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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Leeds cinemas are offering tickets to see big blockbusters for just £4 this weekend
You can watch some of the year’s biggest blockbusters for just £4 this weekend.
That’s because, to celebrate National Cinema Weekend (5-6 September), Vue has announced that it’ll be offering cut-price tickets to everything from the latest blockbusters and family favourites, to indie horrors and classic re-releases so you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy the full cinematic experience this autumn.
Some of the highlights currently showing that you’ll be able to see for just £4 include summer hits like Spider-Man: Brand New Day, The Odyssey, and Toy Story 5, as well as the recent release of Ridley Scott’s latest film, The Dog Stars, starring Jacob Elordi.
Family favourites such as Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie, and Cars will also be screening over National Cinema Weekend.
Meanwhile, horror fans can also catch new releases Insidious: Out of the Further, and indie horror Leviticus, or see the year’s biggest horror hit, Obsession, if you haven’t already.
The best bit about the offer? It applies to every seat on every showing, all weekend long. Just pass us the popcorn now.
This means that film lovers can enjoy Vue’s biggest and comfiest seats, Ultra Lux, which are strategically positioned to give the best possible view of the big screen – with extra-wide armrests, back and leg rests that recline independently, a personal table for snacks and beverages, and a state-of-the-art wine cooler, all for just £4 each.
“We encourage everyone to make the most of the celebration and enjoy a film at Vue.”
National Cinema Weekend returns for 2026 this Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 September, and you can book tickets on the Vue website here.
Major DJ has set cancelled as overcrowding concerns continue at Leeds Festival
Clementine Hall
After closing for the entire second day, The Warehouse stage at Leeds Festival has once again been forced to evacuate.
One of the most anticipated dance acts of the day has been cancelled due to health and safety concerns just moments before the set.
Sheffield DJ Silva Bumpa was due to take to The Warehouse stage today at 1:30pm, but the set was cancelled due to overcrowding.
It's not the first time this has happened at Leeds Festival 2026, as yesterday Omar+'s set was cancelled due to the same issue and the stage was subsequently closed for the rest of the day.
The Warehouse stage is completely new for this year, and supposedly is designed specifically for dance music...which is quite ironic.
Announcing the news to Instagram, Silva Bumpa said: "So so sorry Leeds Fest but due to over crowding my set was cancelled last min I was just behind the stage and got told right before such a massive shame."
Prospa, another prominent DJ who's set was cancelled at Reading on Friday afternoon, spoke up on the situation: "We are disappointed in The Warehouse stage closure at Reading Festival. We were told it wasn't possible to play whilst on the way. This was due to too many people outside the stage.
"We have seen this happen before at larger festivals in the UK. It's time to double the capacity of tents or put dance music on the main stage."
It comes after another dance stage, LS23, was closed mid-set last night due to a health and safety hazard when all the lights suddenly switched off and ravers were forced to evacuate.
If yesterday is anything to go by, we wouldn't be surprised if The Warehouse was closed for the rest of the day which means anticipated sets from Rossi and Mall Grab will also be cancelled.
Josh Teal -
28th August 2021 
