Slurpfest is coming to Leeds: the city’s independent coffee scene is set to unite for a brand-new city-wide festival

Leeds is set to become one big coffee festival this September as Slurpfest, the much-loved specialty coffee celebration from Manchester, comes to the city for the first time, with over 30 venues already signed up to take part.

Working alongside Slurpfest founders, North Star Coffee Roasters and headline sponsors Oatly and Indie Coffee Guide are bringing the festival to Leeds on 26 September, transforming coffee shops, neighbourhoods and venues across the city into a celebration of independent specialty coffee.

Designed to showcase the incredible talent, creativity and community behind Leeds’ thriving coffee scene, Slurpfest Leeds will bring together independent cafés, coffee professionals, roasters and coffee lovers for a weekend of tastings, workshops, events
and experiences.

“Leeds has an amazing independent coffee scene and we want to celebrate the people who make it so special,” said Holly Kragiopoulos. “Slurpfest is about bringing the whole coffee community together and turning the entire city into one big festival. Best of all, so many of the events are completely free, making it super accessible for everyone to get involved and try something new.”

Founded as a grassroots celebration of specialty coffee, Slurpfest has become known for championing independent cafés, roasters and the people behind the coffee. Now, with North Star Coffee bringing the festival to Leeds, the event will celebrate the city’s own unique coffee culture and the growing community of coffee drinkers, makers and enthusiasts.

A city-wide celebration of coffee

Unlike a traditional festival held in one location, Slurpfest Leeds will take over the whole city, with coffee shops and venues across Leeds hosting their own coffee-focused events throughout the weekend.

The festival will feature:
● Independent coffee shops across Leeds hosting tastings, collaborations, workshops and special events
● A city-wide coffee trail beginning on Monday 21 September, encouraging visitors to explore participating cafés and collect stamps for the chance to win a prize
● An opening and closing party
● A full day of coffee workshops, talks and experiences at North Star’s Coffee Hub at Leeds Dock

Applications are now open for coffee shops and coffee businesses interested in taking part, with organisers inviting the city’s independent cafés to join the festival programme.

Bringing the coffee community together

Slurpfest Leeds is supported by headline sponsors North Star Coffee Roasters, Oatly and Indie Coffee Guide, who share the festival’s ambition to celebrate independent coffee culture and create a platform for the people shaping specialty coffee in the UK.

“We’re super excited to see the city of Leeds take on Slurp Fest and make it their own” said Nat, Slurpfest Co-Founder.

While Leeds has hosted specialist coffee events, including the annual Otley Coffee Festival, Slurpfest Leeds will be the city’s first major city-wide specialty coffee festival, putting independent coffee businesses at the heart of the celebration.

Tickets for individual events are expected to be released from August, with the full festival programme announced soon.

This September, Leeds won’t just host a coffee festival – the whole city will become one.