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Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield are writing a children’s book about friendship

The book will explain "there are many ways to be strong".

Georgina Pellant - 20th July 2023

Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield are writing a children's book about friendship, it has been revealed.

The two rugby league legends, who have inspired the world with their unbreakable friendship, will collaborate on a new book called Try to highlight male friendships and show "there are many ways to be strong".

Designed for men and boys in particular, but for everyone to read and enjoy, the new book will explain that these "friendships can be based on love and vulnerability", according to Burrow.

The former Leeds Rhinos star continued: "True friends like Kevin are always with their friends even when times are tough.

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"I used to love reading bedtime stories to my three children, usually multiple times because they would try and delay their bedtime," he added.

The new title will be preceded by another book for children and adults called With You Every Step: A Celebration Of Friendship, set to be released in November 2023.

This November release will see illustrators reproduce the former teammates' words using black line artwork.

England rugby union defence coach Sinfield said: "To create a book based around friendship, we hope it will help many parents, not just fathers, connect with their children and provide an insight into what true friendship is."

Read more: The Leeds sports bar serving cheesy pizza fondues and loaded tater tots

Featured image - Leeds Rhinos (via Instagram)

Leeds

Pitbull at Roundhay Festival – For one glorious evening, Leeds became the happiest place on Earth

Daisy Jackson Pitbull at Roundhay Festival - For one glorious evening, Leeds became the happiest place on Earth

Pitbull at Roundhay Festival - For one glorious evening, Leeds became the happiest place on Earth

From the second Pitbull emerges onto the Roundhay Festival stage, suited, sunglasses firmly in place, there was only ever going to be one outcome - a field full of thousands of people completely surrendering to the party.

A few years ago, Pitbull's resurgence was treated by some as a bit of an internet joke. The memes were everywhere. The bald cap. The "Mr Worldwide" catchphrase. The nostalgia.

But those people who still think this is a novelty have clearly never been to a Pitbull concert.

While party anthems are often dismissed as throwaway pop, these hits are anything but - Pitbull writes songs that still get you dancing 20 years since their release, songs that reach into your brain and switch off the part that normally tells you to stand still with your drink.

Whether the tracks first exploded onto playlists in the late 2000s or the early 2010s, they still trigger the same involuntary reaction: arms in the air, hips moving, and strangers suddenly becoming your dance partners.

Pitbull is also a genuinely exceptional showman, dancing and jumping so freely we end up with a camera roll of photos where he appears to be levitating.

Backed by a phenomenal live band, every song feels bigger, louder and more celebratory than its studio version, while slick choreography and booming production transforms Roundhay's open fields into a full-blown fiesta.

Giant video screens whisk the audience from Miami to Cuba, Rio Carnival to Tijuana, with plenty of lively pyrotechnics making it all the more mental.

The Hoot in a sea of Pitbulls

Pitbull on stage at Roundhay Festival — The Hoot in a sea of Pitbulls

Even the inevitable costume changes (... jacket changes) became part of the experience.

Rather than letting the atmosphere dip, Pitbull hands the stage over to a DJ armed with wall-to-wall singalong classics. Instead of checking phones or heading for the bar, the crowd just… keeps dancing.

The whole spectacle thrives on glorious excess. There's the surreal contrast of Pitbull, impeccably dressed in a tuxedo jacket, standing centre stage while dancers perform around him in impossibly tiny leotards. It's flamboyant, unapologetic and entirely committed to the bit. There really isn't another live show quite like it, and that's probably for the best.

Amid all the catchphrases, the relentless positivity and what feels like several hundred uses of the word "party", Pitbull also finds time to remind the audience of the work his foundation has done, including helping build schools and providing education for thousands of young people. It's a brief but welcome reminder that beneath the larger-than-life persona is someone who has invested heavily in giving opportunities to others.

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Of course, nobody is really here for a TED Talk. We're here to lose ourselves for 90 minutes in hit after hit, and that's exactly what we get.

Pitbull understands something many artists don't: joy is a skill. Creating an atmosphere where thousands of strangers forget about work, bills and bad news long enough to dance without embarrassment isn't easy. But somehow he makes it look effortless.

For one night, Roundhay Park wasn't just another festival site. It was the biggest party in Yorkshire.

And yes, y'all really were having a good time.

Read more: Lewis Capaldi at Roundhay Festival, Leeds – tickets, times, setlist and more

Featured image: The Hoot Leeds

Leeds

Cult favourite burger chain Burgerism is officially coming to Leeds this August

Clementine Hall

An award-winning burger chain is coming to one of Leeds' suburbs.

If you don't know Burgerism, then get to know.

The Manchester-based burger chain is known by many for its incredible smash patties and quick, reliable service.

Their concept is simple: good burgers made with quality ingredients and cooked fresh to order. Delicious.

And it's not just burgers, they've also got some great wings and fries available too with a range of homemade sauces on offer for dunking, drizzling and devouring. We're a particular fan of the buffalo wings with their garlic ranch dip.

The chain used to have a dark kitchen on the outskirts of the city where people could order via Deliveroo, however this closed down and since then there's been a Burgerism-shaped hole left in our foodie scene.

Image: The Hoot Leeds

Burgerism recently applied to move into a vacant shop unit in Meanwood at 605 Meanwood Road, seeking change-of-use planning permission for the former Papa Johns site which was previously only allowed to serve...well, pizzas.

And the plans have now been approved, which means Burgerism will officially be coming to Leeds. Hurray!

Burgerism's new takeaway will be walking distance from the The Meanwood Tavern, perfect for those looking for some post-pint burgers.

It will be strictly takeaway with no dine-in option available.

The brand-new Burgerism will employ 15 people from the local area with food being served between 11am and 11pm.

We'll keep you up to date as and when we find out more, but for now we're aware that Burgerism Leeds is set to open this August.

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Featured image - Supplied (Burgerism)