The best things to do in Leeds this month | June 2023
We’re officially half way through the year.
Scary right?
It really doesn’t feel like yesterday since we were out in our big coats traipsing through the city centre after Christmas came to an end – but in true ‘beginning of the summer season’ style, Leeds has seemingly unlimited events to celebrate the warmer months with.
Elton John will be performing his last ever concert in the city, there’s charity sunset walks to remember loved ones, exclusive taster menus from some of Yorkshire’s most exciting chefs – oh, and a night with Lewis Capaldi at The Wardrobe to look forward to.
Here’s some of our top picks of things to get involved with in Leeds this month…
RUN Graduate Catwalk
Thursday 1 June 2023 | Leeds School of Arts Theatre
The catwalk will be a triumphant closing event to the impressive and diverse list of showcases put on across Leeds School of Arts. Events have been running from April to June 2023 as part of LEEDS 2023’s ‘Awakening’ and ‘Playing’ showcases, which also sees Professor Matty Bovan presenting his inaugural lecture – and this final bow will bring some of the exciting ideas and clothing designed during this time.
Find out more here.
Opera North’s Requiem
1, 3, 4 June 2023 | Leeds Grand Theatre, New Briggate
Leeds’ own Opera North and Phoenix Dance Theatre have collaborated with South African partners Jazzart Dance Theatre and Cape Town Opera on Requiem, a powerful double bill of contemporary dance performed to choral and orchestral music. Conceived during the pandemic and brought to the stage for LEEDS2023, Opera North’s Requiem pairs Mozart’s mysterious, timeless work with a brand-new composition from South African composer Neo Muyanga.
Find out more here.
St Gemma’s Hospice Sunset Walk
Saturday 3 June 2023 from 8pm | Temple Newsam, Newsam Road
Raising money for St Gemma’s Hospice, the sponsored walk will see Loiners walking either 5km or 10km to remember those loved and lost, with live entertainment and street food along the way. The celebration of loved ones is a truly special way to honour someone’s memory, as well as raising funds for local charity and Yorkshire’s biggest hospice, St Gemma’s Hospice.
The charity provides care for those with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses, as well as supporting the whole family through tough times. St Gemma’s Hospice has an extensive range of expert services both the community and its dedicated hospice space, which means the staff can support anyone at any stage of their illness.
Find out more here.
Headrow House Pub Quiz
Tuesday 6, 13, 20, 27 June 2022 | Headrow House, Leeds City Centre
The Headrow House pub quiz is something quite special. Located in their huge beer hall, nestled amongst their sixty plus lines of beers from around the world, they promise a night of quizzes and games: start with the pub quiz and if you’re successful, your prize will be selected when you spin the wheel of fortune.
Head down to Headrow House for 6.30 pm on a Tuesday evening and take full advantage of their free entry and grab a pint before getting your game face on.
Find out more here.
Elton John’s last ever performance in Leeds
Tuesday 6 June 2023 | First Direct Arena, Arena Way
Elton John’s Goodbye Yellow Brick Road tour is finally set to arrive in town this summer after being rescheduled for health reasons, with just one night at Leeds’ First Direct Arena. It’s set to be his last-ever tour and has around 300 dates – so you can imagine what the demand for tickets has been like… Tickets are priced between £51 and £899 (that is not a typo), tickets are very much sold out, but you might be able to get some resale tickets.
Keep an eye on Ticketmaster here.
Ilkley Food and Drink Festival
Saturday 11 – Sunday 12 June 2023 | East Holmes Field, Ilkley
Just 25 minutes from Leeds, you’ll find the perfect day trip to add to any weekend itinerary, Ilkley Food and Drink Festival. Put your feet up on the deck chairs and soak in the summer sun with an ice cream in one hand and a burger in the other. Up in Ilkley, there’s two full days of street food venders, bars, fine artisan markets, live cooking demos to explore.
Find out more here.
The Collective Inc X Craig Rogan
Thursday 15th June | The Collective Inc, Boar Lane
The Collective will debut it’s brand new late night offering with an exclusive collaboration with award-winning chef Craig Rogan. Rogan, who is the son of 3 Michelin-starred chef Simon Rogan, has had an impressive career so far. After training in some of the UK’s most prestigious restaurants Craig received 3 AA rosettes in his first Head Chef role at 5-star hotel The Grand in York. Highlights are set to include Violet Potato with Ox Cheek & Lovage, Glazed Pork Rib with Fennel & Yuzu and Sweet Cheese with Clementine & Dark Chocolate.
Find out more here.
Summer Solstice: Asian Music Festival
Wednesday 21 June – Thursday 22 June | Leeds Corn Exchange
Lunchtime recitals, Indo-Jazz tunes to wash away the day, and as night falls, the Corn Exchange will celebrate the Summer Solstice with sweet melodies. Whether you come to see award-winning musician Qais Essar playing on 2,500-year-old instrument or just popping in for a cuppa and staying for an hour to listen to the music, it promises to be a day to remember.
When: Wednesday 21 June, 11am – 5.30am, Thursday 22 June 2023.
Where: Leeds Corn Exchange, Call Lane, Leeds LS1 7BR
Find out more here.
Iron Maiden
Wednesday 28 June 2023 | First Direct Arena, Arena Way
Heavy metal legends Iron Maiden will bring The Future Past Tour to the AO Arena, featuring songs from Senjutsu and a focus on the iconic 1986 Somewhere In Time. Tickets started from £64 on Ticketmaster but are currently all sold out.
Find out more here.
Feature Image – Josh Couch, Unsplash