A brand-new social dog walking club is launching in Leeds and dozens of other cities across the UK this week.
After research has suggested that walking your four-legged friends in groups with other likeminded dog owners can lead to a whole host of wellbeing benefits, Walkie Dogs is officially set to launch nationwide in a couple of days time, and will be turning the popular Park Run concept into its very-own series of its very-own “bark runs”.
The social dog walking club says it’s dedicated to “bringing the UK’s dog lovers together”.
Launching this Sunday (18 August), group walks will taking place up and down the country each week, with the first events in Leeds taking place at Roundhay Park.
Image: Pexels
Walkie Dogs is dedicated to "bringing the UK’s dog lovers together".
As part of the scheme, Walkie Dogs members will not only be able to embrace the outdoors and immerse themselves into the dog walking community, but they’ll also gain access to a variety of dog-friendly perks – including the ability to book onto weekly dog walks, and bespoke discounts on a range of products like dog staycations.
They’ll also get access to the ‘The Dog Pages’, which is a service directory offering information on groomers, kennels, and pet shops to members all in one place.
Members will be able to book onto canine first aid training courses at a discounted rate too.
And if all of this didn’t sound wholesome enough already as it is, the initiative also works closely with several charities too, most-notably partnering with animal welfare and dog rehoming charity, Blue Cross, and you can expect to see collection buckets to pop your donations into at every walking event.
Danny Silk, who is the Founder and Pack Leader of Walkie Dogs, said ahead of the club’s launch this week: “This project is the first of its kind on this scale and one that I hope will not only bring dog lovers together, but offer a supportive space which benefits local communities in lots of different ways, and we’re really excited to bring this to Manchester.
“We’re working closely with local communities across our 74 locations to ensure we create a genuinely positive space, and offer events which members can look forward to every week.
“I can’t wait to welcome everyone to the first walks.”
Bookings are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, with a maximum of 30 dogs on each walk, and you can find out more information on memberships and upcoming events on the Walkie Dogs website here.
Ever-evolving Leeds music hotspot TESTBED is making its grand return to Leeds city centre with an impressive launch party lineup.
Recognised as a cultural venue for bringing people together via music, TESTBED has hosted a variety of club nights in its warehouse location since 2024.
Back in April, it was announced that the team behind this rave-centric club were transforming this space from it's 'Phase 1.3' to 'Phase 2.0'.
Now, TESTBED has released the full lineup for its upcoming launch party which will show off some of the venue's latest features like its 360-degree DJ booth, improved acoustics and 5,000 sq ft mezzanine and balcony area.
Annie Mac is headlining the TESTBED Leeds launch party joined by Horse Meat Disco / Credit: Press Shots (via supplied)
Previous performers include Liverpool dance music duo Camelphat, house music DJ Alisha, Netherlands-own Chris Stussy and more, so it will come as no surprise that this relaunch features an equally-stellar lineup.
Fronting the bill for the TESTBED Launch Party is none other than EDM connoisseur and influential figure Annie Mac, who's hosted a variety of radio shows across the BBC as well as curating a set or two herself.
Also in attendance is Horse Meat Disco, a group who put disco and queer culture at the forefront of each and every high-energy set.
Irish selector Shee is also showing off his music expertise and already having collaborations with the likes of A-trak and Karma Kid, expect to hear some tunes.
Shee and Junior Simba will be taking to the decks to wow the crowds over at TESTBED Leeds / Credit: Press Shots (via supplied)
Seasoned club DJ and presenter Marcia Carr, known for playing live sets with vinyl records, will also be soundtracking the night too, playing out everything from Afrohouse to dubstep.
Of course, it wouldn't be a Leeds-based party without some local talent courtesy of Junior Simba who's quickly become a key player in the house music scene.
And if that wasn't enough raving for you, TESTBED has already announced even more insane nights of music madness featuring ROSSI., Interplanetary Criminal and Obskür.
TESTBED's opening party is taking place on Saturday 3 October from 2pm til 12am and you can grab tickets from as little as £20 HERE.
Leeds Santa Dash is returning for 2026 and it’s set to be ‘bigger and better’ than ever
Emily Sergeant
Leeds' famous Santa Dash is returning for 2026, and it's set to be 'bigger and better' than ever.
Back by popular demand with the festive season around the corner, The Trinity Leeds Santa Dash has confirmed its return for 2026 this December, with thousands of Santas set to hit the streets of the city centre with festive fun, Christmas cheer, and an unforgettable atmosphere.
No matter whether you're taking part with your family, friends, colleagues, or little ones, organisers say it's the 'perfect way' to kick-start your festive season.
This iconic event welcomes everyone to take part - you can either jog, walk, or wheel your way around the 5K route, soaking up the sights and sounds of the city as you celebrate the most wonderful time of the year, and prams are also welcome too, making it a fantastic festive day out for all ages and abilities.
And this year, it's set to be bigger and better than ever, as there's an exciting new city centre route.
All Santa suits are provided (except for those under three) with your race entry, and you'll also get an exclusive Trinity Leeds Santa Dash finisher medal once you make it over the line, as well as a festive chocolate treat to nibble on.
So, gather your fellow Santas, embrace the Christmas magic, and get ready to join one of Leeds' most joyful festive traditions.
The Trinity Leeds Santa Dash returns for 2026 on Sunday 6 December, and you can find out more and enter to take part in the race online here.
Emily Sergeant -
15th August 2024 
