Ready for a swashbuckling staycation adventure in your very own pirate ship?
If you're looking for a weekend away that combines a love of Captain Jack Sparrow with Captain Morgan, we've found your ideal retreat.
Set in a mesmerising location near Leeds, watch for miles around as the skies turn to dark, day turns to night and pirates turn to party animals in this giant home, with room for up to 25.
Invite up to 25 others to spill across 8 sizable bedrooms and make the most of this villa fit for pirates of all kinds. Explore the mystery pirate ship outside or take cover behind barrels in the private escape.
For those tired from a day of sword fighting or exploring their surroundings, the hot tub is there to take every pressure from the body, whilst the disco room with karaoke is perfect for those wanting to take the party indoors- perfect for winter get togethers.
The owners suggest that the best time to visit the pirate ship is dusk, but visitors are encouraged to make the most of their surroundings throughout their stay.
Celebration Cottages state upon booking that: "as the sun goes down and the stars come out, cast your eyes over the gardens where you will discover the mysterious Black Pearl Pirate Ship. For those of you who dare to climb aboard and explore, look out for Captain Black who has been reported to been seen onboard at dusk."
Inside, take your time to explore all the fabulous facilities this delightful barn has to offer including a cinema and cocktail bar, perfect for relaxed cosy evenings together. Why not begin your stay with canapes and prosecco and end the night by falling asleep between comfy covers in a luxurious location.
Celebration Cottages, the hosts of the Black Pearl staycation are used to the likes of hen dos, stag parties and family celebrations taking place at their properties, and are set to meet just about any demand.
Their alternative property in Huddersfield, House of Selfies is the ultimate staycation for anyone dedicated to the ‘gram, complete with a standalone bar, angel wings and flower wall.
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.
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.
Sophie Smith -
13th July 2023 
