The worst experience I've ever had going to an organised event…read more Unfortunately I have to carry epi pens and other such items in a back pack for my health which I was told to ditch or throw away by the head of security after my bag was checked three times by other security and a drug/bomb dog. Had life saving medication on and the guy didn't care, I either threw my bag away (£70) as he wasn't letting me in with it. It could have been rolled up and put into the black bag I was given by one of his subordinates after he stormed off like a child. He also said that women were allowed in with theirs as their bags are "fashionable" accessories. I'm sorry but mine saves my life!!! I went to see a comedy show, this wasn't the start I wanted and hated my experience/night that I paid good money for. I lost my £70 bag as it wasn't there when I came out. Head of security needs some more training

No more trekking over to Manchester to see anyone remotely decent is the hope…read more I'd had my reservations going in, from the outside I think it looks somewhat like a little bit of a monstrosity, but once inside that's forgotten - the First Direct Leeds Arena has arrived, and it's goooood. So very very goooood. The build quality and the finish on the place is fantastic and when you couple that with the really helpful staff they've managed to find somewhere, my feeling is that the Arena is brilliant. I was lucky enough to be the guest (albeit paid) of Gaucho and in their box, and again much like the whole of the Arena, the finish quality is fantastic, kitted out with fridges, sofas, comfy chairs and then a bank of arena seating for when the acts come on. The Cadbury chocolate which was branded for the act was a nice touch too. Holding only 13,000 people it's apparently a 'small' arena, and that's a good thing for me because as someone who loves going to gigs but really cant abide standing 800 metres away from who you're watching, the idea of the arena held thoughts of being too far away to see the act. This isn't the case, and with 13,000 people it still almost feels intimate. I can honestly say that I'm really looking forward to seeing who it attracts, because it really is top notch, it really should bring Leeds some great, really big acts. And yes, I'm really looking forward to not having to trek over to Manchester too. Also, Elton John totally rocked on the official opening night.

I've been going to Jam Studios for a good while now, and only just realised I've not put up a…read morereview! One thing to note - this is the only researsal space that I've been to so I have nothing to compare this to. I go here with a couple of mates to just play some music - we're not a band or anything so it's a very relaxed experience and we aren't that fussed if the sound is a bit off. This can happen at times with some of the equipment that can be hired, but they're happy to swap amps or bits of the drum kit for different bits if you have a complaint. I get on the drums for most of the time, and I can tell you that the drums and cymbals can vary pretty wildly. Also when hopping on the guitar we do find some of the amps are quite frankly rubbish. Again though, just ask to change anything and there's never a problem with this. Jam have 10 rooms of various sizes to hire, with free drum and backline hire on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. The free drum and backline hire is wonderful on its own - eliminating the annoyance of lugging big amps around makes the whole experience that bit more relaxed. Price wise it seems reasonable. We've paid between £14 and £19 for a 2 hour session depending on room size, day of the week we go and therefore whether it's free hire on things, and also seemingly who is on the desk at times (we started out using a small room and were charged slightly differently a few times..). Despite the wonky charges here and there (I'm willing to believe it was more that we were undercharged at times!), the people are lovely there and always happy to help with any problems. Despite some minor problems I would recommend Jam Studios as a (seemingly) cheap researsal space if you're not looking for somewhere that will have absolutely bang on sound every time.

The reason I am interested in this night is due to 'Wombeats'. Aimed towards the propulsion and…read moredevelopment of female DJs in Leeds - in conjunction with Cloth Cat - I want to highlight their talents. Tonight they are holding a night with 'Jungle Jam' (self explanatory music genre) stalwart delivers of jungle nights in Leeds and UR Momerz in the bar dishing up electronic tunes. They'll be DnB, house, techno, dubstep, reggae as well as jungle. The night as free and the venue impressive; what a joyful to start, and may be end, the weekend.

What a truely immense weekend with sunshine and some VIP free bar abuse. This festival is really…read morethe muts nuts. Get it in your diaries for next year, along with some super fine fizz, hideous porto loos and trench foot. Well maybe not the last two. Seriously beer, music and sunshine win win win!

I couldn't believe it, 12am and Sounds of Light are leading a junk percussion jam with about 90%…read moreaudience participation. Now, at this time on a Friday I would expect many people to be that sober enough to perform well at much, furthermore general and my own synicism led me to believe that this section of the night may not be too successful, I was proved utterly wrong, it sounded amazingly good and I can't wait to see it again. What's more this isn't the only event of the evening. There will be creative activities such as dream catcher making as well as an eclectic mix of music from electro to theatrical performances from live bands. If you enjoy a bit of randomness and frivolous frolics I think you'll enjoy this night...LOADS. Next session Friday 8th January, 5 pounds on the door.

This is a night out with a twist - its like a mini festival happening in one club night! There have…read morebeen a few of these events at TJ's in Woodhouse, near the University and they always bring fun and entertainment through a mix of live music, a tea stall and workshops. The last one hosted an eclectic mix of music including live reggae, folk, blues bands and even a band described as 'reggae with a tinge of folk'. In the back corner of TJ's where all the chairs are there is an opportunity to participate in making things out of, well, other things. Once there was dream catcher making, another time hat making out of scraps of material. A wonderfully creative night out not just for the musicians, brought to you by the traveling creative Ladybird crew of Leeds and Satyagraha.

Charming venue, with a lovely stage, even with the ability to host fire and aerial!…read more Reasonable bar, nice little backstage area, and stepped seating. I've been a performer, customer, and workshop attendee here, and its been suitable every time.

That looks really great, I think I really must have a party as the World Cup is driving me mad!…read moreSheena you do fantastic tarot parties, what a great evening we had with party games and those free chocolate prizes were naughty but oh so nice. My tarot reading was so accurate, I was amazed. Kath

I do adore visiting the Town Hall. Whilst it's true, for most of the concerts I've attended folks…read moremy age have been diluted about 50:1 with the older generation, but this doesn't mean an excellent time can be had. In fact, I'd urge more people in my bracket getting out and seeing some of our Leeds local talent. The last visit saw me checking out Leeds Youth Orchestra, for a fantastic evening of music, which went well beyond just the classics. The drum kit, for example, even appeared to have a Grolsch bottle. Exciting times. The space, much like The Grand, is a stunner. You could sit and take in the ceiling detail alone for a good hour, with the gorgeous detail and exquisite colour. I've always been intrigued by the curious and slightly socialist style statements painted high on the walls, and loved exploring the holding cells every light night. Here's hoping there's something special on again this year. In any case, being situated around a number of excellent bars and eateries, it's the perfect spot to check out some fantastic music from the International Concert Season programme, and then nip across town for a post-event sup. If you've still not managed to check it out, go have a goosey gander. It's one of our local treasures!

Leeds Beer Festival!!! Bloody brilliant…read more I truly think that there could have been scope for a huge amount of music but there wasn't! I also think that the booklet was vastly under informative. There was a fantastic list of breweries and he beers they sold. But there was no specific and accurate detail of where hey actually were. But the company made this beer Fest for me. Roweena was funny and amazing but Tori was an absolute Angel who kept us all together. From drinking to sing songs and back to drinking. This was an amazing event made so much more better because of the friends who were there. Fist bump anyone??