Leeds United have once again announced that they will be sponsoring this year's Leeds Pride celebration.
The Whites are in the midst of a tense playoff battle as they look to climb back into the Premier League next season, but they have still made the all-important time to help out the city's annual festival and parade.
Along with Leeds United's official LGBTQ+ supporters group, Marching Out Together, the Yorkshire club has confirmed they will be serving as infrastructure sponsor for the second year running, having previously backed the event in other capacities.
2024 marks the 19th year of Leeds Pride, which champions inclusivity, diversity and acceptance, as well as acting as a platform for education whilst highlighting the ongoing fight for quality and inclusion.
The promotion hopefuls first took their infrastructure role in 2023 - having previously become the first UK club to have a member of their first team, Luke Ayling, attend Pride - and will once again be helping the operate the day through funding.
Leeds Pride is one of the biggest one-day festivals in the city centre and continues to grow year-on-year, with more than 70,000 people choosing to visit the parade and various other associated events in 2023 alone.
As detailed in an official statement from United, "This is a testament to the progress and acceptance achieved over the years, but there is still work to be done, and the club will continue to support and help where possible to ensure members of the LGBTQ+ community feel empowered to be their true selves."
Leeds strong support for the LGBTQ+ community is exhibiting not only through their dedicated Marching Out Together fan group but in backing campaigns like Rainbow Laces and Football v Homophobia throughout the year.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xjEGCTpqUA
The team and supporters club support several other similar initiatives in local schools and organisations.
As well as acting as a key sponsor for the seventh year running, Pride 2024 is also set to see further representation on the day from staff, as well as both current and former Leeds United players.
A spokesperson from Marching Out Together said: "It’s fantastic to see once again Leeds United proudly announce their sponsorship of Leeds Pride this year. It sends out such a powerful message of support to the LGBTQ+ community.
"We are now working with the club to ensure we enjoy another successful day at the wonderful Leeds Pride, and our thanks go to all those players and staff at Leeds United who give such valuable support throughout the year to the work of Marching Out Together."
This years Leeds Pride Parade takes place on Sunday, 21 July and is set to be a truly wonderful celebration as always. You can find out more down below.
One of Leeds' most iconic brands is expanding with two city centre openings.
Coffee lovers, you're going to love this one.
North Star Coffee Roasters are one of the early pioneers of specialty coffee in the North of England and among the UK’s first B Corp-certified coffee roasters.
They've been keeping the people of Leeds awake since 2013, and you'll find their coffee across the country as well as at their current city centre locations.
One of their brand-new locations inside the Victoria Quarter will be opening next Monday 1 June.
Their new kiosk will be located outside Jo Malone London and marks the brand’s third site in Leeds.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
To celebrate the launch, North Star will be giving away 50 free coffees a day from Tuesday 2 June until Friday 5 June - a total of 200 free drinks across the opening week. Customers will be able to claim any coffee from the menu, with one free drink per person available on a first come, first served basis, each day.
Their other new site is expected to be on Great George Street, and we'll keep you updated with any news on that one as and when we know more.
Speaking about the opening, Holly Kragiopoulos, Co-founder of North Star, said: “Opening a third site in the centre of Leeds feels incredibly special for us. Leeds has always been at the heart of North Star, so being able to bring our coffee into Victoria Quarter is a huge milestone.
"We wanted to celebrate by giving something back to the city and welcoming both loyal regulars and new customers with free coffee throughout our opening week.”
Thor’s Tipi chosen as the new operator to create a ‘distinctly Yorkshire’ Leeds Christmas Market 2026
Clementine Hall
Leeds City Council has appointed Thor's tipi as the new operator of Leeds Christmas Market 2026 on City Square.
We hate to mention the C word in May... especially in the midst of a heatwave, but just bare with us on this one.
The beloved Leeds Christmas Market will have a new operator this year, as creators of pop-up seasonal bars Thor's Tipi have been given the responsibility by Leeds City Council.
So, what's going to be different?
Thor's tipi will create a ‘distinctly Yorkshire’ retail, craft and food market which celebrates Leeds identity.
Image: Supplied
The market will feature a Yorkshire based line-up, full of popular local names and Leeds street food legends and a series of cabins will also be reserved for local craft businesses and emerging artisans.
Alongside plenty of shopping and eating options, the Christmas Market will become a full-on-festive experience for visitors. There will be winter games and karaoke huts in an Alpine Lodge, the original THOR’S tipi - complete with its signature firepit seating area, free live music from local artists, school choirs & community performances throughout the season.
There will also be a host of family-friendly events, including a ‘Leeds Night Before Christmas’ trail, family raves and free craft tables.
Image: Supplied
Amanda Monaghan, Director of THOR’S tipi, said: "This is our eleventh year in Leeds and we’re super excited to bring the most beautiful Christmas Market to City Square! We’re especially looking forward to speaking with local traders about how we can showcase their talents. Get in touch if you’d like to be involved! We’d love to have you on-board.”
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council's executive member for economy, said: "We're delighted that Leeds will be welcoming a Christmas market again this year with a new look and that visitors will once again have the chance to experience the wonders of the festive season at the heart of the city centre.”
“As always, the council is committed to working with partners and providers to bring high quality and exciting events to the city. We know Christmas is always a special time in Leeds, and this year is set to be a memorable one."
Danny Jones -
16th May 2024 
