🗞️ Whats on in Leeds February 2024

Some would say it’s been a long January. So with the first payday of 2024 finally arriving, we think you deserve a reward for all your hard work this year. From newly launched food tours to workshops, and Valentine’s fairs, there are lots of things to shake off those January blues, grab a cuppa and take a look at our picks.

For the Culture Lovers…

Indian Food Tour of Leeds | Yorkshire Appetite

Every Thursday and Saturday throughout February 

Explore some of the best Indian food scenes in Leeds and discover dishes from all over the continent. Along the tour, you will be visiting four great Indian restaurants, including well-established restaurants and vibrant new ones. Your taste buds will not know what’s hit them. 

Re:Loaded | Royal Armouries Museum 

Til 30th June 2024

Reloaded is a brand-new exhibition to bring in new audiences to the space. This thought-provoking pop-up exhibition asks us to reconsider the symbolism of guns. We can see iconic objects from the Royal Armouries collection and modern art pieces. 

Want to get more out of your visit? Queer-ying the Museum takes place on 3rd February, with Forgotten Battles continuing until March. Superheroes make their return during the February half term (10 – 18). 

An Evening with Divina De Campo | Howard Assembly Room 

10th Feb 

If you were one of the lucky ones to see Bimini at Leeds International Festival of Ideas then the event host Divina De Campo is back, this time the focus is on music, with Divina accompanied by her pianist on the Howard Assembly Rooms magnificent Steinway. Plenty of tickets left for this one.

Theatre | Various Locations 

Various Dates 

This February is full of some fantastic theatre, if you’re into opera the Leeds Grand Theatre is for you. Hosting “Così fan tutte” from the 2nd to the 23rd and “Cavalleria rusticana” which is paired with “Aleko”, that runs from the 15th to the 24th. 

If opera isn’t your thing there’s plenty of other options for you, such as “Frankenstein” at Leeds Playhouse, following on from their 5 star rated “Oliver!” production. Or explore the nuances of human experience with “BELONGING: Loss. Legacy. Love.” from Phoenix Dance Theatre

We have a full article with the complete run down on the WTL website. 

For something new…

Apprenticeship Recruitment Fair | Leeds First Direct Arena 

Monday 5th February

Leeds Apprenticeship Recruitment Fair returns to the First Direct Arena Leeds this February. Tickets are available to book anytime between 1pm – 7pm. There will be a chance to talk to major employers from a wide range of sectors such as accounting, engineering and many more. 

Over 100 exhibitors will be there offering information, advice, guidance, and vacancies. You’ll have the opportunity to find out about apprenticeships, including what they involve and how they work.

Boozy Brushes | 3rd, 11th 17th 24th 

Various Locations

Shake off the rest of the lingering winter blues with a perfect post-Dry January activity for you and your mates – Boozy Brushes Sip and Paint Parties.

Painting is a fantastic way to unwind, explore your creative potential and socialise, especially with a little drink. Boozy Brushes shows that art is for everyone, and learning to paint can be lighthearted, fun and therapeutic. All of the classes are beginner-friendly and are taught by a professional artist who will guide you through the painting process, so there is no need to worry if you don’t feel like the next Picasso. You can also choose to show off your skills and paint something entirely different should you choose to.

All of the supplies will be provided, and the masterpieces created during the event can be taken home.

The Leeds Photo Social | Take it Easy Labs

Wednesday 21st Feb 

The Leeds Photo Social runs from 6pm-8pm and is absolutely free. All are welcome and supported in the friendly space that is Take It Easy lab, run by Daniel Wheeler from our sister lab, Make It Easy, the idea is to bring some photos and hangout with other creatives.

For the laughs…

Comedy | Various Locations 

Various Times 

Comedy is back with a bang in February, with the city firing on all cylinders you can be guaranteed to find something to enjoy.

Whilst we have a full article on the WTL website, here’s a quick rundown.  

Leeds Playhouse has “arguably the greatest stand up of all time” in Stewart Lee performing on the 8th, 9th and 10th. If you head over to the City Varieties you have Stephen K Amos, Vittorio Angelone and Count Arthur Strong who’s starting his Farewell Tour! 

There’s Bill Bailey performing at the First Direct Arena on the 18th which is sure to be a hit and Hyde Park Book Club have multi-award winning comedian Ian Smith on the 11th and fresh from her sellout crowd at Edinburgh Fringes, Alexandra Haddow on the 15th. 

For the Family…

With Half-term fast approaching, we will be finding all the best things you can do in Leeds in another article but here are a few sneaky picks announced so far..

From learning more about germs, glorious germs at Thackray Museum of Medicine with their in-house Boffins, the Harewood Holiday Club, Superheroes are back at the Royal Armouries (Marvel as the heroes fly through the air on trapezes, snap a selfie with one of our roaming superstars and so much more) plus teh Chinese Dragon trail around Leeds City Museum. 

Our pick is this incredible workshop by M&S, Proof is in the Pudding, as you explore their iconic Chocolate Melt in the Middle Pudding in this hands-on workshop suitable for everyone aged 4 and up.

For the adventurer…

Raid | Royal Armouries Museum

Saturday and Sunday throughout February

You and your team have been sent on a mission of cosmic proportions. You’ll have to save the universe and navigate the museum to uncover the mysteries within. 

Raid at the Great Escape Game is a space-themed escape room, where players participate in a boss battle of cosmic proportions. After completing the experience, players will follow a treasure trail around the legendary Leeds Armouries Museum. 

Do you have what it takes?

Screen Printing Workshop | Thackray Museum of Medicine 

Saturday 10th, Tuesday 13th, Thursday 15th and Saturday 17th February

To celebrate the good, the bad and the germy, local artist Jenny Wright will be offering drop-in screen-printing sessions. This family-friendly workshop is perfect for all skills. 

Jenny Wright is a local screen printer and workshop facilitator, running workshops at venues such as Left Bank Leeds, Beamworks, and Archive. 

Limited spaces, please book in advance – a museum ticket is required to access this event, and an additional event ticket can be added during the checkout process.

For the lovers…

Leeds is upping its game for a certain celebration on 14th February. The now city-centre-bound Valentines Fun Fair (various dates) is taking over Cookridge Street, Victoria Gardens and for the first time, Millennium Square, taking it back to the heights of Elland Road in size, we expect this to be popular. 

Fancy something different? then be quick as the near sell-out Thackray Late (15th Feb), Anatomy of Love, might be for you, an anti-valentine and more about learning the science of the heart. The Valentines Ball Corn Exchange Roller Disco is back, taking over the space on 17th February.

For the foodies why not check out one of the special menus from Crafthouse, Angelica, or try one of the many new places like the minor celeb hangout Habbibi (sitting in the old East 59th, Victoria Gate) to Mediterranean restaurant, Olive Tree, Need something fancier? Try Six by Nico, Empire Cafe, Vice and Virtue or something simple yet perfectly executed in Flat Iron? You will not be disappointed.