According to new data, our beloved First Direct Arena has been named the second best in the whole of the UK.
And we have to say, we absolutely agree. Although we obviously would've put it at number one, and we're only slightly biased.
If you're a Leeds local, there's no doubt you've paid a visit to the First Direct Area over recent years.
Whether it's to watch your favourite musical artist stop off in our city on their UK tour, or you're catching a comedy gig which will leave you giggling on your way home.
Image: First Direct Arena
Either way it's a fantastic venue that we're very proud to have in our city.
And it's not just us who think so, as new data focusing on user reviews has revealed it to be the second best in the UK. What a winner.
So who pipped us to the post then? Well, the Emirates Arena in Glasgow came in at number one with a 4.46 out of 5 average rating from over 1900 reviews across Google, TripAdvisor and Facebook.
Images: First Direct Arena
Pretty impressive hey? Well luckily we weren't too far behind, coming up just behind with an average score of 4.41 from around 14.4k reviews on Google and TripAdvisor.
The Westpoint Arena in Exeter completes the podium in number 3, with an average rating of 4.40.
At the other end of the ranking is the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester.
With the highly anticipated opening of the venue coming into a few minor issues (understatement of the century), an average score of 1.68 out of 5 was well below any of the other venues in the study.
The top ten best indoor arenas in the UK are as follows:
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.
The Kooks, Miles Kane and Milburn to open Rock n Roll Circus as the festival expands to four days
Clementine Hall
Just when it you thought that the Rock N Roll Circus Sheffield line-up was complete, organisers have confirmed a major expansion for 2026.
That's right, the festival will now open a day earlier on Thursday 27 August.
The brand-new opening night will be led by The Kooks, Milburn and Miles Kane - this is going to be a bank holiday weekend you'll never forget.
Further artists for Thursday 27 August - and across the entire four-day weekend - will be announced in the coming weeks, so keep your eyes peeled.
It's a welcome addition to what was already shaping up to be one of the standout festival weekends of the summer.
Image: Supplied
Friday will see The Streets headline with a special performance of A Grand Don’t Come For Free in full. Saturday will be led by one of the UK’s most exciting modern guitar bands, Wunderhorse, supported by Baxter Dury, Mercury Prize winners English Teacher, and London favourites Fat Dog, whilst Sunday will be closed by the one and only Richard Ashcroft.
Festival Director Ali O’Reilly said:“Opening the weekend with The Kooks performing Inside In / Inside Out in full, Milburn returning home and Miles Kane joining the bill feels like a statement night for Sheffield.
“What makes Rock N Roll Circus special is that we can celebrate iconic albums and artists that shaped a generation, while also giving space to the next wave of talent coming through. That mix of heritage and hometown pride is exactly what this festival is about.
“Sheffield has always brought an incredible atmosphere to Don Valley Bowl, and expanding the programme this way gives us even more room to create something memorable for the Bank Holiday weekend.”
Rock N Roll Circus Sheffield takes place at Don Valley Bowl from Thursday 27 to Sunday 30 August 2026, and you can get your tickets here.
Clementine Hall -
17th May 2024 
