A new survey reveals our wonderful city of Leeds to be one of the most creative in the UK.
And we have to say, we absolutely agree.
Leeds' newest title comes as Adobe Express recently-ran a survey of 2,000 UK adults, and learned that just one in six (15%) Brits are planning to take up a hobby as one of their new year’s resolutions in 2024.
The same survey found that more than two thirds (67%) of the nation declared themselves as ‘very creative’.
But which UK towns and cities officially lead the way on the creativity scale?
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Well, in a bid to find out, Adobe Express experts took a look at look a variety of factors, such as the number of jobs available in the art sector, the number of museums and galleries, and the number of notable artists born in each of the 30 towns or cities compared within the study, to come up with the top 10 list.
Leeds came in at a very respectable number 4, although we'd argue that it should've taken the top spot which was given to our Northern neighbours across the Pennines in Manchester.
Top 10 most creative cities in the UK
Manchester
Brighton and Hove
Bristol
Leeds
Edinburgh
Liverpool
Newcastle
Glasgow
Norwich
Nottingham
Manchester claimed the title with an overall creativity score of 8.7/10, with a whopping 111 notable creatives per 100,000 people as well as around 31 relevant job roles per 100,000 residents in the creative arts sector too.
Brighton and Hove follow close behind us in second place, with the rest of the top five being rounded out by Bristol, Leeds, and Edinburgh.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Fellow Northern cities Liverpool and Newcastle also feature in the top 10.
At the other end of the spectrum, however, the UK’s least creative town out of all 30 locations analysed was found to be Northampton,with an overall creativity score of just 2.0/10, and it’s joined near the bottom of the list by other places such as Hull and Stoke-on-Trent.
"After years of late nights, strong cocktails, and incredible stories; The Maven will close its doors"
It's a sad day for the Leeds night life scene, as a beloved speakeasy bar has today announced that it will be closing its doors for good.
The Maven has been a firm favourite for many years with those looking to enjoy some experimental and expertly made cocktails.
Hidden behind an unassuming door at the top of Call Lane, it was a great spot to visit if you were looking for something that little bit special.
Announcing the news to their social media, The Maven said: "From the bottom of our hearts we thank you for being our guests over the years and promise that until then, we'll do our best to give you the best nights out on Call Lane."
Conan Gray AND Jacob Alon join Lewis Capaldi’s Roundhay Festival line-up
Thomas Melia
US pop star Conan Gray and BRIT award winner Jacob Alon join the line-up for Lewis Capaldi's headline date at Roundhay Festival.
Leeds' Roundhay Park is welcoming back live music to its grounds this summer for two outdoor gigs headlined by Lewis Capaldi and Pitbull titled Roundhay Festival, with special guests slowly being announced.
Gray is recognised for standout tracks like 'Heather' and 'Maniac' while Alon has built a cult following of fans around their indie tunes like 'Fairy in a Bottle' as well as 'Liquid Gold 25'.
Jacob Alon has been showing off their artistry within the indie music scene thanks to their 2025 LP In Limerence catching the attention of many in the process.
This album has gone onto attract widespread love from music listeners and even industry professionals bagging themselves their first-ever BRIT award nomination and win - The Critics' Choice award.
Conan Gray AND Jacob Alon join Lewis Capaldi's Roundhay Festival line-up / Credit: Supplied via Press Shots
Conan Gray started out covering other artists hits before creating some of his own and releasing debut studio album Kid Krow back in 2020.
The project has production credits shared between Gray and Dan Nigro, Grammy-winning producer who has worked with Chappell Roan, Olivia Rodrigo, Lorde and more.
It's always exciting hearing updates like these, but this one is even more impressive as it's not just one stellar act joining the Roundhay Festival line-up but two, with further acts to be announced.
The almost 70,000 crowd who are heading down to Roundhay Festival when Lewis Capaldi makes his way to Leeds next summer are going to be blessed with some phenomenal live music.
This year marks American Express Presents Roundhay Festival first year with two star-studded dates fronted by powerhouse performers with the second show fronted by Pitbull and special guest Kesha.
These events have been organised with Leeds City Council and are expected to bring benefits to the local area by employing local suppliers, staff and boost spending on accommodation, food and entertainment.
Conan Gray and Jacob Alon will play alongside Lewis Capaldi at Roundhay Festival in Leeds on Saturday 4 July 2026 with tickets available HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
23rd January 2024 
