Bernadette Shackleton from Yeadon is one of ten semi-finalists.
The upcycle crafter from Leeds spent three months creating an eco 'packet jacket' out of hundreds of crisp packets.
The jacket has been selected as one of the final ten contestants for Eventbrite's Hobby Hero competition.
Image: Supplied (Big Bang)
Eventbrite’s Hobby Hero competition launched in May to find Britain’s greatest hobbyist and help them share their pastime with others in an effort to get the nation connected again.
Bernadette spends her time finding beauty all around and is a big advocate for recycling, but the idea for the 'packet jacket' was born from lockdown.
Having started collecting used crisp packets with the intention of recycle them, she began her ambitious upcycling project during lockdown with her friend Heidi, and spent three months and countless hours creating the masterpiece.
Image: Supplied (Big Bang)
The competition winner will receive a £5,000 prize – £2,500 in cash and £2,500 worth of support from Eventbrite’s experts to help share her passion with others, allowing Bernadette will be able to share her design and recycling skills alike with likeminded individuals.
Bernadette said: “I love giving a new lease of life to something that has been thrown away. When I go to the tip, it breaks my heart that so many things of value have been discarded as landfill. A crisp packet takes seven years to degrade so I’m glad we’ve found a new use for them.
“My packet-jacket started out as a silly pastime to keep me busy in lockdown. I never expected it to look so amazing or get me in the semi-finals of this competition. Even my son says it looks amazing, which is high praise indeed!”
Regardless of the outcome, Bernadette has big plans for the jacket, including presenting the garment to hundreds of fashion-conscious individuals at London Fashion Week.
Image: Supplied (Big Bang)
Bernadette continues: “A fashion designer friend of mine is hoping to help us get the jacket to London Fashion Week. It would be amazing to get it noticed. It really does look striking.
“For Heidi and I, it’s been a labour of love. We would put the music on, clear the table and spend hours on our intricate design. It’s been really therapeutic and enjoyable. I can’t wait to start on our next design.”
During several lockdowns, Eventbrite saw thousands either continue to pursue their interests or take up new hobbies by joining online workshops and classes.
Image: Unsplash
Eventbrite’s Sebastian Boppert says: “The entries we received ranged from the more traditional to the weird and wonderful. We received lots of craft entries, but few as original and creative as Bernadette’s crisp packet art. You can tell from the photos how much dedication it took. We also love that her hobby is a sustainable pastime. I wish her all the best as one of our semi-finalists.
“Our final Hobby Hero winner will be someone with enthusiasm and dedication, who wants to share it with others – and maybe even earn some money with it. A strong entry like Bernadette’s certainly fits the bill.”
The Eventbrite Hobby Hero competition will continue into the summer as a panel of judges analyse each of the ten semi-finalists before announce the winner at the end of July.
Feature Image- Supplied (Big Bang)
News
North Star Coffee announces opening date for new site – and they’re giving away 200 coffees to celebrate
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."
Sophie Smith -
5th July 2022 
