A young ballerina from one of the toughest housing estates in Leeds is about to have all her dancing dreams come true, thanks to the kindness of strangers who've pooled together to raise over £100,000 for her to go to school.
Thirteen year old Constance Bailey made headlines earlier this week after her mum, Laura, launched a crowd fundraiser on the website Go Fund Me pleading for help to cover the costs of her daughter's ballet school fees.
Constance had been accepted into The Hammond School in Chester, which is one of the country's top four ballet schools, but as her mum wrote on the crowdfunding page: "I am a single Mum in a council flat, I work full time in a low paid NHS job, I do not get maintenance from my ex husband, this is simply impossible for me to afford."
Explaining that school fees for the year totalled more than £30,000, she turned to the generosity of strangers for help, explaining that there are "no bursaries on offer and both Leeds council and my local Cllr Paul Drinkwater have told me there is no money to pay."
"The Wayne Sleep Foundation scheme for funding talented dancers to go to ballet scheme no longer exists," she added.
Constance auditioning for a place at the Northern Ballet summer school / Image: Academy of Northern Ballet
"I know it is a long shot, I know that people are very broke at the moment [...] But this is a real chance to change my child's life."
The story was covered by The Guardian on Monday, and following the paper's highlighting of the appeal thousands of readers flooded in to help cover the cost of Constance's education and board at the school - smashing the original £90,000 target out of the water.
At the time of writing, the amount raised on the page now stands at £105,169.
Sharing her immense thanks with all of those who donated, mum Laura said: “I am dumbstruck but so incredibly moved by the messages. I feel so very humbled."
“Constance hasn’t stopped smiling and grinning. She keeps saying: ‘I keep thinking I’m going to wake up and it was all a dream.’ Our emotions are overflowing. This really is beyond our wildest belief. People who have donated have changed Constance’s life forever.”
"You the great British public are incredible. We have reached our goal (plus expense of uniforms, insurance, travel and equipment etc).
"We have been on a roller coaster of emotions today and have been genuinely taken aback by the love, kindness and support people have expressed."
The funds will be used to fund three years board at the school, plus covering her yearly medical insurance and the cost of school unfiroms.
Anything leftover will be put into a new fund that mum Laura plans to start in Leeds to help other disadvantaged children go to dance school in the future.
Feature image - HANDOUT.
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Kesha pulls out of Roundhay Festival as all-new Pitbull line-up revealed
American pop singer Kesha has dropped out of the Pitbull-fronted Roundhay Festival line-up, with a major shake-up announced today.
The second instalment of artists for Pitbull's headline Roundhay Festival show has been announced and it's missing highly-anticipated and originally-announced artist Kesha.
Festival organisers have said that the star will no longer be able to perform due to 'unforeseen scheduling conflicts'.
The American singer's musical adventure has taken a 'Joyride' since becoming independent in September 2024 and releasing her sixth studio album "." or Period almost a year ago.
Now, Kesha's title as 'Special Guest' has now been handed over to three very impressive artists who also shared a role in soundtracking some of the 2010s biggest hits.
Kesha was originally listed as a 'Special Guest' for Pitbull's Roundhay Festival gig in Leeds this July / Credit: Brendan Walters / Press Shots
One of these new artists is Jason Derulo, who is ready to treat the crowd to his array of chart-topping melodies like: 'Whatcha Say', 'Talk Dirty to Me', 'Trumpets'.
Another act who knows a thing or two about travelling the globe like Mr. Worldwide is 'Miami 2 Ibiza' hitmaker Tinie Tempah - things are definitely about to get 'Frisky'.
The final artist joining this already impressive list of names is Lil Jon who's bringing his high energy tracks to Roundhay Park such as 'Turn Down For What', 'Shots' and 'Get Low'.
Jason Derulo is just one of the artists making up the all-new Pitbull Roundhay Festival line-up / Credit: Wikimedia Commons (via Supplied)
Kesha's departure from this Leeds gig comes as a complete shock as the star is still set to play a whole host of UK festival dates including a BST Hyde Park show in London on 10 July.
In a statement shared via social media, Roundhay Festival has stated the reason for this very big change to the line-up:
"Due to unforeseen scheduling conflicts, Kesha will no longer be joining us this July. We hope to welcome her to Roundhay Park in the future."
Although fans who have already bought tickets to the show might still be 'Praying' for Kesha's return to the Roundhay Festival bill, it's safe to say these artists are a great addition.
Pitbull is coming to Roundhay Park in Leeds on Friday 3 July 2026 and so far he's bringing along Jason Derulo, Tinie Tempah and Lil Jon with more acts to follow - Tickets HERE.
Popular Leeds boutique gym and reformer pilates studio suddenly shuts down
Daisy Jackson
One of Leeds' leading boutique gyms, and its sister reformer pilates studio, has shut down suddenly.
Both TRIB3 and PILAT3S announced their shock closure last night, as owners seek new operators to take over the spaces.
TRIB3 is known for its high intensity workouts, where members move between treadmills, assault bikes, and free weight zones.
And PILAT3S opened its doors just last year, offering a state-of-the-art reformer pilates studio.
But now both have closed with immediate effect, after several weeks of silence due to 'legal constraints and an ever-changing landscape'.
In a statement shared last night, they wrote how the studios had become 'a community', and thanked members and instructors for being part of the journey.
They signed off: "We remain incredibly grateful for the community that was built and the moments shared within these walls."
Inside TRIB3 Leeds, which has announced its shock closure
TRIB3 and PILAT3S Leeds members with any outstanding memberships or credits are encouraged to get in touch with the business.
You can read their full statement here: "Dear TRIB3 and PILAT3S family,
"Firstly we would like to apologise that it has taken a little time to get this message out. But with legal constraints and an ever-changing landscape, we are now finally able to put this message out there:
"It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that the TRIB3 and PILAT3S Leeds studios are closed and we are exploring opportunities with potential interested parties to take over moving forward.
"Over time, these studios became so much more than just places to train. They became a community—built on energy, connection, and a shared commitment to showing up and pushing limits together. We are incredibly proud of what was created and the people who brought it to life every single day.
"We know this news will be upsetting and unexpected for many, and we truly appreciate your patience and understanding during this time.
"We want to thank every member, client, instructor, and team member who has been part of this journey. Your support, loyalty, and passion are what made these spaces so special, and it’s something that will not be forgotten.
"Should you have any queries regarding memberships, credits or any outstanding matters please contact tribeleeds@btguk.com.
"We remain incredibly grateful for the community that was built and the moments shared within these walls.
Georgina Pellant -
24th August 2021 
