Laura Collins

A photo gallery captures the second Temple Newsam Food Festival in Leeds, where thousands of visitors sampled food from an artisan market and 29 international street-food vendors. The event also featured live culinary demonstrations, family activities and more than 95 independent businesses.

Kyle Nelson, a 38-year-old drug dealer from Manchester who lived in York, was sentenced to 11 years in prison after escaping an open prison during day release in 2024, fleeing through Scotland and Ireland to Thailand, and later returning to the UK. Police said he resumed selling heroin and crack cocaine through a county lines network known as the “Banksy line.” North Yorkshire Police’s Operation Sentry tracked the network, linked Nelson to a vehicle stopped near York, and found evidence on a mobile phone. He was convicted at York Crown Court of supplying class-A drugs and unlawfully escaping prison.

Ilkley restaurant Forde, led by chef and restaurateur Matt Healy, plans to activate a break clause and leave its premises in The Moors in late 2027. The restaurant says Bradford Council and its managing agents ordered the removal of an atrium seating area after initially indicating proposed accessibility adaptations would not be a problem. Forde argues the area is essential to making the business accessible and financially viable, while the council has been asked to comment. The restaurant will remain open until late next year and has offered advance notice to customers, including voucher holders.

The Yorkshire Evening Post is inviting Leeds residents to nominate their dogs for a poll to crown Leeds’ Top Dog. The winner will receive two upgraded tickets, worth more than £130, to DogFest on the Farm at Harewood House the following month. The festival will feature agility courses, ball pits, celebrity cooking demonstrations and an appearance by James Martin. Entries, including a photo and an explanation of why the dog deserves the title, must be submitted by email or Facebook by August 28, after which finalists will be shortlisted for a public vote.

West Yorkshire Police released audio of a 999 caller reporting a snake in his garden to remind the public that the emergency number is reserved for immediate threats to life, crimes in progress and other urgent incidents. The force advised people to contact organizations such as the RSPCA when another agency is better suited to handle the issue, warning that inappropriate calls can divert vital resources from genuine emergencies.

Leeds is among eight Yorkshire locations due to receive Home Office-funded knife surrender bins and a mobile van operating on a no-questions-asked basis. People will be able to hand in wrapped and sealed knives anonymously for safe disposal. The initiative follows the surrender of more than 15,000 weapons nationwide and comes amid data showing hundreds of young people were arrested for possessing bladed articles in Leeds between 2023 and early 2026. West Yorkshire and Leeds officials, along with Policing and Crime Minister Sarah Jones, say the scheme is intended to remove dangerous weapons from the streets and prevent violence.

A nine-year-old girl believed to be from Wakefield was found seriously injured at Elliot Industrial Estate in Arbroath and later died at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee. Police Scotland arrested a 35-year-old man in connection with her death and said they are not seeking anyone else. Officers increased their presence at the scene while forensic work and inquiries continued, prompting tributes and expressions of shock from the local community.

DogFest on the Farm will return to Harewood House near Leeds on September 12 and 13, 2026. The festival will feature breed meet-ups, a fun dog show, agility activities, a dogstacle course, a giant ball pit, the Agria Big Dog Walk, local food and makers, and appearances by TV chef James Martin. Standard tickets start at £27.50, while DogFest Plus upgrades offer premium access and additional facilities. Tickets must be booked online in advance.

Harewood House near Leeds will host Yorkshire’s biggest pug meet-up on Sunday, August 2, bringing together pugs and their owners for socialising, a group photograph, a ferry trip and access to the estate’s grounds and gardens. Pug owners receive complimentary entry for one owner, while each pug will get a free puppuccino from The Bothy. The event begins with a mass gathering on the house steps at 10:30 a.m. and will honour photographer Cecil Beaton and his companion, Simba.

Three Leeds residents—Abubacarr Camara, Isa Jaiteh and their 11-month-old daughter Aisha—were killed alongside an unnamed 18-year-old woman when a red Hyundai left the A38 near Derby and crashed into trees. The 33-year-old driver, also from Leeds, remains in hospital with serious injuries after being arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and bailed. Derbyshire Police are supporting relatives and seeking witnesses and dashcam footage.

Temple Newsam House in Leeds is hosting Plant Power, an exhibition of large paper flowers created by Yorkshire artist Andy Singleton. The installation includes red poppies commemorating the house’s First World War role as a hospital, white roses reflecting Yorkshire’s emblem, and daisies inspired by the house’s interiors, decorative arts and surrounding gardens. Visitors can contribute their own blooms, while summer activities include making paper flowers and leafy crowns and building a Lego garden. The exhibition is staged in the 1740s Picture Gallery, a notable surviving Rococo interior.

A 58-year-old woman was found dead with fatal injuries at a flat in Cottingley Towers, Leeds, after police received a call expressing concern. A 52-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder and remained in custody, while forensic officers from West Yorkshire Police’s Homicide and Major Enquiry Team investigated the scene. Detectives described the incident as isolated and appealed for information about suspicious activity around the flats from 11pm on Friday.

University of Leeds professor Jon Lovett discovered a bizarre rainforest plant during an environmental survey in Tanzania nearly three decades ago. The plant, found near a waterfall in the Kihansi Gorge of the Udzungwa Mountains, has now been confirmed as a new and critically endangered species called Afrothismia lovettii. Tropical-plant expert Martin Cheek of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, made the confirmation after years of research. Lovett emphasized the need to balance hydropower development with biodiversity conservation and urged campaigners, researchers and policymakers to act urgently to address biodiversity loss.

England fans gathered in Leeds’ Millennium Square experienced disappointment as late goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez overturned Anthony Gordon’s earlier lead in the World Cup semi-final, sending Argentina to face Spain in the final. A series of photographs captured the shifting emotions of supporters as hopes of reaching the final faded.

Leeds marked the 400th anniversary of receiving its Royal Charter with citywide celebrations featuring music, food, community events and school time‑capsule activities. Crowds gathered in parks and public spaces throughout the weekend, with photographer Steve Riding capturing scenes ranging from family picnics to the Moortown Festival. Kirkstall Brewery’s Leeds 400 beer and various local festivities highlighted the historic milestone for the city.

Leeds primary school pupils created time capsules to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the city’s royal charter, selecting items such as a World Cup sticker book and handmade lion masks to represent life in 2026. Nineteen schools are participating in the initiative, led by Child Friendly Leeds and supported by Leeds City Council, with the capsules to be buried for opening in a century. Students and staff highlighted the significance of reflecting on contemporary childhood while marking the city’s historic milestone.

More than 1,700 participants completed the Race for Life at Temple Newsam in Leeds, raising an expected £430,000 for Cancer Research UK. Families, friends and colleagues took part in warm conditions, with some also joining the Pretty Muddy challenge the previous day. Photographs captured runners of all ages celebrating and honoring loved ones.

Personal belongings of the late cricket umpire Dickie Bird, including his famous white coats, international caps, cricket sweaters and match balls, are being auctioned by Budds Auctions with estimates ranging from a few hundred to several thousand pounds. The sale, featuring 167 lots, highlights Bird’s long and respected career, with the auctioneer expressing honour at handling the collection.

Crowds gathered in Pontefract as the Liquorice Festival returned, celebrating the town’s sweet-making heritage. HARIBO UK supported the event for the third year, sharing Pontefract Cakes and joining thousands of attendees. Local groups including Wakey Wheeled Cats and Diamond Cheerleading participated with liquorice-themed costumes and performances. The parade travelled from the Town Hall to Pontefract Castle, drawing large numbers for a colourful community celebration that also saw Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper among the spectators.

Collectors gathered at the Royal Armouries in Leeds for the third Leeds Card Show, featuring more than 135 tables of trading cards from franchises including Pokemon, Magic: The Gathering, Lorcana, Yu-Gi-Oh and One Piece. Families and fans explored thousands of cards and merchandise, with photographers capturing activity across the trading floor.

Rachel Reeves described Andy Burnham’s preparations for a leadership bid as reasonable while stressing the need for him to enter office with a clear and disciplined plan. She voiced support for Burnham’s proposed devolution agenda and indicated some policy decisions she might have handled differently. Reeves argued that Burnham will inherit a stronger economy due to recent Labour leadership and acknowledged public impatience for change as the party prepares for a transition in government leadership.

Hundreds gathered at Kirkstall Abbey to enjoy warm weather, street food and live entertainment as the long-running Kirkstall Festival returned, featuring performances, a parade and family activities captured in a series of festival photographs.

Leeds has introduced a smart, app‑based cycle parking scheme using secure bike and cargo‑bike hangars installed across the city centre. Developed by Hooplr in partnership with Leeds City Council and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, the initiative aims to reduce cycle theft concerns and support sustainable travel goals. The units offer high security accreditation, app‑controlled access and pay‑as‑you‑go pricing, with potential expansion planned depending on uptake.

Thousands participated in the Pretty Muddy 5k at Temple Newsam in Leeds to raise funds for Cancer Research UK, with over 3,300 runners completing the mud-filled obstacle course. Participants of all ages took part, and the event was captured in a series of photographs documenting the lively and charitable atmosphere.

Elland Road has completed its new Bielsa Place tribute featuring more than 1,700 stones and hundreds of supporter names, honouring both Leeds United fans and former manager Marcelo Bielsa. The area includes a marble replica of Bielsa’s iconic bucket and forms part of the club’s Legacy Stones project, now fully sold out. A second section, Howard’s Way, is due for installation later in the summer.

A major study of more than 3,000 residents in Leeds and Bradford shows that half avoid local parks at certain times due to concerns about crime, safety after dark, overcrowding, lack of toilets and feeling unwelcome. Women, younger people and those facing financial hardship are most likely to stay away. Despite safety concerns, most respondents rate their parks highly, with Leeds parks receiving strong satisfaction scores and high usage rates. Researchers from the University of Leeds, working with local councils and community groups, recommend improving access, inclusion and responses to persistent issues such as litter, uncontrolled dogs and off‑road vehicle misuse. The findings will inform ongoing efforts to enhance safety, accessibility and community value in the region’s green spaces.

A property on Wykebeck Road in Halton Moor, Leeds, was issued a three‑month closure order after police linked it to drug activity, weapons and persistent anti‑social behaviour. The order followed a joint application by West Yorkshire Police, Leeds City Council and the Leeds Anti-social Behaviour Team. Officials said the measure aims to protect residents and address long‑running issues in the area, with agencies continuing to monitor conditions and respond to any further concerns.

A pedestrian in his 70s suffered life‑threatening injuries after being struck by a Ford Tourneo taxi at the junction of King Street and York Place in Leeds late at night. West Yorkshire Police arrested the taxi driver on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and appealed for witnesses or dash‑cam footage to assist the investigation.

A Leeds man channels the trauma of witnessing his father’s death during his wedding into mental health advocacy, publishing a book and running workshops to support others struggling with grief and emotional challenges. He recounts years of PTSD, isolation and breakdown before seeking help and rebuilding his life, now aiming to raise awareness and encourage others to confront their own struggles.

A 12‑week‑old Husky–Staffy cross named Jonathan, the last of his litter awaiting adoption at Leeds Dogs Trust, is being overlooked due to a heart murmur. Staff describe him as lively, affectionate, and suitable for families with children or other pets, emphasizing that his condition should not deter potential adopters, as further details will be discussed by the shelter’s vet.

Fans in Leeds gathered at the Beck and Call pub to support England ahead of a delayed 2am World Cup kickoff against Mexico, as thunderstorms pushed the match back by an hour. England made three lineup changes with returns for Bukayo Saka, Anthony Gordon and Jarell Quansah as supporters prepared for a late night watching the last‑16 clash.

Construction has begun on a £1.25 million sustainable operating theatre at Leeds General Infirmary, designed to serve as a simulated training and research space for developing greener surgical practices. The SUSTAIN project, led by the NIHR HealthTech Research Centre with partners including Leeds Teaching Hospitals, the University of Leeds and the Department of Health and Social Care, will allow clinicians, researchers and industry to test innovations in a realistic NHS environment. Expected to open in September 2026, the facility aims to advance surgical education, support sustainable healthcare practices and accelerate adoption of new technologies across the NHS.

Leeds prepares a weekend of events celebrating 400 years since receiving its first Royal Charter, featuring dance performances, walking art workshops, community picnics, a civic service at Leeds Minster, and a Moortown community festival. Activities across parks and public spaces highlight local creativity, music, food, and civic pride, supported by city organizations and community groups.

A limited run of 100 Daniel Farke bobbleheads raised £20,000 for the Leeds United Foundation through fan purchases and a matched donation from director Peter Lowy. The funds will support community initiatives across Leeds, with the charity praising the creativity of the campaign and the continued strength of the Leeds United community.

Leeds secured more than £25,000 in national funding from the Chewing Gum Task Force to remove chewing gum from major city centre streets and apply a protective surface to prevent future staining. The council, working with the Leeds Business Improvement District and Keep Britain Tidy, will carry out deep cleaning across several key areas. Local officials and environmental advocates emphasise the environmental impact of discarded gum and encourage responsible disposal to maintain cleaner public spaces.

A £32m expansion of Chapel Allerton Hospital is underway to increase elective surgery capacity in Leeds, adding new theatres, a 23‑bed ward, and modern inpatient facilities. Funded by NHS England and the West Yorkshire Integrated Care System, the project will add more than 1,600 annual procedures and 142 staff. Leeds Teaching Hospitals leaders highlight improvements to patient experience and working conditions, while Kier Construction oversees delivery ahead of completion in 2027.

Leeds Beckett University will award honorary doctorates to five distinguished figures, including Paralympic champion Hannah Cockroft, CBeebies presenter George Webster, legal leader Lubna Shuja, nurse Steph Lawrence and children’s advocate Baroness Anne Longfield. The honourees are recognised for achievements spanning sport, media, law, health and children’s rights, with university leadership praising their impact and connection to the region.

A maternity care review led by Baroness Valerie Amos found repeated failures and avoidable harm in NHS services, prompting calls for urgent reform, independent investigations and strengthened accountability. Miscarriage UK welcomed the review but warned it overlooks miscarriage and early pregnancy loss despite their prevalence. Chief executive Vicki Robinson urged the government to ensure the upcoming National Action Plan addresses gaps in early pregnancy care, follow-up support and communication. The government agreed to appoint a national commissioner and will publish a maternity action plan in December, while the Maternity Safety Alliance continued to call for a statutory public inquiry.

An eight-year-old girl and four others were seriously injured in a vehicle fire at the Hare and Hounds Inn in Mirfield, with the girl in critical condition. Emergency services responded on Sunday afternoon, and West Yorkshire Police stated that investigations show the blaze was accidental and not suspicious.

Nick Hockney joined artist Helen Brayshaw to help open Moorfield School’s Turner Prize‑inspired exhibition, praising students’ creativity and urging them to look beyond their phones. The project, initiated by deputy head Lynsey Rix after visiting the Turner Prize exhibition in Bradford, involved pupils and staff creating artworks across multiple media, leading to plans for future collaboration between Hockney and the school.