It's no secret that West Yorkshire has a bit of an obsession with UFOs. Now, it's been revealed that the area surrounding Leeds was the most popular location for UFO sightings in the UK in June.
UFO sightings are very much back in vogue since the Pentagon released its declassified UFO report, detailing all the data that US security services have amassed over the years.
In the last year, it's believed there have been at least 200 reports of mysterious flying objects in the United Kingdom alone.
Until 2009, The Royal Air Force was responsible for handling and recording all reports regarding UFOs- due to 'no evidence of a threat.'
Closer to home, Ash Ellis, who runs the website UFO Identified, has revealed a large number of sightings were reported across the skies of Yorkshire in 2021.
Reports revealed in and around Leeds include a "black triangle" shaped object on June 15, whilst another sighting of two "black curved crafts flying information" was also recorded in the city in June.
It's said the UFO's were seen to be travelling at high speed "before suddenly stopping in mid-air" for four seconds, the report reads.
It's alleged in the report that these 'craft' had "no noise or lights visible" and had a "bubble effect" around them.
Elsewhere, in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, a "silver sausage-shaped object" has been spotted in the sky - allegedly turning to black before "disappearing' entirely.
Other recent UFO sightings in and around Leeds include a dark circular object followed by four similar but smaller objects in Bingley, West Yorkshire.
Full details of recent UFO sightings in and around Leeds:
June 15, 22:12, Leeds, West Yorkshire
Black triangle-shaped object with a clear middle observed, no noise or lights visible, with a slight 'bubble' effect around it, travelling at a constant and high speed around 300-500ft high
June 13, 20:55, Bingley, West Yorksshire
One dark circular object followed by four similar but smaller objects, appeared to be heavy or metal objects spinning as they moved from south to north, objects were around 50 metres apart
June 12, 13:36, Barnsley, South Yorksshire
Silver sausage-shaped object approx 600ft long, began to turn black and then disappeared
June 09, 12:55, Leeds, West Yorksshire
Two thin, black curved crafts, flying in formation one behind the other, travelling at speed before suddenly stopping in mid-air for approx. 4 seconds before continuing to fly smoothly at a constant speed away to the north-west
Feature image - Juran Harrison.
News
Iconic Leeds venue The Reliance to be brought back to life under new name ‘The Smithfield’
The Reliance, a much missed North Street site, is being brought back to life as The Smithfield.
The Smithfield is set to be a new social eatery and pub focused on seasonal, produce-led dining.
Set to open its doors to the people of Leeds in early April, The Smithfield will pay homage to the local area through both its produce and people.
The venue will focus on proper plates of seasonal ingredients, pairing a relaxed dining style with a strong sense of community. Sounds pretty brilliant if you ask us.
Building on the legacy of North Street, The Smithfield is a collaborative project between Yorkshire brewery Crooked Brewing and chef James Donovan.
Images: Supplied
Steve Dawson, co-founder of Crooked Brewing, has long admired The Reliance and want to build on its established legacy.
“What The Reliance was doing was cutting edge for its time,” says Donovan. “We want to bring that same vision and energy into Leeds in 2026. Our aim is to pick up the culinary torch that The Reliance left behind and continue its legacy of great food in Leeds,” adds Dawson.
The Smithfield takes its name from Church Street’s historic connection to the Smithfield cattle market of the early 1800s, once located on what is now Lovell Park.
“We really want the people around us to feel that The Smithfield is their space,” says Dawson. “We want to give them a place at our table.”
We'll keep you updated with an opening date as and when we know, but we're very excited indeed.
Jungle are back and have announced a huge Leeds gig for later this year
Daisy Jackson
Modern funk and soul band Jungle are officially heading back to Leeds.
The Mercury Prize-nominated group will be performing at the First Direct Bank Arena this November, following their blistering summer on the festival circuit last year.
They'll be heading to Leeds on Saturday 21 November 2026.
Jungle was formed back in 2013 by producers and friends Josh Lloyd-Watson and Tom McFarland.
While they technically worked as a duo for years (until 2023, when touring member Lydia Kitto became an official member of the band), Jungle are known for their huge live performances.
They always fill stages with musicians and vocalists, for incredible funk n soul live shows.
The bands huge hits include Back on 74, Casio, and Busy Earnin’, from four top-10 albums including 2023’s groundbreaking Volcano.
The upcoming Leeds date forms part of the band’s upcoming world tour, which arrives in the UK in November 2026 following a string of international performances across Europe, North America, and beyond.
Fans can expect a setlist jam packed with standout tracks, including fan favourites such as ‘Volcano’ and ‘Back On 74’ and newer material from their upcoming album ‘Sunshine’, released on 14 August that continues to push the band’s signature sound forward.
With over 3.4 billion streams to their name, Jungle’s Leeds show is set to be one of the hottest tickets of 2026 so we wouldn't mess about if we were you.
Tickets for Jungle in Manchester will go on general sale from 10am on Friday 27 March, with pre-sale from 10am on Thursday 26 March.
Georgina Pellant -
9th July 2021 
