Everyone’s talking about resolutions, diet adverts are everywhere, and my Twitter timeline is full of #Goals posts- it can only be the start of a brand new year. For all the ‘new year, new start’ bravado, January always feels like a quiet month to me; as usual I’m recovering from a fun but busy Christmas period and trying to get back into the swing of the normal working week. I do celebrate my birthday halfway though the month – I firmly believe that January is the worst month of the year for a birthday, but it does stop me from really experiencing the January Blues that everyone else seems to feel.

So, what’s going on in Leeds? Not that much this month – like me, Leeds always feels to me like it’s recharging in January, taking a deep breath after all the Christmas craziness and gathering its thoughts for the coming year. But of course we’re never without things to do, and if nothing else there are some killer January dining offers going around at some of the city’s best restaurants. Ox Club, Shears Yard, Arts Cafe – I’m looking at all of you.

4th-8th: Creative Photography Exhibition

Hosted by The Photographic Angle at 1 East Parade, Creativity is an exhibition focusing on the skill of professional photography in a society where anyone with an Instagram account considers themselves a half-decent photographer. The Creativity theme showcases the power of camera settings and editing tricks in the hands of those who truly know how to use them, and demonstrates how they can be used to distort reality and change how the viewer perceives the subject of the piece.

13th-15th: Brewdenell Beer Festival

It’s that time of year again – next weekend the Brudenell will be filled with some of the best independent brewers around for a weekend of tastings, food and live entertainment. Entry costs just £4.50 for a day, and you can come and go as you please or spend the whole day sampling the 60 beers on offer (if you fancy a challenge). Sela Bar and Pieminister will be on hand to help you soak up the booze, and if you go on Sunday Friends of Ham are doing a brunch to kick off the day.

19th: Feel Good Fest

Anyone else feeling the January Blues? Head to the Corn Exchange on the 19th to find a cure. Health and social care charity Change, Grow, Live are hosting an evening of cool and quirky activities designed to get you feeling more calm and content, including yoga, meditation, hypnotherapy and DJ workshops. A range of musicians and artists are also on the line-up, as well as Humans of Leeds.

Got anything planned this month besides hibernating and finishing your Christmas chocolate? Let me know!