bringing the explosive show to yet more domestic audiences.
Whether you’re a monster truck enthusiast, part of the wider motorhead masses, or simply looking for something fun to do with the little ones, you should be all over this.
Image: Supplied
What is Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live: Glow-N-Fire?
Produced by Family Entertainment Live, Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live™ sees versions of the genuine collectable toys brought to life on the biggest scale possible.
Remember that old miniature car you had that looked like a shark? Yep, they’ve even got that.
But there’s much more than just colossally large vehicles; as well as the debut of an all-new truck called the ‘Rhinomite’ – the dynamite Rhino-themed truck which charges horn-first into challenges and looks to destroy the competition – the new and improved experience will feature never-before-seen stunts.
Performed not only by the Hot Wheels Monster Trucks drivers, but also by a talented roster of FMX, you can expect the likes of no-handed front flips and much more by these impressive professionals.
Returning not only to the capital but now Leeds, Liverpool, Birmingham and Manchester too, more and more Brits are going to be able to see the action for themselves.
Image: Supplied
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live – UK tour dates
Saturday to Sunday, 3-4 January 2026: AO Arena, Manchester
Sat-Sun, 10-11 January: The O2 Arena, London
Sat-Sun, 28-29 March: First Direct Bank Arena, Leeds
Sat-Sun, 4-5 April: M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool
Sat-Sun, 11-12 April: Utilita Arena, Birmingham
With special children’s pricing, VIP packages and even the chance to participate in the official pre-show party, held two and a half hours prior to every performance, there really is so much value-for-money to be soaked up from this high-octane piece of live entertainment at the First Direct Bank Arena.
The pre-show party, specifically, gives fans a unique opportunity to access the arena floor where they can get up close and personal with the outrageous Hot Wheels designs and the truly epic size of a minster struck, as well as grab autographs and selfies with their favourites.
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks – Leeds tickets
Glow-N-Fire won the most recent Pollstar ‘Family Show of the Year’ award and has sold thousands of tickets this year alone, so it goes without saying that you have every reason to give this one a go.
Tickets for next year’s Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live show go on sale this Friday, 5 September at 10am.
A special Pride activation featuring internationally acclaimed contemporary artist Whatshisname has popped up in Leeds.
Marking 20 years of Leeds Pride and 10 years of Victoria Leeds, the exhibition called ‘Two milestones, One Pop of Pride’ is bringing a playful public art experience to the city.
The exhibition, curated by Castle Fine Art located in the Victoria Quarter, features a collection of artworks and oversized sculptures by the artist, whose distinctive creations have earned a global following.
The striking centrepiece of the activation is two of Whatshisname's iconic POPek Balloon Dog sculptures, one is positioned on the central mosaic in Victoria Quarter and the other outside John Lewis in Victoria Gate.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Victoria Leeds centre director, Jo Coburn, said: "This year presents a unique opportunity to celebrate two important milestones for Leeds. As we mark 10 years of Victoria Leeds and 20 years of Leeds Pride, we wanted to create something memorable that reflects the city's creativity, inclusivity and vibrant cultural scene. Whatshisname's work perfectly captures a sense of joy, individuality and self-expression, making it an ideal way to celebrate Pride with our visitors."
Artist, Whatshisname, said: "Bringing the POPek balloon dogs to such a vibrant and culturally rich city as Leeds is an absolute thrill for me. It’s hard to believe it’s been a decade since these playful, cheeky characters first came to life. Over the years, they’ve travelled the world, sparking smiles wherever they go.
“I can’t wait for the people of Leeds to interact with them, feel that sense of nostalgia and humour, and join us in the Victoria Leeds and Leeds Pride celebrations!"
The Whatshisname exhibition will be on display at Victoria Leeds until Monday 27 July.
Popular Leeds cafe known for its fluffy Japanese sandos is moving to a bigger space
Clementine Hall
One of the city's best independents is expanding into a bigger premises.
Shokupan on Wellington Street is a proper little gem that food-lovers across Leeds will rave nonstop about if given the opportunity.
Husband and wife team Alan and Alison took inspiration from trips around the world to bring a taste of Japan to the city and over the past few years it's gained a loyal following.
They're famed for their delicious Japanese sandos made with pillow-like fluffy shokupan bread, stuffed with everything from crunchy chicken katsu and flavourful pork to fresh strawberries and whipped cream.
But it's not all just about sandwiches, they also serve rice bowls and katsu curries as well as small bites such as chicken karaage and octopus balls.
Their food is so bloody good, that they've had to find a better location and this time it's slap bang in the city centre on Central Road.
And they're joining brilliant company too, with the likes of House of Koko and Vinyl Grounds as neighbours.
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, Shokupan said: "You guessed right…we are moving to Central Road, LS1 6DE. We are nearly there…
Images: The Hoot Leeds
"All the building work is complete and now we are finishing off the decorating. You might also start to see some signage appearing over the next few days…It has been lovely seeing some of our customers dropping by to see us whilst we slowly lose our sanity.
"Powered on caffeine and determination! Not long to go before we can announce our opening date and welcome you through the doors."
We can't wait to check out the new space, keep an eye on their opening date here.
Danny Jones -
5th September 2025 
