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Leeds Rundown

Leeds is not dubbed the ‘Knightsbridge of the North’ for nothing. Its mixture of state of the art shopping centres, Victorian arcades and stylish pedestrianised high streets are overflowing with shops. It’s not for nothing that Rough Guides termed shopping in Leeds one of the top 30 things to do in the UK. Leeds is a place where conspicuous consumption is the name of the game. Leeds folk would rather be seen dead than out and about with a Lidl bag.

Some people do not like shopping, but don’t rush off, stay awhile and you will find there are plenty of other things to do in Leeds. The Royal Armouries holds the nation’s collection of national arms and armour, the City Art Gallery offers you one of the finest collections of British 20^th Century art outside of London And, for the young (or middle aged in denial) a dedication to decadence is rewarded by 180 pubs to get through, and plenty of clubs and bars to stagger into at closing time.

Those who (thankfully) aspire to more genteel pursuits have the attractions of Harewood House and Yorkshire Sculpture Park at their disposal.

LEED'S TOP 10

LEEDS EVENTS

Leeds Young People’s Film Festival takes place in March and April and is mostly free. Now in its 12^th year, Leeds Town Hall is where the majority of the action including workshops, screenings and events takes place.

Get your running shoes out and enter the Leeds Half Marathon which starts at the Headrow and ends at Millennium Square. No excuses – it’s for charity.

The Leeds Opera in the Park is classical, very big and free – so what’s not to like? Plus, it takes place at the exquisitely beautiful Temple Newsam. Join 50,000 other people in a big classical hug with a host of international stars performing their stuff.

The Leeds LOOP Arts Fair is a celebration of graphic art and illustration in the UK today. If the likes of Jez Burrows, Matt Hodson and Drew Millward float your boat, then head to Marshall’s Mill during the month of June.

Get all retro at Leeds’ Corn Exchange Record Fair held monthly. Here nostalgia abounds. Discuss the great age of vinyl and its sad demise, plus there are also some of these new fangled CDs for sale.

The Leeds Festival is an annual event which takes place at Bramham Park. The August event always attracts the big names, so book early.

Music lovers should also head to Music at Leeds’ Kirkstall Abbey in August. Classical music played out against a background of the cloisters of this 12^th Century abbey – all free

If you love food get to Leeds Loves Food. The event gathers momentum as the years pass, now in its 6^th year and bigger and better than ever at Millennium Square in July.

For two weeks in June, the West Yorkshire Playhouse brings world class theatrical artists to Leeds at the Transform event. Wristbands are available for daily events and cost £15 each.

The Affordable Vintage Fair takes place in December. You can pick up a bargain here with clothes and homewares from the 1920s to the 1980s (yikes - is the 80s now vintage?) at the Leeds Corn Exchange.

WHEN TO GO

· Leeds’ climate follows the UK generally with no real extremes – just the changes of the seasons, and a mixture of sunny and overcast days throughout the year.

· Temperatures during a typical English summer are around 20-25 °C, with winter temperatures on average around 6 degrees. Leeds’ northern location can mean sub zero temps and snow though.

· Rain – what can we say – always pack your waterproofs and a brolly.

HOW TO GET THERE

· Leeds- Bradford Airport is just 10 miles to the northwest of the city centre, and offers a wide number of domestic and international flights. A bus service connects the airport to the centre which takes around 40 minutes.

· Leeds Railway Station is one of the biggest in the UK with connections to all main cities.

· Leeds had good road connections to the rest of the UK with National Express running highly competitive and regular services.

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