A bird's-eye view of Leeds, Sheffield, and Yorkshire
X
Leeds
Old Chapel Music Studios needs your help to raise £9000 to secure its future in Leeds
Since launching its CrowdFunder, the studio has raised £2500, with the money raised going towards 'nullify the effects of increased rent for the next year - and settle a backdated claim for increased rent lodged by Czar St’s landlords'.
Musical home to Leeds' own Kaiser Chiefs and Pigeon Detectives and countless other artists, Old Chapel Music Studios has been making music accessible for all.
Formerly known as Parkside Studios, the CIC has been offering resources to local Holbeck residents and services to the wider Leeds areas for some 30 years now - but it's future is now uncertain.
Challenged by rising rent costs and the cost of living crisis, Old Chapel needs to raise £9000 in just a few weeks.
Since launching its CrowdFunder, the studio has raised £2500, with the money raised going towards 'nullify the effects of increased rent for the next year - and settle a backdated claim for increased rent lodged by Czar St’s landlords'.
Katie Hayes, CEO of Old Chapel Music CIC, said the following of the Crowdfunder:
“Thank you to those who have shared and donated so far. We’ve been serving the community for over 30 years now and never asked for any financial help in this time. We’ve supported numerous bands to start their careers in the industry, worked in partnership with other organisations and Charities such as Festival Republic on their Re:Balance programme to which we support women in the industry through training & mentoring while offering a safe space for individuals to grow and develop.
"The number and variety of free music workshops that have been on offer over the years, have helped both disadvantaged people and those with Mental Health and Learning Disabilities. We are not JUST at rehearsal and recording studio, we are so much more than this and I want to see the future, that we have planned for, continue and flourish for years to come.
"If we reach our crowdfunder target it will help us cover what we have paid out and by smashing the target we can continue delivering free music sessions, so please share our crowdfunder through your networks and if you can donate anything, that would be great.”
Everyone and anyone is welcome to use the facilities at Old Chapel Studios and the CIC has worked tirelessly to keep its prices affordable for musicians. / Image: The Hoot Leeds
Gordon White, guitar tech for the likes of Richard Hawley and Noel Gallagher, works from Old Chapel Studios. / Image: The Hoot Leeds
Old Chapel Studios has a history of bringing artists to life in a safe and welcoming environment and is offering a range of rewards for anyone that chooses to donate to the fundraiser, including t-shirts, private rehearsal sessions and recordings.
The studios explains that: "Old Chapel is registered as a Community Interest Organisation (CIC) which has 3 volunteer Directors, 2 part time staff and a pool of freelancers along with some hard working and very dedicated volunteers, who keep the doors open 7 days a week. Leeds Music Trust is our parent charity which comprises a Board of Volunteer Trustees, overseeing the work we do and making sure education and affordability to the community of Leeds, is at the forefront of all our work.
"Today the services we provide as a grassroots music community for amateur and professional musicians, young people and vulnerable adults wanting to learn or practice music have never been needed more. But, the current situation is challenging all the hard work we do."
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 -
2nd August 2023 
