Some of the world's most loved queens will be coming to Leeds this Christmas for a special festive show featuring the stars of Ru Paul's Drag Race, it has been revealed.
Stars from the hit UK show, including The Vivienne and BagaChipz, will be turning up in Leeds for one night only for the Christmas Xtravaganza at 02 Academy Leeds.
Taking place on Monday 13 December, the show promises to bring all the high energy, drama and glamour or the hit TV show to Leeds this Christmas - featuring a host of stars from RuPaul's Drag Race UK, Canada, and the US series.
RuPaul's Drag Race winner THE Vivienne performing at Manchester Pride this summer / Image: The Vivienne
So far, as well as the UK favourites BagaChipz and The Vivienne, it has also been revealed that Ginny Lemon, Latrice Royale, Olivia Lux, and Priyanka will be taking part in the run of shows - which will cover the breadth of the UK and Ireland.
And on top of that, there are six more queens on the line-up still to be revealed.
As well as stopping off in Leeds, the Drag Race stars will also be landing in Plymouth, Bristol, Nottingham, Birmingham, Liverpool, London, Cardiff, Southampton, Manchester, Norwich, Sheffield, Colchester, Newcastle, Stockton, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dublin and Belfast between 27 November and 2 December 2021.
The show is coming to Leeds' O2 Academy this December / Image: Viagogo
The Leeds 02 Academy is billing the show as: "Christmas production, drag market and so much more. Shantay, You Sleigh! On O2?"
Tickets will go on general sale at 9 am on Friday, 1 October.
The full list of tour dates is listed below:
Saturday 27 November 2021 - DUBLIN Olympia Theatre Monday 29 November 2021 - BELFAST Waterfront Hall Wednesday 1 December 2021 - PLYMOUTH Pavilions Friday 3 December 2021 - BRISTOL Marble Factory Saturday 5 December2021 - NOTTINGHAM Rock City Sunday 5 December 2021 - BIRMINGHAM O2 Academy Birmingham Tuesday 7 December 2021 - LIVERPOOL Eventim Olympia Wednesday 8 December 2021 - LONDON Eventim Apollo Friday 10 December 2021 - CARDIFF University Great Hall Saturday 11 December 2021 - SOUTHAMPTON City Hall Oval Monday 13 December 2021 - LEEDS O2 Academy Leeds Tuesday 14 December 2021 - MANCHESTER TBC Thursday 16 December 2021 - NORWICH UEA Friday 17 December 2021 - SHEFFIELD O2 Guildhall Saturday 18 December 2021 - COLCHESTER Charter Hall Sunday 19 December 2021 - NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE O2 City Hall Tuesday 21 December 2021 - STOCKTON TBC Wednesday 22 December 2021 - EDINBURGH TBC Thursday 23 December 2021 - GLASGOW O2 Academy Glasgow
The world's biggest podcast festival, Crossed Wires, continues its magnificent rise in just its third year.
It's safe to say that the festival has had its landmark year, with this year's independent economic assessment confirming the 2026 festival generated £6.65 million in total economic impact.
After doubling footfall to a whopping 50,000 attendees in 2026, the festival has further cemented its position as one of the world’s fastest-growing cultural festivals.
Alongside its strong local community roots, it may come as a surprise that just over half (52%) of festivalgoers travelled from outside of South Yorkshire, with 40% outside the UK North and Midlands.
Image: Supplied
It's amazing news for the festival which launched just three years ago and has rapidly evolved from an ambitious start-up festival into a nationally significant event.
South Yorkshire's Mayor, Oliver Coppard said: "When we backed Crossed Wires in its early days, we knew South Yorkshire had the talent, creativity and ambition to make something truly special. What's happened since has been incredible.
"Tens of thousands of people have come to our region, filling venues, supporting local businesses and bringing millions of pounds into our economy. That's good news for Sheffield and for our communities right across South Yorkshire."
Images: Supplied
Co-Founder Dino Sofos, said: “We’re delighted to see Crossed Wires become one of South Yorkshire’s biggest cultural events in just three years. There’s a real buzz around the festival, and reaching 50,000 attendees while generating over £6million for the local economy this year shows the scale of what we’ve created - and its potential to grow even further."
We can't wait to see the future of Crossed Wires festival, and we're already looking forward to the next instalment taking place from 1 - 4 July 2027. We'll see you there.
Cult burger brand Burgerism opens takeaway outside of Manchester in a Leeds suburb
Clementine Hall
The North West’s most ordered burger has landed in Leeds, and it’s easy to see why it’s loved by so many.
If you don't know about Burgerism, then get to know.
The iconic burger brand, which started life as a dark kitchen off an industrial estate in Salford, is now almost ready to welcome fans into its first Leeds location.
Set to open tomorrow – Wednesday 23 September – Burgerism will be serving up their signature smash burgers from a new site over in Meanwood.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The site sits right next to The Meadwood Tavern on Meanwood Road, the perfect location for if you're out and about and looking for a bit of grub after a few pints.
The interior is sporting the bright Burgerism orange, and although it is mainly a takeaway restaurant there are a few seats for sit-in.
You’ll be able to order your food at the counter, via self-service kiosks, or through click-and-collect on the Burgerism website.
Images: The Hoot leeds
Highlights on the menu will, as always, include the fan-favourite Cheesed (two smashed patties, cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickle, onion and the brand’s signature sauce, served in a seeded brioche bun), as well as a range of chicken burgers, fries, and wings.
Everything is made fresh to order, and even their sauces and dips are made entirely in-house.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
And the good stuff doesn't stop there, as to celebrate the grand opening they'll be giving away the first 100 customers from 5pm a 'Comeback Card' where you'll eat on them during your next visit. So get there early if you don't want to miss out
The Meanwood site will be the sixth Burgerism site following its five openings elsewhere in Greater Manchester.
Georgina Pellant -
30th September 2021 
