The 2019 General Election draws ever closer, with voters set to head to the polls for the first winter election since 1923.For voters in Leeds, the debates and dramas of Westminster can feel a million miles away - so what does this snap election mean for us?To help you understand the political picture in Leeds, we've put together an essential guide to what the General Election means for our city. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy

Best in Leeds: The Podcast

LeedsLive Podcast Special: A guide to the 2019 General Election for Leeds voters

Your mission (if you choose to accept it) is to protect Leeds, armed with only your wits and a mobile phone.Your decisions will shape how your adventure pans out as you move around the city centre, solving puzzles and scoring points - are you ready to play?An interactive game that is part theatre, part game and part spy thriller is coming to Leeds courtesy of Machina eX.The tech company develops 'playable plays', computer games that have seen theatre audiences play detective.This time the game, brand new for 2019, is spilling onto the streets of Leeds as part of Leeds International Festival.We met with Machina eX's Clara Ehrenwerth and Yves Regenass to find out more about Rewire Leeds. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy

Leeds International Festival 2019: All about interactive game Rewire Leeds

As we are in the full spring of the festive season we have decided to help you enjoy this special time of year to the maximum through our A to Z of Christmas in Leeds. In our latest Best in Leeds podcast, your hosts Craig Jones and Sam Gildea talk you through the amazing things you can do in our city during December.Fromm family fun to a little more adult boozy fun we’ve got every base covered for you. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy

Christmas

The latest edition of the Best in Leeds podcast is here and we’ve got lots and lots for you to enjoy. As well as reviews of Whoopi Goldberg’s and Editors’ appearances in the city your hosts Sam Gildea and Craig Jones will also be talking you through tips for things to do over Halloween and Bonfire Night in Leeds. Your hosts will also be talking through how the food and drink scene in Leeds is looking after a series of closures. While, there’s also a big update on our Best in Leeds Awards. You can find out more about what we do about by visiting our Best in Leeds homepage. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy

13: Whoopi Goldberg and Editors along with our guide to Halloween and Bonfire Night in Leeds

Singer Martin Kemp and comedian Milton Jones lead the latest bumper packed edition of Best in Leeds - the podcast.The somewhat unlikely double act visited Leeds with a giant robotic crocodile (even more unexpected right?) to preview Peter Pan which is the panto they are starring in at Leeds First Direct Arena this Christmas.In this edition, hosted by Craig Jones and Sam Gildea, we also have a review of The Notorious B.I.G - An Orchestral Rendition which came to Leeds O2 Academy.We interview up-and-coming singer Lily Moore about her show at Hyde Park Book Club. And, your hosts also tell you more about our massive Best in Leeds Awards which we’d like you to take part in by nominating the things you love in our city. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy

12: Martin Kemp, Milton Jones and a massive crocodile, Lily Moore visits and The Notorious B.I.G's music reworked

Here’s how you can your hands on a free cup of coffee from a stylish venue.Red Bean, based at Gladstone House, will be offering free hot drinks all day on Tuesday, September 18 as part of their Meet The Roaster Day.The popular venue, which opened back in May, is holding the event to offer customers the chance to learn the story of how coffee beans come from South America to ending up in your cup here in Yorkshire.“It is a fun informal opportunity for our customers and members of the community to come along to the Red Bean coffee shop and meet the guys who roast our coffee,” said Tom Acland, managing director of the Red Bean coffee shops.“We want to give the customers an opportunity to know us a little better. It is going to be free coffee and free hot drinks for the day.”Customers can also learn how to become expert baristas and try their hand at doing some latte art on the hot drinks.There will also be free food samples as Red Bean look to put the finishing touches together for a new menu for the autumn and winter.There will be information about the company’s environmental commitments through their KeepCups campaign.Red Bean has branches elsewhere in Reading and Newcastle with them hoping to add more Leeds shops soon.You can find out more about them and their upcoming event by visiting their Facebook page and website. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy

Bonus podcast: How to get a free coffee in Leeds

The latest edition of the Best in Leeds podcast is here and it is packed with features.After Leeds Festival, your hosts Craig Jones and Sam Gildea are back and taking a look at all the great things happening in our city.First up, we talk to the team behind The Ivy Victoria Quarter about the high end food and drink range opening in Leeds. The new venue will launch on Tuesday, September 25.And, ahead of the opening, manager Rob Hynes and some of the staff gave out 3,000 thousand white roses across the city. We caught up with Rob to see how progress is coming along.In this new podcast, we preview the upcoming Thought Bubble Festival which is celebrating taking place between Monday, September 17 and Sunday, September 23. It celebrates comic book art and much more.Also, Reporter Kristian Johnson catches up with girl band All Saints ahead of their upcoming UK tour which stops at Leeds O2 Academy on Tuesday, December 11.The girls reveal all about what we can expect.And finally, we tease details of our upcoming Best in Leeds Awards which will be championing everything that makes this city a great place to live and work in.  For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy

11: The Ivy set to open in Leeds, All Saints preview O2 show and we look ahead to Thought Bubble Festival

The latest edition of Best in Leeds - The Podcast is dedicated to Leeds Festival. Ahead of the Bramham Park event, taking place between Thursday, August 23 and Sunday, August 26, we have everything you need to know. Your presenters Craig Jones, Sam Gildea and Rebecca Marano give you their expert tips about making the most of your experience at Leeds Festival 2018. While, we also talk to the event’s lead booker Jon McIldowie, known to festival goers as Jon Mac, about putting together this year’s line up, gender diversity on the bill, rumours of secret sets at Leeds Festival 2018, headliner Kendrick Lamar and what makes the Leeds Festival crowd so special. Don’t forget, ahead of this year’s event, we’ll be bringing you everything you need to know about Leeds Festival 2018 from set times, banned items, how to get there and more. If you want to find out more you can also join our Leeds Festival 2018 Facebook group which is becoming an online community for all those excited about the event. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy

10: Leeds Festival Special - Secret sets, where to camp, tips for first timers and more

In this week's show, we chat with the head chef at La Taberna, the new Spanish tapas bar in York Place, which is sharing a venue with Caracas Grill in York Place in the city centre.We're also previewing our bumper guide to things to do in Leeds in the school holidays to keep the little ones amused, suited to all budgets and tastes.We've also got details on how you can win one of 15 pairs of tickets to an exclusive performance of Calendar Girls the Musical at Leeds Grand Theatre - don't miss out.Craig also chats with Tim Booth from James about their upcoming Yorkshire gig in Scarborough's Open Air Theatre, which has already welcomed a host of music stars.  For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy

9: Best in Leeds - The Podcast: Summer holidays fun, tasty tapas and our Calendar Girls competition

In the latest edition of Best in Leeds - The Podcast your hosts Craig Jones and Sam Gildea take you through everything which is happening in the city.During this episode, we take a behind the scenes peek at Leeds' brand new video game bar Press Start based in Leeds city centre. The venue has a retro vibe and is a must for those who love nostalgia.While, the team also talk you through the history of Leeds First Direct Arena as it celebrates its fifth birthday later this month. As ever, thanks a lot for listing to the podcast and if you want to find out more about things going on in Leeds visit the Best in Leeds homepage. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy

8: Best in Leeds - The Podcast: Behind the scenes at Leeds' new video game bar, mental health gig preview and the First Direct Arena's fifth birthday

The latest episode of Best in Leeds - The Podcast is dedicated entirely to Emmerdale.The much-loved Yorkshire soap is one of the UK’s most popular and it is only right we dedicate a podcast to it.Your hosts Craig Jones and Samantha Gildea talk you through some of the interesting facts behind the iconic show, the big storylines and we also get all the gossip from The Emmerdale Studio Experience.Jenni Shepherd, events manager, who promotes the attraction, takes us on the tour, talks us through some of the memorabilia and also give us a behind-the-scenes preview of what is to come when the venue, in Burley Road, Leeds, gets updated later this summer.Usually the tour costs £22 but you can enjoy a special discounted rate of just £5 between July 9 and 13 as part of the Emmerdale Studio Experience’s Residents’ Week.To take advantage of the offer must pre-booked the tour online using the discount code WesRes18. This can be done by visiting the Emmerdale Studio Experience’s website.Enjoy our Best in Leeds - The Podcast: Emmerdale Special and thanks for listening. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy

7: Best in Leeds - The Podcast: Emmerdale special

In the latest edition of Best in Leeds - The Podcast we take a look at all the jam packed summer fun which we have to look forward to.Your hosts Craig Jones and Sam Gildea talk you through their pick of what is coming up in Leeds and the surrounding area during June.They bring you everything you need to know on foodies favourite the Belgrave Feast, the massive AJ Bell World Triathlon which will takeover the city and our theatre reviewer Sam previews Wicked’s upcoming residency at Leeds Grand Theatre.While, Craig tells you the best places to watch the World Cup in Leeds this summer, indoor and outdoor, irrelevant of whether England succeed or fail.Your hosts also take a look at the absolutely amazing line up of stars who are coming to Scarborough Open Air Theatre this month with the legendary Lionel Richie set to kick off a programme which includes Gary Barlow, Noel Gallagher and Britney Spears.There’s also just enough time during the episode to preview Leeds Waterfront Festival and Dragon Boat races, Flight of The Conchords finally playing at the First Direct Arena and the North Leeds Food Festival.Thanks as ever for listening and we hope this latest edition gives you some inspiration about things to do this summer.  You can find out more about things going on in Leeds by visiting our website. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy

6: Best in Leeds - The Podcast: Previews of the amazing events coming to the city in June

The latest packed edition of the Best in Leeds podcast is now available for you to enjoy.It features an exclusive behind-the-scenes sneak peek at a massive new shopping centre coming to Yorkshire, an interview with X Factor winner James Arthur ahead of his huge outdoor show, a preview of musical Wicked and we meet the team behind popular Hyde Park eatery Aiyo.Presenter Craig Jones, LeedsLive’s Best in Leeds writer, is joined by guest host Nathan Hyde in this latest edition.Firstly, you’ll get to hear an in-depth feature on-site at the new Axiom shopping centre which is being built at junction 32 of the M62.Marcus Briggs and Philip Lunn, who are behind the multi-million pound project, tell us about the shopping centre. It will be the biggest to open in the UK for 20 years. As well as 600,000sq ft of retail space, including Marks & Spencer, Next and Primark, the development will also include a 40-acre country park and a 10,000-seat stadium for Castleford Tigers rugby club.LeedsLive will be bringing you more updates on the project which is expected to open in 2021. You’ll get updates through our website and Axiom’s Facebook page.On the podcast, you can also listen to a very frank and honest interview with former X Factor James Arthur. He opens up about stardom, falling from fame, mental health and how his fans welcomed him back to the music industry.The singer-songwriter spoke to us ahead of his appearance at Scarborough Open Air Theatre on Thursday, July 26. This summer, the venue will also feature performances from Lionel Richie, Britney Spears and Chic amongst others. To see the full programme and buy tickets visit Scarborough Open Air Theatre’s website.While, our feature with Aiyo is sure to give listeners lots of food for thought. Craig went out to see the team of the Asian cuisine specialist which is based in Hyde Park.They opened earlier this year and their large portions are proving to be rather popular with the locals.Our theatre expert, Sam Gildea, gives us previews Wizard of Oz-inspired musical Wicked which is returning to Leeds Grand Theatre next month.The cast will also be giving us a taste of what to expect ahead of the show running in the city between Wednesday, June 13 and Saturday, July 7. Tickets are available from the Grand’s website.And finally, Craig and Nathan talk us through some of the latest shows we’ve reviewed in the city centre with highlights being Noel Gallagher’s controversial First Direct Arena show, The Girl on The Train at West Yorkshire Playhouse and a Narcos event at Leeds O2 Academy being highlights. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy

5: Best in Leeds - The Podcast: X Factor's James Arthur, behind the scenes at Yorkshire's massive new shopping centre, Wicked preview and meet Aiyo

In this week's Best In Leeds podcast one of the DEA agents who helped bring down Pablo Escoba as the Narcos live show comes to Leeds, preview the tasty treats in store at Leeds Indie Food Festival and find out what Masterchef star Matt Healy is planning for The Foundry.Your host, LeedsLive's Best In Leeds writer Craig Jones is joined by Samantha Gildea as they learn exactly what it takes to bring down a drug lord and what Narcos fans can expect from the special event where fans of the Netflix drama can find out more about the real-life story behind the show.Leeds Indie Food Festival begins on May 10 - and we sat down with Simon Fogal of I Like Press to see what's on the menu for 2018. From mouth-watering collaborations to secret feasts in the woods and more, there's plenty to look forward to.You can also listen to our interview with Matt Healy, the Masterchef star doing exciting things at The Foundry. We popped into the kitchen to hear what he's got planned for the Granary Wharf venue.And finally, Blossoms had fans lining up around the building when they played special gigs the Brudenell, ahead of their sold--out show at Leeds O2 Academy on Monday. Craig caught up with the band about their album success and the excitement of meeting Man City's Pep Guardiola. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy

4: Best in Leeds - The Podcast: Narcos cops, Leeds Indie Food Fest, Matt Healy at the Foundry and Blossoms

Ahead of Live at Leeds 2018 we have a special edition of the Best in Leeds podcast dedicated to the city centre music festival.  Each year the popular event brings lots of established acts to Leeds as well as showcasing new bands.  In 2018, the festival is welcoming performances by The Vaccines, The Horrors, Rae Morris, Nadine Shah and Ash amongst many others. From big gig venues to pubs, bars and clubs, the festival offers gigs of all tastes and sizes. In this edition of the podcast, hosts Craig Jones and Sam Gildea help you plan out the best way to enjoy Live at Leeds 2018. We also speak on the phone to James Brown from Pulled Apart by Horses about how the band are feeling ahead of playing their hometown event. And we are delighted to welcome to up-and-coming Leeds bands who played live sessions for us at city centre bar The Wardrobe. In the episode, you’ll hear two songs each from Fling and Talkboy, who tell us how much they are looking forward to their Live at Leeds sets. Ahead of the festival, you'll be able to get all the information you need from www.leeds-live.co.uk. Tickets There are still some tickets left for Live at Leeds 2018. You can get them for £39.60. To buy them and for more information visit www.liveatleeds.com.  For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy

3: Best In Leeds - The Podcast: Live at Leeds 2018 special

Introducing Best in Leeds - the Podcast, our brand new show covering everything happening in the city, from shows and gigs to food and drink.Hosted by Best in Leeds writer Craig Jones, our new podcast will bring you the latest talking points from Leeds' rich cultural scene.

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Best in Leeds: The Podcast

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