Finally, we can safely say that spring is here- and there's a lot to enjoy this month.
Looking outside, it might not quite feel like the weather is getting warmer, but we're hopeful that we're leaving all the stormy skies and wet weather in February.
Regardless of the weather, there's so much to get involved in this March in Leeds. Given this will be the first non-lockdown March since 2019, there's a whole host of celebrations that are finally taking place in-person, we kicked the month off with Pancake Day and International Women's Day but there's still plenty of celebrations to come, including Mother's Day, St Patrick's Day, Holi Festival and more.
Keep reading to find out what our top things to do this March in Leeds are.
Alice in Wonderland Immersive Cocktail Experience
Image: Alice Cocktail Experience Global
An incredible Lewis Carroll-inspired drinking experience has opened in Leeds, giving Alice in Wonderland fans the chance to fall down their very own rabbit hole.
Lovers of the book series (or Tim Burton’s 2010 reimagining) will be able to meet the White Rabbit and Mad Hatter themselves as part of this fantastical 90-minute experience.
Thursday 3 March - Sunday 27 March 2022.
St Patrick's Day Parade
Image: Tom Blackwell, Flickr
St Patrick's Day isn't until the 18th, but the annual parade is due to take place on Sunday 13 March this year from 10am.
The parade will bring together floats, bands, walking displays, and representatives from Irish organisations, schools, clubs and societies from across Leeds- making it a great family day out. You can join in with the parade and head through Leeds city centre before reaching the party on Millennium Square where there will be a full afternoon of music and dance from Leeds musicians, dancers and invited guests. Guinness isn't mandatory but widely encouraged.
Bongo’s Bingo is back for another round of midweek madness at the O2 Academy. We’ve been told that this year, Bongo’s Bingo enthusiasts should expect the same nostalgic escapism from previous shows, with the added chance of winning iconic prizes like Henry Hoovers, mobility scooters, karaoke machines and more.
In addition to the crazy prizes, crowd renditions of Mr Brightside, dance offs, and ‘hands in the air’ moments aplenty are all guaranteed to make an appearance.
Wednesday 16 March and Wednesday 23 March . Find out more here.
Stormzy at First Direct Arena
Image: WikiCommons
For those that missed the memo, international singer Stormzy is going to be in Leeds for one night only this month.
There's still tickets left for his highly-anticipated tour, the rapper has been trying to get to Leeds three times since the pandemic hit (previously September 2020 and April 2021) so this will be the first successful gig to take place at the First Direct Arena since 2020. Expect favourites from Stormzy's acclaimed debut ‘Gang Signs & Prayer’ and second album ‘Heavy Is The Head’ alike at the First Direct Arena.
Water Lane Boathouse is a bar that needs no introduction. The popular spot on the Leeds-Liverpool Canal has one of the best pub quizzes, beer gardens, lunch deals (so really any kind of themed day or night) around and their weekly art nights are sure to be added to this list.
There's specially guided workshops run by Beccy from Cut and Curve that will take your usual Wednesday evening and transform it into a fun and relaxing evening to learn a new skill and take home your very own hangers for your fave houseplant. Practical and creative- sounds like an ideal combination for anyone looking for a mid-week evening out that avoids a next-day hangover.
Here in Leeds, the celebrations of Holi will involve the traditional dry powder paints, as well as the serving of street food, live DJs and performances right in the heart of the city.
There will be four live DJs including Bollynights team, performances from talent near and far, as well as street food from local takeaway and catering service Punjabi Heaven. The festival last took place in 2019, and the long-awaited return has been highly anticipated. Tier one tickets have already sold out for the seven hour event, but remaining tier two tickets are still available for purchase.
Planet Earth II Live was due to tour across the UK and Ireland back in 2020, but pandemic-related restrictions have put off the performance until March 2022, when the show is finally scheduled to go ahead.
Rubbing shoulders with acrobatic primate cousins in the steaming jungles of Madagascar is hinted to be a part of the experience, as well as racing alongside fearsome hunting lions in the remote sandy deserts of Namibia, facing stormy Antarctic seas with a family of penguins and feeling the raw tension as a baby iguana tries to escape the clutches of deadly racer snakes.
Revs de Cuba's Casa del Alma- Mother's Day Special
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Every month, Latin-inspired fiesta bar Revs de Cuba hosts a bottomless brunch experience set to the tune of a gospel choir- and this month, you can treat your mama to a live performance at their Mother's Day special event.
Running from 2pm - 6pm, the two-hour bottomless sitting provides a feel-good experience for all ages. Expect soulful performances whilst sipping on an endless list of boozy options. Expect unlimited cocktails like Aperol Spritz, Strawberry Daquiris and Bloody Marys, as well as pints of Mahou and glasses of Prosecco.
Inside the hidden Alice in Wonderland inspired bar is a decked out scenery complete with floating tea pots, fairy lights and kitsch tea party decor that creates a fantastical atmosphere for karaoke.
Across multiple events, guests can expect different themed karaoke nights from their favourite artists, including the legendary Spice Girls. Expect a night of all-singing, all-dancing feel-good music, complete with complimentary cocktail or mocktail upon arrival.
There's a gothic hall in the heart of the Peak District where you can enjoy a staycation with a difference - because it's completely TV-free.
Get ready to cosy up by the fire while soaking up everything this screen-free property in the Peak District has to offer.
This two bedroom, three bed gothic hall looks out onto some stunning views through its unique framed windows.
If you're up for a stroll, this staycation has many popular walking routes to the unique village of King Sterndale, Cheedale Stepping Stones and more.
There's a gothic hall in the Peak District that's completely TV-free / Credit: Airbnb (supplied)
Only 10 minutes from Buxton and 15 minutes from Bakewell, this historic property is the perfect location for anyone wanting to explore more of Yorkshire.
Pictor Hall has a gorgeous landscape that can be enjoyed simply by opening the front door with an abundance of foliage and greenery surrounding the property.
And if you're still worried about the idea of being stuck without a TV, the Airbnb host has noted that the property has a variety of board games, books and free wifi.
Although, with Pictor Hall dating back to the 1700's, you'll probably spend a considerable amount of time gawking at all the impressive features and characteristics throughout.
Pictor Hall is an impressive 1700s property where you can have your own Yorkshire staycation / Credit: Airbnb (supplied)
There's striking wooden beams, a vintage writers' desk, tables with old-timey carvings etched into the side, an array of big clay pots and a carved log that greets you upon arrival.
Previous visitors to this property have commented on Pictor Hall's "peaceful location", listing it as "amazing spot for a woodland getaway" and labelling the property as a "storybook cottage".
If you're up for staying in this gorgeous gothic Airbnb property while also having a mini digital detox, you can find out more and book your stay HERE.
Struggling to book a date? It's probably because our whole office is scrambling to enjoy their own staycation in this gothic hall.. sorry not sorry.
Audio North’s Artist of the Month: Cruz | July 2026
Thomas Melia
July already? We're Cruz-ing through the year. Meet this Northern Indie rock band who've been crowned Audio North's latest Artist of the Month.
Sam, Tom, Jamie and Ethan, better known by band-name Cruz, are well and truly making a name for themselves with a whole host of gig dates scattered throughout the Summer.
Live music lovers are about to become very familiar with the 'Disco Colour Beams' songwriters, as Cruz' Summer schedule includes Isle of Wight Festival, Truck Festival and two Sheffield dates.
The Sheff-based shows are special for the fourpiece as they're hometown shows at both Everywhere At Once Festival and the incredible Tramlines Festival - Congrats lads.
Cruz are feeling the love, as the reason they're heading out to Tramlines is because they were voted the Fans' Pick, and this recognition continues as they've been chosen by Audio North to be our Artist of the Month.
An interview with Cruz | Audio North's Artist of the Month: July
Cruz-ing there way from festival to festival this Summer, the Sheffield band sat down with Audio North to talk Artist of the Month title / Credit: Press Shots (supplied)
For those who don't know, introduce us to Cruz
Tom and Sam were jamming in early 2022 before deciding to start a band while looking for other members, with Ethan and Jamie finding out through friends of friends.
Ahead of their first live gig, Cruz were drummer-less, Ethan's recruitment was lifesaving for the band as he stepped up a week before and never looked back since, four years strong.
How has Sheffield shaped you as a band?
It's such a rich city full of creatives, music-based as well as even broader to art and culture, Sheffield isn't just a city, it's a support system.
When we were starting out we got involved with all the local gig venues, who are always on the lookout to champion upcoming bands, it was so nice.
Do you feel any connection to this city's musical heritage?
Pulp, Arctic Monkeys and Richard Hawley of course, Human League and Def Leppard, the list goes on.
Growing up in Sheffield and going to gigs at The Leadmill was so incredible too.
What have been some of your favourite live shows so far?
Sidney and Matilda is prominent to us because it's where we played our very first headline date. We also supported Overpass, which was our fifth show ever as the band as we know it, then playing our headline in the same room was awesome.
Sam, Tom, Jamie and Ethan, better known as Cruz, are making waves in the Sheffield music scene / Credit: Press Shot (supplied)
If someone wanted to experience the Sheffield music scene, where would you take them?
The Washington does free shows with bands and acoustic sets, making it accessible for everyone. The majority of venues in Sheffield are always hosting gigs.
Kelham Island has a lot of free entry venues too, it's great, getting to watch four or five bands playing out all on one night in this current economy is top tier.
Tramlines and Tramlines Fringe is chaotic in the best way, you never know what to expect but you'll leave with a buzz of energy every single time.
What's some of your favourite songs by these artists?
'Soundcheck Your Soul' by The North they've got so many great tunes, they're an amazing band. Montello's 'Suit and Tie', 'Runaway Instead' The Rosadocs.
Playing out at various festivals across the UK, for this Sheffield act it's Tramlines which is the most important to them / Credit: Press Shot (supplied)
What's your favourite track off your newest EP?
Jamie picked 'Man of the People' quoting it as a 'Proper anthem', 'I Get By' is Ethan's pick, it's a track which has been in the works for a while but now the band have finally cracked the code.
While Sam's favourite song is 'Amsterdam' as it's the most personal to him and it's a chilled out number.
Sophie Smith -
28th February 2022 
