The Disney store in Leeds' White Rose Shopping Centre has closed for good in a move that is sure to sadden many parents and children who've visited over the years.
Following previously leaked suggestions that the brand would close stores to focus on online shopping instead, it has now been confirmed that the White Rose branch shut its doors for the final time on Sunday.
Many loyal customers have been left disappointed by the closure, which follows reports circulating on social media that suggested Disney planned to close all its UK stores except the flagship Oxford Street shop in London.
So upset at Disney's loyal fans, that a petition has even been started to try and keep the stores open. So far, it has been signed by more than 15,000 people.
"Disney is planning to close all their UK Disney stores except for their flagship store in Oxford Street and go fully online," it reads.
"The stores will all be closed by September 2021. This means all of the magical Disney stores that have been on our high streets for many years will soon disappear.
"Not everyone is fortunate enough to live near the Oxford Street store and the UK doesn't have its own Disney Park. The closest being Disney Land Paris.
"These stores are our gateway to the magical world of Disney. It allows the people of the UK to experience the Disney magic first hand!
"We can't let these magical places disappear. It would be a crime not only to ourselves but to all the children who can't experience this magic."
Elsewhere, people have been sharing their memories of the Disney store in a more positive way - with former employee Callum Martin taking to Facebook to remember the good times he enjoyed as part of the team:
“I’ve been lucky enough to work for Disney for four years, in Aberdeen, Leeds and Orlando, and the memories I’ve made will last a lifetime," he said.
“It’s been an absolute pleasure working with the most incredible, unforgettable and caring people you could ever meet. I owe it to every one of you I’ve met over the years for making me the person I am today.
“It’s been an absolute blast, and while it’s heartbreaking to see our store and most other stores closing, I know I’ll look back on my time at Disney with nothing but amazing memories.”
If you would like to sign the petition, you can do so here.
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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.
Georgina Pellant -
7th September 2021 
