Get your sparklers at the ready, because the UK's most spectacular firework display is making its debut right here in Leeds.
Autumn Lights is a family-friendly firework event that tours the UK, lighting up the sky in different cities over the first week of November.
The event will be making its debut in Leeds at Temple Newsam park on Saturday 2 November, and it's set to be a night that Guy Fawkes is envious of.
Of course it's not just about the fireworks but there will be live entertainment, delicious street food and thrilling fairground rides to keep you entertained.
Images: Autumn Lights
The main attraction though, is the two jaw-dropping firework displays that will be expertly choreographed to music across the globe.
And it doesn't stop there – Temple Newsam will be buzzing with the sounds of iconic dance duo Phats and Small as they're be joined by award-winning DJ Ryan Swain, fire-eaters, and an array of performers ready to impress the crowd.
Images: Autumn Lights
John Lowery, from Autumn Lights, said: “This is shaping up to be the biggest fireworks display Leeds has ever seen! After our huge successes in York and Sheffield, we knew it was time to bring the magic of Autumn Lights to West Yorkshire.
“Temple Newsam offers a beautiful setting, and with two firework shows at 7.30pm and 8.45pm – plus loads of other attractions – we’ve made sure the event is affordable for families.”
UK singer-songwriter Tom Odell is set to play a huge outdoor Leeds show this summer.
Sounds of the City is making a triumphant return this summer and we couldn't be more excited.
Being added to the already star-studded lineup is Tom Odell, a Chichester-born singer-songwriter known for his heartfelt piano ballads and distinctive tone.
You may also know him from a certain John Lewis advert which made sure there were no dry eyes in the house.
The announcement follows a huge year for Tom Odell, who released his latest album A Wonderful Life and completed a major UK arena tour.
Known for his emotionally charged, piano‑led anthems, Tom Odell first rose to prominence after winning the BRITs Critics’ Choice Award in 2013 and has since become one of the UK’s most successful contemporary artists, with massive global hits like “Another Love”, which has now surpassed three billion streams on Spotify.
The ‘Another Love’ singer will perform on Saturday 4 July and will be supported by Matt Maltese.
Already announced for Sounds of the City are Dylan Gossett, Alabama Shakes, Wet Leg, The Human League and The Cribs.
The Millennium Square gigs are always fantastic fun, with previous acts including Blossoms, McFly and Mika bringing huge audiences to the city.
Tickets go on sale this Friday 6 February at 10am and you can get your tickets here.
Pre-sale starts this Thursday 5 February which you can access by signing up to Millennium Square's mailing list here.
Award-winning Leeds restaurant announces shock closure just months after opening
Clementine Hall
Emba in Leeds will be closing its doors with the owner blaming rising costs and pressure on the hospitality sector.
Back in April last year, one of Leeds' top restaurants The Owl closed its doors.
Run by renowned Chef Liz Cottam, The Owl was reimagine into Emba - a trendy restaurant tat bridged 'the gap between cosy bar and vibrant dining room'.
To open Emba, Cottam opened a Crowdfunder where supporters would be awarded with prizes such as VIP dinners and merch depending on how much they donated.
But sadly just months after opening, Emba is to close permanently.
Cottam confirmed the sad news with a statement shared with customers over the weekend, saying she was completely "heartbroken".
She said: “This is no longer the right time to own independent restaurants like Emba,” she said. “Under the current conditions they cannot survive and the recent budget confirmed what so many of us already knew: no meaningful help is coming for hospitality.
"The experience of being here and the harsh financial reality of running a business here no longer stack up.
"Being award winning, popular, admired and loved no longer means profitable and as an industry if we’re honest most of us have not truly been okay since Covid."
She signed off the statement promising to return to the restaurant world, she said: “What I do know is this, I am not done. I will keep cooking, keep creating and keep finding ways to do the thing I love.”
Clementine Hall -
26th September 2024 
