The Peacock mural celebrates the Marching Out Together campaign: the community "paving the way for an inclusive space for LGBTQ+ fans at Leeds United Football Club (LUFC)".
Internationally recognised artist Jay Gilleard, Cbloxx, has taken the mural from concept to creation and has unveiled their work today in Leeds city centre.
Celebrating the Leeds-based 'Marching Out Together' group, East Street Arts, the leading artist-led arts charity in the city, and Leeds United Football Club teamed up to commission the mural to show the progress the club has made, the safe spaces they offer and the incredible community of LGBTQ+ supporters.
Organisers have commented: "the focus of The Peacock is to bring a union of football, art and queer culture into the limelight. Cbloxx’s intention is to deliver an image that would both honour the lengthy heritage of LUFC, whilst celebrating the diversity of its fans and the important work of Marching Out Together".
The Marching Out Together group now has over 300 members, and chose Cbloxx, a Huddersfield-born and celebrated internationally as a multi-disciplined muralist, painter, music producer and co-founder of street art duo, Nomad Clan, as the perfect artist to complete the mural.
Speaking about their work with East Street Arts, Leeds United and Marching Out Together, Cbloxx said:
''It’s an honour to be painting back in a place I used to call home. Leeds has always rallied for liberalism, equality, and multiplicity, its cultural significance is something to remain incredibly proud of. Speaking personally, football at its very best is a cohesive healer when it champions diversity. Football signifies a unification, the Leeds chant 'All Leeds Aren't We' speaks volumes and is a wonderful sentiment to start ideas flowing around LGBTQI inclusivity.
“The core thematic of The Peacock really is Pride, what is more sassy and full of pride than a peacock? Its otherworldly flamboyance, confidence and striking visuals made it a focal point no brainer.
"To convey the notion of activism, protest and visibility I borrowed aesthetics from the old coal mining embroidered flags, which echo the typical northern working class heritage that is so often celebrated in my work. It’s hard to not be inspired by your own ancestry! The elegance and creativity executed in the banners really highlight the ornate features of the building, so that it adds to its aesthetic beautifully.
Image: @spraydaysofficial
“With The Peacock I hope to echo the sentiments of 'Marching Out Together', take some visible space for LGBTQI football fans and spread a wider message of solidarity and togetherness.”
The mural will sweep across the side of East Street Arts Studio building adjoining York Road, inspiring hope and change to 68,000 people passing by each day.
Feature Image- @spraydaysofficial
News
Reverend and the Makers frontman Jon McClure becomes chairman of Sheffield FC
Reverend and the Makers frontman Jon McClure has officially been confirmed as the new chairman of the oldest football team in the world, Sheffield FC.
He might be a die-hard Wednesday fan, but given the turbulence his lifelong club have been through over the past couple of years, maybe this is the start of a new love affair.
Sheffield FC had teased that important news was coming soon earlier this month, simply writing on socials: "Not long until we can tell all. We’ve been sitting on something big."
As it turns out, the news is that one of the Steel City's most famous and beloved sons is now part of the club's new ownership structure. McClure quickly took to social media to help join in with the announcement as well.
The veteran indie frontman and Day Fever co-founder has continued to branch out from solely music-related ventures, having gone into business not only with multiple names for the smash hit afternoon-into-early evening music festival, but also joining forces with a fellow Sheffielder.
Since November of last year, Jon's has often appeared alongside his brother Chris, who plays the comedy character of 'Steve Bracknall' on the Game's Gone podcast.
A bit like Yorkshire's answer to Alan Partridge, there remains a sporting throughline in pretty much all of the 44-year-old's career at the moment - now so more than ever.
Speaking online, McClure said: "What am I doing at the world’s oldest football club, you ask? Well, meet the new chairman of Sheffield FC.
"Our vision is that we honour the club’s roots and pay homage to its incredible history, whilst restoring it to its former glory." He's already been making his presence known around their home ground.
— Sheffield Football Club (@sheffieldfc) March 3, 2026
While some are still looking for updates on the plans to bring the historic outfit back closer to Sheffield proper - the non-league club currently playing at The Home of Football Stadium in Dronfield, Derbyshire - this fresh start for the now oft-neglected native minnows has still sparked some excitement.
At present, 'The Ancients' are in the process of developing a new 5,000-seater arena at the old Sheffield Transport Sports Club site in Meadowhead, which was initially slated to open this year.
But as for the musician, he went on to add that "There’s a lot to be done, but we’re ready to get stuck in and give Sheffield FC the love it deserves"; McClure and co. have dubbed this "a new chapter" for "the first in the world", and the update will no doubt bring some fresh hope to the organisation.
What do you make of the announcement, and is a local figure like Reverend and the Makers' Jon McClure the right person to help take over this community cornerstone and national institution?
Featured Images — Sheffield FC/Reverend and the Makers
News
Independent Nordic-inspired homeware shop closes Leeds store after six years
Clementine Hall
After six years in the city, independent homeware retailer North Home is closing its Leeds city centre shop.
If you're a lover of all things home then you'll have most likely visited the gorgeous North Home shop in the Victoria Quarter.
Stacked to the brim with unique pieces from striking ceramics to stylish soft furnishings, North Home is known for its well-curated stock and great customer service.
Seriously, we've probably spent a good hour in here in awe of all the beautiful pieces.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Last week, curious shoppers noticed the three-storey store was suddenly empty and now the company have confirmed that they have closed for good.
In a statement, they said: "After nearly 6 wonderful years trading in Leeds, we’ve made the difficult decision to close our physical store while we restructure the business and explore the next chapter for North Home.
"Retail has changed significantly in recent years and, like many independent businesses, we’ve faced increasing costs.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
"Taking this step now gives us the opportunity to protect what we’ve built and focus on the future of the brand. North Home continues to operate online and all existing customer orders will be fulfilled as normal although delivery times may be slightly extended.
"We’ve loved being part of the Leeds retail community since 2020 and are incredibly grateful for the support we’ve received. We hope to share more about our plans soon."
We'll be sad to see them go and we hope this isn't goodbye forever, but you can still shop from North Home online here.
Sophie Smith -
7th April 2022 
