The concept was nothing else like Leeds has seen before.
The Leeds’ People’s Gym had been run for the people of Leeds, by the people of Leeds since opening in October 2023, but the owners have sadly announced that just three months after opening, the business has ceased trading with immediate effect.
The news was announced on Instagram with the message: "We are devastated to announce that as of 12 noon on Monday 29th January 2024.
"The Leeds People's Gym will cease to trade with immediate effect. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, we couldn't reach enough folks quickly enough to make the business viable.
"We'd like to say a big and heartfelt 'thank you' to our members and supporters, without whom this journey would have been impossible. We believe in the importance of having inclusive spaces, and hope that our closure doesn't dampen your spirits, because safe and inclusive spaces in Leeds are desperately needed now more than ever.
"We'd like to say a special thank you to some of the local groups and organisations who have supported us especially Bi+ Leeds Social Group, Mental Health Mates Leeds, Strega Running Club and Wharf Chambers.
"We will update you on how to recover any membership fees you have paid as soon as we can.
"We're so sorry
"The whole team at The Leeds People's Gym."
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The alternative to the usual sweaty, overly boisterous chain gyms popping up all over the city, had worked tirelessly to try and make sure everybody felt welcome inside a gym environment.
Chris Woods and Daniel Browne said upon opening: “we’ve been there, we’ve gotten to the front doors and gone straight back home, we’ve been bullied off equipment. No more. Gyms can be different, we’re different.
“Join a gym where you can access fitness without the judgement, without the intimidation, without the ego.”
And this really did feel like the alternative gym everyone needs to try out in the city.
Besides the ‘Community Wall’ set to be packed with resources for those wanting to support their local indies or residents, everything in the four-floor building has been designed to deconstruct any ‘typically toxic’ messages or experiences people may have had in other gym environments, to welcome everyone to a judgement-free workout space.
It was clear that the entire ethos from The Leeds People's Gym was to bring the community together and lift people's spirits through exercise - an admirable concept Leeds was lucky to have, even if it was just for a short amount of time.
Feature Image - The Hoot Leeds
Leeds
Myles Smith announces HUGE arena gig in Leeds this year
Singer-songwriter Myles Smith has just announced his biggest headline tour and is set to play a huge arena gig in Leeds this year.
Quit ‘Stargazing’ and get ready to fight for tickets as Myles Smith has just announced he’ll be visiting Leeds later this year for his biggest arena gig to date.
Known for hits like ‘Nice To Meet You’, ‘Stay (If You Wanna Dance)’ and ‘Wait For You’, this BRIT School graduate is now heading on the road for some headline shows across the UK.
Recognised for his folk-pop sound, Smith has built quite a name for himself just three or so years into his career, with solo efforts and a few collaborations under his belt.
Myles Smith is heading to First Direct Bank Arena, Leeds, on tour this year / Credit: Press shots (supplied)
Recently, the Luton-born artist collaborated with some well-known names like Shaboozey on their track ‘Blink Twice’ and even features on a new single from former One Direction member Niall Horan titled ‘Drive Safe’.
It was only last year that the ‘Stargazing’ songwriter visited Leeds, bringing his high-energy hits to O2 Academy back in February.
Now, Smith is ready to tackle an arena crowd and has chosen Leeds First Direct Bank Arena and is expected to raise the roof when 13,500 fans flock to the star’s show this winter.
Titled after his upcoming album My Mess, My Life, My Heart, Smith will be playing a variety of well-known and brand new hits when he makes his way up North.
Fans who are signed up to the official artist presale can get exclusive access to tickets from Wednesday, 25 March at 10am, with the window closing on Friday, 27 March at 9am.
Meanwhile, general admission tickets go live by 10 am that same Friday (27 Mar).
Myles Smith is embarking on his ‘My Mess, My Life, My Heart’ tour this winter and visiting First Direct Bank Arena, Leeds on Sunday 8 November – tickets and more info HERE.
Leeds city centre crowned one of the best places to live in the north by The Sunday Times
Clementine Hall
Today, Leeds city centre earned itself a coveted spot in the annual Sunday Times Best Places to Live guide.
What brilliant news to end the week on, hey?
Leeds city centre was amongst eight other locations across the north and the north east to be featured on the list.
The market town of Skipton took home the dazzling first prize, but it's still nice to be included isn't it.
Here's what the judges had to say about Leeds city centre: “Leeds has five universities, the fourth largest urban economy in the UK (with job opportunities in finance, insurance and big business), a youthful vibe and a relatively affordable average house price (£285,100).
Image: Unsplash
“Stay close to the centre, where you won’t have to worry about the patchy public transport, and it all adds up to a fun-filled, fulfilled life within walking distance of stylish shops, cafés, bars and restaurants. There’s a good choice of riverside homes, where you may spot kingfishers and otters, and even the schools are good.”
In total, 72 places across the UK were selected by The Sunday Times to showcase the very best of Britain, with Norwich named the overall national winner.
The full list of locations in the north and northeast include:
Skipton
Howardian Hills, North Yorkshire
Leeds city centre
Morpeth, Northumberland
Newcastle: Gosforth
Saltburn-by-the-Sea, North Yorkshire
Slaithwaite, West Yorkshire
York
Helen Davies, editorial projects director and Best Places to Live editor, said: “This guide is a great opportunity to highlight the best places in Britain.
“It is full of places that show that our village, town and city centres can still be full of life, as well as places bursting with natural beauty, culture, connectivity and most importantly a sense of community.
“Our expert team of judges visit every location on the list and talk to the locals to find out what they love about the place they live."
Sophie Smith -
30th January 2024 
