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.
Netflix is set to air a new documentary about the investigation of Lucy Letby, and the trailer has now been released.
The feature-length film about Lucy Letby - the infamous neonatal nurse who was found guilty of murdering seven babies and attempting to murder seven others under her care at the Countess of Chester Hospital - hears for the first time from the police officers who investigated the case that shook the nation.
It features never-before-seen footage of Letby during her arrests and police questioning, and even includes interviews with experts and lawyers on both sides, as well as with the hospital consultants who initially raised the alarm.
Tragically, it also includes an anonymised interview with a mother of one of the victims, who also speaks for the first time about her experience and involvement in Letby’s trial.
Produced as a result of years of research and relationship-building, the film - simply titled The Investigation of Lucy Letby - is described as being the most 'comprehensive' look at one of Britain's most notorious crimes, and traces developments from her arrest to trial in chronological order.
Viewers will be given 'unparalleled and exclusive access' to those central to the story.
"This was an exceptional and demanding project, marked by significant creative and ethical responsibility," commented director, Dominic Sivyer. "Our aim was to craft a powerful, emotionally resonant depiction of the events surrounding the case."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x93eZD1F4vs
Caroline Short, Head of Global TV at ITN Productions - who produced the documentary - added: "The access to all our contributors came with a huge responsibility to present everyone's perspectives with care and understanding.
"We are grateful to all those people who trusted us to tell their story."
The Investigation of Lucy Letby will be released and available to stream on Netflix in the UK and Ireland on 4 February 2026.
Featured Image - Cheshire Police
News
Arctic Monkeys release first song in four years as part of upcoming all-star War Child album
Clementine Hall
The full track list for the charity album has been released, featuring Fontaines D.C., Pulp, Olivia Rodrigo and loads more.
The legendary Sheffield indie group have been largely silent (as usual) since the release of their last album, The Car, back in 2022.
But today, the monkeys are back with a brand new song titled 'Opening Night' , in support of War Child's upcoming project to provide aid for children living through war.
That project being 'HELP(2)' - a brand new collaborative album inspired by the landmark 1995 release 'HELP' to engage music lovers globally in support of the charity's vital work.
The new album will be released on Friday 6 March and was brought to life through close collaboration with Abbey Road Studios, recorded predominantly across one extraordinary week in November 2025 under the stewardship of acclaimed producer James Ford.
There's so me pretty huge names on the album who have contributed, including Fontaines D.C, Pulp, Damon Albarn, Wet Leg, Young Fathers and so many more.
Recorded in a single day in 1995, the original ‘HELP’ album raised over £1.2 million, enabling War Child to provide vital support to thousands of children caught in the Bosnian conflict.
The full track list to the album is: ‘HELP(2)’ Tracklist:
Arctic Monkeys - Opening Night
Damon Albarn, Grian Chatten & Kae Tempest - Flags
Black Country, New Road - Strangers
The Last Dinner Party - Let’s do it again!
Beth Gibbons - Sunday Morning
Arooj Aftab & Beck - Lilac Wine
King Krule - The 343 Loop
Depeche Mode - Universal Soldier
Ezra Collective & Greentea Peng - Helicopters
Arlo Parks - Nothing I Could Hide
English Teacher & Graham Coxon - Parasite
Beabadoobee - Say Yes
Big Thief - Relive, Redie
Fontaines D.C. - Black Boys on Mopeds
Cameron Winter - Warning
Young Fathers - Don’t Fight the Young
Pulp - Begging for Change
Sampha - Naboo
Wet Leg - Obvious
Foals - When the War is Finally Done
Bat For Lashes - Carried my girl
Anna Calvi, Ellie Rowsell, Nilüfer Yanya & Dove Ellis - Sunday Light
Olivia Rodrigo - The Book of Love
You can pre-order the album here and listen to the new song by the Arctic Monkeys here.