Leading soprano Katie Bird, who is starring as Maria in Opera North’s upcoming summer production of The Sound of Music, performed the Rodgers & Hammerstein classic live to crowds gathering in City Square below. The musical preview marks a collaboration between the landmark Leeds hotel and the northern opera company ahead of the show’s arrival at Leeds Grand Theatre, where it will run from 9th July to 1st August 2026.

The upcoming summer staging is based on the acclaimed Curve Leicester production that debuted at the end of 2025, and will feature the full Chorus and Orchestra of Opera North under the direction of Nikolai Foster.

Bob Fairweather, General Manager at The Queens Hotel, said:

“The Queens has always been at the heart of Leeds city life and this was a truly magical moment for the hotel and for the city. To have such an exceptional talent as Katie Bird perform from our balcony, with City Square as her stage, was really special. We’re incredibly proud to have partnered with Opera North.”

Laura Canning, General Director at Opera North, added:

“We hope Katie’s performance from The Queens’ balcony will inspire even more people to come and join us for what promises to be a must-see show this summer.”

Presented by Agria Pet Insurance, the popular outdoor event will feature TV chef James Martin as a special guest. The festival includes a variety of interactive, canine-friendly attractions such as the Agria Fun Dog Show, hay bale hurdles, a giant ball pit, a specialised dog obstacle course, and breed meet-ups. James Martin will host live cooking demonstrations and offer practical canine nutrition advice at the “Kitchen Theatre.”

Standard tickets are priced from £27.50, which includes event access, all have-a-go activities, and a commemorative photograph. Attendees can also purchase a DogFest Plus upgrade for £35, which grants fast-track entry, premium parking, exclusive Q&A sessions with James Martin, a private paddock with a bar, and a premium dog goodie bag. Additionally, festival ticket holders can access Harewood House itself on the day for a discounted entry fee of £5 per person.

Sam Matthews, Marketing Director at DogFest, said:

“DogFest on the Farm is one of our favourite weekends of the year, and for 2026 we’re offering visitors more choice than ever before including our special guest, renowned chef and TV presenter James Martin. We can’t wait to return to the Yorkshire countryside with a jam-packed schedule of events created especially with our pets in mind.”

Tickets must be purchased online in advance, as there will be no ticket sales available at the gate.

Founded in 2019 by producers Tom Patrick and Jamie Hudson, the initiative brings theatre stars to local communities while raising money for charitable causes. Having staged four shows in Leeds and two in London since its inception, the project has raised more than £15,000 for charity. The 2026 production will see all proceeds donated directly to Macmillan Cancer Support.

The performance begins at 7:00 PM and features cast members from major musicals including SIX, Les Misérables, Titanique, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, & Juliet, Heathers, Rent, and Starlight Express. The lineup features Luke Bayer, Rob Houchen, Grace Mouat, Jeevan Braich, Jenny O’Leary, and Harrison Vaughn, with hosting duties managed by Mitch Miller (The Voice UK). The professional cast will be joined on stage by local performers from Futurist Theatre Productions and the Yeadon Town Hall’s Musical Theatre Choir.

Tickets are currently on sale through the venue, with prices starting from £23.

Opening in time for the tournament’s kickoff on 11th June 2026, the popular food hall will feature three super-sized 5m x 3m screens alongside additional screens throughout the venue. The fan zone will be free to attend, though supporters can pre-book guaranteed seating for England matches for £10. Entertainment will include live DJs and roaming brass bands to create a stadium-like atmosphere.

The transformation also marks the arrival of award-winning independent brewery Northern Monk, opening its first-ever ‘Northern Monk Trinity Tap’ inside the venue. The setup will feature two seven-metre bars pouring across 20 beer taps. To complement the drinks, 11 street food vendors will be serving matchday meals, including Trinity Kitchen staples like Archie’s, Pho, and Rola Wala, alongside new Caribbean street food addition, Jerk Junction.

Josie Towning, Food and Beverage Manager at Trinity Leeds, said:

“Trinity Kitchen will operate as normal during the day, transforming into a football fan zone in the evening. It will be one of the biggest World Cup venues in Leeds. Fans can turn up and grab a space for free, and we will also be offering table bookings for England games for those who want to guarantee the best spots to watch the drama unfold.”

The new venue will soft launch as an initial pop-up store this Friday, 22nd May 2026, marking the brand’s fourth UK location and its very first footprint in the North of England. The retailer is known for stocking official K-pop albums, exclusive merchandise, light sticks, and rare collectables imported directly from Korea, alongside running dedicated fan community events.

The Leeds expansion follows successful branches in London Waterloo, London Euston, and Nottingham. To celebrate the opening weekend, the store will host exclusive fan experiences, including a Stray Kids event with exclusive merch, a signed album event, and an Xikers hello82 exclusive event. The launch is also creating new local employment opportunities, with the business actively recruiting part-time staff.

Anastasia Tsappis, Director of K-pop Korner, said:

“We’re incredibly excited to bring K-pop Korner to Leeds and finally create a dedicated space for fans in Yorkshire and the North of England. Our community has been asking for a more accessible location outside London and the Midlands for a long time, so Leeds felt like the natural next step.”

Leila Fell, Apprentice Asset Manager at Town Centre Securities (owners of the Merrion Centre), added:

“The brand offers a unique mix of retail and community experiences that complements our existing line-up of leisure, entertainment and lifestyle operators and we’re confident it will prove hugely popular with visitors from across the region.”

The carnival is free to enter, with rides and games operating from 11am to 9pm during the half-term holidays and weekends. Guests can enjoy a wide variety of attractions, ranging from the high-energy Twister and Dodgems to family classics like the Runaway Train, Teacups, and Monster Trucks. For those looking for traditional fairground fun, games such as Hook-a-Duck will also be available alongside various seasonal food and drink stalls.

To ensure the event is inclusive, a Quiet Morning session has been scheduled for Tuesday 26th May from 11am to 12pm, during which rides will operate without music. Entry to the carnival area is free, and ride tokens are priced at £1.20 each, or 10 for £10, with exclusive offers available for Blue Light Card holders.

Ashleigh Kellett, Deputy Centre Director at White Rose Shopping Centre, said: “We’ve had so many guests asking if the Kids’ Carnival will return this year, so we’re pleased to confirm it’ll be back in time for the May half term with a great mix of rides and activities. We’re looking forward to welcoming families and seeing The Village come to life with a fun, vibrant atmosphere.”

Running from 23–31 May, the museum is offering a full programme of hands-on activities and live shows designed to bring medieval history to life. The star attraction is the Saxons Story Hunters trail, where children can play trainee archaeologist for the day. Young explorers will follow clues across various “dig sites” throughout the galleries to solve a mystery and uncover the identity of a Saxon skeleton.

Other highlights of the half-term week include:

• Sword School: Interactive training sessions for budding warriors.
• Craft Workshops: Opportunities to design traditional Saxon brooches or build ancient board games to take home.
• Live Storytelling: Engaging sessions focused on the everyday lives of Saxons.

While the event is free to attend, the Royal Armouries, a registered charity, recommends booking tickets in advance due to high demand. Morning and afternoon sessions are available throughout the holiday.

The restructure followed the closure of Veeno’s Chester site, which was deemed unviable due to structural building issues and an ongoing landlord dispute. Caruso was quick to clarify that the challenges in Chester were site-specific and do not reflect the health of the wider group, particularly in Leeds, which continues to go from “strength to strength.”

The brand’s new direction moves away from a “chain” feel, refocusing on its Sicilian heritage and authentic Italian hospitality. A major part of this reset involves a greater emphasis on wines sourced directly from Caruso’s family vineyard in Sicily, which was established by his great-grandfather.

Nino Caruso, Founder of Veeno, said:

“It is business as usual at Veeno Leeds. Over time, we felt the business was beginning to be perceived as a chain, and that’s something we want to move away from. Our focus now is on our heritage, our roots, and delivering a simpler, more authentic offering that reflects our Sicilian identity. I’m stepping back into a more active role so we can return to what Veeno has always been about – authentic hospitality and exceptional wines.”

Guests at the Leeds site can expect a refreshed experience, including new organic and small-batch wine additions and a streamlined food menu designed to pair perfectly with the Sicilian labels. Caruso assured partners and staff that all suppliers remain in place and that the restructure has effectively “future-proofed” the business.

The space, which previously operated primarily as a pre-show area, has undergone an ambitious transformation. It will now be open from midday until late, Wednesday through Sunday, offering a relaxed social space for coffee, cocktails, and craft beers, including a rotating selection from local favourites like Kirkstall Brewery.

Yuzu Street Food, inspired by a 2019 culinary tour of Asia, will serve up its signature contemporary menu of bao buns, ramen, katsu curry, and fried chicken. The partnership cements HAR bar’s position as a key destination in the thriving New Briggate area.

Michael Wilkinson, Director of Strategy and Commercial, said:

“We are very excited to be welcoming Yuzu to HAR bar. Their Asian-inspired street food is the perfect accompaniment to our range of drinks, firmly establishing us as one of Leeds’ leading spots to meet and eat. We want everyone in the city to feel that this is their space, where great music and exceptional service combine to support Opera North’s outreach work.”

Chris Hargroves, Yuzu Founder & CEO, added:

“We’re delighted to be back in Leeds city centre! Returning really feels like coming home. Working with such a prestigious venue as the Howard Assembly Room is something we’re absolutely buzzing about and we can’t wait to fire up the woks!”

Following a successful soft launch, Chatang will celebrate its official Grand Opening on Friday 8th May 2026. To mark the occasion, the store is running a “Buy One Get One Free” promotion for three days. Customers who purchase any drink can receive a free regular drink from a selected range, including Snow Jasmine Green Tea Latte, Mango Fruit Tea, or Passion Fruit Tea. Additionally, the first 100 customers during the launch period will receive a complimentary Chatang fridge magnet.

The concept focuses on high-quality, made-to-order drinks, including creamy milk teas, matcha creations, and fruit-infused blends. Every drink is fully customisable, allowing guests to adjust sweetness, ice levels, and toppings. For those looking for a meal, Chatang also offers Malatang- a popular Chinese street food where guests can build their own personalised hot pot from a selection of fresh meats, seafood, and vegetables.

Vincent Deng, Owner of Chatang, said:

“We’re proud to bring Chatang to Leeds and introduce a concept that’s all about flavour, choice and experience. From our handcrafted teas to Malatang, everything we offer is designed to be fresh, customisable, and full of character.”

Lynsey Clarke, Asset Manager at Town Centre Securities PLC (TCS), owners of the Merrion Centre, added:

“We are delighted to welcome Chatang to the Merrion Centre. Its focus on authenticity, quality and customisation makes it a great fit for our visitors and the evolving Leeds city centre dining scene.”