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Sounds of the City kicks off with incredible performance from McFly
Kicking off the 2023 Sounds of the City, McFly took to the stage in Millennium square and wowed the people of Leeds with a nostalgic and energetic performance.
Kicking off the 2023 Sounds of the City, McFly took to the stage in Millennium square and wowed the people of Leeds with a nostalgic and energetic performance.
Doors opened to the first summer performance at 6pm sharp and people started pouring into the square to get those front spots. A sea of cowboy hats and band t-shirts, the energy from the get-go was just electric.
The huge outdoor venue saw a few minutes of rain but not enough to dampen the spirits of the evening to come.
Credit: Millenium Square
Ahead of the gig, a message flashed on the screen which read: “Raise your glowsticks and phone torches during Star Girl in memory of Kel.” Kel, a very well-known fan of the band passed away earlier this year and with her mum among the crowd this tribute was very heartfelt.
The first of the two support acts took to the stage as the eager crowd still poured into the venue. Skinny Living, a three-piece English indie soul band from Wakefield, were the perfect energy to start the evening. The velvety tones of lead singer Danny rang around the square harmonising beautifully with his fellow band mates.
Credit: skinnyliving.co.uk
Next up was the pop band New Hope Club which I think it would be fair to describe them as a 'mini McFly'. By that, I mean you can really see this band having the same success as the headliners, their music and stage presence matching the early days of McFly.
There was then a short break so we grabbed some food from one of The Hoot's favourites, Spud and Bros, and a drink from the bar. I have to say the prices were reasonable, less than £6 for a pint, which in this day and age, I can't knock.
Punctual as ever, McFly burst on the stage at 9pm sharp with the same energy they've kept up for the last two decades. I have to say it's very impressive, as someone who has watched these four lads since 2004 you always know what your getting and that's a sparkling performance.
Credit: Millenium Square
All eyes were on band member Dougie as he jumped onto the stage in baggy white dungarees and no top on underneath them. It’s fair to say you could hear the longing screams across Leeds, and that was just from me.
Credit: Millenium Square
They opened the show with a song from their brand new album 'Where did all the guitars go?' and even those in the crowd there for the classics loved it. From that point onwards it was all dancing, singing and synchronised hand clapping.
Making their way through the 14-song set list, the band had smiles on every face in the crowd as they jumped across the huge stage. While they included a few of their newer songs they kept us OG's happy with all the best classics. 'Obviously' had everyone with their hands in the air and singing along to the 20 year old tune (that makes me feel old).
They ended the set with my personal favourite song 'Star Girl' and of course the crowd absolutely loved it, leg kicking all over the place. The song was dedicated to super fan Kel who sadly passed away earlier this year, lead singer Tom Fletcher said a few kind words and the crowd held there glow-sticks high in the sky for Kel.
With a big thank you to everyone for coming, the four lads waved there goodbyes as a very grateful crowd clapped and cheered.
I know what you're thinking, no mention of everyone's favourite wedding song, there must be an encore. The band reappeared and the opening melody of 'All About You' sent gasps around the square.
To everyone's surprise and pure delight, the cheering continues as those famous lyrics echoed around the venue, 'She's got a lip ring and five colours in her hair'. There wasn't one person in that square not singing along to the iconic song that opened many a primary school discos.
And with that, the opening night of Sounds of the City came to an end. Although despite my best efforts my evening didn't end with Dougie and I sharing a takeaway pizza and reminiscing about the good old days, it was a really wonderful evening.
Bastille, The Wombats, Shed Seven, Morrissey, Blossoms and Kasabian will all be taking to the stage over the next fortnight at Millennium Square. While a couple of shows are sold out, you can still get your hands on tickets for others.
Feature Image - Millennium Square
News
Everything you need to know about watching the solar eclipse in Leeds
People all across the UK will be able to see an almost total solar eclipse in the sky this evening.
For the first time this century, with the last one being all the way back in 1999, people in the UK and Ireland – including here in Leeds – will get to see 90-96% of the sun covered by the moon today (12 August 2026), and if that wasn’t exciting enough as it is, this will be the last chance to do so until 2081.
NASA and Royal Museums Greenwich has confirmed that tomorrow’s solar eclipse will be the most coverage seen from the UK and Ireland since the 1999 event.
But what can astronomy fans in Leeds expect from today’s eclipse? When will it be happening? How much coverage is our region going to see? And where are some of the best places to watch?
First up, let’s get the basics out the way – what is a solar eclipse? A solar eclipse occurs when the moon moves between the sun and the Earth, blocking the sun’s light either partly or fully.
Although the UK will only see a partial solar eclipse this time, some other countries – such as parts of Iceland, Spain, Portugal, and Greenland – will be lucky enough to witness the spectacle of a total eclipse for a duration of up to two minutes and 18 seconds.
When will it be happening?
The eclipse is set to start at 6:13pm in Greater Manchester, and will run right through to 8:03pm – with the peak happening at 7:10pm.
How much coverage can Greater Leeds expect?
Of course, we always have to preface anything we say about astronomical events like this by saying ‘it depends on the weather’, as we do like in the north after all, and even though it is the height of summer, that won’t stop the skies from being overcast.
Luckily though, the Met Office is predicting some of the best weather conditions for an event like this in a long time, so it really is worth watching.
Spectators in Leeds will see 90 - 92% coverage, according to expert sources.
How can I watch the eclipse safely?
If there’s one thing experts are stressing, it’s the need to take correct precautions if you are planning to watch tomorrow.
The most important thing is to wear eclipse glasses and avoid looking directly at the sun.
It’s true that during an eclipse, the sun does appears dimmer therefore making it easier to look at directly, however solar radiation can still reach and damage the retina, often without causing any pain, so you may not realise harm is occurring until it’s too late.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) advises that there are two safe approaches – specialist eclipse viewers, or indirect viewing methods.
Eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers must be genuine, sold by a reputable retailer, and have specially designed filters that meet the international safety standard ISO 12312-2:2015(E). They must also have no scratches, tearing, or damage to the lens.
Old pairs may not be reusable, and sunglasses should never be used.
Indirect view methods include viewing the sun’s image projected through a colander or the gaps between tree leaves on to white paper, or using a pinhole pierced in one sheet of card and projected on to another.
Facial fitness brand loved by celebrities to open second standalone store outside of London in Leeds
Clementine Hall
We hope you're ready for your workout, because Facegym is coming to Leeds.
You may be wondering...what on earth is Facegym? And to be fair, you've got a point.
Facegym, as they themselves describe it, a 'non-invasive fitness studio concept for the face' using high-intensity facial massage, hand manipulation, and electrical muscle stimulation technology to tone, lift, and sculpt the face without surgery.
Unsurprisingly, it's loved by celebrities worldwide and currently occupies five standalone stores in London, one in Cambridge as well as a pop-up in Space NK in Selfridges Manchester.
Facegym will be opening inside the coveted Victoria Gate, taking over a 1,772 square foot studio.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Angelo Castello, chief executive at Facegym, said: “We’re incredibly excited to bring Facegym to Leeds and to open in the beautiful Victoria Gate. The city has a thriving beauty, wellness, and retail scene, making it the perfect location for our next studio.
“We’ve seen growing demand from customers across Yorkshire, and we can’t wait to introduce even more people to the benefits of facial fitness.”
James Edmondson, asset manager at Victoria Leeds owner Redical, said: “Facegym comes at a transformative time for Victoria Leeds, as we continue to branch out and diversify our tenant mix to a degree that sets us apart from the rest.
“This firmly reflects our position as a prime pitch for brands that want to expand outside of London, as we remain not only a place to shop but also a premium lifestyle choice.”
That's all the information we have for now, but we'll keep you updated with opening times as and when we find out more but in the meantime - get your face ready for the workout of its life.
Abbie Bartlett -
7th July 2023 
