Dedicated to Team GB, the new mural has appeared in Leeds ahead of the start of the Olympic Games in Tokyo.
Created by local artist Nicolas Dixon, who is also known for painting Leeds' iconic Bielsa The Redeemer painting in Wortley, it features fifteen different sports - all of which will be played at this year's Olympic Games.
The new mural was unveiled by Leeds' triple gold medal rower Andrew Triggs Hodge and double Olympic triathlon gold medalist Alistair Brownlee.
Leeds artist Nicholas Dixon (centre) is joined by Olympic rower Andrew Triggs Hodge (left) and double Olympic gold medallist Alistair Brownlee as the new GB Olympics mural was unveiled / Image:Nicolas Dixon
Dixon met with local children from Holy Family Primary School in Armley before starting the painting and drew inspiration from their suggestions.
The mural is one of ten set to appear across the country, with artists selected by Global Street Art who is running the project.
Some of the children from Holy Family Primary School in Armley attended the unveiling / Image: Nicolas Dixon
Working in association with property company Purple Bricks, who are an official sponsor of Team GB, Global Street Art facilitates large-scale street art projects around the world.
"We did some workshops with the kids at Holy Family to find out what really inspired them about the Olympics and how that could be represented through art," said Dixon.
"It was a great way of getting them involved and they seemed to really enjoy the final piece.
"It was a bit of a race against time to get it finished in the end as I was trying not to miss England playing in the Euros and we had a lot of rain in the last couple of days before it was due to be finished.
The Bielsa The Redeemer painting by Nicolas Dixon in Wortley is another popular mural by the artist / Image: Nicolas Dixon
"I managed to get it done with just an hour to spare but am really pleased with it.
"It's something to give our athletes a bit of a cheer from home as they won't have many supporters out there to support them because of the Covid restrictions."
You can find the new mural by Dixon on the side of The Edge sports complex at Leeds University.
30 years on from the film that changed everything, and following its successful world premiere run in London’s West End, Trainspotting The Musical is heading out on a major UK tour later this year, and will be taking to one of Leeds' most iconic stages this winter.
Written by Irvine Welsh – as adapted from his best-selling debut novel – and directed and developed by Caroline Jay Ranger, Trainspotting The Musical has been described by critics as ‘radical, invigorating and life-affirming’ since its premiere.
It’s said to be an unforgettable production that’ll have even the most sceptical audiences leave on a ‘consciousness-altering high.’
In 1996, the breakthrough British film of the same name was released and became the biggest grossing UK film of the year, winning a slew of awards in the process – including a BAFTA for Best Screenplay, and even being ranked tenth in the BFI’s top 100 greatest British films of the 20th century.
Now, three decades later, the industrial drug crazed working-class heroes of British youth culture are back… but this time, live on stage.
“I believe the musical has a bigger, loudly beating human heart than either the book or the film,” creator Irvine Welsh commented as the UK tour was announced this week.
“People need to think about the world we’re living in, and we offer that inspection, but they also need to sing their hearts out and laugh their heads off. It’s what being human is all about. We’ve put together an incredible Scottish cast and I can’t wait to see them bring the musical to life.”
Trainspotting The Musical will taking to the stage at the Leeds Grand Theatre from Monday 7 until Saturday 12 December 2026.
Leeds speakeasy crowned one of the best cocktail bars in the world by industry experts
Clementine Hall
The beloved Domino Club is receiving its flowers, and rightly so.
Rapidly becoming one of the industry’s most respected accolade of excellence, The Pinnacle Guide is a worldwide ranking of the best bars across the globe.
Based on a thorough self-application process, rigorous assessment modules, followed by a series of spot check interviews and anonymous in-bar reviews, it's no easy feat to get a spot on this list.
Which is why it makes The Domino Club's achievement all that more impressive.
Known amongst locals and visitors alike as basically one of the coolest bars in town, the hidden speakeasy invites you through a barbershop in the Grand Arcade where downstairs you'll find a dimly lit jazz and cocktail bar oozing sex appeal.
Not only are the cocktails exceptional, but their live music listings is something to behold playing everything from jazz and funk to cabaret and disco every Wednesday - Sunday.
Announcing the news to Instagram, The Domino said: "Listed by The Pinnacle Guide. The Domino Club has been recognised on the global list of the world’s best bars.
"What began as a hidden basement bar in Leeds, built around live music, cocktails and atmosphere, is now being recognised alongside some of the finest bars in the world.
"A huge thank you to our team, musicians, suppliers and every single guest who has supported us over the years. This means a lot. Leeds belongs on the world cocktail map."
We absolutely could not agree more and if you haven't ventured behind the barbershop and discovered the magical Domino Club, then we very much recommend you do.
Georgina Pellant -
20th July 2021 
