Apparently, it's only been sixteen months since nightclubs have been closed, but it feels a lot longer. At last, some of Leeds' biggest nightlife events are preparing their return as we count down to "freedom day".
July 19, dubbed "freedom day", is when restrictions will ease and nightclubs will return to their former glory: swinging open their doors to unearth pulsing basslines and two-step rhythms.
Capacities on bars and nightclubs will be lifted, the 'rule of six' will no longer apply, social distancing measures will also be removed - meaning you can go and order at the bar, rather being stuck at your table.
But most importantly, we'll be able to get up and dance.
There's a huge feeling of excitement in the city, not just from punters but from the promoters and artists who've been waiting over a year to go back to work. Now, at last, the day is nearly upon us.
With that in mind, we've run down three of the best parties Leeds has coming up this summer so you're not caught short. See you down the front, we'll be to the left of the stage.
Newsam Park Festival is the first dance music festival to return to Leeds this summer
Newsam Park Festival Saturday 21st August, Newsam Park
This all-new event will be the first dance music festival in Leeds this summer, so expect a spectacular open-air occasion from one of the best parties in Leeds.
It will be soundtracked by Sven Vath, Nightmares on Wax, Mella Dee, Enzo Siragusa and Folamour and more across gorgeous Lake and Garden stages with epic atmospheres and immersive production. Do not miss it.
Mint Festival returns on Saturday 25th September in a brand new location / Image: Mint Festival
Mint Festival Saturday 25th September, Newsam Green Farm
This year's much anticipated Mint Festival is at an all-new location, just 10 minutes from town.
The natural sprawling beauty of Newsam Green Farm is a perfect canvas for four fantastic stages of high-class music. Brands like Fuse and Trick, headliners like Ricardo Villalobos and Amelie Lens, and high-tech production and pyrotechnics all await you at this ultimate adult playground.
Mint Warehouse in Holbeck is returning will a full programme of clubnights showcasing local talent and that from further afield / Image: Mint Warehouse
Mint Warehouse Multiple dates, Holbeck
It was already the best place to party in the North, but after an almost two-year closure and vast refurbishment, Mint Warehouse is back and ready to take it to a whole new level.
The multi-roomed space has everything from communal main room raves to cozy backroom get-togethers. World-class sound systems boom in every room, and international tastemakers like Jeff Mills, Eats Everything, Patrick Topping, Sasha, Hot Since 82 and tens more are already lined up between now and Autumn.
Popular vintage store brand Glass Onion is returning to Leeds with a brand-new permanent site.
Following the huge success of its temporary pop up shop in Leeds Trinity, Glass Onion is coming back with a bang and expanding into a larger, two-floor space in Leeds city centre.
They'll be taking over the old Levi's jeans unit on Lands Lane and will be opening on Wednesday 18 March, so we really don't have long to wait.
Customers can shop Leeds' best collection of sustainable vintage clothing with every piece hand selected for store at their Yorkshire HQ.
Images: The Sheff
Shop from an expertly curated mix of all your vintage favourites, including Y2K, techwear, workwear, sportswear, boho, and loads more.
The store will also feature big-name brands like The North Face, Nike, Levi’s, Adidas, and Harley Davidson, along with an exclusive Rare Archive section - home to some of Glass Onion’s rarest vintage finds.
Glass Onion’s journey began in 2005, when founder John started selling vintage clothing out of his grandma’s coal shed in Barnsley. They opened their first retail store in Sheffield in 2019, quickly becoming a local favourite and their commitment to quality and sustainability has earned them “Best Indie Retailer in Sheffield” and “Best Vintage Retailer in Sheffield” at the Exposed Magazine Awards for three consecutive years.
To celebrate the exciting launch, Glass Onion are offering free VIP tickets where shoppers will be treated to first entry as well as freebies and vouchers from Leeds indies and entry into a competition to win a £100 Glass Onion voucher to spend on the launch day.
Leeds Pride 2026 announces dates and first wave of acts for 20th anniversary celebration this summer
Clementine Hall
Leeds Pride has confirmed the dates for its 2026 festival, which will mark the event’s 20th anniversary this summer.
And you bet that organisers are pulling out all the stops.
The city-wide celebration champions local LGBTQ+ talent alongside world-class headline acts, and this year for the first time ever, celebrations will be held across two days on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 July 2026.
Headlining the main stage will be Strictly Come Dancing Icon and RuPaul’s Drag Race Star La Voix, Charlie XCX tribute performer Rachel Fuller and International Eurodance act Livin Joy.
Image: Supplied
Joining them will be The Harry Styles Show and UK dance act Sweet Female Attitude. More acts and performers are due to be revealed in the coming months.
The announcement was made at the official Leeds Pride pre-festival campaign launch, held at Crowdedhouse and attended by Emmerdale’s Bradley Riches, sports star Keegan Hirst, council leaders and supporters of the annual event.
Leeds Pride will also feature a full weekend of diverse events, including the Leeds Pride Drag Brunch Fest, street parties across the city and of course the iconic Pride parade, which is set to be even bigger and better than ever before.
A Leeds Pride spokesperson said: "We're incredibly excited to celebrate 20 years of Leeds Pride. This milestone anniversary represents two decades of bringing our community together, championing LGBTQ+ voices and creating unforgettable moments.
Images: Supplied
“Leeds Pride is growing and stronger than ever and we're committed to giving Northern LGBTQ+ performers a platform to shine. This 20th anniversary festival will be our biggest and best yet, but as we expand, we need public and sponsor support more than ever to make our vision a reality. We're calling on businesses and individuals to get behind Leeds Pride and help us deliver an incredible celebration that our community deserves.
“Expanding to two days for the first time shows just how far we've come, and we can't wait to welcome everyone back to Leeds this summer for what will be our most spectacular Pride yet."
More details will be announced soon and you can find out more here on the Leeds Pride website.
Georgina Pellant -
13th July 2021 
