What’s happening in Leeds in January

After all the excitement of Christmas and New Year’s Eve, you’d be forgiven for assuming that your January might not be very fun on comparison to December. The weather is rarely good in January, and it’s often the month of unwelcome dieting and arduous gym visits in a bid to stick to new lifestyle choices. However, there’s plenty happening in Leeds this January to keep you entertained and potentially distracted from your New Year’s resolutions! Take a look at your options below and get planning your best January yet.

18^th December – 6^th January: Shrek – The Musical @ Leeds Grand Theatre

A must-see musical comedy, Shrek – The Musical is based on the original story and all your favourite characters from the Oscar®-winning DreamWorks Animation film. The perfect mix of laughter, romance and adventure, this play is practically guaranteed to have people of all ages singing and dancing within minutes! A great family event.

5^th January: No Stress Yoga @ The Tetley

This is a gentle yet upbeat yoga session run by Lucyoga once a month. Ideal for beginners or experienced yogis who would like to try a new type of yoga, this session is Dru Yoga which aims to give your mind and body strength, energy and peace. Start the weekend off with some relaxing stretching and feel your best. Do you suffer with tired muscles, stress and/or back pain? This session should help.

5^th January: PopUp Painting @ Brasserie Blanc

A guided painting experience where you can enjoy a glass of wine (or your tipple of choice from the bar) as you create your very own landscape painting. A qualified artist will be there to give you step-by-step guidance, or you are welcome to do your own thing too if you prefer.

11^th, 12^th & 13^th January: Brew-denell Beer & Ale Festival @ Brudenell Social Club

This independent beer festival at the much-loved Brudenell Social Club is now in its 7^th year and features beer from some of the UK’s best breweries, including some local favourites. You’ll also be able to try some very special imported beers from around the world.

12^th January: The Hallé @ Leeds Town Hall

This stunning concert will be conducted by Sir Mark Elder and features Eric Lu, the 2018 Leeds International Piano Competition overall winner, and Terence Judd also. They will be performing Mozart’s Piano Concerto No.23 and Shostakovich’s Symphony No.8. This looks to be a beautiful night of music in the heart of the city centre.

22^nd January: The Streets @ O2 Academy

Following a seven-year break, The Streets are back with new tunes and a worldwide tour, and in January they are heading to Leeds to play the O2 Academy. Mike Skinner has labelled it a ‘greatest hits’ tour and, judging by the set list, it isn’t going to disappoint! Grab your ticket now to hear all your favourites live.

24^th January: Strictly Come Dancing Tour 2019 @ First Direct Arena

This live Strictly Come Dancing show is directed by Craig Revel Horwood and features many of the professional dancers and celebrities from the current series of the award-winning BBC One show. The judging panel will consist of Head TV Judge Shirley Ballas alongside Craig Revel Horwood, Darcey Bussell and Bruno Tonioli. Don’t miss this magical evening of wonderful dancing, incredible outfits and a whole load of glitz and glamour!

25^th January-16^th February: Kes @ Yorkshire Playhouse

This on-stage adaptation of Barry Hines’s much loved 1960s story explores the topic of friendship through the relationship between a young boy and a kestrel. Kes returns to the Playhouse after a sell-out run in 2016, so grab your ticket while you can!

29^th January: Snow Patrol @ First Direct Arena

Snow Patrol are heading to Leeds at the end of January to perform a string of hits and favourites alongside tracks from their latest album. Now 20 years old, the Irish band are best known for their 2006 song, ‘Chasing Cars’.

If you want to go out for some food in January, Shear’s Yard has its 50% off food offer on throughout January — just sign up to their newsletter to receive a voucher.