The Light in Leeds is bringing the popular City Beach back to Cookridge Street this summer.
Following its huge success in 2021 and 2022, The City Beach invites anyone and everyone to take part in fun beach activities throughout the summer.
The Light will be transformed into a huge sandpit to make you feel like you're on holiday.
Frisbees, beachballs and bucket and spades will all be on hand for children to enjoy some fun and games in the giant sandpit.
Equally importantly, deck chairs will be provided for parents to relax in as they watch their little ones get stuck in building sandcastles and digging holes.
Image: The Light Leeds
The City Beach this year will also host a series of exciting events named 'Summer Sessions' for families and cocktail lovers alike, throughout the month of August.
The beach will be open until Sunday 3 September, with four free headline events taking place over the next few weeks.
First up on Wednesday 2 August is 'National Play Day' where children can get involved in a whole host of fun activities on the beach without driving to the coast. From glitter pace paint and dance parties to playing with bubbles and foam, this is the perfect way to entertain the little ones during the summer holidays.
'Sax on the Beach' on Saturday 5 August will see live music from local saxophone player Sarah Sax and DJ performers One2manyDjs between 3-7pm, complete with delicious food and drink on offer from The Radisson.
Do you love an Aperol Spritz? Then you'll want to head down to The City Beach on Saturday 19 August for their 'Spritz Session'. Complete with live music and food form 3-6pm, this is going to be a summer evening to remember.
And last but not least, the 'Family Beach Day' on Thursday 24 August will see Leeds Children Charity joining in on the celebrations and bringing with them a variety of beach-themed interactive activities. Including arts, crafts, games and giveaways for everyone to enjoy from 11am-4pm.
Stephanie James, Marketing Manager at The Light commented: “We are thrilled for the City Beach to return to Leeds this summer and are equally excited to offer such an exciting array of activities for all ages!
“With the beach freely accessible right up until the end of the school holidays, parents will be able to keep their children entertained and occupied, whilst being able to enjoy some of the best bits of the seaside, right here in the city.
"We’ll be hosting themed events throughout August to appeal to all audiences and can't wait to introduce live music and cocktails for our adult audience this year at the beach."
To find out more about The City Beach and the Summer Sessions, take a look at their website.
Get ready to enjoy a taste of the Caribbean as Jerk Junction is gearing up to open in Leeds.
The street food favourite has made waves in the foodie scene over in Manchester and Liverpool, so it's only right that its making its way into Trinity Kitchen.
Jerk Junction specialises in authentic Caribbean flavours, from dumplings and jerk chicken to curried goat and rice and peas, it's all flame-grilled and packed with island spices.
It is expected to open this spring.
Image: The Manc Group
Steven Foster, Centre Director at Trinity Leeds, said: “We’re so excited to be welcoming Jerk Junction to Trinity Kitchen and we’re sure it will prove very popular. Bringing an authentic Caribbean flavour to Leeds, it’s the perfect new addition and complements our already stellar line-up of street food vendors.”
Jake Shaffi, founder at Jerk Junction, said: “Jerk Junction is all about real Caribbean food and culture. Everything we do is rooted in Jamaican tradition, from bold spices and authentic cooking to dishes that bring people together.
“For us, food is family. From our kitchen to every person who comes to our counter, we want people to feel the warmth, the energy and the spirit of the islands. We can’t wait to bring those authentic flavours and good vibes to Trinity Kitchen.”
The announcement follows news that the UK’s largest independent boutique bowling brand Lane7, and footwear retailers schuh and Footasylum, would be opening at Trinity Leeds later this year, whilst the LEGO Store will be relocating to a larger space within the shopping centre.
Posting to their social media, The Maven said: "When news broke The Maven could close its doors at the end of March, the reaction across the city was immediate. The response from customers, bartenders, and hospitality operators showed just how much this bar means to Leeds.
"For nearly 15 years, The Maven has been one of the city’s most loved cocktail destinations and a true institution within the local bar scene.
"When we told you about its potential closure we were flooded with support and interest from across the hospitality community. In the days that followed, several Leeds-based operators stepped forward with genuine offers to buy the venue and keep the bar alive.
"At a time when our industry is too often filled with stories of closures, today brings a little hope - a story about a community stepping up to protect something it values.
"The reports that The Maven would close at the end of March are now firmly in the past: The Maven Lives.
"Thanks to the passion of the Leeds hospitality community and the loyalty of its guests, the bar will continue to be part of the city’s nightlife story. More details about the next chapter for The Maven will be shared soon."
Clementine Hall -
31st July 2023 
