The latest series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK returns this August bank holiday, and the 2025 edition of the smash-hit series is set to feature a local and well-known queen from our very own Leeds.
Can't wait for the cult favourite TV show to receive its first 'Yorrrrrkshire'.
Already a classic among the queer community following many years on the air over in America, RuPaul's Drag Race UK is set to debut its seventh season this autumn, and part of the fun is always meeting the lineup.
While there's often a Northern name or two, we understandably were over the moon to see that Leeds drag queen 'Silllexa Diction', announced in the 2025 cast.
Now, for those who are unfamiliar with Ms Silllexa Diction, she is a born-and-bred Yorkshire girl who has been on the circuit for roughly seven years, and an increasingly recognisable name for closer to half a decade at the very least.
At 26, she's been doing drag pretty much all of her adult life, and when introducing herself to the broadcasters, she described two of her key traits as 'silly and sexy'.
Going from learning how to design and make her own costumes at the age of 18 to now hosting her own regular 'WERK' drag nights at the Viaduct Showbar - Leeds' leading LGBTQIA+ club and student for nine years running - she's somewhat of a regional icon.
If you're wondering what to expect from her, expect "everything as big and crazy as possible", with an extremely exaggerated female silhouette and about "12 pairs of giant breast plates."
With stilettos/her big camp boots on, she measures at a towering 7'3" (you'd struggle to miss her on a night out) and with a touching self-taught backstory, she's already our favourite - not that we're biased or anything...
Honestly, it has been a crazy fever dream getting here", she says. I am the first Leeds girl on Drag Race, and it just feels correct.
"There's no girl like me in Leeds, let alone the world. You don't really get many gorgeous, stunning, beautiful, conceptual queens that are also funny.
"I think that's why Ru chose me to be here. I've graced the Earth with my presence. I've floated down from above, and I'm here to make you chuckle and laugh.
Once again, series seven of RuPaul Drag Race UK gets underway at 9pm this Sunday, 24 August, on BBC Three and iPlayer. We already know who we want to win.
Get ready for an out-of-this-world experience Leeds.
The mobile planetarium will be popping up at Millennium Square where visitors can explore the wonders of the universe this summer.
Planetarium Go UK will arrive just next month, promising immersive astronomy and science-based experiences using the latest technology to capture the stunning far reaches of space.
The attraction employs high-resolution digital projections all housed within an impressive portable dome structure and will screen a programme of films for visitors of all ages.
Image: Supplied
From Friday 4 until Wednesday 26 September, Planetarium Go UK will host screenings every day between 11am and 6pm Sunday to Friday and 10am to 8pm on Saturdays.
José Jiménez, CEO of Planetarium Go UK said: “Our objective is clear: to bring science to places where it has not reached before.
“We want children, young people and families to enjoy an immersive experience that sparks scientific curiosity and brings the universe closer to everyday life, regardless of where they live.”
Image: Supplied
The planetarium is part of the programme of summer events which have taken place on Millennium Square this year, including another belting series of concerts and performances which attracted audiences of thousands.
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for economy, said: “Millennium Square continues to host an exciting and diverse programme of events and activities at the heart of the city centre each and every year and this summer has been no exception.
“Giving families the opportunity to explore the fascinating wonders of space and astronomy will be an incredible experience and will hopefully help to inspire the next generation of young scientists in Leeds.”
Tickets for Planetarium Go UK are priced from £8 and you can find out more and buy your tickets here.
Inside the Leeds factory that makes and supplies classic jukeboxes
Thomas Melia
This Leeds-based family-owned business is famed for supplying pubs, clubs and even ordinary people's homes with classic jukeboxes.
Started up in 1978, Sound Leisure really is a local business like no other, creating and distributing classic jukeboxes to over 40 countries.
This music-machine-making company notes that 75% of the jukeboxes they manufacture and sell throughout the year are bought for everyday homes.
The remaining 25% of orders are for the all-expected hospitality venues like bars, clubs and hotels, with the jukeboxes sometimes bought for company headquarters and retail outlets too.
Although there are other jukebox manufacturers, especially across the pond in the US, Sound Leisure is the only factory in the world that creates jukeboxes to play out across all formats: CD, vinyl and digital.
This jukebox business even runs the world's only 'Custom Shop', which is a design service that offers any music lovers the chance to personalise their pristine player.
So whether you're after a themed jukebox, customisable nameplate or even a bespoke design, this jukebox company's website states: "If you can dream it, we can build it".
One of Sound Leisure's prized products is the music machine inspired Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band-themed jukebox which any fan of The Beatles would dream of being its lucky owner.
And there really isn't anything they can't do, as alongside creating classic jukeboxes, the same team even make pinball machines, football tables, LED signs and more.
With CD and vinyl jukeboxes from £5,000 and digital jukeboxes quoted from upwards of £12,000, we're going to need a fair few rainy days to save up our money.
However, you can still marvel at these magnificent music machines without having to dip into your savings, with guided tours starting from just £15.
If you're up for learning a little bit more about music technology or simply after admiring these classic jukeboxes in all their glory, you can find out more about the factory and book your guided tour ticket HERE.
Danny Jones -
22nd August 2025 
