The inaugural 'Live At Kirkstall Abbey' summer series is due to begin later this month.
Kicking off from Friday 26 July, a trio of thoughtfully-curated shows encompassing music and comedy is taking over the Leeds landmark for three days of nonstop entertainment.
Opening the series are iconic band Madness, who will be joined by some very special guests; Leeds’ own indie heroes The Pigeon Detectives
Liverpudlian power group The Zutons will also be taking to the stage, with an opening set from promising Carlisle quintet Hardwicke Circus.
Image: Supplied
On Saturday 27 July, celebrated local stalwarts Embrace will return to their home-turf celebrating 20 years of their seminal album ‘Out Of Nothing’, with an incredible supporting cast including much-loved English quartet Ocean Colour Scene, Northern Irish indie veterans Ash, Britpop icons Sleeper, and fellow Yorkshire legends Cud.
Rounding off the weekend, Sunday 28 July will host performances from a fantastic array of comedy talent as the grounds of the 12th century Cistercian monastery becomes the home of the first ever Kirkstall Abbey Comedy Festival.
The first large-scale, open-air comedy festival to happen in Leeds, the event will bring hilarious appearances from award-winning Canadian comedian Katherine Ryan, Newcastle stand-up legend Ross Noble, renowned Yorkshire comic Maisie Adam, as well as Reginald D. Hunter, Clinton Baptiste, Mike Wozniak and more.
Image: Supplied
Andy Smith - Director of Futuresound Group said: “We’re totally thrilled to finally have this exciting programme of events landing at Kirkstall Abbey later this month - the response to announcing this series has been truly immense.
"With Futuresound having been behind the 2011 Kaiser Chiefs shows back in the day, we’ve been looking to return live music to this unique location for some time now and I’m incredibly proud of what the team has put together here. With top-quality entertainment appearing across both music and comedy, we really think there’s something for everyone over the weekend”
Tickets for all of these fantastic events are on sale now, and you can grab yours here.
The team behind Stuzzi - one of Leeds’ best-loved Italian restaurants - have opened up a brand-new sandwich shop.
Introducing La Grassa, the new concept from Stuzzi Leeds co-founders Jimbob Phillips and Brett Lee, that just a few weeks ago opened up inside Amity Brew Co. over in Farsley.
La Grassa is a new Italian-American ‘Paninoteca’ and diner concept, where you can get your hands on paninos filled with house-made meats, cheeses and glossy sauces. But be warned, your hands may get a bit messy whilst doing so.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
They're open afternoon and evening, so whether you fancy a quick sandwich whilst exploring Sunny Bank Mills or tucking into some hearty grub alongside a few pints from the brewery, they've got you covered.
Sandwich wise you can opt for a 'Hero' which is your classic semolina sub stuffed with either grilled pork and greens, pork and veal meatballs or crispy buttermilk chicken tossed in a creamy Caesar salad.
Or you can get your sub grilled and pressed with fillings like dry aged beef and peppers or your classic grilled cheese with hot honey.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
They've also got potato rolls filled with very naughty deep fried mozzarella, basil pesto and marinara sauce. One thing's for certain, you won't leave here hungry.
If you're after something sweet they've got a selection of soft serve on the menu, perfect for soaking in the sunshine this summer.
If you don't fancy a sandwich you can get the fried mozz and the meatballs on their own, and on Sundays the menu gets a special roast revamp where all subs come with crispy, herby potatoes. Yum.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
This is a great addition to Leeds and it seems like you lot are loving it as much as we do, with the space being full to the brim with hungry punters ever since they opened their doors back in March.
So get yourself to Amity for a few pints and check out the deliciousness that La Grassa has to offer. Bellissimo.
Leeds zoo named one of the best in the country as it receives national mark of excellence by experts
Clementine Hall
Lotherton Hall’s Wildlife World has received an official mark of excellence from the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquarium.
After a visit from experts earlier this year, the Wildlife World at Lotherton Hall is now officially credited by the organisation.
The achievement recognises the high quality of the zoo in animal welfare, education, conservation and research.
The accreditation also ranks the zoo as one of the best in the country.
The centre is home to a range of wildlife species including wallabies, capybaras, penguins, emus and critically endangered Visayan warty pigs.
Image: Supplied, Leeds City Council
The zoo also takes part in international breeding and conservation programmes.
Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council’s executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space, said: “I’d like to congratulate all the staff at Lotherton Wildlife World on the great work they undertake in making sure that the zoo holds a world class standard. This accreditation shows our high standard of animal care and the passion we have for helping support international conservation efforts.
“At both Wildlife World and Tropical World there’ll be lots going on for Love Your Zoo week, and they both make a great day out for the whole family.”
Dr Jo Judge, the CEO of BIAZA congratulated Wildlife World on their achievement. She said: “Receiving accredited status is not an easy thing to do. It is testament to the passion and hard work of every member of staff.”
“Our accreditation program means visitors can be sure that BIAZA zoos and aquariums are dedicated to looking after their animals to the highest standard and to inspirational work in conservation and education. We need good zoos more than ever. We face a nature crisis and we have the power to make a big difference.”
You can find out more about Lotherton Hall's Wildlife World here.
Clementine Hall -
3rd July 2024 
