A Yorkshire man has shown off an unbelievable weight loss transformation at Leeds Festival this year.
Aaron Walker returned to the festival over the August bank holiday weekend, two years after his last visit - and 14 stone lighter.
Aaron, who was named Slimming World's Man of the Year 2023, said it was his last trip to Leeds Festival that made him realised he needed to lose weight for his own health.
He weighed almost 27 stone in 2021, and said that he was 'gasping for breath' just from walking to the main stage.
The Doncaster man added that he ended up missing his favourite bands and feeling self-conscious all weekend when he should have been 'making some memories'.
So that was it - Aaron joined Slimming World and over the course of the next two years managed to lose more than half his body weight, returning to Leeds Festival to celebrate.
He initially started to lose weight by swapping takeaways for homemade versions of his favourite meals, like Chinese chicken, and found learning to cook like 'therapy'.
Aaron Walker at Leeds Festival in 2021 before his weight loss. Credit: Slimming WorldAaron Walker before his weight loss. Credit: Slimming World
Once he'd had a few months of healthy eating, it was time to get active - and he says he used the Slimming World physical activity support programme to get moving.
Aaron said: "My family had always been into walking, and it was getting to the point where they wouldn’t invite me to go with them because I struggled with my fitness so much. I was totally inactive before, even walking to the top of the stairs would leave me out of breath. I started off taking small walks around the block – it was hard at first, but it gradually became easier and more of a hobby.
"In time my walking progressed to running and I’ve since completed the Leeds Half Marathon, which was an amazing achievement. I also started hiking and love getting out into the countryside – in the past year I’ve climbed Snowdon, completed the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge and climbed Ben Nevis. My big dream now is to complete the London Marathon one day.
“It feels like my life is just beginning – and I can’t wait to see what’s next for me. Heading back to Leeds Fest is a big tick off the list though!”
Aaron also explained that he's struggled with his weight for his whole life, with his parents even having to install a padlock on the snack cupboard at home, with his weight problems worsening when he went to university in Hull.
Aaron Walker at Leeds Festival 2023, 14 stone lighter. Credit: Slimming WorldAaron Walker now, 14 stone lighter. Credit: Slimming World
Looking back on his Leeds Festival 2023 experience, he said: "I was really looking forward to being with my mates, listening to some good music and making some memories. Turns out I did make a core memory that day – it just wasn’t the one I was expecting."
Aaron continued: "When I arrived, it soon dawned on me that being on my feet would be hard going for me at almost 27st. Just the walk from the entrance to the main stage had me gasping for breath – I was exhausted.
"I felt self-conscious all day and even missed one of my favourite bands, Two Door Cinema Club, because I was too tired to walk across the field to the stage they were playing on.
"I thought to myself – I’m 25 years old, I should be having the time of my life at a music festival with my mates and I’m not. That was my turning point. I joined a Slimming World group not long after. Now here I am – two years later, 14st lighter and loving Leeds Festival this time!"
Posting to their social media, The Maven said: "When news broke The Maven could close its doors at the end of March, the reaction across the city was immediate. The response from customers, bartenders, and hospitality operators showed just how much this bar means to Leeds.
"For nearly 15 years, The Maven has been one of the city’s most loved cocktail destinations and a true institution within the local bar scene.
"When we told you about its potential closure we were flooded with support and interest from across the hospitality community. In the days that followed, several Leeds-based operators stepped forward with genuine offers to buy the venue and keep the bar alive.
"At a time when our industry is too often filled with stories of closures, today brings a little hope - a story about a community stepping up to protect something it values.
"The reports that The Maven would close at the end of March are now firmly in the past: The Maven Lives.
"Thanks to the passion of the Leeds hospitality community and the loyalty of its guests, the bar will continue to be part of the city’s nightlife story. More details about the next chapter for The Maven will be shared soon."
One of Leeds’ best rooftop bars has launched a brand-new cocktail and food menu just in time for spring
Clementine Hall
Leeds is about to feel the heat this summer as Uyare announces the launch of a new cocktail and bar food menu.
It's all in celebration of spring and the restaurant's first birthday.
If you haven't ever visited Uyare's rooftop then let us tell you, it is a beautiful spot.
Set high above the city in Victoria Leeds, the super-stylish rooftop destination boasts jawdropping panoramic city views, heated outdoor seating and a stellar food and drink menu.
It's the perfect pre-dinner cocktail spot as well as a standalone bar experience with tables available to book exclusively for drinks.
And where's better than a rooftop bar during the summer season?
Guests can expect a brand-new small plates menu that are perfect for sharing, a curated selection of signature cocktails and a new bottomless brunch available every weekend.
The brunch includes tapas dishes with side and bottomless drinks from £40 and there’ll also be monthly jazz nights adding a sophisticated laid-back atmosphere.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The cocktail menu features 12 signature ‘flavour forward’ creations that take inspiration from Kerala’s rich culinary heritage. Alongside the signature cocktails, the menu also introduces four Kerala-centric drinks designed to take guests on a journey through the region.
Opened in June 2025, Uyare was born from the success of Tharavadu, one of Leeds’ best-loved restaurants.
After more than eleven years of welcoming celebrities, food lovers and discerning diners from across the globe, the team expanded the Tharavadu family to create Uyare, a premium rooftop dining destination bringing refined South Indian cuisine and elevated city views to the Leeds skyline.
Image: Supplied
Founder Siby Jose said; “Uyare is all about energy, and that’s exactly what we’re bringing to our rooftop bar this summer. While Leeds has a vibrant cocktail scene, many menus are built around classic recipes or rely heavily on syrups. Our new menu takes a different approach, focusing on real ingredients and culinary techniques to create bold, layered flavours.
“Our vision is to create a destination where you can book just for drinks or gather with friends and experience something special above the city. We are really excited about our new menu, which we think will satisfy and delight everyone’s tastes, whether you’re popping in for cocktails at golden hour or settling in for a full small-plates feast and soaking up the atmosphere!”
Daisy Jackson -
30th August 2023 
