The renovations has uncovered old memorabilia from the 1930s- present day.
Hyde Park Picture House is currently undergoing mass renovations to restore the Grade II listed building to introduce modern amenities that bring the building into the 21st century whilst preserving and protecting its history for generations to come to appreciate.
One year has now passed since work began on the building, thanks to a successful £285,600 Capital Kickstart Fund award from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the government’s Culture Recovery Fun.
In this time, the builders have discovered far more than peeled paint and old pipes during the restoration- the building has uncovered nostalgic ticket stubs, sweets, even cigarettes from over 60 years ago.
Image: HPPH
As part of the #TreasureTrashTuesday segment on the Picture Houses' Instagram page, the company shares hidden treasures uncovered during the renovations.
Hyde Park Picture House said: "As work continues on the #PictureHouseProject, we’ve been uncovering all sorts of wonderful rubbish from the cinema’s past – trash that had fallen through the cracks long ago and has only now been found.
"As well as keeping hold of everything we find, we also wanted to share our discoveries with you, as we think they provide a really unique window into what was audiences were up to in the cinema all those decades ago."
Image: HPPH
Sharing their first find, they shared a packet of Wild Woodbine Cigarettes noted: "For our first #TreasureTrashTuesday we wanted to share this packet of Wild Woodbine Cigarettes. Hugely popular throughout the 20th century, particularly among the working-class and soldiers during both the First and Second World Wars, we think this packet was likely dropped in the 1930s/40s."
The page has since shared everything from old bingo tickets to Fruit Pastel sweets, each with an explanation as to why they would have been in the building, from what era and even some original adverts dating back decades.
Image: HPPH
The exciting finds have attracted users of all ages to reminisce or imagine the exciting finds in their former life at the Picture House.
The renovations continue to excite followers each week whilst the multi-million-pound scheme to safeguard the cinema’s nationally significant heritage is taking place.
On site, the repair and conservation of its unique gas-lamps, iconic Burmantofts tiled façade, original terrazzo flooring and Grade II listed exterior lamppost are all being considered.
The renovation plans also hope to introduce a new ramped entrance, accessible toilets, an expanded foyer and new 52 seat basement screen. This also means the cinema’s capacity and accessibility will be greatly improved.
Image: HPPH
The renovations aren't expected to be completed until Autumn 2022, so the Picture House is currently 'On The Road' and offering viewings at the likes of Leeds University Union as an alternative cinema space whilst the work is underway.
Currently donning a blue and yellow scaffolding in support of Ukraine, the cinema will be donating ticket sales of a range of movies to the UNHCR Refugee Agency Emergency Appeal, which aids Ukrainians that are forced to flee their homes in search of shelter and safety.
To keep up to date with the project, you can watch the progress on The Picture House Project website, where more details of the Heritage Lottery Fund can be found.
Alternatively if you're more interested in pondering over the incredible gems being uncovered each week, make sure to follow the Hyde Park Picture House Instagram page.
Feature Image- Hyde Park Picture House (HPPH)
News
Get Baked’s viral ‘Bertha’ cake has a sister on the way – and she sounds just as cheeky
She's big, she's green and she's ready to ruin your figure.
A lot of you will have seen the viral ‘Bertha’ cake by Leeds born beloved sweet treat specialists Get Baked.
They recently opened another site in Manchester's Northern Quarter, where queues literally formed round the block of hungry punters wanting to get their hands on the infamous sugary treats.
And now it's going to happen all over again, as they've recently unveiled their newest flavour which is sure to go down a storm.
We’ll give you a hint: it’s a current food and drink trend that’s about as big as Bertha herself – it’s not matcha, it’s not hot honey (duh), and it’s not Guinness…
Images: Get Baked
Yes—scratch that; HELL YES!Get Baked is set to welcome Bertha’s equally beautiful twin sister, and she’s officially a pistachio girlie.
Having started out life simply as ‘Bruce’, after taking inspiration from the iconic scene from Matilda, this thing has become a phenomenon in its own right, and who doesn’t like more flavours of a good thing?
Probably one of the biggest foodie crazes going at the minute, thanks to the popularity of pistachio cream, cookies, lattes and the similar social media sensation that is the ‘Dubai Pistachio Bar' people are rather fittingly going nuts for this particular flavour of almost absolutely anything.
With that in mind, the Leeds-born bakery and dessert shop – founded by Rich Myers over in Headingley back in 2011 – have shown no hesitation in hopping on the bandwagon and creating a new twist on their own viral menu item.
Teasing the full details in a post on their Instagram this week, they wrote: “What’s big, green, and is going to destroy your life in a couple of weeks’ time? Pistachio Bertha. Strictly limited to 5,000 slices. Coming oh so soon. GB.”
In case you were wondering just how mad those with a sweet tooth could possibly go for a slice of cake, just look at the recent queues when they finally launched in Manchester city centre:
Speaking on the grand opening here on our turf and his partner Amy’s hometown, Myers said simply: “Manchester, what a launch. Thanks for much for the warm welcome. Stay baked.”
Leeds Tattoo Expo to return to the First Direct Arena for 10th anniversary
Clementine Hall
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.
Sophie Smith -
24th March 2022 
