Leeds Waterfront Festival is set to make a splash this summer with the return of the British Street Food Awards and iconic Dragon Boat Race.
The plans for Leeds Waterfront Festival 2023 have been announced, and it's going to be an unforgettable weekend full of fun and plenty of food.
Taking place on 1 and 2 July 2023, the festival is the largest of it's kind in the north and showcases the very best of the city's waterways.
This year, The British Street Food Awards will return to Leeds for the festival after a three-year hiatus, inviting 12 Northern traders to battle it out for the top prize.
Image: Supplied
The North heats will feature Leeds favourites Little Red Eats who will take on the likes of Oi Dumplings from Manchester and Acropolis from Newcastle to compete for the crowning title.
The competition will be judged by Michelin-starred Will Lockwood, Head Chef from Roots York. There will also be a People’s Choice winner, chosen by those attending the event. Both winners will go the British Street Food Awards finals taking place in London this August.
Image: Supplied
The notorious Leeds Dock Dragon Boat Race is set to be another highlight, sailing back into town with smaller boats this time for extra speed. Registrations are now open for up to 24 teams of 7-11 people per boat to take on the challenge to win the highly coveted trophy.
Leeds Dock’s event director, Alex Webb, said: “The smaller dragon boats this year mean more people can get involved. Groups of mates can take on the challenge, or if you’re planning a hen or stag do, or big birthday celebration, this would be ideal. It’s something fun and different to do, and you get to flex your sporting prowess at the same time!”
Image: Supplied
Local bar and kitchen, The Canary, will also be hosting live musicians and DJs throughout the festival, as well as serving cocktails, locally brewed beers and great food- perfect for sunshine catch-ups with friends.
For more information about the Waterfront Festival, take a look at their website.
Popular coffee shop Joe & The Juice is opening a site in Leeds for the first time ever.
And to be honest, we're very very excited about it.
The Danish-based business is famed for its juices, shakes, and sandwiches, including its best-seller, the Tunacado.
With more than 300 juice bars and coffee shops around the world, Joe & The Juice’s pink branding has become a familiar site globally since its launch in 2002.
Images: The Manc Group
It's been open across the pond in Manchester for just over a year now, and we've been waiting with bated breath to see when they'd make the triumphant step to LS1.
And now the time has finally come, as Joe & The Juice will be opening in the old Franco Manca site on Trinity Street.
Franco Manca closed earlier this years after seven years in the cit centre, and many were sad to see it go.
We don't have an exact opening date just yet, but the iconic pink vinyls are up and the TikTok girlies are already getting very excited about the concept of finally trying a Tunacado.
For anyone who hasn't had the pleasure, the sandwich combines tuna mousse, avocado and pesto, served on Joe & The Juice's signature toasted bread.
It's become something of a social media sensation, so it must be good...right?
The brand has built a huge following thanks to its colourful drinks, pared-back interiors and distinctly recognisable pink branding, serving up everything from your morning matcha and coffee to a healthy juice or grab-and-go lunch.
And now Leeds is officially getting in on the action, and we absolutely can't wait.
We'll of course keep you updated with the opening date of Joe & The Juice Leeds as and when we know more.
Leeds station to undergo £303m transformation in biggest upgrade for a generation
Clementine Hall
Leeds train station set for biggest transformation in a generation as Government backs growth.
If you thought the work was over for Leeds station, think again.
Because passengers are set to see major improvements as the Government injects a further £200 million into the development of the transport hub.
The additional funding was announced at the Budget today, with upgrades set to be delivered by 2030 and will include the construction of a new central overbridge, three new entrances, more space on the concourses and a longer Platform 14.
Image: Supplied
It means passengers will benefit from more direct routes, less crowding, and nearly 40% more ticket barriers.
Three new entrances will strengthen links between the station and town, improving access to the South Bank, the Dark Arches and Princes Square.
Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, said: "Leeds station is the gateway to West Yorkshire, and this extra £200 million investment will turn it into a station this city can be proud of: modern, welcoming and built for the people who rely on it every single day.
"The great cities of the north deserve better transport, and that’s exactly what we’re delivering. We're paving the way for Northern Powerhouse Rail, forging stronger connections across the region, and backing the infrastructure that creates jobs, builds homes and puts passengers first as we work to set up Great British Railways."
Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said: "Leeds Station is the beating heart of our region's transport network, connecting millions of people to jobs, education and opportunity every year – and it’s only going to get busier.
“This investment will benefit passengers and businesses, help to unlock the capacity we need for future growth and create a gateway to West Yorkshire that reflects our ambition.
“Together with our wider plans for West Yorkshire’s Weaver Network, we're building a better-connected region which works for all.”
Clementine Hall -
24th April 2023 
