With half term just around the corner The Thackray Museum of Medicine is here to help keep you and the little ones occupied.
Ever wanted to see what it's really like to perform open heart surgery first-hand? Or how about learning about the ins and outs of germs and how they affect our day to day lives?
Well, you can do all of this and more at The Thackray Museum of Medicine this February.
Located just a short trip out of the city centre in Harehills, The Thackray Museum is an award-winning haven of learning, jam-packed with an ever-changing collection of immersive galleries, mind-blowing exhibitions and so much more.
Wander through the sights, smells and seems of 19th-century Leeds before visiting a seventies-style sexual health clinic, or why not get behind the microscope yourself and learn about what makes the human body fit for battling against disease.
There's so much to get up to this February, all of which is created to inspire and entertain our next generation of big thinkers.
So, let's have a look at what you can get up to at Thackray this February.
Fragile Microbiomes
Saturday 10 February - Sunday 23 June 2024 | Free with admission
Image: Thackray Museum of Medicine
Thackray’s newest exhibition ‘Fragile Microbiomes’, features the innovative works of internationally renowned artist Anna Dumitri and delves into the intricacies of the microbial world. The exhibition features sculptures and installations made using bacteria, DNA, altered vintage objects, 3D printing, textiles, video and digital technologies.
A true testament to the transformative power of BioArt, the exhibition showcases the emerging and groundbreaking art movement that incorporates living media, such as bacteria and synthetic biology.
Find out more about this incredible exhibition here.
Germs, Glorious Germs
Saturday 10 - Sunday 18 February 2024 | Free with admission
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Germs are often frowned upon, but in reality it's only a mere 1% of germs that make us poorly. This half term, learn about the trillion microbes in our tummies that help us digest our food and help us fight disease.
The museum's brain box Thackray Boffins will look at what germs really are, and what happens when good and bad germs become unbalanced.
Saturday 10 - Saturday 17 February 2024 | £3 (with a museum ticket)
Image: Thackray Museum of Medicine
Throughout half term, local artist Jenny Wright will be offering drop-in screenprinting sessions which makes for the perfect half-term activity. All materials will be provided and sessions will run from 11am-1pm and 2pm-4pm, limited spaces are available and you can book yours here.
Thackray Lates: Anatomy of Love
Thursday 15 February 2024, from 6pm | £10 per person
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Warning: not for the faint hearted.
At this one-of-a-kind Thackray Late event, expect a whole host of up-close medical experiments from a heart dissection to a living autopsy to really get you feeling loved up this Valentine's season.
No humans are harmed during this event, but it is most definitely not for the squeamish and is recommended for those aged 18+.
As well as these exciting exhibitions, there's also the permanent immersive street of Victorian Leeds, the Sparks! under 5s play area and so much more to enjoy this month.
Tickets cost just £11.95 per adult, and £8.95 per child with under 5s going in free. Tickets are for 12 months so you can come and go as you please to this wonderful museum.
For more information on exhibitions and ticket prices, visit The Thackray Museum of Medicine's website.
Nestled in Armley, Assembly House is an independent creative hub bringing artists together.
Assembly House, based on Canal Road in Armley inside a historic Victorian mill, has become a home for creatives across Leeds since launching in 2013.
The artist-led organisation combines working studios with an independent gallery and project space, hosting everything from exhibitions and workshops to community events and live music.
The space is currently home to 80 creatives who make up their community, comprising of professional practitioners including educators, performers, painters, sculptors, illustrators, video artists and designers.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Their aim is simple - to offer affordable studios to emerging artists alongside technical support, producing support along with access to workshops, internal film screenings and events.
Assembly House offer a yearly program of exhibitions designed to showcase the studio holders and get their work out there. It's all aimed at helping the artists, whether it's their first show or tenth.
It has also helped bring art into the wider neighbourhood through community murals, public sculptures and activities for local people.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
They believe art has the power to bring people together and to evoke emotion and thought, and we've got to say that we absolutely agree.
The space can also be hired by students and independent creatives looking to put on their own exhibitions or bring a project to life.
The fabulous venue is generally open to visitors during exhibitions, workshops and events, with visits by appointment at other times, so it's worth checking its website before heading over.
To have a look at their current programme and to find out more about what Assembly House are doing for Leeds and the community, you can take a look at their website here.
A Miami-inspired deli serving Cuban sandwiches, stacked subs and cigars has opened in a Leeds suburb
Clementine Hall
After making a name for itself over in Leeds city centre, Alfonso's Deli 2.0 has touched down in Horsforth.
Famed for it’s toasted Cuban sandwiches, stacked subs and loaded breakfast bagels - Alfonso's Deli in Leeds' beautiful Grand Arcade serve up some of the best sandwiches in the city.
They've built up such a good reputation in fact, that they have now opened a second deli in the up-and-coming suburb of Horsforth.
Located in a prime location on New Side Road, this deli has a slightly different look to their original space, complete with a beautiful red awning and stuffed to the brim with American memorabilia.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Here you can find fresh Cuban coffee which goes wonderfully with their authentic toasted Cubano sandwiches, perfectly crafted with their house-made bread which are then pressed made-to-order.
New for Horsforth, they're now serving New York deli sandwiches on brand-new house schiacciata bread.
And the bread is as fresh as it gets, made in their own bakery downstairs alongside a selection of New York deli bakes.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Stuffed with toppings such as smoked deli meats, cold cuts, fresh cheese and whatever else you fancy.
Oh and it doesn't stop there, you can also buy a cigar if you fancy it alongside a selection of merch, hot sauces and provisions like tinned fish.
So whether you're stopping by on your way to work for a morning coffee or treating yourself to a stellar sandwich for your lunch, Alfonso's Deli is here to whisk you away to Miami for the afternoon.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
They're officially opening their doors to the public this Thursday 15 October, and we just know it's going to go down and absolute storm.
Make sure to pop down and give them a big warm welcome to the neighbourhood.
Clementine Hall -
9th February 2024 
