There's eight events to look forward to in the next two months- and we can't wait.
Anyone that's previously been to Bongo's Bingo will know what a night out it is.
Nothing is off limit and whilst you might be there for bingo, expect dance offs, celebrity cardboard cutout appearances and all the best tunes- and that's before we've got into the game.
It's the only place to expect the unexpected, guaranteed to fill your night with laughter, crazy mishaps and a lot of booze- all whilst enjoying a light game of bingo between shots from the bar, singing S Club and Gerry Cinnamon, before breaking into wails from Total Eclipse of the Heart with the rest of the crowd.
Now, the award-winning night out has announced a series of new dates at the O2 Academy to help everyone get through the winter months of 2022 in Leeds.
We've been told that this year, Bongo's Bingo enthusiasts should expect the same nostalgic escapism from previous shows, with the added chance of winning iconic prizes like Henry Hoovers, mobility scooters, karaoke machines and more.
Yes, you can actually walk away with a mobility scooter from this show- that's certain to upgrade any student flat and make the neighbours jealous.
In addition to the crazy prizes, crowd renditions of Mr Brightside, dance offs, and 'hands in the air' moments aplenty are all guaranteed to make an appearance. Quite simply, there’s nothing else like it- and we can't wait to get to the next night of all-singing, all-dancing bingo experience.
Speaking about the UK's original bingo rave phenomenon return to Leeds, Jonny Bongo says: “Now Christmas is done and dusted we have got an epic run of shows coming up in Leeds. It’s such a class venue at The 02 and the crowds there go absolutely wild – Leeds was the third city we brought Bongo’s Bingo to and there’s always a special connection for us there.
"We are really looking forward to 2022 being a brilliant year for everyone and this is the perfect way to get us all started.”
At present, as long as you're aged 18 - 94 and prepared to join conga lines, dance your way to some prize and get smashed whilst experiencing one of the best nights out around at the O2 Academy, you can book yourself a seat at the best bingo experience around for the following dates:
Wednesday 16 March
Wednesday 23 March
Sunday 10 April
Sunday 24 April
Sunday 1 May
Wednesday 4 May
Friday 13 May
Thursday 19 May
Friday 20 May
Friday 27 May
On the night, doors open from 6:30pm and close at 7:30pm sharpish to make sure everyone is as settled as they can be before taking on the first game of bingo at 8pm.
Tickets for all of the Leeds shows are on sale from the Bongo's Bingo website, tickets cost just £9.00 per person- which is a bargain given the top cash prizes and cheesy singalongs you'll witness.
Feature Image- Bongo's Bingo
News
Claire’s shutting down all standalone shops in UK and Ireland
In another hit to the high streets, Claire's Accessories is shutting up shop across the UK and Ireland after entering into administration yet again.
Falling into an unfortunate financial status for the second time in less than a year, Claire's will be shutting down all of their standalone stores across Britain, along with their IE branches.
A total of 154 stores will soon disappear, with more than a thousand people set to be put out of work.
Once a mainstay up and down the country, the accessory shop known for all things jewellery, piercings and more has ceased trading effective immediately.
Announced at the start of the week and the end of the first full month of Q2, it was confirmed that Claire's closed their final locations on Monday, 27 April.
With administrators, Kroll, appointed to wrap up business proceedings, an estimated 1,300 English, Irish, Scottish and Welsh workers have now lost their jobs.
Founded in America way back in 1961, Claire's has enjoyed a presence across the Atlantic for more than three decades.
However, with various other contemporaries and cheaper online options having appeared over the years, they've struggled not just to remain profitable but to compete full stop.
They filed for bankruptcy in the US in August 2025 after having already concluded operations in Spain, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
For many, the outcome isn't all that surprising, but it will nevertheless be a sad loss for many who have seen multiple generations visit these venues over the years.
Slam Dunk festival’s statement in full as director steps down amid allegations
Daisy Jackson
Slam Dunk festival has shared a statement confirming one of its directors has stepped down, in the wake of allegations.
The popular punk festival takes place next month across two sites, one of which is here in Leeds.
This year's line-up is set to include headline performances from the likes of Good Charlotte, Knocked Loose, Sublime, and Taking Back Sunday.
But Slam Dunk has been hitting the headlines for all the wrong reasons this week after allegations against one of its directors came to light.
Slam Dunk said in its statement, which did not get into specifics about the nature of the allegations, that the festival 'remains committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all employees, partners, and customers'.
They added that the director has stepped down, but 'strongly refutes' the allegations.
The statement then promised 'transparency and honesty' and said that more updates would be provided when appropriate.
Slam Dunk wrote: "We are aware of allegations published yesterday relating to one of our directors. We take these allegations seriously and understand that they may be distressing and hard to process for our community.
"Our Slam Dunk fans, staff, and artists are, as always, our top priority.
"While he strongly refutes these allegations, the director in question has agreed, in consultation with the board, to step down from Slam Dunk operations while this matter is ongoing.
"Slam Dunk remains committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all employees, partners, and customers.
"Our values and culture are fundamental to how we operate, and we are committed to upholding them.
"It would be inappropriate for us to comment further on an ongoing legal matter.
"However, we promise transparency and honesty to our Slam Dunk community and will provide updates when it is appropriate to do so."
Slam Dunk returns to Temple Newsam in Leeds on Sunday 24 May.
Sophie Smith -
10th March 2022 
