With help from us at the Hoot, and the luck of the Irish, here are the best places in and around Leeds to celebrate St Patrick's Day this year.
St Patrick's Day observes the death of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. The holiday has evolved into a joyous celebration of Irish Culture, taking place on the 17th March. Think Guinness, leprechauns and an abundance of green attire.
Having been deprived of the festivities for two years, venues in Leeds are pulling out all the stops to make up for it. Falling on a Thursday this year, it is the perfect excuse for some mid-week fun. So whether you're Irish or not, raid your wardrobe for all things green and head out in search of some good fortune.
Bongo's Bingo - St Patrick's Day Special
Image: Bongo's BIngo
Looking for somewhere to drink and dance all whilst playing a game of bingo? Bongo's Bingo is the perfect event for you. Offering an immersive, unforgettable experience full of raving, gaming and misbehaving. This St Paddy's themed evening is always a sell out so make sure to grab your ticket in advance. With cash prizes up for grabs, you'll definitely need the luck of the Irish on your side for this one!
Get a strike this St Patrick's Day at the brand spanking new Roxy Lanes in Leeds, based inside The Light. If bowling isn't your thing then do not fear, there's table tennis, beer pong and other activities to challenge your friends to. Make sure to take a break from the competitive sports with one of their fab cocktails or craft beers.
This one is for the foodies. Brontae's in Horsforth are offering a special 5 course tasting menu this St Patrick's Day all for £50 per head. This contemporary restaurant opened in summer last year and chef Dale Spink has been impressing ever since with his British food with a twist. Dishes include lamb rump and trio of cured salmon, or Guinness infused tofu for the vegans out there. You will also receive a free pint of Guinness on arrival, what a winner!
Located on the Headrow, the Horse and Trumpet is a down to earth, classic British pub with great value drinks. And they're really pulling out all the stops to help you enjoy the Irish festivities, offering 4 baby Guinness shots for only £8. Get ready to shamrock and roll!
This Australian themed sports bar know how to host a proper party and this St Paddy's day is no exception. Grab yourself a double Jameson, ginger and lime for just £6 or a Jameson's barrel back shot for just £3.50 when you buy a pint of Guinness. There'll be Live music on all night so make sure to practice your Irish jig in anticipation!
The tenth annual Leeds Tattoo Expo will showcase some of the best in tattooing both local and internationally.
If you fancy getting yourself a fancy new bit of ink, then look no further than the iconic Leeds Tattoo Expo that will be returning to the First Direct Arena this June.
Taking place on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 June 2025, over 200 tattooists and 70 traders will be flocking to the city to show off their skills.
And not only that, but there’ll also be a whole host of market traders for you to browse as well as live music to have a boogie to.
The artists will be tattooing with options for both pre-booked appointments and walk ups available throughout the weekend.
Image: Leeds Tattoo Expo
There will also be a piercer, tooth gems and a henna artist ready to adorn your body.
Alongside getting tattooed, there’s plenty to do and to see over the whole weekend; there'll be an alternative drawing class, an illustrators market with kids’ workshops provided by Art Gecko, an art fusion event on the main stage, burlesque performances and competitions, a small vintage clothing pop-up, fire breathing and break dancing demonstrations in the square outside the arena.
The annual tattoo competitions will also be taking place each evening, where tattooists showcase their work to a panel of judges, sponsored by Killer Ink!
To celebrate Leeds Tattoo Expo's tenth anniversary, they'll be hosting a Pre-Party at Belgrave Music Hall on Thursday 5 June which is a completely free entry event complete with live music and free pizza.
You can find out more about the event and book your tickets here via the First Direct Arena's website.
Mumford & Sons add new Leeds show at the First Direct Arena to sell out UK tour
Clementine Hall
Two new arena dates have been added to their forthcoming UK tour, after selling out the entire run within two hours.
Ahead of dropping their fifth studio LP Rushmere at the end of the month, the cult favourite folk-rock outfit announced a brand-new European tour in support of the record, including a limited UK leg.
The now sold-out arena run starts in Europe in November before now arriving in Leeds on Sunday 30 November.
The significance of the band’s return can be found in the title of the new album, as Rushmereis the spot where it all began for the boys: a pond located on Wimbledon Common in south-west London where Marcus Mumford, Ben Lovett and Ted Dwane first hung out.
However, the multi-award-winning acoustic-driven British rockers and folk revivalists are now a trio following the departure of Winston Marshall, who quit the band back in 2021 following controversies surrounding his right-wing beliefs.
Image: Supplied
With that in mind, it’s rather fitting that they have insisted that beyond just a place and a title, Rushmere is alsothebeginning of a new phase.
Following an intense period of creativity, the project was produced by fellow nine-time Grammy winner Dave Cobb and recorded at the famous RCA Studio A in Nashville, as well as in Savannah, Georgia and back home at Marcus’ studio in Devon.
The album itself drops on this Friday 28 March and judging by the little that we’ve heard so far, they’ve been well worth the wait.
As for the arena show, tickets will go on sale this Thursday 27 March at 10am.
Best of all, they’re donating £1 from every ticket sold straight to War Child UK – this sort of stuff should be standard for any big act as far as we’re concerned.