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Beloved Holi Festival returns to Leeds in 2023 – and it’s bigger and more colourful than ever

The annual event is bringing cultures together.

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall - 3rd March 2023

One of Leeds’ best-loved – and most colourful – events of the year is back for 2023, and it’s going to be bigger than ever before.

Holi Festival – known as the Festival of Colours – is a joyous celebration of peace, love, happiness and equality through live music and bright colours. 

Leeds Holi Festival 2022 was a triumphant success and saw 1,200 Holi Lovers making it the biggest Colour Festival in Yorkshire, but this year, Holi Festival are kicking it up a notch and are bringing 2,500 people together to celebrate – making it the biggest open air colour festival in the UK.

The event commemorates forgiveness and peace and is widely celebrated in India and adopted around the world for celebration.

Beloved Holi Festival returns to Leeds in 2023 / Credit: Leeds Holi Festival

Holi Festival celebrates the welcoming of spring and is seen as a time for people, no matter what caste or ethnicity, to get together and enjoy a feeling of togetherness, community and happiness.

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This year’s celebrations in Leeds are set to involve the traditional dry powder paints, as well as the serving of street food, live DJs and performances right in the heart of the city.

Red is the sign of love, yellow is synonymous with healing properties, blue is the colour of Lord Krishna, and green symbolises new beginnings – and through the use of these vibrant colours, Leeds Holi Festival aims at bringing different cultures together with different genres of music under one roof.

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It’s set to be bigger and more colourful than ever before / Credit: Leeds Holi Festival

Eshaan Kapoor, founder of Leeds Holi Festival said: “Our purpose is to bring different cultures together, spread love, positivity through music, colours and food. It is best known around the world for the powder that friends and families throw on each other and it’s the festival of love, peace and happiness.”

Holi Festival’s main sponsor this year is Leeds-based taxi firm Amber Cars – who will be providing festival goers safe journeys to and from the event with no added surcharge.

“We are proud to sponsor such a vibrant, unique festival and be part of Leeds Holi Festival,” said Tarlochan, Regional Director at Amber Cars.

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“Amber cars will be providing safe rides to all festival goers making their journey safe and secured”.

is a joyous celebration of peace, love, happiness and equality/ Credit: Leeds Holi Festival

British-Pakistani singer-songwriter, Zack Knight, will be headlining the event and providing the ultimate party tracks for guests to dance all day whilst being covered head to toe in bright colours from Ministry of Colours.

Other sponsors include Kirkstall Brewery and Slingsby Gin, with Punjabi Heaven from Roundhay providing delicious street food for the day. Through finding Yorkshire-based sponsors, the festival aims to bring like-minded people together to make Holi Festival one of the biggest events in the Leeds calendar.

Holi Festival will take place on 11 March 2023 at Beaverworks from 12.30pm till 7.30pm.

Tier one and two tickets have already sold out for the seven hour event, but remaining tier three tickets are still available to grab.

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For more information, visit the Leeds Holi Colours Festival 2023 Instagram Page.

Featured Image – Leeds Holi Festival

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Every bit of live entertainment coming to Haydock Park Racecourse this summer | The Jockey Club Live 2025

Danny Jones Danny Jones what live music gigs are on at Haydock Park Racecourse this summer? 2025

With festival season officially underway and a music-filled summer approaching faster than Stone Folca down the final furlong, we’ll take any chance to sing and dance under the sun we can get, so it’s a good job that what’s on at Haydock Park Racecourse this year is great and there’s plenty of it.

That’s right, The Jockey Club Live experience at Haydock Park is back for 2025, and there’s another incredible lineup of acts joining the punters over the next few months.

Having already seen the likes of Craig David, Busted and the Sugababes, as well as rather fittingly named local band, Red Rum Club, most recently, we’ve had some ruddy good times soaking up The Jockey Club festivities and libations, and this year is already off to a storming start.

You can catch a glimpse of our latest visit to the races down below for a taster. In short, it was a blast.

As you can see, not only are the spirits high and free-flowing (if you catch our drift) at Haydock Park, but there’s more than just racing and betting slips when it comes to what’s on there during the summer.

In addition to plenty of food and drink, every year as part of their Music Night programme, The Jockey Club well and truly puts the Live in ‘live entertainment’ with a whole host of big names.

For instance, here’s who is coming up at Haydock this summer…

What’s on at Haydock Park Racecourse this summer?

Tom Jones – Friday, 4 July

Perhaps the biggest name on the bill this year is the legendary Welsh soul singer and pop veteran SIR Tom Jones; that’s right, you could be in the presence of a real knight this July.

The 85-year-old who has enjoyed a career spanning more than six decades on stage clearly couldn’t get enough the first time around, as Mr ‘Sex Bomb’ himself is coming back to the racecourse for a full headline slot as part of his ‘Defy Explanation’ tour.

Speaking ahead of another visit, he said: “Performing live is the centre of my life and I’m really pleased to be returning to Haydock Park Racecourse to play to such a welcoming audience. The Jockey Club Live shows are exciting dates in my calendar – the fans really enjoy the day, so [they] are always sensational.”

tom jones uk tour dates 2025
‘I can’t wait to spend a Summer’s evening with everyone this July.’ (Credit: Raph_PH via Flickr)

Becky Hill – Friday, 8 August

A month later, you can catch a contemporary pop queen and fellow British chart favourite, as solo star Becky Hill will be heading to Haydock for a headline performance of her own.

The Bewdley-born singer-songwriter and regular dance track feature artist already has 22 top 40 songs to her name and is pushing even further into the electronic music scene of late, with one of her newest hits, Swim’, becoming another big hit.

Jockey Club said of her date: “We’re so excited to be welcoming Becky and her phenomenal live show to Haydock Park. Tickets start from just £40, continuing our reputation for providing value-for-money entertainment destination for the region and beyond.”

becky hill haydock racecourse
‘With thousands of tickets for Red Rum Club sold in the presale alone, we’re urging fans to secure
their spot for next summer soon to avoid disappointment.’ (Credit: Press shot supplied via Chuff Media)

Next up: Jamie Webster – 21 June

But before both of these big British names is a local Merseyside legend, as indie guitarist and Liverpool-fan anthem specialist Jamie Webster will be heading down the road for what is sure to be a very popular night on home turf.

The ‘Weekend In Paradise’ and ‘This Place’ singer may have got his break performing to supporters around Anfield, but his music journey since then has been nothing short of remarkable – a real Northern, working-class success story in action.

Our Audio North team spoke to Webster ahead of his Haydock Park show on Saturday, 21 June and let’s just say we’re now more invested than ever in hearing Jamie play his third studio album, 10 For The People, for… well – you get it.

Come on, that’s a pretty solid lineup, isn’t it?

Better still, the party doesn’t stop once the summer is over, as The Jockey Club Live will be holding a number of other events throughout the rest of the year, not to mention all the usual horse-racing action at Haydock Park.

You can find out more information on the above and everything else on at the racecourse, as well as grab tickets to any of the dates that take your fancy right HERE.

Tiger Roll on the summer.

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Featured Images — The Manc Group/Press shot (supplied)

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A free open-air cinema is opening in the heart of Manchester’s skyscraper district

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Screen on the Square will open at New Jackson this week

A free open-air cinema is opening in Manchester city centre this summer, screening everything from film to sporting and cultural events. 

Audiences will be able to recline in deck chairs surrounded by one of the city’s best views – the glittering towers of New Jackson.

With a backdrop of the modern Manchester skyline and a licensed outdoor bar, Screen on The Square will be a go-to hangout for Mancs this summer. 

This new opening at New Jackson will also have its own licensed outdoor bar. 

It’s all launching at New Jackson this weekend, Renaker’s world-class skyscraper district and thriving new neighbourhood that’s taken shape at the southern side of Manchester city centre.

Films on the schedule will include family favourites like Big Hero 6, Frozen, and Finding Nemo; cult classics such as Cool Runnings, Grand Budapest Hotel, and Back to the Future; and major musical blockbusters such as Mamma Mia and La La Land. 

As well as a packed programme of film screenings, Screen on the Square will be showing major summer events like Glastonbury, Wimbledon and the UEFA Women’s EURO competition. 

There’ll be family-friendly matinees and morning screenings, as well as later evening movie nights. 

Screen on the Square will take place on The Square at the base of Deansgate Square towers
Screen on the Square will take place on The Square at the base of Deansgate Square towers

Screen on The Square will run from Saturday 21 June until Sunday 14 September, at The Square at Deansgate Square in New Jackson. 

It’s the latest cultural and community offering from the new neighbourhood, which has transformed Manchester’s skyline with world-class skyscrapers. 

The New Jackson district includes Deansgate Square, The Blade, Three60, Crown Street, and Contour, and (once fully complete) will bring 6,400 homes. The neighbourhood already includes public spaces, a primary school, play area, NHS medical centre, health and wellness clinic, hair salon, cookery school, padel courts and loads of independent restaurants and bars. 

Full listings for Screen on the Square are below, and HERE. 

Screen on The Square programme*

  • Saturday 21 June, 3pm – Wall-E
  • Saturday 21 June, 7pm – Back to the Future
  • Sunday 22 June, 10am – Big Hero 6
  • Sunday 22 June, 7pm – Tron: Legacy
  • Friday 27 June, 12pm-11pm – Glastonbury
  • Saturday 28 June, 12pm-11pm – Glastonbury
  • Sunday 29 June, 12pm-11pm – Glastonbury
  • Wednesday 2 July, 5pm – Women’s Euro 2025: Iceland v Finland
  • Wednesday 2 July, 8pm – Women’s Euro 2025: Switzerland v Norway
  • Thursday 3 July, 5pm – Women’s Euro 2025: Belgium v Italy
  • Thursday 3 July, 8pm – Women’s Euro 2025: Spain v Portugal
  • Friday 4 July, 5pm – Women’s Euro 2025: Denmark v Sweden
  • Friday 4 July, 8pm – Women’s Euro 2025: Germany v Poland
  • Saturday 5 July, 5pm – Women’s Euro 2025: Wales v Netherlands
  • Saturday 5 July, 8pm – Women’s Euro 2025: England v France
  • Sunday 6 July, 5pm – Women’s Euro 2025: Norway v Finland
  • Sunday 6 July, 8pm – Women’s Euro 2025: Switzerland v Iceland
  • Monday 7 July, 5pm – Women’s Euro 2025: Spain v Belgium
  • Monday 7 July, 8pm – Women’s Euro 2025: Portugal v Italy
  • Tuesday 8 July, 5pm – Women’s Euro 2025: Germany v Denmark
  • Tuesday 8 July, 8pm – Women’s Euro 2025: Poland v Sweden
  • Wednesday 9 July, 5pm – Women’s Euro 2025: England v Netherlands 
  • Wednesday 9 July, 8pm – Women’s Euro 2025: France v Wales
  • Thursday 10 July, 8pm – Women’s Euro 2025: Finland v Switzerland or Norway v Iceland
  • Friday 11 July, 8pm – Women’s Euro 2025: Italy v Spain or Portugal v Belgium
  • Saturday 12 July, 12pm – 7pm – Wimbledon
  • Saturday 12 July, 8pm – Women’s Euro 2025: Sweden v Germany or Poland v  Denmark
  • Sunday 13 July, 12pm – 7pm – Wimbledon
  • Sunday 13 July, 8pm – Women’s Euro 2025: England v Wales or Netherlands v France
  • Wednesday 16 July, 8pm – Women’s Euro 2025: Quarter Finals
  • Thursday 17 July, 8pm – Women’s Euro 2025: Quarter Finals
  • Friday 18 July, 8pm – Women’s Euro 2025: Quarter Finals
  • Saturday 19 July, 3pm – Sing
  • Saturday 19 July, 5.30pm – Mamma Mia
  • Saturday 19 July, 8pm – Women’s Euro 2025: Quarter Finals
  • Sunday 20 July, 10am – Kids’ Morning: School of Rock
  • Sunday 20 July, 7pm – La La Land
  • Tuesday 22 July, 8pm – Women’s Euro 2025: Semi Finals
  • Wednesday 23rd July, 8pm – Women’s Euro 2025: Semi Finals
  • Sunday 27 July, 8pm – Women’s Euro 2025: Final
  • Saturday 2 August, 3pm – Kids’ Matinee: Frozen
  • Saturday 2 August, 7pm – Cool Runnings
  • Sunday 3 August, 10am – Kids’ Morning: Happy Feet
  • Sunday 3 August, 7pm – Grand Budapest Hotel
  • Saturday 30 August, 3pm – Kids’ Matinee: Finding Nemo
  • Saturday 30 August, 7pm – Chicken Run
  • Sunday 31 August, 10am – Kids’ Morning: My Neighbor Totoro
  • Sunday 31 August, 7pm – Persepolis
  • Saturday 6 September, 3pm – Kids’ Matinee: Shrek
  • Saturday 6 September, 7pm – Despicable Me
  • Sunday 7 September, 10am – Kids’ Morning: Mrs Doubtfire
  • Sunday 7 September, 7pm – Napoleon Dynamite
  • Saturday 13 September, 3pm – Kids’ Matinee: Fantastic Mr Fox
  • Saturday 13 September, 7pm – Goonies
  • Sunday 14 September, 10am – Kids’ Morning: The Princess Bride
  • Sunday 14 September, 7pm – Labyrinth

*Screenings are weather dependent and programme is subject to change

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Featured image: Supplied

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