Join all your favourite small businesses in Leeds over Halloween weekend for an afternoon of tasty treats and early Christmas shopping.
In Leeds, we're pretty passionate about supporting small businesses.
After all, we do have a spectacular selection of bakeries, bars, gift shops, designers, creatives and more on offer in the city.
Whether it's championing the Yorkshire's finest brownies from The Savvy Baker or tucking into some delicious Chinese from Mans Markets, supporting your local is not only a great way to sample fresh dishes or get to know the latest trends, it's also good for the local economy.
According to a recent report, 63% of independent business’ profit goes back into the local economy.
The Savvy Baker will be hosting the small business event at their HQ but the amazing brownies are regularly available at pop-up locations across the city centre. / Image: The Savvy Baker
High Street stores give just 40% back, so why not head down to the Halloween Small Business Event in the city next weekend and find the city's latest hidden treasure.
On Saturday 30 October, the small business event will be hosting a wide range of Leeds-based companies, some of which only usually sell online.
Since there's nothing like seeing your online wish list basket in real life, this event is the perfect opportunity to treat yourself and get some early Christmas shopping out of the way without worrying about delivery delays.
Hosted by The Savvy Baker, there will be plenty of independent stores to choose from along with Arches Sweets, Burtz Drinks, The Cheesy Living Co. and you'll even be able to grab your caffeine fix from Kopi Coffee too.
Get in the spooky spirit with Halloween Face Painting and prizes for the best dressed dog in attendance.
There will be plenty of treats on hand for your furry friends too, with Pick N Tricks supplying dog-friendly biscuits that look so delicious, you'd easily mistake them for human treats.
There will also be the chance to check out Poppy's Potting Shed, The Resin Room and Thiccc Sauce on the day too.
Get down, support your locals and bring a genuine smile to a real company that cherish every order they receive.
A giant model of the sun is now illuminated in Wakefield.
The sun has arrived in Wakefield… and we’re not just referring to that one that’s popped up in the sky at long last (sort of).
We’re taking about Helios, the amazing art installation that’s about to stop off at Wakefield Exchange as it tours around the UK.
Created by renowned artist, Luke Jerram, the beautiful art piece measures a whopping seven-metres in diameter and has been created using images captured by NASA.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Helios builds on the success of Luke Jerram’s previous installations in Wakefield, including the hugely popular Museum of the Moon.
With its striking scale and rich scientific detail,the artwork provides a safe and captivating way to encounter the Sun up close, highlighting everything from solar flares to the phenomena that created the unforgettable Northern Lights visible across the UK in 2024.
Stepping beneath the breathtaking glowing sculpture, audiences can experience an atmospheric fusion of solar imagery, sunlight and a specially commissioned surround‑sound composition that brings the science and mystery of our nearest star vividly to life.
Alongside the striking sun instillation, Wakefield Exchange will present a full programme of free, family‑friendly, space‑themed activities throughout the summer.
Visitors can enjoy hands‑on workshops, creative crafts, dressing‑up sessions and playful drop‑in experiences.
Helios will be hosted by Wakefield Exchange from Friday 12 June until Sunday 6 September 2026, and you can find out more here on their website.
Grassroots Leeds music venue secures long-term future as part of community ownership scheme
Clementine Hall
Northern Guitars in Leeds has had its long-term future secured after the building has been purchased as part of a nationwide community ownership initiative.
If you've ever been on a night out on Call Lane, then you will know of (or have heard) Northern Guitars.
It's about as grassroots as it gets, a proper intimate venue supporting artists of all levels.
And now the much-loved city centre venue, which has become a staple of Leeds' music scene, is one of the latest independent music venues to benefit from a scheme designed to protect cultural spaces from the pressures of the commercial property market.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The space has been acquired by community benefit society Music Venue Properties (MVP), an organisation set up by the Music Venue Trust to buy the buildings occupied by grassroots venues and rent them back to operators on long-term agreements.
The move means the brilliant Northern Guitars can continue doing what it does best without the uncertainty that often comes with being in an increasingly challenging landscape.
MVP was launched in 2022 in response to the growing number of grassroots venues disappearing across the UK. According to the organisation, more than a third of the country's grassroots music venues have closed over the last two decades, with many struggling due to short-term leases and rising property costs.
Since launching, MVP has raised more than £7 million through community investment and funding, using the money to secure permanent homes for venues that play a vital role in nurturing emerging artists and supporting local music scenes.
This is a proper win for Northern Guitars and we're absolutely chuffed to know that they'll be going absolutely nowhere.
Sophie Smith -
20th October 2021 
