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.
Two motorways in and around Leeds have been named the ‘most challenging’ in the UK.
As part of MoneySuperMarket’s new Great British Motorway Report, new research has found that one in three UK motorists find motorway driving ‘stressful’ – despite more than 70 billion miles being travelled on Britain’s motorways each year.
From delays and congestion to high traffic levels, there are a number of factors that can contribute to driver stress levels.
But are some motorways more challenging for drivers than others? According to the data, yes. And two of the top 10 worst motorways in the UK are in and around Leeds.
Three Manchester motorways have been named in the UK’s top 10 ‘most challenging’ / Credit: pxfuel
To find out which are the most challenging, MoneySuperMarket analysed everything from collision rates and roadworks, to lane closures and driver feedback in order to reveal the top 10.
Leeds is home to three of the UK’s top 10 most challenging motorways – the M62, and the M621.
The M60, M25, and the M11 ranked as the UK’s most challenging motorways, with lengthy delays and a high number of incidents affecting their scores.
“If you’re feeling anxious, allow extra time for your journey so you don’t feel pressured to rush or make last-minute decisions,” commented Alicia Hempsted at MoneySuperMarket.
“Plan your route in advance, including where you’ll stop for breaks, as regular rest stops can help you stay alert and reduce stress on longer trips, and if you’re travelling alone, consider sharing your route with someone you trust if it helps you feel more comfortable.”
End of an era as Harvey Nichols is leaving Leeds after 30 years on Briggate
Clementine Hall
It's time to say goodbye to one of Leeds' most recognisable shops.
One of Leeds’ most iconic shops is set to undergo a major makeover - as Harvey Nichols is reportedly leaving Briggate after three decades.
The luxury department store has been a staple in the heart of Leeds since 1996, but its days under the famous Harvey Nichols name are coming to an end.
It has been reported that the store is set to become a Flannels, following the takeover of Harvey Nichols by Frasers Group earlier this year.
The brand was bought by Frasers Group after the luxury retailer entered administration in August.
At the time, Frasers said the business had faced “sustained trading and operational challenges” and that significant restructuring would be needed.
Now, Frasers boss Michael Murray has confirmed that Leeds and Bristol are the two stores set to lose the Harvey Nichols name and become Flannels.
Murray has said the group plans to invest in its Manchester store, while the future of the Knightsbridge flagship in London is also being considered.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
For Leeds, though, it means saying goodbye to a name that has been part of the city for almost 30 years.
And with another Flannels already sitting just a stone’s throw away, there are plenty of questions about what the change will mean for the city's already luxury-heavy retail offering.
Whether you've dined in the beautiful Fourth Floor Brasserie restaurant or enjoyed browsing the beauty hall over the years, we all have our own memories of Harvey Nichols and there's no doubt it will be missed.
For now, there’s no confirmed date for exactly when the Harvey Nichols name will leave Leeds but we will keep you updated.
Thomas Melia -
27th February 2025 
