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
Shortlist for 2026 Mercury Prize announced with several northern names making the cut
The shortlist for the 2026 Mercury Prize has officially landed - and it's another huge year for music from the north.
The prestigious annual award, which celebrates the very best British and Irish albums released over the past 12 months, has unveiled its 12 nominated records ahead of this year's ceremony in Newcastle this October.
Among the biggest talking points is a first-ever Mercury Prize nomination for music legend and northern icon Sir Paul McCartney, whose latest album The Boys Of Dungeon Lane has earned him a place on the shortlist.
Elsewhere representing the north, Newcastle jazz collective Knats have been shortlisted for A Great Day In Newcastle while jungle pioneer Nia Archives, who comes from Bradford, is recognised for her acclaimed album Emotional Junglist.
Image: Audio North
Another artist flying the Newcastle flag is JADE with her debut solo album That's Showbiz Baby!, whilst other notable nominations include Olivia Dean, RAYE and and the charity compilation HELP(2) from War Child Records.
The full 2026 Mercury Prize shortlist is:
Paul McCartney – The Boys Of Dungeon Lane
Olivia Dean – The Art Of Loving
RAYE – This Music May Contain Hope
Dave – The Boy Who Played The Harp
Florence + The Machine – Everybody Scream
Dove Ellis – Blizzard
Knats – A Great Day In Newcastle
Kojey Radical – Don't Look Down
JADE – That's Showbiz Baby!
Nia Archives – Emotional Junglist
Suede – Antidepressants
War Child Records – HELP(2)
This year's Mercury Prize ceremony will return to Newcastle's Utilita Arena on Thursday 22 October after the city successfully hosted the awards for the first time last year.
The 2025 event saw hometown hero Sam Fender take home the coveted prize for People Watching, and who knows - maybe The Toon will bag another prize for a hometown hero.
‘It wasn’t its time’ – Mediterranean Leeds cafe closes just two months after opening
Clementine Hall
A new street food spot has sadly closed its doors just two months after opening.
Back in May, a beautiful taste of the Mediterranean was was brought to us by Shvaan, a very talented chef who previously worked alongside his family at Eastern Oven in Kirkgate Market.
An absolute gem of a spot, Eastern Oven is known for its fresh breads, aromatic meats and plates bursting with colour - and this is exactly what Shvaan set up with FenerBar.
This new venture opened up inside The Attic, a multidisciplinary arts and events space just on the outskirts of the city centre by The Tetley and the new Aire Park development.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Serving up Eastern Mediterranean dishes like mackerel, lamb and beef kebabs, as well as various colourful vegan plates, everything at Fenerbar was homemade and you could really tell the amount of love put into each and every dish.
Unfortunately, Fenerbar has now closed its doors with owner Shvaan stating 'it wasn't it's time'.
Announcing the sad news to Instagram, Fenerbar said: "fenerBar has been closed. It wasn’t its time, whether it’s from the past or in the future, we’ll have to find out.
"Many thanks to @theatticleeds for hosting me and giving me the space to give it a shot. Wish them all the best. And thanks to everyone who came."
Of course in true Leeds fashion, fellow independents flocked to the comments showing their support and wishing Fenerbar all the luck in the next chapter.
We're sure this isn't the end for Shvaan's talents, and we can't wait to see what he does next.
Sophie Smith -
10th March 2022 
