After two long years of celebrating St Patrick's Day behind closed doors, the parade will commence once more in Leeds city cente.
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 until 4pm.
The previous two St Patrick's Day celebrations in Leeds were cancelled due to the Coronavirus pandemic, making this the first parade since 2019 to take place in Leeds.
The parade will bring together floats, bands, walking displays, and representatives from Irish organisations, schools, clubs and societies from across Leeds- making it one of those rare family days out that everyone of all ages can find something that they enjoy.
St Patrick's Day Parade in 2019. / Image: Leeds Going Irish
Whether its Tommy K the DJ spinning the decks, watching the Leeds Irish Choir, Leeds CCE, or wondering at the dances from Rowland Academy of Irish Dancing, Joyce O Donnell Irish Dancing and Leeds University Union Irish Dancing Society- there's more than just the parade to enjoy this year.
The walking route will start as normal from Millennium Square at 11am, but the difference this year is that the floats will be situated on the lower part Great George Street. This is noted to be mainly due to the ongoing works on Cookridge Street so plans have been changed slightly.
Image: Leeds St Patrick's Parade
Once all the walkers and pipe bands have entered onto Great George Street and follow the route noted on the map above. The floats will then follow after everyone has past.
Everyone in Leeds is welcome to join in with the parade and head through Leeds city centre before reaching the party on Millennium Square. Once the parade has finished, there will be a full afternoon of music and dance from Leeds musicians, dancers and invited guests.
St Patrick's Day Parade in 2019. / Image: Leeds Going Irish
"Just to confirm The Leeds St Patricks Day Parade has been agreed with Leeds City Council and will be going ahead on Sunday 13th March 2022 at Millennium Square.
"This is going to be the biggest gathering since the end of lockdown in Leeds, let's send the message out".
Ever-evolving Leeds music hotspot TESTBED is making its grand return to Leeds city centre with an impressive launch party lineup.
Recognised as a cultural venue for bringing people together via music, TESTBED has hosted a variety of club nights in its warehouse location since 2024.
Back in April, it was announced that the team behind this rave-centric club were transforming this space from it's 'Phase 1.3' to 'Phase 2.0'.
Now, TESTBED has released the full lineup for its upcoming launch party which will show off some of the venue's latest features like its 360-degree DJ booth, improved acoustics and 5,000 sq ft mezzanine and balcony area.
Annie Mac is headlining the TESTBED Leeds launch party joined by Horse Meat Disco / Credit: Press Shots (via supplied)
Previous performers include Liverpool dance music duo Camelphat, house music DJ Alisha, Netherlands-own Chris Stussy and more, so it will come as no surprise that this relaunch features an equally-stellar lineup.
Fronting the bill for the TESTBED Launch Party is none other than EDM connoisseur and influential figure Annie Mac, who's hosted a variety of radio shows across the BBC as well as curating a set or two herself.
Also in attendance is Horse Meat Disco, a group who put disco and queer culture at the forefront of each and every high-energy set.
Irish selector Shee is also showing off his music expertise and already having collaborations with the likes of A-trak and Karma Kid, expect to hear some tunes.
Shee and Junior Simba will be taking to the decks to wow the crowds over at TESTBED Leeds / Credit: Press Shots (via supplied)
Seasoned club DJ and presenter Marcia Carr, known for playing live sets with vinyl records, will also be soundtracking the night too, playing out everything from Afrohouse to dubstep.
Of course, it wouldn't be a Leeds-based party without some local talent courtesy of Junior Simba who's quickly become a key player in the house music scene.
And if that wasn't enough raving for you, TESTBED has already announced even more insane nights of music madness featuring ROSSI., Interplanetary Criminal and Obskür.
TESTBED's opening party is taking place on Saturday 3 October from 2pm til 12am and you can grab tickets from as little as £20 HERE.
Leeds Santa Dash is returning for 2026 and it’s set to be ‘bigger and better’ than ever
Emily Sergeant
Leeds' famous Santa Dash is returning for 2026, and it's set to be 'bigger and better' than ever.
Back by popular demand with the festive season around the corner, The Trinity Leeds Santa Dash has confirmed its return for 2026 this December, with thousands of Santas set to hit the streets of the city centre with festive fun, Christmas cheer, and an unforgettable atmosphere.
No matter whether you're taking part with your family, friends, colleagues, or little ones, organisers say it's the 'perfect way' to kick-start your festive season.
This iconic event welcomes everyone to take part - you can either jog, walk, or wheel your way around the 5K route, soaking up the sights and sounds of the city as you celebrate the most wonderful time of the year, and prams are also welcome too, making it a fantastic festive day out for all ages and abilities.
And this year, it's set to be bigger and better than ever, as there's an exciting new city centre route.
All Santa suits are provided (except for those under three) with your race entry, and you'll also get an exclusive Trinity Leeds Santa Dash finisher medal once you make it over the line, as well as a festive chocolate treat to nibble on.
So, gather your fellow Santas, embrace the Christmas magic, and get ready to join one of Leeds' most joyful festive traditions.
The Trinity Leeds Santa Dash returns for 2026 on Sunday 6 December, and you can find out more and enter to take part in the race online here.
Sophie Smith -
2nd March 2022 
