Whilst lying naked on a beach in the tropics seems to be off the cards for 2021, it's still possible to get your kegs off in Yorkshire - and after the events of this past year, surely everyone's just about ready to let it all hang out.
So for those who fancy doing something a bit different for their 2021 staycation, there's a campsite and caravan park in West Yorkshire where you can stroll around completely free and easy in the birthday suit God gave you.
Ashdene boasts a fully-heated all year swimming pool / Image: The Great British Skinny Dip
Located in the beautiful Calderdale Valley, Ashdene is one of West Yorkshire's premier naturist clubs. Founded in 1986, it's set in the midst of the beautiful countryside surrounded by rolling hills on 7 acres of south-facing land.
Close to Halifax and set between the towns of Brighouse and Elland, everything here revolves around the clubhouse which houses the shower block, a fully equipped catering kitchen, and a comfortable bar with a wide selection of ales, spirits, wine and also drinks.
There's also a jacuzzi, heated outdoor swimming pool and sauna to enjoy - although until the final stage 4 unlocking on 19th July these may only be used by one group or bubble at a time.
Many weekends see entertainment, suppers and occasional breakfasts together - but the rest of the time you can enjoy the weather sitting in the conservatory or out on the sun terrace.
Tennis courts / Image: The Great British Skinny Dip
Or, if you want to really put yourself out there, you can get involved in a game of miniten (a tennis-like game created by naturists in the 1930s that uses wooden bats instead of racquets) or boules. Just remember to wear your face covering when you're moving around the club.
There's a selection of caravans that can be rented out and camper vans are also welcome on-site, as are tents and tipis. Perfect for letting all your worries go and becoming completely at one with nature
If you'd like to visit, you will need to book in advance. To find out more, visit their website here.
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 -
2nd July 2021 
