Come to Leeds for a Summer of…

Get ready to celebrate the magic of mixology with The Summer Cocktail Experience Week, 21st – 27th May. 21 of the city’s hippest hotspots will be hosting bespoke, cocktail-centric, in-house events, ranging from unmissable masterclasses, bottomless brunches, DIY champagne experiences and delectable pairing dishes.

Firm foodie favourite, Leeds Food and Drink Festival, returns to Millennium Square, 1st – 3rd June. The three-day festival brings together some of the best local street food and artisan food specialists, featuring a mouth-watering array of international culinary delights! New for 2018 there will be a traditional British tea room, a large festival marquee and live musical entertainment.

That’s just the tip of the icecream! There’s The Great Yorkshire Vegan Festival, North Leeds Food Festival, Pizza and Prosecco Festival, The Great British Food Festival and even more on the menu.

The recent spectacular finish of Tour de Yorkshire has the summer of sport off to a winning start.

The ITU World Triathlon Series will soon be racing into the city. Watch the action unfold on Sunday 10th June as the world’s top Triathletes swim, cycle and sprint their way through Leeds. Grandstand tickets are available so bag yourself the best seats! Fancy Tri-ing it yourself? With manageable distances and set in the beautiful surroundings of Roundhay Park, the GO TRI event is for those who want to give the sport a go for the first time.

The historic Emerald Headingley Cricket Ground will play host to three international matches: England vs Pakistan Test Match 1st June, England vs New Zealand Royal London Women’s One-Day International 7th July and England vs India One-Day International 17th July.

And there’s plenty of opportunity to support local rugby club Leeds Rhinos at one of their home games.

Find more about sport in Leeds here

SINGING & DANCING

From jazz to disco and pop to classical; Millennium Square is the summer destination for music lovers. The Summer Series is a showcase of musical talent that spans genres and eras!

Every Sunday from May until the end of September, the parks and bandstands of the city will resound to the music of local brass, jazz and concert bands with the Summer Bands in Leeds’ Parks series.

There’s a line-up of legends ready to entertain you at first direct arena; Bryan Adams, Earth, Wind & Fire, Barry Manilow to name a few.

Break out the floral headbands and wellies for festival season has arrived! Find out more here

SAYING YES TO SOMETHING NEW

The sunshine seems to make us feel more adventurous. Luckily Leeds is packed with plenty of opportunities to try something new!

Not for the faint hearted, Go Ape have opened their latest park adventure at Temple Newsam, featuring challenging obstacles at increasing heights, a free-fall Tarzan Swing, four tree-to-tree Zips and a 46ft sheer drop called The Plummet.

Or try your hand at sailing, kayaking, orienteering and off-road biking at Leeds Sailing and Activity Centre. Maybe climbing will be your thing? There’s the Leeds Wall, the Climbing Lab, City Bloc and the North’s largest Clip n Climb will be opening its doors later this month.

If you’ve never been to a piano recital then now is the perfect time book your tickets as the Leeds International Piano Competition returns to the city in September. You’ll be astounded by the stunning performances and awe-inspiring talent of the young pianists. But there’s no need to wait until September as the Leeds Piano Festival is happening right now!

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