Leeds

Optimism grows for Leeds to host Eurovision as “city bursting with life and cultural energy”

Sophie Smith Sophie Smith - 6th September 2022

Eurovision shared an update on our city's bid for the 2023 song contest.

Seven cities have been shortlisted in the United Kingdom for Eurovision Song Contest 2023, but is due to be revealed later this year.

The 2023 contest will be hosted in the UK on behalf of this year’s winning broadcaster, Ukraine’s UA:PBC. As a result of discussions, the BBC, as runner up in the 2022 Contest, was invited by the EBU to act as Host Broadcaster for the 67th Eurovision Song Contest. 

Last month, Leeds joined Birmingham, Liverpool, Glasgow, Manchester, Newcastle and Sheffield in the bid to host the competition.

Read More: Leeds favourite to host Eurovision Song Contest 2023

Naturally, here in Leeds we're excited about the prospect of bringing one of Europe's biggest competitions to the North, and with many Ukrainian artists calling Leeds home, including western rock and Ukrainian folk band, The Ukrainians, who have been performing for 32 years.

The Eurovision Song Contest website has described Leeds as " city bursting with life and cultural energy, which boasts a vibrant creative community" citing Leeds' past ability to host major live TV events like Tour de France Grand Depart, the MOBO Awards and BBC Sports Personality of the Year, which have all been delivered from the First Direct Arena.

Additional reasons that have been cited for Leeds to host the Eurovision Song Contest include the existing attraction of Leeds Festival, which brings up to 100,000 people into the city each summer; and the grounding existence of award-winning national theatre and dance companies- and that's without the mention of the First Direct Arena.

Image: First Direct Arena

Read More: Leeds has officially been shortlisted as a host city for Eurovision

Councillor James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council and Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s executive member for economy and culture, had this to say:

"It goes without saying that Leeds will be bidding to host Eurovision in 2023. Leeds has already proved that it has the capability and capacity to host major international events and ASM Global, the operators of the First Direct Arena, successfully hosted the Eurovision Song Contest in the Avicii Arena in Stockholm in 2016. Given that we will be mid-way through the Leeds 2023 Year of Culture, it could not come at a better time."

"We are extremely disappointed that Ukraine will be unable to host in 2023, but it would be an honour to host on behalf of them, especially given that West Yorkshire is home to a large number of Ukrainians. If we are successful with our bid, we will be looking to get the local Ukrainian community involved with our plans as much as possible."

The hosting city will be announced in autumn by the BBC and EBU.

Feature Image- First Direct Arena

Leeds

A popular Caribbean street food restaurant is coming to Leeds this spring

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

Get ready to enjoy a taste of the Caribbean as Jerk Junction is gearing up to open in Leeds.

The street food favourite has made waves in the foodie scene over in Manchester and Liverpool, so it's only right that its making its way into Trinity Kitchen.

Jerk Junction specialises in authentic Caribbean flavours, from dumplings and jerk chicken to curried goat and rice and peas, it's all flame-grilled and packed with island spices.

It is expected to open this spring.

Image: The Manc Group

Steven Foster, Centre Director at Trinity Leeds, said: “We’re so excited to be welcoming Jerk Junction to Trinity Kitchen and we’re sure it will prove very popular. Bringing an authentic Caribbean flavour to Leeds, it’s the perfect new addition and complements our already stellar line-up of street food vendors.”

Jake Shaffi, founder at Jerk Junction, said: “Jerk Junction is all about real Caribbean food and culture. Everything we do is rooted in Jamaican tradition, from bold spices and authentic cooking to dishes that bring people together.

“For us, food is family. From our kitchen to every person who comes to our counter, we want people to feel the warmth, the energy and the spirit of the islands. We can’t wait to bring those authentic flavours and good vibes to Trinity Kitchen.”

The announcement follows news that the UK’s largest independent boutique bowling brand Lane7, and footwear retailers schuh and Footasylum, would be opening at Trinity Leeds later this year, whilst the LEGO Store will be relocating to a larger space within the shopping centre.

Read more:

Featured image - The Manc Group

Leeds

Loved Leeds cocktail bar to no longer close following ‘outpouring of love’ by the community

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

It's great news for the Leeds hospitality scene as The Maven announces it will no longer close.

Just over a week ago, The Maven on Call Lane sadly announced that they would be closing their doors for good.

It's safe to say that we were absolutely gutted, alongside everyone else who's enjoyed a cocktail or two in The Maven.

But our beloved bar isn't going anywhere, as today they have announced that The Maven is sticking around.

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by The Maven (@themavenbar)

Posting to their social media, The Maven said: "When news broke The Maven could close its doors at the end of March, the reaction across the city was immediate. The response from customers, bartenders, and hospitality operators showed just how much this bar means to Leeds.

"For nearly 15 years, The Maven has been one of the city’s most loved cocktail destinations and a true institution within the local bar scene.

"When we told you about its potential closure we were flooded with support and interest from across the hospitality community. In the days that followed, several Leeds-based operators stepped forward with genuine offers to buy the venue and keep the bar alive.

"At a time when our industry is too often filled with stories of closures, today brings a little hope - a story about a community stepping up to protect something it values.

"The reports that The Maven would close at the end of March are now firmly in the past: The Maven Lives.

"Thanks to the passion of the Leeds hospitality community and the loyalty of its guests, the bar will continue to be part of the city’s nightlife story. More details about the next chapter for The Maven will be shared soon."

Read more: Beloved Leeds takeaway Souvlaki Corner to open new restaurant in Morley next month

Featured image - The Hoot Leeds

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