A whole host of dinosaurs are on the loose all around Leeds city centre right now, from a two-story high T-Rex to a Diplodocus that's reportedly the length of two buses stuck together.
They've appeared as part of the city's summertime Jurassic Trail, also coincidentally the UK's biggest free dinosaur event.
The animatronic life-like creations can roar, move their heads, tails and wings and even spit at you.
Featuring a total of twelve larger-than-life dinosaurs, as you make your way along the trail you'll need to duck out the way as pteranodons swoop at your from the rooftops and keep an eye on the spitting dilophosaurus.
The larger than life dinosaurs can be found across the city / Image: mammasphotography
This year, there's also an exciting new addition to the group of dinosaurs in the form of the Yorkshiresaurus.
Designed by 14-year-old Wakefield student, Keera Turner, with its rhubarb tail and spine of Yorkshire Y's, the final Yorkshire touches include a white rose and a 'northern roar'.
As well as animatronic dinosaurs ambling around in the city, there are a few that have set up camp for the summer - such as an epic diplodocus that has stationed itself outside on Briggate.
As well as all this, there's also a dino shop in Trinity and paid-for T-Rex and triceratops rides for the little ones too.
Dotted around the city centre, you can use an app to track them all - or alternatively, we've included a list of their locations below.
The full list of dinosaurs and their locations in Leeds city centre:
The Jurassic Trail runs from 24 July to 12 September / Image: chelsy1xo
Diplodocus – Briggate
Spinosaurus – Leeds Corn Exchange
Yorkshiresaurus – Leeds Kirkgate Market
Baryonyx – Leeds Rail Station
Stegosaurus & baby – Merrion Centre
Stygimoloch & pachycephalosaurus – St Johns Centre
Dilophosaurus – The Core
Allosaurus – The Light
T-Rex – Trinity Leeds
Two caged raptors – Trinity Kitchen
Three pteranodons flying – Victoria Quarter
Amargasaurus – Victoria Gate
The exciting Jurassic Trail project has been brought to the city by LeedsBID (Leeds Business Improvement District) as part of a drive to bring people back into the centre post-covid.
Andrew Cooper, chief executive of LeedsBID, said: “With all the planning, logistics and hard work over the last 18 months, we are thrilled to finally see the arrival of the dinosaurs in Leeds for Leeds Jurassic Trail 2.
Watch out as pteranodons swoop at your from the rooftops / Image: mammasphotography
"The level of detail that has gone into creating the dinosaurs is incredible. These life-size creatures will be free to all visitors until September 12, giving an experience which will transport you back 65 million years."
He added: “This event would not have been possible without the strong collaborative spirit we have in Leeds. Businesses and organisations working with the Business Improvement District to make new events happen that are bigger and more ambitious than before.
"The 13 dinosaurs, along with the Jurassic Store in Trinity Leeds, will be an experience for all ages to enjoy. And because it’s free and is running for seven weeks, it gives everyone the opportunity to visit safely.”
Other event partners include Child Friendly Leeds, Leeds City Council, Leeds Corn Exchange, Leeds Kirkgate Market, Leeds Station, Merrion Centre, St Johns Centre, The Core, The Light, Trinity Kitchen, Trinity Leeds and Victoria Leeds.
A bookshop in Leeds is inviting its customers to vandalise Harry Potter books for charity.
Well, this is definitely one we haven't seen before.
The Bookish Type on Great George Street in Leeds is a fabulous independently-owned queer bookshop that prides itself on being a safe space for all.
They're raising money for trans healthcare by inviting customers to vandalise Harry Potter novels for just 25p per go.
A bargain if you ask us, and all for a good cause. And don't worry, all the books are second hand and have been donated.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
If you're not understanding the immediate connection between the two, then allow us to fill you in.
J.K. Rowling, the author of the famous Harry Potter novels, has over recent years expressed transphobic comments and anti-trans political beliefs on social media.
Yesterday, Wednesday 25 March, the trailer for the new HBO Max Harry Potter series was released which has encouraged many people to speak out against Rowling and claim she should no longer be supported.
So, The Bookish Type are showing support for the trans community and asking those who feel frustrated to have a doodle and whilst they're at it, donate to a good cause.
If you're not able to make it into the shop, The Bookish Type have said "You will soon be able to donate online and we will personally deface a page with your message/doodle/scribble."
We're absolutely obsessed.
Find out more about The Bookish Type and if you can, pop in for a browse and a doodle whilst you're at it.
Featured image - The Bookish Type Leeds (Supplied)
News
Leeds to be transformed into a giant board game as Trivial Pursuit takes over the city
Clementine Hall
Leeds is set to become a giant board game this summer as Trivial Pursiot arrives in the city centre to celebrate a landmark moment in its history.
To mark 400 years since Leeds was granted its royal charter, LeedsBID (Leeds Business Improvement District) is transforming the city into a live interactive version of Hasbro’s iconic Trivial Pursuit board game, inviting residents and visitors to test their knowledge of all things Leeds.
It follows the huge success of the MONOPOLY Leeds Takeover back in summer 2024 and this year, LeedsBID is once again working with leading game, IP and toy company Hasbro to bring another of its iconic games to life.
This time, the focus is on the stories, achievements and surprising facts that have shaped Leeds over four centuries.
Running from 25 July to 30 August 2026, the free experience will see participants journey across the city centre answering questions and collecting wedges, just like the classic trivia game.
Key locations will represent the six traditional Trivial Pursuit categories: Entertainment, Geography, Sports & Leisure, Science and Nature, History, and Art & Literature.
Matt Proulx, Senior Vice President of Global Experiences, Partnerships and Music at Hasbro said: “After the incredible response to the MONOPOLY Leeds Takeover in 2024, we’re proud to collaborate with LeedsBID once again to reimagine another iconic brand in a bold new way.
"This is exactly how we think about Global Experiences at Hasbro - taking our brands beyond the table and creating experiences that are social, shareable and deeply connected to the communities they celebrate."
Andrew Cooper, Chief Executive of LeedsBID, said: “TRIVIAL PURSUIT Leeds is about celebrating everything about this great city, from those headline facts and figures people know to the lesser-known surprising details and discoveries.
“LeedsBID’s raison d’etre is to put Leeds on the map and tell the stories and successes of the city. Trivial Pursuit Leeds is doing just that, providing a free, fun and entertaining activity for all ages while sharing new and interesting achievements of this amazing place.”
Georgina Pellant -
30th July 2021 
