There's going to be beer, live music and a celebration of local community at a new festival near Leeds.
In the first restriction-free month since the pandemic began, Sup is bringing West Yorkshire communities together once more with a local festival focusing on beer, food and music.
The beer festival will take place over two weekends, one in Shipley and the other in Bingley and forms part of the 'Spring Back' campaign from Bradford City Council.
On Saturday 12 March, Shipley Market Square will be transformed into a foodie fest, with fan-favourite vendors present, including SALT Beer Factory's award-winning beers and brews from The Triangle, Cap and Collar and The Fox.
Lowery breweries are preparing for the festival. / Image: Salt Beer Factory
Hullabaloo, a Caribbean street food and drink specialist will be on hand to serve up fresh supplies and a collab pop-up of Il Pirata and Mozza Fella will provide that we're told is the best pizza team-up Bradford has ever seen, with a range of succulent slices to put those carb cravings to bed.
The Bingley event will host a similar set-up with a slight variation to their line-up on Saturday 19 March underneath a huge weatherproof tent. Il Pirata X Mozza Fella and The Triangle will join the Bingley fest, whilst a new selection of cask ales and alcoholic drinks will come from Wishbone Brewery, Goose Eye Brewery and Bini Brewery.
The Peacock provide freshly-cooked Indian street food to the masses.
Il Pirata X Mozza Fella is going to be an incredible collaboration. / Image: Il Pirata
Organiser Sup has partnered with an array of local DJs across both events who will be playing a mix of upbeat and soulful tunes to keep the crowds going into the evening.
Eddie Kean, Director of Raven Staging, said “I moved to Bradford when I was 9yrs old and my kids go to school in both Shipley and Bingley, so I’m especially excited to stage these events in my home valley and for my own community.
"The focus for these events is to kickstart the year and drive footfall to our high streets by providing a platform to our local community of creators and entrepreneurs. Selecting our partners has been made that much easier by the world class quality of what’s on offer within the Bradford postcode.
Image: Bingley Walkers
"My hope is that the range of exceptional partners at these events will generate an equally great turnout from our local community. If Sup can provide a small celebratory salve for the difficulty we’ve all endured over the past few years, I’ll be a happy man. I look forward to raising a glass to us.”
The final go-ahead is expected to be given for work to start on a major new £15million sports hub in Holbeck.
Senior councillors are expected to give the approval next Wednesday 11 March at an executive board meeting.
An agreement will be made on a contractor to complete the work which will bring state-of-the-art sports pitches and a community space to the city.
Holbeck Sports Hub will provide three full-size artificial grass football pitches, two multi-use games areas and a building with changing rooms and a café.
Image: Supplied
Work is expected to begin in August 2026 and is set to be built at the site of the former Matthew Murray High School.
The plan is to also provide a home to a new GP surgery as well as a children’s play area and walking and running routes through the green space which sits off Brown Lane East and Ingram Road.
Image: Supplied
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture, said: “We look forward to the work starting on the Holbeck Sports Hub, which will be a significant asset to the local community and residents in south Leeds.
“It will provide affordable and accessible quality sports pitches, providing more opportunities for physical activity and play and spaces to meet up and connect.
“We are also working towards an agreement with a GP practice so that the area can benefit from new high-quality healthcare provision to meet the needs of the community.”
The programme is joint funded by the Football Foundation and Leeds City Council capital funding.
New grassroots music space aiming to make DJing and music more accessible opening in Headingley this month
Clementine Hall
A new grassroots music space is opening in Headingley with a mission to make DJing, vinyl and music culture more accessible.
Meanhood Studios, founded by long-time LS6 residents Jim and Katie Young, will combine a professional DJ rehearsal studio, record shop, performance space and tuition hub all under one roof.
Their aim is simple, "to level the playing field in a scene that has often felt exclusive and gatekept.”
Meanhood started as a guerrilla pop-up record shop in lockdown when Jim started selling records from his personal collection.
Built solely on quality and word-of-mouth reputation, the venture quickly grew into a respected local record spot known for its carefully curated vinyl selection.
Images: Supplied
Jim’s roots trace back to Manchester’s late-90s free party scene, he began DJing at 17 and from Hyde Park house parties to residencies at legendary clubs, he went on to host nights featuring artists who would later become major names in UK dance music.
Katie grew up in rural Cumbria, discovering music through pirate radio, library tapes and out-of-town raves. After moving to Leeds for university, she built a 20-year corporate career while supporting events, fly-posting for club nights and working behind the scenes.
“DJing is so much more than pushing buttons,” says Jim. “You’ve got to love it when no one’s watching. We want to share that knowledge and remove some of the barriers we experienced.”
Meanhood Studios will open on Friday 13 March and will offer access to equipment, rehearsal space, vinyl records and tuition for aspiring DJs and music lovers.
It's more important now than ever to support grassroots music venues, and we can't wait to check out this new space.
Sophie Smith -
3rd March 2022 
