News
Rishi Sunak says he’s scrapping HS2, but will build Leeds a tram network
Don't say it unless you mean it, Rishi...
Rishi Sunak has announced that he is officially scrapping the northern leg of the HS2 train line - and quietly announced that the leftover money will be used to build a tram network in Leeds.
Rumours had been swirling all week that the PM would announce the termination of the HS2 project, a train network that was supposed to be 'the backbone of Britain's transport network'.
Sure enough, he took to the stage in Manchester today to confirm in his keynote speech that HS2 would be scrapped north of Birmingham.
BUT in a surprise twist, Mr Sunak then announced details of a 'Network North' scheme that would improve the infrastructure between and around northern cities.
And that apparently includes a tram network around Leeds...
It's been such a long-running promise that our city would once again have trams tooting around that it's become a bit of a local joke (it even became an April Fool's joke last year).
Leeds of course did have a transit system that ran across the city from 1871 – 1959, using a combination of horse-drawn, steam and electric trams over time.
However, due to the trams being deemed unaffordable by the City Council following the Second World War, they ultimately closed – and have been missed in the city ever since.
At present, Leeds is the largest city in Western Europe without a built-in transport system.
We've been promised a tram system before, with the most promising proposal, which would have served the inner city, both Universities and Headingley, scrapped in 2005 by the Transport Secretary after budget issues.
Rishi is now promising that Network North's smaller transport projects will be a better option than HS2, which he described as 'one delayed and over-budget project'.
And reaction to the news of a Leeds tram has been as you'd expect...
Featured image: Unsplash
News
Leeds cinemas are offering tickets to see big blockbusters for just £4 this weekend
Emily Sergeant
You can watch some of the year’s biggest blockbusters for just £4 this weekend.
That’s because, to celebrate National Cinema Weekend (5-6 September), Vue has announced that it’ll be offering cut-price tickets to everything from the latest blockbusters and family favourites, to indie horrors and classic re-releases so you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy the full cinematic experience this autumn.
Some of the highlights currently showing that you’ll be able to see for just £4 include summer hits like Spider-Man: Brand New Day, The Odyssey, and Toy Story 5, as well as the recent release of Ridley Scott’s latest film, The Dog Stars, starring Jacob Elordi.
Family favourites such as Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie, and Cars will also be screening over National Cinema Weekend.
Meanwhile, horror fans can also catch new releases Insidious: Out of the Further, and indie horror Leviticus, or see the year’s biggest horror hit, Obsession, if you haven’t already.
The best bit about the offer? It applies to every seat on every showing, all weekend long. Just pass us the popcorn now.
This means that film lovers can enjoy Vue’s biggest and comfiest seats, Ultra Lux, which are strategically positioned to give the best possible view of the big screen – with extra-wide armrests, back and leg rests that recline independently, a personal table for snacks and beverages, and a state-of-the-art wine cooler, all for just £4 each.
“We encourage everyone to make the most of the celebration and enjoy a film at Vue.”
National Cinema Weekend returns for 2026 this Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 September, and you can book tickets on the Vue website here.
Read more from The Hoot Leeds : A Yorkshire barbecue restaurant has opened in one of Leeds’ coolest venues
Featured Image – Krists Luhaers (via Unsplash)
News
Major DJ has set cancelled as overcrowding concerns continue at Leeds Festival
Clementine Hall
After closing for the entire second day, The Warehouse stage at Leeds Festival has once again been forced to evacuate.
One of the most anticipated dance acts of the day has been cancelled due to health and safety concerns just moments before the set.
Sheffield DJ Silva Bumpa was due to take to The Warehouse stage today at 1:30pm, but the set was cancelled due to overcrowding.
It's not the first time this has happened at Leeds Festival 2026, as yesterday Omar+'s set was cancelled due to the same issue and the stage was subsequently closed for the rest of the day.
The Warehouse stage is completely new for this year, and supposedly is designed specifically for dance music...which is quite ironic.
Announcing the news to Instagram, Silva Bumpa said: "So so sorry Leeds Fest but due to over crowding my set was cancelled last min I was just behind the stage and got told right before such a massive shame."
Prospa, another prominent DJ who's set was cancelled at Reading on Friday afternoon, spoke up on the situation: "We are disappointed in The Warehouse stage closure at Reading Festival. We were told it wasn't possible to play whilst on the way. This was due to too many people outside the stage.
"We have seen this happen before at larger festivals in the UK. It's time to double the capacity of tents or put dance music on the main stage."
It comes after another dance stage, LS23, was closed mid-set last night due to a health and safety hazard when all the lights suddenly switched off and ravers were forced to evacuate.
If yesterday is anything to go by, we wouldn't be surprised if The Warehouse was closed for the rest of the day which means anticipated sets from Rossi and Mall Grab will also be cancelled.
Read more from The Hoot Leeds:
Featured image - The Hoot Leeds
Daisy Jackson -
4th October 2023 
