A huge waterfront festival is coming to Leeds at the end of June, bringing with it old skool house, disco and dancefloor classics, and super-fresh beers from West Yorkshire breweries like Kirkstall and Magic Rock.
The Brewery Wharf Waterfront Festival is one of Leeds' most popular and is set to return with a bit of a bang after taking a year off in 2020.
The festival will nod to local independents who have had to adapt and change their offerings due to the pandemic. It is also free to attend.
Street food and drinks will be provided by the likes of Bastard's Bistro and Doh Hut, offering up a mix of fried chicken delights, sweet doughy treats and booze aplenty - with all bars serving from Cafe 212's terrace.
As well as super fresh beer from some of Yorkshire's best breweries, there'll also be some cocktails on offer from Black Tears Rum.
On the music side, legendary Leeds DJ ALex Simmons will be headlining, joined by singer Lauren G who featured on their recent lockdown album and will be performing some tracks on the day.
Speaking on the upcoming event, Alex said" "After a year of DJing over live streams and recording in the studio, I have rediscovered my passion for music and cannot wait to perform to a live audience.
"Post-COVID is such an exciting time for everyone but more so for people working in the leisure and entertainment industry – it's been a long time, and I cannot wait to get back out there!
Headline act Alex Simmons and Lauren Green (Lauren G)
"On the day, I'll be performing with singer Lauren Green (Lauren G), bringing you the best in old skool house, disco and some dancefloor classics!"
There will also be live music from the Doghouse Derelicts, and eclectic DJ sets from Wes Stakes, Hatty Lovehearts, Scott Broadhead, Gina Moretti, Keith Gillot and Wallop Resident DJ's - as well as two very special performances from Dance House, a talented Leeds based dance studio.
This year's theme is all about supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs after a tough year, with the majority of the food, drink, music and entertainment on offer all from the local area - but organisers also want to give something back to the community that's supported them through this tough time.
“It's been a long, challenging year, particularly for the small independent businesses in the area, but we have survived, and we are back bigger and better than before," said Mark Williams, co-owner of Café 212 and one of the Brewery Wharf Festival organisers.
"The people who live and work around Brewery Wharf have shown us immense support over the lockdown period; we have had to adapt to survive; however, we have, and now it's our chance to celebrate, give back and put on the party of the year."
Taking place on Saturday 26th June from 12-9 pm, those heading down can look forward to a great spread of food and drink as well as some cracking entertainment throughout the day.
What's On
Leeds Tattoo Expo to return to the First Direct Arena for 10th anniversary
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.
Georgina Pellant -
3rd June 2021 
