It's officially the last week of the year so it's time to say goodbye to 2022 and enter the new year in the best way possible.
Well congratulations everyone, we've made it through another year on this earth.
We hope you all had a wonderful Christmas full of food, family and fun. The time between now and New Year can be an absolute whirlwind where it's easy to forget what day it even is, but let's embrace it for all it's worth because the festivities will soon be over before you know it.
2022 has been a rollercoaster to say the least, and as we enter the new year it's time to look back on the highs and lows, celebrating what we've achieved and who's been by our side whilst doing so.
Here's a roundup of some things to get up to this week including ways to spend New Years Eve if you haven't got plans yet. Have a good one Leeds and Happy New Year!
Wetherby Whaler Festive Challenge Live
26 December 2022 | Headingley Stadium, Headingley
Image: Leeds Rhinos
The Wetherby Whaler Festive Challenge is back for another year and you can watch Leeds Rhinos take on Wetherby Trinity live from Headingley stadium on Boxing Day. The annual fixture is highly anticipated each year, and you can bet that the best place to watch the match unfold is live from the suburbs. So get nestled inside your local pub and cheer the lads on this Boxing Day.
Wednesday 28 December 2022 | Various locations across Leeds
Image: The Box
We know, we know… the Boxing Day match for Leeds United and Manchester City has been moved by two days to the 28th, but that won’t stop us pulling round a chair to catch the best of the action throughout the festive period.
If you fancy catching the match amongst like minded fans, we've pulled together a list of all the sports bars in the city that will be showing it. Have a read here.
Slade UK
Tuesday 27 December 2022 | Brudenell Social Club, Burley
Image: Slade UK
80s chart toppers and singers of the Christmas classic Merry Christmas Everybody, Slade is one of those bands that have truly stood the test of time. Now, you can relive the Slade era to bring the 2022 year to a close with the ‘world’s number one’ Slade tribute act at the Brud with Slade UK.
Friday 30 December – Saturday 31 December 2022 | Huddersfield Town Hall / Hull City Hall
Image: Supplied
New Year’s Eve means music, and lots of it. For those in search of a dramatic evening without fighting for a seat in their local will be excited to hear that German conductor Christoph Altstaedt (think Hansel and Gretel and Don Giovanni) is returning to the Orchestra of Opera North for two traditional Viennese Whirl concerts. Taking place at Huddersfield Town Hall on 30 December and Hull City Hall on New Year’s Eve, 31 December, with soprano Jennifer France as guest soloist- any fan of Opera North will love this New Year’s alternative out of the city centre.
Tickets cost from £15 each and can be purchased directly through Opera North.
Get tickets for Opera North’s New Year Viennese Whirls here.
Northern Ballet’s The Nutcracker
Tuesday 20 December 2022 – Saturday 7 January 2023 | Leeds Grand Theatre
Image: Northern Ballet Limited
Christmas is not complete without a trip to the theatre to watch the ballet and The Nutcracker is the most festive ballet around. Share in Clara’s adventures as she is swept away by her Nutcracker Prince into an enchanting winter wonderland.
Watch in awe as the dazzling dancing snowflakes, the famous Sugar Plum Fairy and the notorious Mouse King take to the stage this Christmas.
25 November 2022 – 8 January 2023 | Leeds City Vanities Music Hall
Image: Leeds Heritage Theatres
One of everyone’s favourite pantomimes has been given a rock and roll makeover, combining traditional panto frivolities with classic rock anthems.
Prepare to be wowed by this breathtaking production and get ready to tap your foot along to the catchy chart-toppers, all performed live on stage by an extraordinarily talented cast.
After landing in the UK after a successful opening in Australia, Karen’s Diner is the only place where terrible customer service is expected- and completely hilarious. Now on the back of permanent sites in Sheffield, Manchester and Birmingham, Karen’s Diner is going on tour, and bringing the best of their Karen’s attitude to Leeds.
On New Year’s Eve, head down to Cargo on Albion Street for one night of ‘Karen’s On Tour’ special, where you can expect a diner-style brunch with top-form waitressing and lots of laughter and booze.
Get tickets for Karen’s On Tour from Karen’s Diner here.
The Wardrobe: NYE Comedy Celebrations
Saturday 31 December 2022 | St Peter’s Square, Leeds city centre
Image: The Wardrobe
Rumour has it that The Wardrobe hosts ‘one of the best’ when it comes to New Year’s Eve celebrations – and this year expect plenty of booze, brass music and bellies of laughter courtesy of special performances from Scott Bennett, Stephen Bailey, Allyson June Smith and Barry Dodds.
Tickets cost £25 each when booked in advance or £30 on the door.
Get tickets for NYE Comedy Celebrations at The Wardrobe here.
Projekt New Year’s Eve: the past, the present, the future
O2 Academy Leeds, Millenium Square | 10pm – 4am
Image: Supplied
The Past, The Present, The Future is all about celebrating a decade of dance with A Decade Of Dance the North’s biggest weekly event. Doors open at 10.30pm and according to the organisers, is going to be an opportunity to bring in a ‘record breaking year at the O2 Academy as we look to the future’.
Get tickets for Projeckt New Year’s Eve: the past, the present, the future here.
Chow Down: NYE at the Winter Village
Saturday 31 December 2022 | Temple Arches, Leeds city centre
The final night for Chow Down (not just for 2022, these guys actually shut their doors until the summer after NYE), there’s everything we’ve grown to love and expect from the Arches open-air space and far more. Local DJs will be bringing the tunes, Bastard’s Bistro, The Middle Feast and The Savvy Baker will be providing the snacks, and the bar will be flowing with steins, cocktail and mulled drinks- this is going to be one heck of a closing party.
Tickets cost £10 each and include a glass of fizz on arrival. Get tickets for NYE at Winter Village here.
Feature image - Box/Unsplash/Slade UK
Christmas
Top 10 New Year’s Day walks in and around West Yorkshire
After probably a few too many champagnes last night, here's 10 of the best walks in and around Leeds and West Yorkshire to blow away the cobwebs.
It's time for your annual New Year's Day outing and we've rounded up 10 of the best walks in and around Leeds and West Yorkshire so you can win over your family with an all-new wintertime wander.
Whether you're a lover of a good reservoir or have a soft spot for birdwatching, these countywide trails have their own little quirks and we're sure you'll find one that's tailored to you.
So grab your scarf, dust off your old stompers and kick start the New Year by accomplishing one of these lovely West Yorkshire walking routes.
Swinsty Reservoir
Swinsty Reservoir is a beautiful walk just north of Otley, West Yorkshire / Credit: @the_running_mum and @skybluesophie on Instagram
In the picturesque Washburn Valley just north of Otley and west of Harrogate, lies the beautiful Swinsty Reservoir.
This walk is relatively easy, it’s about 3 miles in length and has plenty of flat gravel paths and pitstops for you to rest along the way.
The walk encircles the entire reservoir and provides breath-taking views across the water and the surrounding landscape.
Fewston Reservoir
Fewston Reservoir neighbours Swinsty Reservoir and is a perfect New Year walking spot / Credit: @macaloon on Instagram
If Swinsty isn’t long enough for you and you’d like a bit more of a challenge then try it’s neighbouring reservoir, Fewston.
Wrapping all the way around the beautiful Fewston reservoir, crossing over Fewston embankment you are spoilt for choice with spectacular views of both reservoirs.
You can also extend your walk by exploring nearby routes including Fewston and Timble Ings. The route is mostly flat with some short sections of path with fairly steep gradient and rockier terrain.
Ilkley Moor
One of West Yorkshire's most iconic walking destinations and definitely ideal for Boxing Day / Credit: @thisthewaytodisco on Instagram
Bob over to Ilkley and head towards the iconic Cow and Calf rocks on Ilkley Moor.
Although the walk may seem daunting, there’s an easy path to follow at a moderate gradient to guide you all the way. Hike up to the top, breathe in that good Yorkshire air and marvel at the impressive panoramic views of the town and beyond.
The good news is, there’s a pub just a stone’s throw away if you fancy a cold pint or a well-deserved roast after your walk.
The Otley Chevin
The Otley Chevin has something for all walkers, woodland trails and scenic countryside views / Credit: @carolineinthecountryside on Instagram
The Otley Chevin is a gorgeous forest park overlooking the quaint market town below. It’s the ideal place to take your furry friend for a walk, enjoy the spectacular views and breathe in the good Yorkshire air.
Located the luscious Wharfe Valley the park is full of criss-cross paths, impressive woodlands and breathtaking views at every turn. With walking trails, picnic spots, organised events and woodland to explore, there is something for everyone.
Castle Hill
Huddersfield's highest point also doubles as a fantastic walk with stunning views of West Yorkshire / Credit: @malajusted1 on Instagram
This one’s a steep one but your hard work pays off when you reach its summit, 1,000 feet above sea level, offering some of the best views of Huddersfield and West Yorkshire on a clear day.
For any history lovers or architecture admirers, there’s also an impressive tower dedicated to Queen Victoria which was built to honour her Diamond Jubilee back in 1897.
There’s numerous ways you can trek up to this Huddersfield hilltop but the right way is visiting rural watering hole The Victoria as you stroll back down. Let’s face it, nothing feels more rewarding than grabbing a crisp pint in a cosy pub after a pretty steep walk.
Newmiller Dam
Credit: @
If feeling the burn wasn’t on your Boxing Day itinerary, there’s a much simpler and flatter walk that lasts just under an hour and feels like a mini oasis , even if it is adjacent to a main road.
Up for a little detour? Newmiller Dam near Wakefield has a handful of off-track routes you can explore to extend your walk’s duration with benches scattered throughout to take in all its natural beauty.
This reservoir has a cute café attached to it, The Boathouse, which is quite the spectacle, offering up amazing food, themed events as well as being the home to an engagement or two over the years.
RSPB St. Aidans
St. Aidans is the perfect place for a long stroll and a spot of birdwatching right here in Leeds / Credit: The Hoot Leeds / @f.e.wildlifephotography on Instagram
Although this Leeds wildlife haven isn’t open on New Year's Day, this list has plenty of walks to pick from for the second biggest day of the year, and this spot can slot in somewhere else in your seasonal schedule.
Thinking you won’t spot any beautiful birds during the wintertime? The RSPB note you should keep an eye out for short eared owls, geese and ducks.
Home to a reservoir, pool and five lakes, you can follow a range of official routes ranging from 20 minutes to an hour or take a detour if you fancy immersing yourself in all the glory St. Aidans has to offer.
Baitings Reservoir
On the edge of West Yorkshire is the glorious Baitings Reservoir with an equally grand dam / Credit: @dronejp_ on Instagram
If you’re venturing over the moors this New Year to visit friends and family in Greater Manchester, why not stop off at this next site on the way back home?
Baitings Reservoir next to Ripponden gives you the choice to walk around the large-spanning enclosed water or roam around the accompanying hillsides.
Use the natural resources to your advantage and live out your Glinda fantasy by giving hair a little “toss toss” as you walk across the raised dam path which is usually a little bit windy.
Withens Clough
Next to Hebden Bridge is Withens Clough a West Yorkshire walk with two pubs closeby/ Credit: @ericbroug on Instagram
Two pubs, multiple views of Stoodley Pike and nestled next to a cute Calderdale village, if that didn't grab your attention we don’t know what will.
Less than five miles from Hebden Bridge and bordering Cragg Vale, Withens Clough is an hour long walk with the moors surrounding you on either side.
This walk is a crowd pleaser with two pubs within 15 minutes from the trail serving up food fit for everyone, vegans and veggies too.
Brontë Waterfall
You might feel inspired to write a prose or two while you're walking around Brontë Waterfall/ Credit: @mostlymedieval on Instagram
Situated in Haworth, if you start from Main Street this walk takes 45 minutes, or there’s a free car park at Penistone Hill Country Park which shortens your trail to 25 minutes if you’ve just devoured your Boxing Day leftovers .
As you rove along you’ll stumble upon ‘Charlotte’s Chair’, an L-shaped stone believed to be the sacred spot where this Bronte sister put pen to paper.
The website may encourage you to dip your feet in the cold moorland water, but on a cold winter’s day this might be too adventurous.
Surprising new survey reveals the top 10 most disliked Christmas foods
Emily Sergeant
A new survey has revealed the top 10 festive foods that Brits dislike the most, and number one isn't sprouts.
If there's one thing for certain, a lot of food gets consumed at Christmas.
Christmas is just as much about the food as it is anything else, especially as shops and supermarkets tend to go all out with the festive feasting specials - with treats stacked top to bottom on the shelves.
But surprisingly, a few of those foods are actually among the most disliked by the younger generations once the festive season rolls around.
The top 10 most disliked Christmas foods have been revealed / Credit: GoodFon | Flickr
A new poll by of 2,000 adults who celebrate Christmas, carried out by Aldi, has found that those born in 1996 or later are apparently "turning their back on" traditional favourites.
This is all in favour of festive dishes with some sort of "modern twist".
Of the traditional favourites, Christmas pudding is one of the least-loved festive foods, along with Christmas cake and trifle - with more than half (56%) of respondents describing them as "dated".
Top 10 most disliked Christmas foods
Mince pies - 31%
Christmas pudding - 29%
Christmas cake - 25%
Cranberry sauce - 25%
Brussels sprouts - 24%
Bread sauce - 22%
Chestnuts - 21%
Brandy butter - 20%
Turkey - 20%
Trifle - 19%
Despite what many would expect though, number one on the list is not the usual scapegoat of sprouts, as instead it's mince pies that take the top spot, with the little green vegetables coming in fifth place just behind cranberry sauce at four, Christmas cake in third, and Christmas pudding at two.
Additional research from the supermarket found that the main reasons Brits would like to change up Christmas dinner is to fit personal taste preferences better (34%), or to be more inclusive for dietary restrictions (27%).
26% said they want to switch things up just to be more exciting or adventurous in general.
Clementine Hall -
22nd December 2022 
