A Leeds-born musician and rising star not just of the Yorkshire music scene but UK jazz as a whole, Emma-Jean Thackray, has been named among the nominees for this year's Mercury Prize.
The 2025 Mercury Music Prize shortlist is officially out, and we're proud to say that the North has been well represented once again this time around.
Better still, with multiple names from 'God's Own Country', Emma-Jean Thackray is flying the flag for the Leeds delegation following her most recent album, which has seen her notch the Mercury nod for the first time.
She may now be based in south-east London, but the local lass still his a big following back home, so it goes without saying that we're proud as punch for her.
Released back in April, Thackray's fourth studio LP hasn't just been a firm hit with her fan-base but has won over plenty more, not to mention earning plenty more plaudits from the critics - hence being shortlisted this year.
Addressing the huge honour in an emotional post on Instagram, the 36-year-old said: "Weirdo is a Mercury Prize shortlisted album of the year!! Who wants to come over and ugly cry with me on the sofa??
"Making this album saved my life, so thank you to everyone that’s been listening. After going through the most unimaginable grief, losing the love of my life and not wanting to be here anymore, I threw everything into making this record, alone, for a year, and it was my therapy."
She continues: "I wrote every note, played every instrument, produced it, recorded it, and mixed it, and came out the other side having found myself again. Changed, but here. I’m so grateful for this record because I wouldn’t be here without it."
"It all started as a celebration record for being a neurodivergent little weirdo with constant mental health issues, but it evolved and became a survival record in so many ways." It's no surprise that the deeply personal record has struck such a strong chord.
The well-earned recognition recently saw her spotlighted on Jools Holland too.
She joins the likes of resurgent Sheffield Britpop icons and fellow Yorkshire folk, Pulp, as well as Wolf Alice, CMAT and lots more talented acts on the list.
Unsurprisingly, the likes of Fontaines D.C. and Sam Fender are also on there after a standout 12 months for both artists.
As for Thackray, she signed off by adding, "Thank you to all the weirdos out there for being in my gang. We’re not alone inside the music x." Well said, EmJ.
It goes without saying that she gets our vote, and wouldn't potential back-to-back Mercury Prize wins for Leeds be quite the story? You can see the rest of the 2025 shortlist in full down below.
Ever-evolving Leeds music hotspot TESTBED is making its grand return to Leeds city centre with an impressive launch party lineup.
Recognised as a cultural venue for bringing people together via music, TESTBED has hosted a variety of club nights in its warehouse location since 2024.
Back in April, it was announced that the team behind this rave-centric club were transforming this space from it's 'Phase 1.3' to 'Phase 2.0'.
Now, TESTBED has released the full lineup for its upcoming launch party which will show off some of the venue's latest features like its 360-degree DJ booth, improved acoustics and 5,000 sq ft mezzanine and balcony area.
Annie Mac is headlining the TESTBED Leeds launch party joined by Horse Meat Disco / Credit: Press Shots (via supplied)
Previous performers include Liverpool dance music duo Camelphat, house music DJ Alisha, Netherlands-own Chris Stussy and more, so it will come as no surprise that this relaunch features an equally-stellar lineup.
Fronting the bill for the TESTBED Launch Party is none other than EDM connoisseur and influential figure Annie Mac, who's hosted a variety of radio shows across the BBC as well as curating a set or two herself.
Also in attendance is Horse Meat Disco, a group who put disco and queer culture at the forefront of each and every high-energy set.
Irish selector Shee is also showing off his music expertise and already having collaborations with the likes of A-trak and Karma Kid, expect to hear some tunes.
Shee and Junior Simba will be taking to the decks to wow the crowds over at TESTBED Leeds / Credit: Press Shots (via supplied)
Seasoned club DJ and presenter Marcia Carr, known for playing live sets with vinyl records, will also be soundtracking the night too, playing out everything from Afrohouse to dubstep.
Of course, it wouldn't be a Leeds-based party without some local talent courtesy of Junior Simba who's quickly become a key player in the house music scene.
And if that wasn't enough raving for you, TESTBED has already announced even more insane nights of music madness featuring ROSSI., Interplanetary Criminal and Obskür.
TESTBED's opening party is taking place on Saturday 3 October from 2pm til 12am and you can grab tickets from as little as £20 HERE.
Major plans announced for Leeds Christmas Markets 2026 – food, drinks, stalls and more
Thomas Melia
Leeds Christmas Markets is returning to the city centre in just two months' time and some major plans and changes have been announced.
Although Pop Princess Zara Larsson might want us to believe "Summer isn't over yet", it's safe to say that the recent downpours we've had across West Yorkshire disagree.
Leeds Christmas Markets are also ringing in the new season with a jam-packed video posted to social media announcing all the current plans and changes for its 2026 schedule.
This year, outdoor events company Thor’s Tipi are stepping up as the all-new operators of this Christmastime spectacular and are organising a celebration where 'even if you’re not from Yorkshire, you’re going to leave being from Yorkshire'.
Leeds Christmas Markets are returning to Leeds City Square from Thursday 19 November with plenty of Yorkshire-centric stalls / Credit: The Hoot Leeds
Although Leeds locals already know that Yorkshire is 'God's Own Country', the Leeds Christmas Markets team are making sure that the county is represented through its food, drinks and wider stalls.
In a video uploaded to its social accounts, foodie expert and Little Bao Boy Founder James 'Jimmy Chews' Ooi was given the honour of revealing all these exciting plans.
Informing everyone that "You best come hungry", Ooi noted that some of the phenomenal vendors taking part include La Grassa and The Savvy Baker.
Real Markets Yorkshire and Stump Cross Caverns are also getting into the Christmas spirit and setting up their own stalls at Leeds City Square this November.
La Grassa is just one of many familiar foodie faces returning to Leeds Christmas Markets / Credit: The Hoot Leeds
Rated restaurants and bars are contributing to the festive frenzy too, like Cabaret Thursdays at Italian restaurant Bibi's and beer garden destination Green Room are hosting singalongs at Leeds Christmas Markets.
There will be plenty of activities for families happening all around the unofficial capital of West Yorkshire like elf-themed scavenger hunts, various elves on various shelves and lots of live music.
If it wasn't apparent already, in the words of Jimmy Chews himself, there's about to be "So much Christmas that Mariah Carey is going to look like the Grinch".
Leeds Christmas Markets are returning to Leeds City Square from Thursday 19 November and there will be plenty of exciting announcements to the upcoming celebrations ahead of the big day.
Danny Jones -
10th September 2025 
