Leeds Carnival is one of the longest-running in the UK and many have been waiting eagerly to find out how the programming will run in 2021, as restrictions begin to ease around the city.
Founded in the city in 1967 by Dr France, it is the celebration of the emancipation of slavery and attracts over 150,000 people each year.
Last year's event was forced to go entirely virtual, with all the festivities having to be moved online due to COVID. Now, after much anticipation, organisers have confirmed plans for how the festival will go ahead in 2021 in an announcement made earlier this week.
The festival is run entirely by volunteers who specialise in preserving and protecting Caribbean arts, culture and heritage.
A decision has been made for 2021's festival to go ahead, but organisers have confirmed the event will only be partly physical this year - with the rest held online.
The uncertainty surrounding the easing of restrictions on June 21 has impacted designers - meaning they haven't had enough time to design and create their costumes, as they usually would.
In response, people are being asked to get out their old costumes and 'upcycle' them instead as part of the Legacy Carnival celebrations - which will see the parade take a digital form this year.
Chairperson and Founder of LWIC, Dr Arthur France, said: “We are passionate about promoting and protecting our cultural heritage and carnival is the legacy of what our fore parents went through.
"Legacy Carnival here we come.
"Bring out your old costumes, upcycle them because we’re jamming still!”
As well as bringing together favourite popular elements like the Carnival Chronicles and Prince and Princess show, this year's festival will also introduce some new elements like its “Mas Makers” Carnival Volunteers.
This programme incorporates training for a number of committed volunteers to work with and build the Carnival Events Team, and will serve to help grow carnival's capacity and contribute to continuing to build its legacy.
Vice Chair LWIC, Bernadette Albert, stated: "It is important that we train the next generation of youth about the importance of Carnival; not only because it’s a good time on the road or for a weekend but so that they can learn and in turn teach others about the importance, history and meaning of Carnival.
"This will ensure we protect, preserve and promote our Caribbean heritage and culture in the community.”
The programme for Leeds 2021 Legacy Carnival is as follows:
Celebration of Emancipation Church Service – Sunday, August 1st
Carnival Chronicles – Saturday, August 14th
Prince and Princess Show– Sunday, August 22nd
King and Queen Show – Friday, August 27th
J’ouvert Morning – Monday, August 30th
Virtual Carnival Day – Monday, August 30th
Leeds
An après-ski themed beer house is opening on Leeds’ Call Lane this October
Lederhosen at the ready Leeds, because a new party bar is coming to the city.
Taking over the former Revolución de Cuba venue on Call Lane, the site will close for a major refurbishment before reopening in October as the seventh Barbara’s Bier Haus in the UK.
This isn't your average bar, guests can expect a proper themed experience with dancing bartenders in lederhosen, shot skis, DJs and interactive entertainment alongside beer and cocktail towers, shareable pizzas and wursts bringing the on-the-slopes atmosphere to the city.
Basically, it's time to cancel your upcoming skip trip as Barbara's will be bringing the slopes to you.
Image: Supplied
Russell Quelch, CEO of NEOS Hospitality, said about the opening: “Leeds has a fantastic nightlife scene, so it’s the perfect place for Barbara’s Bier Haus.
"The city is known for its energy and its love of a good night out, and Barbara’s brings something a little different with its après-ski theme, entertainment and big party atmosphere. We’re really excited to bring Barbara’s to Leeds and can’t wait to get the doors open this October.”
Images: Supplied
The upcoming Leeds opening forms part of a wider rollout of Barbara’s Bier Haus across the UK, as NEOS Hospitality continues to expand its core brands following its acquisition of 20 Revolution and Revolución de Cuba venues earlier this year.
Further details on the Leeds opening of Barbara's Bier Haus, including exclusive launch events and entertainment schedules will be announced ahead of October - and we'll of course be bringing you all the details.
Call Lane bar closes down for good after almost a decade in Leeds
Daisy Jackson
A popular bar and nightlife spot on Call Lane has closed its doors for good this weekend.
Revolución de Cuba - or Revs de Cuba, to most of us - announced the imminent closure of its Leeds bar last week, and went out with a 'final fiesta' on Saturday.
The venue opened on Call Lane, right in the heart of Leeds' nightlife heartland, back in 2015, and remained open after the collapse of Revolution's parent company back in January 2026.
The group's other venue in the city, Revolution at the Electric Press, did close immediately in January.
Revs de Cuba was famed for its Latin-inspired food and cocktails, and its late-night parties that tried to recreate the party atmosphere of Cuba.
The two-storey venue also had live music throughout the week, plus dancers and entertainment at the weekends.
Posting a statement to followers, Revs de Cuba wrote: "We have loved shaking your cocktails and creating unmissable parties and events over the years, but as of today, 15th August 2026, we will sadly be closing our doors in Leeds.
"We want to extend an enormous thank you for joining the Revolucion party and making some unforgettable memories.
"Any guests with bookings will be contacted in due course - Thank you for your patience and understanding. Goodbye and Gracias."
Commenting on their farewell post, one person wrote: "Noooooo! I had the best nights ever at Revs. I have the best memories. This cannot be trueeee."
Another said: "Thanks for so many years of Live Music and Joy."
And someone else posted: "what a place, end of an era."
The existing Revs de Cuba site in Leeds is under the steer of the NEOS Hospitality, who have revealed grand plans for its future...
Georgina Pellant -
8th June 2021 
