From gin festivals to Grease and the Godfather of soul…start off summer in style
LONG DIVISION FESTIVAL | Wakefield | 1-2 June
Take the short train to Wakefield for one of the North’s premier urban music festivals. 2019’s Long Division features We Are Scientists, Asian Dub Foundation and Bill Ryder-Jones amongst many more, but the fun doesn’t stop there. Stretching across to Sunday, the music roster expands to comedy, a record fair and various family-friendly workshops.
Various venues, Wakefield (12am-12pm; tickets from £6.60 at seetickets.com)
ULTIMATE WIPEOUT | The Light | Sunday 2 June
In the spirit of popular ITV show Total Wipeout, The Light is offering up a one-time opportunity to tackle the ultimate wipeout experience for yourself. The inflatable 25ft game will provide plenty of fun for big kids (over 18s only) with complimentary food and drink to sweeten the deal. Entry to this party playground is completely free - you just need to sign up for The Light card and show the app upon arrival.
The Light, The Headrow, LS1 8TL (12-5pm; free entry)
GINFEST | The Mustard Pot | 7-8 June
Following a successful launch last year, popular Chapel Allerton pub The Mustard Pot takes advantage of its sizeable garden to present Ginfest this June. Sample over 50 different gins, take part in mixology masterclasses and enjoy live music. Fingers crossed for good weather…
20 Stainbeck Lane, LS7 3QY (from 11am each day; free entry)
GRADUATE SHOW | Leeds Arts University | 8-13 June
Get to know the next generation of talent at Leeds Arts University’s annual graduate show. Spanning undergraduate qualifications from graphic design to animation and fashion design, the show is also a great opportunity to purchase prints and artwork.
Blenheim Walk Building, LS2 9AQ (10am-8pm Mon-Wed, 10am-4pm Thurs-Sat; free entry)
ROOFTOP YOGA | Headrow House | 10, 17, 24 June
Get some fresh air in your lungs thanks to the breathing exercises of al fresco yoga. Led by Rooftop Yoga’s qualified instructor, all ages and abilities are welcome, with profits being donated to MAP charity.
Headrow House, LS1 6PU (11am-12pm; tickets from £5 at eventbrite.co.uk)
KAISER CHIEFS | Elland Road | Saturday 8 June
In a celebration of 100 years of Leeds United, hometown heroes Kaiser Chiefs return to play the stadium with support from The Vaccines, The Sherlocks and local up-and-comers Marsicans. Expect plenty of hearty chants and pint flinging.
Elland Road, LS11 0ES (2-11pm; tickets £49.50 at seetickets.com)
SAKURA FESTIVAL | Kirkgate Market | Saturday 8 June
Embrace Cherry Blossom season with volume 3 of the Sakura Festival. With the chance to experience traditional Japanese food, sake and even kimono wearing, it’s a nice way to explore other cultures and learn more about the symbolism of the sakura flower.
Kirkgate Market, LS2 7HY (11am-4pm; free entry)
BE THE CHANGE WITH GINA MARTIN | Waterstones Leeds | Monday 17 June
Having successful campaigned to make upskirting a criminal offence earlier this year (with no prior political experience), Gina Martin in an activist for the Instagram generation, proving that nobody is too small to make a difference. Celebrating the launch of her how-to guide to modern activism Be the Change, Gina will be talking about her experiences and inspiring the next generation of social mobilisers.
Waterstones Albion Street, LS1 5AP (7pm; tickets £5 or £15 with book included at waterstones.com)
GREASE THE MUSICAL | Leeds Grand Theatre | 19 June – 20 July
Fling on your pink ladies’ jacket and slick back your hair for the return of one of the world’s best-loved musicals. Taking up residency at the Grand Theatre, this Grease benefits from extra pizazz thanks to Peter Andre, who will be playing undertaking the role of Teen Angel at various performances across the run. Question is – is Sandy a mysterious girl?
Leeds Grand Theatre, LS1 6NZ (various times; tickets from £39.50 at leedsgrandtheatre.co.uk)
FASHION RE:BOOT | East Parade Social | Thursday 20 June
Stock up your summer wardrobe without harming the environment, thanks to the Approved By Us team. With a host of bloggers, stylists and boutique owners selling their preloved gear (stalls still available), you can expect to bag some on-trend items for a fraction of the price of the high street. Envisage a chic update to the traditional car boot with some cocktails thrown in, and you’re halfway there.
East Parade Social, LS1 2BH. (6.30-9.30pm; tickets from £5 at tickettailor.com)
TOTAL WARRIOR | Bramham Park | 21-23 June
Reckon you’ve got what it takes to survive the mud? The Total Warrior challenge returns to test the hardiest of Leeds folk, with 25 obstacles across 12k. A junior option is also available to get kids involved, as well as the Ultra Warrior challenge, pitting competitors against one another to see who can complete the most laps. Rather you than us!
Bramham Park, LS23 6ND (times vary; tickets from £62.95 for competitors, spectators free, at totalwarrior.co.uk)
KANASSA POP-UP | The Cardigan Arms | Saturday 22 June
If you were salivating reading our review of Columbian street-food slingers Kanassa, here’s another chance to enjoy their wares before they settle into their new permanent home. A pop up at The Cardigan Arms allows you into their veggie-friendly world, with a Latin-American DJ set to soundtrack your eats. Book your ticket ahead and redeem it on the night for one of their great dishes.
The Cardigan Arms, LS4 2HQ (7-11.30pm; tickets £5 from eventbrite.co.uk)
LEEDS FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVAL | Millennium Square | 28-30 June
Leeds’ longstanding food and drink fest returns for its ninth year with a wide selection of local street food and artisan beverage makers. There is a little information available as of yet on specifics but, when entry is free, there are certainly worst ways to spend a weekend than discovering some new eats.
Millennium Square, LS2 3AD (11am-8pm Fri-Sat, 11am-4pm Sun; free entry)
ROY AYERS | The Wardrobe | Friday 28 June
Dubbed ‘The Godfather of Neo-Soul’, 78-year old legend Roy Ayers holds the record as the most sampled artist in hip-hop history. Find out why for yourself as he performs at The Wardrobe, delivering such hits as Everybody Loves the Sunshine and Running Away.
The Wardrobe, LS9 8AG (7.30-11pm; tickets from £27.50 at seetickets.co.uk)
SUMMER SERIES: SEAFOOD AND WINE | Waterlane Boathouse | Sunday 30 June
Has there ever been a more heavenly pairing? Part of their summer-long series, Waterlane Boathouse host some street food traders for fish tacos, tempura oysters, cheesy crab balls and plenty more besides. As always, dogs and children are more than welcome.
Waterlane Boathouse, LS11 5PS (11am-10pm; free entry)
