Introducing The Break-in, a brand-new immersive game merging AI with VR by The Park VR.
Have you ever wanted to escape everyday life and enter into a virtual reality? Well, now you can.
Thanks to the masterminds at The Park VR located just outside Leeds city centre in Burley, their virtual reality games have now gotten a whole lot more exciting as they introduce a new experience that combines VR with artificial intelligence.
The Break-in has been carefully designed to fully immerse players in an interactive and unique story using cutting-edge AI technology.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Unlike any other experience you can find in the city, if you’re looking for a unique day out with your mates in Leeds then this is the perfect option for you.
Players must work together to solve puzzles and stop their own personalised artwork from getting stolen from pesky criminals, think you're up to the challenge?
Set in the fictional Crompton Bank which towers over the bustling city, teams of 2-8 must join forces on a life-changing mission to retrieve a valuable masterpiece from the guarded vault.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Your special forces team will have to navigate lasers, solve tricky puzzles and find keycards to escape the criminals who are on your tail.
Before entering the mysterious Crompton Bank, you'll be asked personalised questions which allow AI to create the masterpiece you'll be on the hunt to save.
So if you've ever wanted to star in your very own crime thriller, now is your chance. And afterwards, why not grab a drink in their chilled out bar area to discuss your experience.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Peter Vindevogel, CEO of The Park, said: “It’s always exciting to introduce a new experience to our players. The Break-in adds to our diverse library of original IPs to continue to accommodate all guests, regardless of their age or interests. I’m thrilled that we’re continuing our journey of bringing AI technology into the VR world with the introduction of The Break-in.
“We believe that technology should always be used in a way that creates the best-possible experience for our customers and in this instance, integrating AI is allowing us to create a truly unique and social experience, each and every time it’s played.”
Bookings for this exciting new experience in Leeds are now open, so if you think you're up for the challenge then you can book online at The Park’s website.
The UK cities with the best sense of humour have been revealed, and Leeds has made the top ten list.
The very serious research was commissioned by snack company Cheez-It, who partnered with comedian Jason Manford to launch its ‘Comedy Credit Service’, which saw the comedian visiting London to help lift the locals' mood.
The research revealed Liverpool as the city in the UK with the best sense of humour, with 16% of 2,000 people interviewed naming it the place most likely to have them laughing.
The poll showed a very clear north-south divide, with only London and Brighton making it into the top ten list.
Leeds came in at a very respectable number 9, which we will absolutely take. It must be our classic Yorkshire wit.
The research also revealed that 66% of Brits think they are funny, with the most common humour style people identified with was dry or sarcastic.
The top 10 cities with the best sense of humour
1. Liverpool
2. Glasgow
3. London
4. Newcastle-upon-Tyne
5. Birmingham
6. Manchester
7. Belfast
8. Edinburgh
9. Leeds
10. Brighton & Hove
Rui Frias from Cheez-It, said: “We know comfort comes in all shapes and sizes – a shared laugh, or a much‑needed escape from the February slump.
“That’s why we’ve packed our prize pot with joy-boosters designed to brighten even the greyest day, from ‘Comedy Night In’ bundles to mini ‘Cheer Up Kits’ and even laughter yoga.
“And because we’re proudly pro-cheese in every sense, it’s brilliant to see just how much humour matters to people right now.
“Britain’s famous for its dry sarcasm and razor‑sharp wit — and while the North may still claim the crown, we’re hoping a few belly laughs can help spread the joy nationwide.”
Merrion Centre to host Leeds’ biggest Chinese New Year celebrations for 2026
Clementine Hall
The Merrion Centre in Leeds is set to once again host the city centre’s largest Chinese New Year celebration in 2026.
Get ready to welcome the Year of the Horse with an exciting programme of events in Leeds city centre.
Taking place on Saturday 14 and Saturday 21 February 2026, the Merrion Centre will be alive with the sights and sounds of Chinese New Year.
Guests can expect traditional lion dances, Tai Chi demonstrations, live musical performances, and hands-on workshops open for everyone to get involved in.
Image: Supplied
The Merrion Centre is once again partnering with various Leeds-based Chinese schools to create an event that highlights the best of Chinese culture.
James Broughton, Head of Marketing Communications at Town Centre Securities PLC, owners of the Merrion Centre said: “We are incredibly excited to once again be hosting the largest Chinese New Year celebration in Leeds city centre.
"This is an event that’s enjoyed not only by the Chinese community, but by everyone who wants to experience the fantastic, colourful traditions of Chinese New Year. The celebrations continue to grow each year, and we can’t wait to welcome visitors of all backgrounds to enjoy the Year of the Horse at the Merrion Centre.”
Image: Supplied
Bei Gao, Headteacher at Leeds Chinese Community School, commented: “We are excited to once again be involved in such a wonderful event. It’s a great opportunity for the Leeds community to experience Chinese New Year firsthand, and we’re looking forward to seeing everyone come together to celebrate the Year of the Horse.
"The Merrion Centre is an amazing space for this kind of cultural exchange, and we’re proud to be a part of it.”
Joyce Cai, Headteacher at New Vision Education Chinese School, added: “The Chinese New Year event at the Merrion Centre has become a highlight for many in Leeds. This year, we’ve worked closely with the team to bring new and exciting performances and activities that reflect the rich cultural heritage of the Chinese community. It’s a fantastic way for families to explore Chinese traditions while enjoying the festive atmosphere.”
Clementine Hall -
14th December 2023 
