Well. July was A MONTH. My big change was that I left my job at a company I’ve been settled in for 3 and a half years, and threw myself into a Digital Marketing Manager role at an agency. Agency life is fast-paced and exhausting and so, so different to client side, but I’ve been leaving work every day with the biggest smile on my face and that has felt awesome. I also had a packed weekend in London sailing dinghies down the canal and dancing all night, and booked myself a solo weekend in Krakow for this month which I cannot wait for. But what’s going on at home in Leeds?

5th-6th: Leeds Pride

It’s Pride Weekend! While the main event is always on Sunday the party is starting from Thursday with a range of sporting events, a Leeds Queer Film Festival event, a street party event at Viaduct, and tons of events and meet-ups emphasising inclusion and education. I’m heading to the Pockets Theatre production at the Corn Exchange before my night out on Saturday, and of course Sunday is the main event – the Leeds Pride Parade.

14th-20th: Leeds Restaurant Week

If there’s a week to binge on eating out, it’s this one. Leeds Restaurant Week sees a whole bunch of Leeds’ most popular chains and independents putting on special offers and meal deals for the whole week, most of the around 2 or 3 courses for £10 or £15. Some of my picks are 2 dishes and a pint for £10 at Bundobust, 3 courses for £15 at Shears Yard, and 3 small plates for £15 at Ham & Friends.

25th-27th: The Taming of the Shrew at Roundhay Park

I’m a big fan of open-air theatre; there’s something about gathering around a stage under the stars that makes the performance feel so much more atmospheric. This month Heartbreak Productions are coming to Roundhay Park for a number of shows including Northanger Abbey and The Secret Garden, but for me The Taming of the Shrew is the only choice. Shakespeare’s razor sharp comedy of marriage and sexual politics sounds like a great way to spend the evening – can I take my own wine?

28th: Leeds West Indian Carnival

Leeds West Indian Carnival is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and the party is promised to be bigger, louder and brighter than ever before! The parade marchers come from Leeds, all over the UK and as far as the Caribbean, and the costumes are just breathtaking. The parade is supported by a great music line-up and lots of tasty food stalls, just the thing to finish off your bank holiday weekend.

Where are you heading this month? Let me know in the comments!