Friends, family, fry ups, lie-ins, walks, parties – by no means an exhaustive list, but I’d be surprised if none of the above feature in your typical bank holiday. Over the years, however, I’ve detected a level of anxiety surrounding these extra days off, which we Brits know all too well can be hard to plan for.
Long ago, the sensible among us gave up on hoping for glorious blue skies when we wish for them most, and whilst guaranteeing good weather for the coming Easter weekend would be irresponsible of me, I have comprised an assortment of alternative activities for brightening up these precious days – however dull the forecast. I’ve decided that reliable sources of pleasure are often of the edible variety so, on that basis, here’s a round-up of Leeds’ finest food and drink events this Easter bank holiday.
‘Brandon Street Night Market: Easter Special’
Returning for the first time this year, Brandon Street Night Market will be bringing some of the finest street food traders in the UK to Leeds’ very own Canal Mills. Expect a top notch variety of cuisines: fish and chips, pizza, steak, mac and cheese, tapas – all with a unique twist. And if that’s not enough, surely the promise of craft beer, cocktails, live art and live music will convince you that this is not an event to be missed. What’s more, entry is completely FREE!
WHEN? Thursday 24th March 2016, 5.00pm – midnight
WHERE? Canal Mills, Brandon Street, LS12 2EB
‘Duke Does Easter’
Is searching for chocolate eggs the childhood thrill that is missing from your now ‘grown-up’ Easter? Well search no further as, this year, Duke Studios are stepping up to the plate by hosting an over 18s Easter egg hunt. Your £5 ticket will guarantee you an abundance of eggs, tasty free drinks and the chance to win a star prize. To book your place visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/duke-does-easter-tickets-21555102893.
WHEN? Saturday, 26 March 2016, 4pm – late.
WHERE? Sheaf St Cafeteria – 3 Sheaf Street, Leeds LS10 1HD
‘Kirkstall Abbey Farmers Market’
Set among the picturesque ruins of Kirkstall Abbey, this regular farmers market will be hosting a diverse array of stalls selling a variety of products including meats, cheeses, craft beers, sweet baked goods, natural health products and jewellery– to mention a few… A trip to Kirkstall this weekend means you can sample local produce from across Yorkshire, support the local businesses and enjoy the beautiful Abbey grounds all at once. Not a bad day out I’d say!
WHEN? Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th March 2016, 12-3pm
WHERE? Kirkstall Abbey, LS5 3EH
‘Mead Fest’
There’s a permanent brewery tucked away in Holbeck that goes by the name Northern Monk, and this bank holiday weekend they’re opening their doors to the public for Mead Fest. Described as a celebration of the ancient honey-based beverage, visitors will be able to enjoy the choice of ten types of mead, live music and street food. And for the mead-enthusiasts: the chance to look around the brewery and chat all things beer and honey with those who know their stuff. No need for tickets, just turn up!
WHEN? 10am, Sunday 27th until 11pm, Monday 28th March 2016
WHERE? Northern Monk Brew Co. Marshall Street, Leeds, LS11 9YJ
Enjoy!
Grace Ellerby
Image courtesy of news.leeds.gov.uk.