What's On in Leeds

JAMES WALSH & BEN OTTEWELL | Leeds Old Woollen | Sun 1st Nov 2pm — Two genuinely beloved voices — James Walsh of Starsailor and Ben Ottewell of Gomez — sharing a stage at the wonderfully characterful Old Woollen is the kind of Sunday afternoon that stays with you. Expect something warm, reflective, and quietly stunning, the sort of acoustic-leaning set that suits the turn of the season perfectly. Doors at 2:30pm and tickets at £30 — a proper treat for anyone who grew up with either of these artists, or who simply appreciates songwriting of real substance.

Shaw Cross Shark Firework Display — Yes, you read that right — fireworks and a shark, and the combination is every bit as joyfully chaotic as it sounds. Shaw Cross Club For Young People hosts this brilliant community fireworks evening from 3:00pm, with tickets ranging from just £4 to £18, making it one of the most accessible bonfire-season nights out for families in the area. Wrap up warm, bring the little ones, and let the sky do the talking.

Halloween Party — Leeds Irish Centre keeps the Halloween spirit alive well into November with a family-friendly party from 4:00pm that promises to be as lively and welcoming as the venue always is. At just £7 it is a bargain for an afternoon of costumes, atmosphere, and the kind of community fun that big commercial events rarely manage to replicate. If the children have one last scare left in them, this is the place to spend it.

Jalen Ngonda — If you have not yet discovered Jalen Ngonda, this is your moment — a soul singer of rare conviction whose sound channels the golden era of Motown with enough freshness to feel entirely his own. The O2 Academy Leeds is the ideal room for it: a proper live music venue with the kind of sound system that lets a voice like his fill every corner. Doors at 7:00pm, and you will want to check the website for tickets before this one sells out from under you.