Yorkshire-based events promoters Futuresound, in collaboration with Leeds Comedy Festival, have announced The Kirkstall Abbey Comedy Festival.
The one-day festival will take place within the grounds of the iconic Kirkstall Abbey on Sunday 28 July 2024.
The first large-scale open-air comedy festival to happen in Leeds, The Kirkstall Abbey Comedy Festival is a 4,500 capacity event bringing an array of the county’s very best and brightest comics to a truly unique Yorkshire venue.
The line-up includes award-winning Canadian comedian and presenter, Katherine Ryan, as headliner as well as surrealist stand up legend Ross Noble.
Image: Supplied
Joining them are the likes of the hilarious Yorkshire comic Maisie Adam, US comedian Reginald D. Hunter, spooky live sensation Clinton Baptiste, writer and comedian Mike Wozniak and the self-deprecating, Eton-educated stand up Ivo Graham.
Completing the line-up are comedy rising star Stephen Bailey and the cult-stand up hero turned viral-sensation Jeff Innocent.
The festival is the result of exciting collaboration between Futuresound and Leeds Comedy Festival.
Futuresound are the team behind Live at Leeds, Slam Dunk Festival and Ed Sheeran's unforgettable concert at Roundhay Park.
Images: Supplied
Andy Smith, Director - Futuresound Group said: "We’re so excited to be working with House of Fun and Leeds Comedy Festival to bring this amazing bill to the iconic Kirkstall Abbey. We are always looking for ways to bring new and exciting events to Leeds so when the possibility of collaborating with the city's most respected comedy promoters came up we jumped at the chance.
"With some of the biggest names in comedy on-board this is shaping up to be a brilliant day with some household names, exciting new voices and lots more to close out our weekend at the Abbey.”
A special postcode pre-sale will take place today with general sale opening two days later on Wednesday 28 February.
Get ready to enjoy a taste of the Caribbean as Jerk Junction is gearing up to open in Leeds.
The street food favourite has made waves in the foodie scene over in Manchester and Liverpool, so it's only right that its making its way into Trinity Kitchen.
Jerk Junction specialises in authentic Caribbean flavours, from dumplings and jerk chicken to curried goat and rice and peas, it's all flame-grilled and packed with island spices.
It is expected to open this spring.
Image: The Manc Group
Steven Foster, Centre Director at Trinity Leeds, said: “We’re so excited to be welcoming Jerk Junction to Trinity Kitchen and we’re sure it will prove very popular. Bringing an authentic Caribbean flavour to Leeds, it’s the perfect new addition and complements our already stellar line-up of street food vendors.”
Jake Shaffi, founder at Jerk Junction, said: “Jerk Junction is all about real Caribbean food and culture. Everything we do is rooted in Jamaican tradition, from bold spices and authentic cooking to dishes that bring people together.
“For us, food is family. From our kitchen to every person who comes to our counter, we want people to feel the warmth, the energy and the spirit of the islands. We can’t wait to bring those authentic flavours and good vibes to Trinity Kitchen.”
The announcement follows news that the UK’s largest independent boutique bowling brand Lane7, and footwear retailers schuh and Footasylum, would be opening at Trinity Leeds later this year, whilst the LEGO Store will be relocating to a larger space within the shopping centre.
Posting to their social media, The Maven said: "When news broke The Maven could close its doors at the end of March, the reaction across the city was immediate. The response from customers, bartenders, and hospitality operators showed just how much this bar means to Leeds.
"For nearly 15 years, The Maven has been one of the city’s most loved cocktail destinations and a true institution within the local bar scene.
"When we told you about its potential closure we were flooded with support and interest from across the hospitality community. In the days that followed, several Leeds-based operators stepped forward with genuine offers to buy the venue and keep the bar alive.
"At a time when our industry is too often filled with stories of closures, today brings a little hope - a story about a community stepping up to protect something it values.
"The reports that The Maven would close at the end of March are now firmly in the past: The Maven Lives.
"Thanks to the passion of the Leeds hospitality community and the loyalty of its guests, the bar will continue to be part of the city’s nightlife story. More details about the next chapter for The Maven will be shared soon."
Clementine Hall -
26th February 2024 
