Lots of free walks which cover all things music are happening across Leeds city centre spanning multiple music genres.
Leeds is getting even more musical, as if it wasn’t already, with some free music-themed walks taking place across the city centre.
These events which are run and hosted by musicians, music researchers and overall well-respected individuals who have certainly earned their right to natter about music.
Each ramble is tailored around a key area in Leeds music history from 2000s indie to Leeds’ vibrant club culture, expect some insightful and refreshing musical knowledge.
Leading the very first walk is none other than Kaiser Chiefs’ bassist Simon Rix and ¡Forward, Russia! Guitarist Whiskas.
Titled ‘¡New Yorkshire! Leeds Indie in the Noughties’ and will touch upon Leeds’ huge grip in the 2000s indie scene with references to Sky Larkin and of course, ¡Forward, Russia! Kaiser Chiefs.
Sarah Stathum is leading a very monumental walk on International Women’s Day and the discussion focuses around pivotal Leeds women who have left their mark in music.
Simply labelled ‘Women/ Music/ Leeds’ expect to chat about Star Wars composer Angela Morley, punk rockers Delta Five and Girls At Our Best, who run the world? Girls.
Another standout trail is led by Joe Williams, a Leeds born arts practitioner who’s no stranger to a ramble curating the Leeds Black History Walk every year.
Williams’ walk ‘Black Music in Leeds City Centre’ details the big journey black music has been on to reach our northern ears including visits from American choirs to the very first Carnival.
All these routes cover different areas of our vast city centre which means that all the meeting points vary too.
These events have been put together by Music Local an organisation who help place-based music support systems and infrastructures, tailored to individual music communities.
The first free music walk is taking place on 1 March and run every Saturday onwards with the last meetup happening on 19 April.
Leeds music lovers are in for a treat as two dates have double the fun to offer with 5 April and 8 March hosting two walks each.
If you’re interested in expanding your music knowledge or ready to get out of your winter slump and exercise your brain and legs, all the information you need is 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.
Thomas Melia -
27th February 2025 
