Summer is well underway and Leeds is overflowing with exciting things to do this August.
How is everyone’s summer going then?
Yes, the summer may have got off to a rather grey start (understatement of the century), but the city’s event calendar for the month is enough to brighten even the drizzliest of days.
August is always a big month for Leeds, with Leeds Festival gearing up to takeover Bramham Park at the end of the month for a weekend of incredible live music.
Keep reading to find out what you can get up to this August…
Yard Act Takeover
Saturday 3 August | Northern Market
Image: Supplied
Yard Act are teaming up with The Northern Market this Saturday 3 August on the day of their massive Millennium Square show.
Situated just 100 yards from the concert venue, Yard Act have curated a personalised day of pop-ups, food collabs and more for a celebration of some of their favourite things in the city, all hosted inside the Northern Monk run venue.
Get ready for a summer adventure like no other as the streets of Leeds come alive with the world’s first city-wide MONOPOLY experience.
Players can roll the dice, get out of jail free and pass go, with key sections of the city colour-coded into zones, and find a series of visual, mathematical and word puzzles to solve in a bid to buy back the city – designed for the whole family to get involved in.
And the whole event is completely free.
Leeds African and Caribbean Food Festival
Saturday 24 August | Kirkgate Market
Get ready for a culinary adventure as the African and Caribbean Food Festival makes a triumphant return. So, be prepared to tantalize your taste buds and experience a culinary & colourful explosion of African and Caribbean Food and drinks.
One of the biggest festivals in the UK will of course be taking place at Bramham Park over the August Bank Holiday weekend.
The star-studded lineup includes Liam Gallagher, Lana Del Rey, Fred Again and so many more amazing acts. It’s set to be an incredible weekend that will pull in music fans from across the country.
Leeds West Indian Carnival
Monday 26 August | Chapeltown and Harehills
Image: Leeds West Indian Carnival
Held annually on the last Monday in August, every year the anticipation for this stunning display of colour and sheer joy that parades through the streets of Leeds presents itself in a celebration that represents the very best of carnival culture.
An explosion of culture will be paraded through Chapeltown and Harehills on the Monday and a live music concert will take place on the Sunday in Potternewton Park.
Open Air Cinema
Throughout August | Kirkstall Abbey
Grab a blanket and your favourite snacks, ‘cause Millennium Square is transforming into an open-air cinema this month. From classics like "Grease" to modern hits like "Bohemian Rhapsody", there’s something for everyone. Perfect for a date night or a chilled evening with mates.
Feature
Behind the doors of a former church that has been renovated into a beautiful home in North Yorkshire
Nestled in the North Yorkshire countryside, Fell View Chapel dates all the way back to 1846.
Ever wanted to live in an abandoned church? Well, now's your chance.
This former Methodist Church dates all the way back to 1846 and has all the original features to match.
If you can look past the possible ghosts that may be lurking, this one-of-a-kind property can be yours for just £450,000.
Image: Rightmove via Harvey Brooks
Step through the original church door and you'll be met by a striking open-plan living space with a fully functioning log burner to keep you warm through the winter months, complete with a beautiful contemporary kitchen which has been renovated to the highest spec.
The floating first floor features a glass landing that overlooks the ground floor below, and of course there's stunning stained glass windows throughout the property.
Image: Rightmove via Harvey Brooks
This architectural conversion has taken five years to complete and there's been no expense spared, the pulpit and pews have even been kept to really keep that churchy vibe.
Here's what the listing says: "Welcome to The Old Methodist Church, originally built in 1846 and beautifully transformed over the past five years into a truly exceptional home.
"This remarkable conversion seamlessly blends contemporary living with the building’s historic charm, creating a residence that is both striking and deeply characterful.
Image: Rightmove via Harvey Brooks
"Every detail has been tastefully and skilfully executed, carefully preserving original features while introducing modern design and comfort. The stained glass windows, original pulpit and pews remain as stunning focal points — a real marvel and a tribute to the building’s heritage."
Inside the modern Japanese grill coming to Leeds from the team behind Fern Modern Sushi
Clementine Hall
We've been very excited about this one.
If you know anything about the Leeds food scene, then you'll know the absolute legend that is Chef Fern.
Her first restaurant, Fern Modern Sushi, is a firm favourite amongst locals and visitors alike. Known for their expertly crafted sushi made with the freshest fish on offer.
And now, she's turning her attention to her second venture - Tori Nori.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Tori Nori is a modern Japanese grill and bar inspired by the bustling izakayas of Tokyo.
Everything is centred around the fiery robata grill where guests can watch the chefs cook everything from grilled fish to delicious yakitori skewers right in front of their very eyes.
All designed to share, this is a place to hang out with friends, enjoy some delicious food and maybe sink a few Japanese-inspired cocktails whilst you're at it.
Images: The Hoot leeds
Located on Vicar Lane, the space has had a whole refurb and it's looking fantastic. Complete with perfectly moody lighting, plush banquette seating and beautiful Japanese-inspired wallpaper.
The menu features an entire yakitori menu, from cheesy chicken thighs and pork belly to grilled king prawn and Japanese A5 wagyu all grilled over charcoal.
There's also Fern's signature sushi on the menu, as well as big plates to share such as teryaki half chickens and miso lamb chops.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
You just know that everything Fern touches turns to gold but don't just take our word for it, get yourself to Tori Nori and try it out for yourselves.
Tori Nori will officially open its doors on Friday 10 April. Find out more and book your table here.