The iconic Leeds attraction is back for its 31st year, and it's set to get everyone feeling all loved-up.
That's right, the most romantic day of the year is just around the corner and if you're not feeling the love just yet then we have the perfect event for you.
The Leeds Valentine's funfair is an iconic event which having returned last year for the first time since the pandemic, is now in its 31st year.
And we're here to tell you all you need to know about it.
Taking place from Friday 9 - Sunday 18 February 2024, get ready for a weekend of rides, games and attractions that are perfect for the whole family to partake in.
Image: Leeds Valentines Fair
We're talking a whopping 360° spinning ride The Superstar, the 40m-high Booster Ride, huge swinging pendulum The Devil Rock, dodgems, and, of course, Leeds' Wheel of Light.
The fair will be taking place in Victoria Gardens, on Cookridge Street and at Millennium Square.
Admission is completely free, with individual charges for each ride and attraction.
The Leeds Valentine's Funfair will be open from 12-10pm every day apart from Friday where it will open at 4pm and Sunday where it will close at 9:30pm.
Image: Leeds Valentine's Fair
There will also be a selection of food stalls on site serving traditional favourites including hot dogs, churros, donuts, candy floss as well as coffees and hot chocolate.
Roger Tuby of International Funfairs commented: “We are so proud to not only have been involved in the first ever Valentine’s Fair in the UK but to be able to bring it back to its original home. The last two years have been fantastic to be back in the city centre where the fair originated, and we are so grateful to Leeds City Council for helping to make this happen. Plus, the advantage of being in the city centre is that it is so accessible to everyone with lots of fantastic transport links and car parking options.
"The fair has always been well supported and this year we have brought together a fantastic selection of rides, attractions and games together with a selection of hot food & drink and sweet treats for all the family, friends and our visitors to enjoy.”
One of the rarest cattle breeds in the UK has had calves at Temple Newsam’s farm.
We think this might be the cutest story we've written about all year.
Categorised as ‘priority’ by the Rare Breed Survival Trust (RBST), Vaynol cows originate from North Wales and were first established in the late 19th Century.
The herd over at Temple Newsam stems directly from that first herd, having lived there since the 1980’s.
Images: Leeds City Council
And now, they've welcomed five new calves - and the beautiful new arrivals are just five of 150 animals in the UK.
Vaynols can now be found in five locations in the UK, with Temple Newsam’s Home Farm currently home to one bull, 14 breeding cows, five heifers these amazing new calves.
Richard Aldis, farm manager at Temple Newsam, said: “We’re so thrilled to have welcomed these little ones to the farm.
“The team here works hard to protect these rare breeds that the farm is home to and it’s always wonderful when we can successfully grow the herd. The calves are settling in well and we’re just thinking about names for them.”
Councillor James Gibson, Leeds City Council’s executive member for environment, said: “It’s wonderful to hear the news about these rare little calves being born, it is truly a testament to the important work that is done by the team at Temple Newsam’s Home Farm in preserving these breeds for future generations.
“There is so much for visitors to enjoy at the estate. Alongside the farm and its wonderful animals, people can explore the magnificent Temple Newsam House, enjoy the new bike park, and visit the recently opened play barn. It really is a fantastic day out for the whole family.”
The cult sandwich shop that’s been serving Leeds students since 1994
Clementine Hall
Whether you're a student or not, Bakery 164 is a Leeds staple.
And you really can't miss it either.
Standing proudly opposite the Parkinson Steps on the corner of Woodhouse Lane, their bright yellow and red canopy lures you in if the inviting smell of fresh bread hasn't already.
They've been serving the students of Leeds since 1994, and are known for their specialist sandwiches that won't break the bank.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
On a lunchtime you'll have to join the queue of hungry students looking to get their fix, but it's well worth the wait.
The bread is what they do best, every evening they hand mix and hand shape their ciabatta and focaccia dough, which is then baked overnight so it’s fresh out of the ovens in the morning.
Then come the fillings, at Bakery 164 they specialise in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavours, using seasonal ingredients and local produce wherever possible.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Signature sandwiches include grilled chicken, halloumi and bacon with chilli mayo, prosciutto, mozzarella, pesto and sun-dried tomato as well as meatballs and mozzarella with Reggae Reggae sauce.
A price for a sandwich comes in at around a fiver, and they easily wipe the floor with any meal deal sarnie you can grab from a supermarket round the corner.
Just choose your sandwich, take it to the till and they'll warm it up for you there and then at no extra cost.
And it's not just sandwiches, they've also got fresh coffee on offer to keep you going between lectures as well as a selection of freshly baked cakes and sweet treats.
Clementine Hall -
18th January 2024 
