Things To Do

One of the ‘best things to do in the world in 2023’ is only an hour from Leeds – it’s just doesn’t exist yet

The enormous 13,350 sq metre space inside utilises supersized moveable walls, which can reconfigure the space for different performances.

The Hoot The Hoot - 6th February 2023

Located one hour from Leeds over the Pennines in Manchester, you'll soon find one of the best things to do in the entire world.

The only problem is, you can't visit it just yet...

But once the building work is finished and this place opens to the public in June, it'll be well worth a day trip.

Time Out has pulled together a list of 'the 23 best things to do in the world in 2023', which includes everything from soaking in hot springs in Iceland to walking with bears in Canada, reports The Manc.

And as Manchester attraction has been named as one of the best things to do in the world in 2023 - despite the fact that it hasn't actually opened yet.

And our neighbouring city - naturally - has got a good look-in too.

Manchester's shiny new Factory International is ninth on the list, even though it won't actually open until June.

Time Out said that the 'new blockbuster art venue' is helping the city to remain as one of the world's best places to visit.

Last year, Lonely Planet said that Manchester was a 'must-visit global destination', the only place in the UK to make the list.

And now with Time Out's vote of confidence too, we're officially making a name as a global city.

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Time Out said: "Manchester is making a storm right now, with the UK city being crowned one of the world’s very best places to visit by Lonely Planet in 2022.

"It’s not showing any signs of slowing down this year, with the long-awaiting opening of Factory International, a £186 million arts venue which will be the new, permanent home of the biennial Manchester International Festival.

"The 2023 festival (June 29-July 16) will be filled with all sorts of big shows and experiences to get stuck into – including the largest-ever immersive Yayoi Kusama exhibition and a stage adaptation of The Matrix directed by Danny Boyle."

Factory International. Image by OMA 24

The £186m new cultural space Factory International is already taking shape in the city, a looming grey structure that will be home to a massive programme of arts and culture.

The acclaimed Danny Boyle will direct the venue’s opening production, a performance inspired by The Matrix films.

5000 tickets for Free Your Mind, which will be presented across the flexible spaces in the building, will be sold for £10 or less, to give everyone in the community a chance to experience the huge site.

Factory International is set to open its doors in June 2023, programmed and operated by the team behind Manchester International Festival.

The enormous 13,350 sq metre space inside utilises supersized moveable walls, which can reconfigure the space for different performances.

Its artistic programming has already begun too, in the form of its first installation First Breath, which has been lighting up the skies with something that locals say looks like an 'alien invasion'. You can read all about that here.

Featured image: OMA 10

Things To Do

A bar in Leeds is serving £1 Baby Guinness shots in celebration of St Patrick’s Day

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

Baby Guinness shots for a quid? It would be rude not to.

Get ready to raid your wardrobe for anything green, because one of the funnest (and booziest) holidays of the year is just around the corner.

Of course, we're talking about the almighty St Patrick's Day that is taking place on Tuesday 17 March 2026.

It's a day filled with merriment, Irish music and plenty of Guinness. Whether that be pints of the good stuff or shots of Baby Guinness.

Image: The Hoot Leeds

We're particularly a fan of the latter.

And there's a few spots in Leeds where you'll be able to get those bad boys for just one pound.

Roxy Ball Room & Roxy Lanes are hosting the offer which will be available from Friday 13 - Sunday 22 March, that's over an entire week of £1 shots for you to get stuck into.

All you have to do is download their brand-new rewards app, claim the voucher and leave the rest to them.

The voucher can be used at any time during the day and at any of their Leeds locations. Pretty class if you ask us.

Image: The Hoot Leeds

And you're really spoilt for choice because you'll find Roxy Ball Rooms on Merrion Street and Boar Lane as well as a Roxy Lanes on The Headrow.

Not only will you be able to bag yourself a £1 shot, but in the same timeframe they're also offering limited edition Jameson shots to mark the occasion as well as two for £10 pints of Guinness.

Of course you'll be able to enjoy all the usual Roxy games and unleash your competitive side, from beer pong and tech darts to karaoke and ice-free curling.

So, get your mates together and get ready to grab a bargain this St Patrick's Day by downloading the Roxy Rewards App here.

Read more: Neighbourhood Leeds bistro hailed as ‘a bit horny’ and ‘brilliant’ by national critic Camilla Long

Featured images - The Hoot Leeds

Things To Do

Everything you need to know about the St Patrick’s Day 2026 celebrations in Leeds city centre

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

It’s the 27th year of St Patrick’s Day celebrations in Leeds, and this year they're going to look a little bit different.

Although St Patrick's Day is officially on Tuesday 17 March, Leeds will host its annual celebration this Sunday 15 March 2026.

Guests can expect a day packed full of entertainment and plenty of Guinness although this year, there will be no parade running.

In a statement on social media, the team said: "The Leeds St Patrick’s Day Parade committee would like to inform you of an important change to this year’s festival day.

"Due to matters out of our control, we have had to make the decision not to have floats and walkers travel the parade this year. This is a decision which was not made lightly and we hope to have this aspect back next year - bigger and better than ever.

Image: Leeds St Patricks Day

“However, we will still be celebrating St Patrick’s Day in Millennium Square. There will be lots of entertainment and displays in the square for all to enjoy. It is still set to be a brilliant day - so don’t miss out."

So, from 10:30am this Sunday there'll be a whole host of people heading to Millennium Square to celebrate.

The event itself is completely free of charge, with plenty of opportunities to raise a glass of Guinness or for the little ones to make the most of a day out with rides and refreshment stalls.

This is a community led event co-ordinated by the Leeds St Patricks Day Parade Committee supported by local sponsors, with funding support from Leeds City Council, and the Government of Ireland Emigrant Support Programme.

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Featured image - Leeds St Patricks Day

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