Short of plans this bank holiday weekend? Not quite up to a traditional booze-up? That’s fine, Leeds has plenty to offer. Take this new graphic art trail, for example.
Trail for Hope has teamed up with comic artist and Thought Bubble founder Tula Lotay to create an experience unlike any other.
Split into eight parts and located across the city, this trail will treat punters to ‘a never-before-seen story of hope and renewal inspired by local communities.’
Leeds native Tula said: “I worked in comic book shops, I’ve always loved comics, so 14 years ago, I started Thought Bubble. I was expecting a couple of hundred people to come, but we had about 500, which was amazing. Since then, I’ve got to know more and more people in the comic book industry, but nobody knew that I drew.”
Some seven years later, Tula started posting her work on social media and like a lot of success stories these days, that was where she got recognised. The rest is history. Tula is now a critically acclaimed comic artist. Her CV includes the likes of DC, Marvel, Warner Brothers, Image Comics and Disney.
Credit: Andrew Benge
But like a true Yorkshire lass, she’s never lost her sense of identity, remaining the director of Thought Bubble.
“The last year has been difficult,” Tula added. “But at the same time, communities have rallied together. It’s been uplifting to see how people have looked out for one another — and that’s what I wanted to touch on with this story. It got me thinking about the iris because it’s the flower of hope, and I don’t want to give too much away, but that’s become a theme, it signifies that things are coming to an end.”
If you fancy having a wander along this trail, begin at The Majestic, beyond Fint and Belgrave Music Hall, before reaching OK Comics. Then on to Cafe 164, Water Lane Boathouse and Fred Aldous. Give or take, the journey will take an hour. But savour it, drink it in. Indulge. Maybe buy a comic or two. Christmas is right around the corner…
The trail will run alongside Leeds Jurassic Trail, which sees 13 life-sized animatronic dinosaurs spread across the city centre. A great day out for the kids. Well, anyone come to think of it. Who doesn’t like dinosaurs?
“It’s great to be collaborating with Thought Bubble on such a fun and unique set of artwork, showcasing a home-grown talent as well as a renowned international festival, while adding to the city’s amazing array of art,” Karen Butler, Head of Place Management & Delivery at LeedsBID, said. “We hope to help inject more colour and creativity into the city, providing points of interest for people coming back in, while finding innovative ways to support key sectors as part of the ongoing recovery.”
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Even MORE padel courts are coming to a former film studio in Leeds city centre
It's looking like the whole of Leeds might turn into padel courts before we know it.
The padel craze is well and truly thriving, because over the past few months we've had not one, not two, but THREE new padel courts being announced in the city.
We're not quite sure why, but something about that little racket and ball is really getting the people going - and we love to see it.
So, the next lot of padel courts is set to move into the part of a former film studio on Whitehall Road.
If granted permission by Leeds City Council, eight padel courts will be created at the Versa Studios site in Holbeck, along with an onsite cafe and bar.
Council planners have said the new development would boost access to sports facilities and create jobs in the local area.
The report said: “The development will generate around 15 new jobs, contribute to the local economy and create wider spin-off benefits for the city centre fringe.
“It will also deliver important social and health benefits, encouraging more people to participate in sport and promoting an active lifestyle within an inclusive and accessible setting.”
A design report by Quantam Padel said new courts were needed to meet the ongoing growing demand for the sport, and we can believe that.
It said: "The proposal aims to deliver a high quality padel tennis centre.
“Padel tennis is more accessible to those whose level of fitness, agility or skill make conventional tennis or squash overly challenging and difficult to play.”
So, what do you make of this? Can there be one padel court too many?
Sheffield’s Peddler Market to relaunch as FREE monthly mini music festival
Clementine Hall
Peddler’s 13th year marks a bold new direction for the free monthly event.
Peddler Market began its life 12 years ago as a street food night market with a sprinkling of live music and DJs.
Now that they're synonymous with bringing some of the best street food the UK has to offer to Sheffield, the organisers are now heading in a new direction.
Peddler will now offer a five-stage monthly music festival, spread across their Kelham Island footprint - maintaining its ‘free entry’ ethos for customers.
Image: Supplied
But don't worry, food will still be a key component all whilst increasing their to platform some of the best local promoters, record shops, DJs and bands across Sheffield.
But now, they're bringing five stages to Peddler, working with some of the best up and coming and well established promoters in and across the city.
“Twelve years ago, we filled a gap that Sheffield really needed,” Jordan Roberts - owner, says. “Since then, it’s nourished this huge gastronomic change within the city. Now there’s food halls and street food everywhere, which is great because people have choice – at peddler amazing street food is a given but now you can expect much more”
Image: Supplied
"I wanted to create a labyrinth of exploration like that you find at a proper festival, tread the zones, sample the delights and find your vibe. It’s like a little mini festival,” Jordan says.
“With Tramlines and We Out Here being huge inspiration for the next gen development. There’s a car park stage, the inside main stage, a courtyard stage, the factory floor and activities happening in the basement underneath too,” Jordan explains. “Bands, DJs, the whole thing.”
Image: Supplied
“We’ve always been a street food event with two music stages,” he explains. “Now we’re excited to bring five stages, working with some of the best up and coming and well established promoters in and across the city. After more than 100 Peddler Markets where we’ve always hosted a free entry gig.
"We’ll still host our street food partners, who love seeing all the Sheffield foodies. However, the changing music line up will help you ‘save the date’ making each month even more unmissable”
The first edition of the reformatted Peddler lands on the usual first Friday and Saturday of the month on 5-6 June and promises a sprawling, multi-space experience inspired as much by classic city festivals as warehouse parties and independent culture.
Josh Teal -
28th August 2021 
