Plans for the city to forge a potential new international partnership between Leeds and the city of Kharkiv is being discussed by Leeds City Council.
The two cities, which sit more than 2,0000 apart, could be potentially twinned after a meeting with local councillors in Leeds yesterday.
The new relationship between the two locations would be the latest expression of solidarity from Leeds after the country was invaded by Russia earlier this year in February.
The city of Kharkiv currently shares twin city status with both the French city of Lille and Czech Republic's Brno, two of Leeds’s own twin cities.
Since the outbreak of the war, Kharkiv has faced continuous shelling, with around a third of the city’s 1.4 million residents evacuated from their homes.
Image: Leeds City Council
Councillor James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council, said: “The people of Leeds have opened their hearts and homes to the citizens of Ukraine, who have faced unimaginable suffering and upheaval amid the devastating impact of a needless war.
“This new partnership between Kharkiv and Leeds would cement forever the relationship between our two cities, which has remarkably blossomed even in the face of so much suffering.
“It would also stand as a lasting symbol of peace, unity and co-operation for generations to come.”
So far, Leeds has demonstrated compassion by sending goods to those in need, including vans full of donations.
Back in March, The Ukraine Aid Appeal, sponsored by the Leeds Charity Lunch, took two vans over to the country in a week-long trip that saw the likes of Leeds Rhinos legend Rob Burrow at the send-off.
In addition to this, the official Leeds Together for Ukraine appeal, which also launched earlier this year, has managed to raise more than £140,000 raised to help refugees forced from their homes, and donations still coming in from locals.
Mayor of Kharkiv, Ihor Terekov said: “We are proud to be reaching out across borders and boundaries to foster a new and special relationship with Leeds at this traumatic time for Ukraine.
“Both our cities have a unique heritage and history, which will last far beyond this conflict, and we look forward to sharing, growing and learning together for many decades to come.”
Regardless of the outcome of the meeting, Leeds City Council is still encouraging the city to get involved in the Leeds Together For Ukraine appeal, which was launched by Leeds City Council and administered by Leeds Community Foundation.
A major international girl band appear to be gearing up for a big reunion tour following a number of teasers popping up at some of the largest arenas around the country.
Including right here in Leeds.
In case you haven’t already guessed it from the thumbnail, we’ll give you another hint: there used to be six of them, though it remains to be seen how many will be returning…
Yes, the once-huge all-female pop group, The Pussycat Dolls, looks set to reunite once again, though the full lineup and exact nature of the shows are yet to be fully verified.
They were a big chart-topping act throughout the noughties, and some of the famous faces are still doing bits in around showbiz today; they’ve been away for a long time, but the First Direct Bank Arena and more have just fans getting ready to “loosen up their buttons”.
Image: Co-op Live
Sharing the big digital advert splashed at the top of the venue on Wednesday, 11 March, the First Direct Bank Arena couldn’t have made it any easier for fans to guess.
Choosing one of the most obvious lyrics turned puns and asking us, “Don’t Cha Wish you knew who we’re announcing tomorrow (Thurs, 12 Mar)”, it didn’t take any time at all for people to figure it out.
With the comments across social media platforms now filled with people sharing gifs of their old performances and dance routines, or simply sharing their general excitement, the hype train is already well and truly on the way.
And then, as if things weren’t already blatant enough, the Pussycat Dolls’ official page has also shared a short clip ahead of the inevitable reveal featuring the words, “PCD Forever”, along with pointing them towards a website listed under the same name.
Now, the last time they performed was not long before the pandemic, with most of the original lineup performing on The X Factor, releasing their first new song in over a decade, ‘React’, which was supposed to signal the start of a reunion.
However, the planned comeback tour was ultimately cancelled in January 2022, and we hadn’t heard much else since – until now. Fans are crossing fingers that they get at least a trio of Nicole Sherzinger, Ashley Roberts, Carmit Bachar, Kimberly Wyatt, and Jessica Sutta, but we’ll find out very soon.
A bar in Leeds is serving £1 Baby Guinness shots in celebration of St Patrick’s Day
Clementine Hall
Baby Guinness shots for a quid? It would be rude not to.
Get ready to raid your wardrobe for anything green, because one of the funnest (and booziest) holidays of the year is just around the corner.
Of course, we're talking about the almighty St Patrick's Day that is taking place on Tuesday 17 March 2026.
It's a day filled with merriment, Irish music and plenty of Guinness. Whether that be pints of the good stuff or shots of Baby Guinness.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
We're particularly a fan of the latter.
And there's a few spots in Leeds where you'll be able to get those bad boys for just one pound.
Roxy Ball Room & Roxy Lanes are hosting the offer which will be available from Friday 13 - Sunday 22 March, that's over an entire week of £1 shots for you to get stuck into.
All you have to do is download their brand-new rewards app, claim the voucher and leave the rest to them.
The voucher can be used at any time during the day and at any of their Leeds locations. Pretty class if you ask us.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
And you're really spoilt for choice because you'll find Roxy Ball Rooms on Merrion Street and Boar Lane as well as a Roxy Lanes on The Headrow.
Not only will you be able to bag yourself a £1 shot, but in the same timeframe they're also offering limited edition Jameson shots to mark the occasion as well as two for £10 pints of Guinness.
Of course you'll be able to enjoy all the usual Roxy games and unleash your competitive side, from beer pong and tech darts to karaoke and ice-free curling.
So, get your mates together and get ready to grab a bargain this St Patrick's Day by downloading the Roxy Rewards App here.
The Hoot -
21st July 2022 
