From Cabaret to Monet and St Paddy’s Day, spring is budding with great events
CABARET | Leeds Grand Theatre | 3rd - 7th March
Kander and Ebb’s classic musical is back in Leeds this spring with an all-singing, all-dancing production directed by Rufus Norris and produced by Bill Kenwright. Starring EastEnders’ John Partridge alongside Kara Lily Hayworth and Anita Harris, the show promises iconic songs, powerful energy and an unforgettable story.
Leeds Grand Theatre, 46 New Briggate, Leeds LS1 6NU (various times; tickets from £29 at leedsgrandtheatre.com)
JAMALI MADDIX | The Wardrobe | Thursday 5th March
With acclaimed shows such as Vice’s Hate Thy Neighbour and Channel 4’s Adventures in Futureland under his belt, comedian Jamali Maddix is on tour once more, coming to the Wardrobe on 5th March with tales from the front line of social change in his new set Strip Club Einstein.
The Wardrobe, Saint Peter's Square, Leeds, UK (7pm; tickets £14.30 at ents24.co.uk)
PALOMA VARGA WEISZ: BUMPED BODY OPENING | The Henry Moore Institute | Thursday 12th March
Paloma Varga Weisz brings a fascinating collection of traditional figurative sculpture to the city this March. Her exhibition Bumped Body will be open from 13th March - 28th June, but you can head to the preview the night before for a first look at her powerful woodcarving and ceramic work - and enjoy a glass of wine as you do.
The Henry Moore Institute, 74 The Headrow, Leeds LS1 3AH (6-8pm; register at eventbrite.co.uk)
ALL FOR FOOD & FOOD FOR ALL | Rainbow Junk-tion Café | Friday 13th March
Join local Leeds communities to learn more about food waste with a night of culture, diversity and deliciousness. ‘All for Food & Food for All’ is a buffet-come-celebration of global cuisines – with all ingredients saved from going to waste and used to put on a pay-as-you-feel spread for anyone who wants to come along.
Rainbow Junk-tion, 24 Regent Terrace, Burley, Leeds LS6 1NP (7-10pm; free entry)
ST PATRICK’S DAY PARADE | Millennium Square and The Headrow | Sunday 15th March
The iconic parade of green, white and gold is back for another St Paddy’s day celebration this March, when Millennium Square becomes a vibrant hub of music, colour and festivity. Head down in the morning to catch the City of Leeds Pipe Band and a whole convoy of floats as they leave to parade the city centre.
Millennium Square, Calverley St, Leeds LS1 1UR (10am-12pm; free)
GLUG LEEDS: GO YOUR OWN WAY | Sheaf Street Studios | Thursday 19th March
In the mood for an evening of creative insights to get your juices flowing and your productivity in check this spring? The latest Glug event will see creative director Matt Lazenby and independent Illustrator Taaryn Brench (among others) offering stories and advice about taking the creative freelance plunge. Tickets include a beer too, just FYI...
Sheaf Street Studios, 3 Sheaf Street, Leeds LS10 1HD (6-9.30pm; tickets £7.50 at eventbrite.co.uk)
PAINT MONET FOR MOTHER’S DAY | Slocken | Sunday 22nd March
Do something different this Mother’s Day and join aspiring artists at Slocken, where the creatives from PopUp Painting invite you to get involved with some impressionistic brushstrokes as you enjoy a drink or two. There’ll be a themed playlist to get you (and perhaps your mum too) into the zone, as well as all the art supplies and expert advice you need to create your own little masterpiece.
Slocken, 10-12 Call Lane, Leeds LS1 6DN (3-5.30pm; tickets £28.99 at eventbrite.co.uk)
BRASS PIN BADGE MAKING WORKSHOP | Today Studio | Thursday 26th March
Learn the ins and outs of pin badge making at this creative workshop for beginner and veteran badge makers alike. You’ll emerge with a set of your own designs, having learnt how to make a mini pin badge set, use a jeweller’s saw and work with a range of professional materials and tools.
Today Studio, 30-34 Aire Street, #Unit 1, Leeds LS1 4HT (6-8pm; tickets £30 at eventbrite.co.uk)
PLANET EARTH II LIVE IN CONCERT | First Direct Arena | Friday 28th March
Join the City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra and wildlife presenter Liz Bonnin to experience the wonders of Planet Earth in spectacular sound and colour. Viewers will experience breath-taking footage brought to life with a powerful score composed by Oscar winner Hans Zimmer, along with Jacob Shea and Jasha Klebe.
First Direct Arena, Arena Way, Leeds LS2 8BY (6.30pm; tickets from £51.95 at ticketmaster.co.uk)
FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE BICENTENARY: INSPIRATION TO GENIUS | Lotherton | Until 18th October
Discover another side to the famous Florence Nightingale story in this celebration of 200 years since her birth. The exhibition explores the family connections between Nightingale and the Gascoignes of Lotherton, with a series of newly discovered objects including letters, paintings, jewellery, books, furniture and dresses.
Lotherton, Off Collier Lane, Aberford, Leeds LS25 3EB (Mon-Sat 10am-4pm; free)
Festivals
SAKURA FESTIVAL | Left Bank Leeds | Saturday 14th March
Head down to Left Bank this March to discover a celebration of Japanese culture, learn more about traditional practices and appreciate authentic food, activities and rituals.
Left Bank Leeds, Cardigan Road, Leeds LS6 1LJ (10am-4.30pm; free entry)
INNER CITY ELECTRONIC | Various venues | 7th - 8th March
Leeds’ city-wide celebration of electronic music and culture returns early in March, with Peggy Gou and special guest Orbital filling the headliner slots.
Various venues and times (tickets from £45 at residentadvisor.net)
Cabaret image: The Other Richard
