A video of a man collecting discarded tents for the homeless during the aftermath of Leeds festival has been shared widely online following the end of the Bank holiday weekend knees-up.
Carl Simpson, the founder of Hull homeless charity Raise the Roof, videoed himself collecting hundreds of sleeping bags and tents that had been left behind by revellers at campsites around Bramhall Park - sharing images of the destruction first hand via Facebook live.
“Just thousands, after thousands, after thousands, of just discarded tents, sleeping bags, we’re trying to get what we can but as you can see it just goes on and on," you can hear Carl saying into the camera as he pans across a huge expanse of fields littered with debris and discarded camping equipment.
"And this is only a little part of it. Unreal."
A still from the video shows litter all over the floor and discarded but perfectly useable blow-up beds and tents just left by festival-goers / Image: Raise The Roof Hull Homeless Project
The footage is sure to shock some, although it is a typical reality of many festival campsites at the end of a long weekend of partying. Sadly, it isn't unusual for people to buy a cheap tent and then simply leave it behind when it comes time to pack up and go home.
The floor is shown to be covered in litter, there are partly-destroyed tents simply abandoned alongside others that are perfectly fine to be used again - and the mess stretches out for miles.
Where some might see something to complain about, though, Mr. Simpson saw an opportunity to help - traveling down to Leeds with a team to collect the discarded items, which would have otherwise ended up in the bin.
Instead, he will now repurpose them for vulnerable service users of his Hull homeless charity before sharing the rest with other similar projects that work with vulnerable people.
These will then be distributed to various outreach projects and charities across Yorkshire.
Carl Simpson, who runs the Raise The Roof Homelessness Project, turns the camera on himself to speak to his page's followers / Image: Raise The Roof Hull Homeless Project
"Just remember any homeless organisations next year when this is on," continues Carl as he speaks into the camera.
"Get yourselves down here because this lot can save many lives during the winter."
Amongst their haul of sleeping bags and tents, the team also collected a pop-up gazebo, which they say will come in handy for their on-street outreach, as well as a number of blow-up beds and chairs.
The recovered items from the festival will now be used to help both refugees and homeless people across Yorkshire and the rest of the UK.
A bookshop in Leeds is inviting its customers to vandalise Harry Potter books for charity.
Well, this is definitely one we haven't seen before.
The Bookish Type on Great George Street in Leeds is a fabulous independently-owned queer bookshop that prides itself on being a safe space for all.
They're raising money for trans healthcare by inviting customers to vandalise Harry Potter novels for just 25p per go.
A bargain if you ask us, and all for a good cause. And don't worry, all the books are second hand and have been donated.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
If you're not understanding the immediate connection between the two, then allow us to fill you in.
J.K. Rowling, the author of the famous Harry Potter novels, has over recent years expressed transphobic comments and anti-trans political beliefs on social media.
Yesterday, Wednesday 25 March, the trailer for the new HBO Max Harry Potter series was released which has encouraged many people to speak out against Rowling and claim she should no longer be supported.
So, The Bookish Type are showing support for the trans community and asking those who feel frustrated to have a doodle and whilst they're at it, donate to a good cause.
If you're not able to make it into the shop, The Bookish Type have said "You will soon be able to donate online and we will personally deface a page with your message/doodle/scribble."
We're absolutely obsessed.
Find out more about The Bookish Type and if you can, pop in for a browse and a doodle whilst you're at it.
Featured image - The Bookish Type Leeds (Supplied)
News
Leeds to be transformed into a giant board game as Trivial Pursuit takes over the city
Clementine Hall
Leeds is set to become a giant board game this summer as Trivial Pursiot arrives in the city centre to celebrate a landmark moment in its history.
To mark 400 years since Leeds was granted its royal charter, LeedsBID (Leeds Business Improvement District) is transforming the city into a live interactive version of Hasbro’s iconic Trivial Pursuit board game, inviting residents and visitors to test their knowledge of all things Leeds.
It follows the huge success of the MONOPOLY Leeds Takeover back in summer 2024 and this year, LeedsBID is once again working with leading game, IP and toy company Hasbro to bring another of its iconic games to life.
This time, the focus is on the stories, achievements and surprising facts that have shaped Leeds over four centuries.
Running from 25 July to 30 August 2026, the free experience will see participants journey across the city centre answering questions and collecting wedges, just like the classic trivia game.
Key locations will represent the six traditional Trivial Pursuit categories: Entertainment, Geography, Sports & Leisure, Science and Nature, History, and Art & Literature.
Matt Proulx, Senior Vice President of Global Experiences, Partnerships and Music at Hasbro said: “After the incredible response to the MONOPOLY Leeds Takeover in 2024, we’re proud to collaborate with LeedsBID once again to reimagine another iconic brand in a bold new way.
"This is exactly how we think about Global Experiences at Hasbro - taking our brands beyond the table and creating experiences that are social, shareable and deeply connected to the communities they celebrate."
Andrew Cooper, Chief Executive of LeedsBID, said: “TRIVIAL PURSUIT Leeds is about celebrating everything about this great city, from those headline facts and figures people know to the lesser-known surprising details and discoveries.
“LeedsBID’s raison d’etre is to put Leeds on the map and tell the stories and successes of the city. Trivial Pursuit Leeds is doing just that, providing a free, fun and entertaining activity for all ages while sharing new and interesting achievements of this amazing place.”
Georgina Pellant -
31st August 2021 
