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.
Point Blank in Leeds city centre have suddenly closed after going into liquidation.
The popular gaming bar hasn't been open all that long, and was marketed as the country's first simulated shooting range bar.
Despite being a popular attraction since opening last year, the bar has closed immediately, unable to honour any future bookings.
Point Blank confirmed late this Tuesday 3 February that it had sadly entered liquidation, describing the move as “completely unforeseen and beyond our control.”
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Up until just a few days ago, the Point Blank branch in Leeds had been promoting events including happy hours, shooting experiences, and even a Superbowl event scheduled for next Sunday 8 February.
A statement on their website reads: "It is with a heavy heart that we announce that Point Blank Shooting has entered liquidation.
"This situation was completely unforeseen and beyond our control. Due to our Manchester landlord entering administration, our lease was lost as part of that process. This had a serious knock-on effect across the wider business, leaving us with no other option.
"After seven incredible years of trading, this is a devastating moment for everyone involved at Point Blank.
"If you currently have a booking with us, we are working closely with the relevant parties to gain clarity and provide answers. We kindly ask for your patience while this process is ongoing.
"Thank you to everyone who has supported us over the years — hopefully this is a see you later, not a goodbye."
Leeds foodies rejoice as much loved restaurant brings back their ‘legendary Pie Nights’
Clementine Hall
The Swine Bistro is bringing back one of its most-loved and hotly anticipated events; its legendary Pie Nights.
Is there anything more comforting in winter than a proper hearty pie? No, we don't think so either.
And there's no better place to go for one than the beloved Swine Bistro.
Since reopening and relocating to Otley Road, the Swine Bistro has been named amongst the Good Food Guide and SquareMeal’s Top 100 Best Local Restaurants, and it's not hard to see why.
The Swine Bistro excels in bold British flavours, slow-cooked comfort and generous, joy-filled cooking - and this is exactly what Pie Nights showcase.
Image: SuppliedImage: The Hoot Leeds
This season’s Pie Night menu includes a mix of rich, meat-led classics and inventive vegetable-led pies, all made in-house and served with the Swine Bistro’s signature warmth and homely hosting.
The pie line-up includes Beef Cheek & Ox Tail, Chicken, Leek & Tarragon, Artichoke, Ricotta, Portobello & Walnut and Fennel, Hispi Cabbage, Butter Bean & Old Winchester.
Or if you're coming as a group and you can all agree on the filling (hard, we know), there is the show-stopping Suet-Topped Venison, Red Wine & Bone Marrow Pie, which is good enough for the table of Henry VIII.
Jo Myers, cofounder of the Swine Bistro, said; “Our love of making and serving the finest pies are a huge part of our story. They’re about taking the time to cook things properly, slow braises, good pastry, big, bold flavours for people to enjoy together. It’s comfort food, Swine-style.”
Pie Nights at The Swine Bistro will run on selected dates, initially kicking off on Wednesday 11 February, with further dates to be added, and are priced from £24 per person.
To find out more and to book your table, visit their website here.
Georgina Pellant -
31st August 2021 
