East Side Story -

Weekly Stories
Every
Monday

Support fearless local journalism!
Independent reporting for East Leeds.
From just £5 a month

Lee Murtagh's East End park boxing show report

August 17, 2026

Scot FC Brings Hope and Football to East Leeds

July 27, 2026

SUNDERLAND MOGGY'S 86-MILE HITCHHIKE ENDS SAFELY IN WEST YORKSHIRE FERAL COLONY

A missing ginger cat named Ginge has been reunited with his owner after a stunning 11-month disappearance that took him nearly 100 miles from home. The friendly ginger tom vanished from his household in...

August 23, 2026 - By Catherine Louise Turner

Leeds Jobseekers Invited To Upcoming Careers Fair

By Janine Griffiths

Mount St Mary's Opens Doors for 26/27 Season

By Janine Griffiths

The Vinnies Community Cabaret Comes to LS9

By Janine Griffiths

SEND Summer Survival Plan workshop coming to Leeds

By Janine Griffiths

Free Family Cycling Event Comes to Harehills Park

By Janine Griffiths

Rotary Clubs Step Up for Alzheimer’s Research

Seven Leeds Rotary Clubs are joining forces at Temple Newsam to raise vital funds for Alzheimer’s Research UK. The charity walk takes place on Sunday, September 6th, offering local residents a chance to

August 17, 2026

by Janine Griffiths

How One Garforth Dad is Walking the Talk for Fitness and Fatherhood

July 20, 2026

Crossgates star turns grief into record breaking mission

April 1, 2026

Gipton exhibition highlights hidden cost of NHS cuts

by Janine Griffiths

Emergency Department volunteers wanted as St James’s project expands

by Janine Griffiths

East Leeds schoolchildren learn life-saving skills at St James’s

by Janine Griffiths

Providence Pastures: A Garden Where Strangers Become Friends

by Janine Griffiths

Getting Clean: How a bar of soap became a lifeline for others

by Janine Griffiths

Boston Spa·charity·Charity and Social Enterprises·Children & Young People·Fundraising·General News·Health

AINSLEY HARRIOTT MBE COOKS UP A TREAT AT NEWLY UPGRADED MARTIN HOUSE

August 21, 2026

Much-loved television chef Ainsley Harriott MBE brought his trademark energy and kitchen expertise to Martin House Children’s Hospice this week, trading the studio spotlight for

charity·Charity and Social Enterprises·Fundraising·Health·Mental Health and Well Being·Roundhay

Rotary Clubs Step Up for Alzheimer’s Research

August 17, 2026

Seven Leeds Rotary Clubs are joining forces at Temple Newsam to raise vital funds for Alzheimer’s Research UK. The charity walk takes place on

Fitness·Health·Healthcare·healthy living

Over 40s in East Leeds urged to check heart health

August 3, 2026

People aged over 40 in East Leeds are being encouraged to take up a free NHS Health Check to help identify possible risks to

Children & Young People·Community·Fitness·Garforth·Health·Parents and Families

How One Garforth Dad is Walking the Talk for Fitness and Fatherhood

July 20, 2026

A grassroots movement is shattering the isolation of fatherhood one step at a time, launching a vital peer-support lifeline that has unexpectedly captured the

Latest News

charity·Charity and Social Enterprises·Community·Community Organisations·Community Spirit·Garforth·General News

SUNDERLAND MOGGY’S 86-MILE HITCHHIKE ENDS SAFELY IN WEST YORKSHIRE FERAL COLONY

August 23, 2026

A missing ginger cat named Ginge has been reunited with his owner after a stunning 11-month disappearance that took him nearly 100 miles from home. The friendly ginger

Aberford·Barwick-in-Elmet & Potterton·Bramham·Business·Clifford·Community·Crossgates·Garforth·General News·Kippax·Micklefield·Scholes·Seacroft·Thorner·Wetherby

CASH IN OR SHUT DOWN? THE POLARISING REALITY OF LEEDS FESTIVAL ON THE EAST ECONOMY

August 23, 2026

As 75,000 music fans pack their bags for the short migration to Bramham Park, a completely different kind of preparation is taking place behind

Aberford·Art·Arts & Culture·Barwick-in-Elmet & Potterton·Bramham·Community·Festival·General News·Thorner

BRAMHAM PARK BRACES FOR 75,000 FANS AS LEEDS FESTIVAL UNLEASHES HISTORIC ARENA OVERHAUL

August 22, 2026

The quiet, stately grounds of Bramham Park are about to transform into a thriving metropolis of alternative youth culture. From Thursday 27 August to

Boston Spa·charity·Charity and Social Enterprises·Children & Young People·Fundraising·General News·Health

AINSLEY HARRIOTT MBE COOKS UP A TREAT AT NEWLY UPGRADED MARTIN HOUSE

August 21, 2026

Much-loved television chef Ainsley Harriott MBE brought his trademark energy and kitchen expertise to Martin House Children’s Hospice this week, trading the studio spotlight for

Business·Community·Community Spaces·Crossgates·Garforth·General News·Hospitality·News·Wetherby

WETHERSPOONS SILENCES THE DIGITAL CACOPHONY: WHY TIM MARTIN IS KEEPING IT QUIET

August 21, 2026

In a major shift that has delighted traditionalists and stunned the smartphone generation, JD Wetherspoon has announced a strict immediate ban on customers playing

Business·Community·Community Spaces·East Leeds·General News·History & Heritage·Hospitality·Micklefield

BACK FROM THE BRINK: ARE OUR LOCAL SAM SMITH’S PUBS REOPENING THEIR DOORS?

August 21, 2026

For years, a walk through East Leeds and its surrounding West Yorkshire villages has painted a familiar, sombre picture. Traditional boozers owned by

charity·Charity and Social Enterprises·Fundraising·Health·Mental Health and Well Being·Roundhay

Rotary Clubs Step Up for Alzheimer’s Research

August 17, 2026

Seven Leeds Rotary Clubs are joining forces at Temple Newsam to raise vital funds for Alzheimer’s Research UK. The charity walk takes place on

Everday Heroes·Gipton·Local champions·Seacroft

Seacroft hero honoured on 81st VJ day anniversary

August 17, 2026

Saturday, 15 August 2026 marked the 81st anniversary of Victory over Japan (VJ) Day, bringing a deeply personal milestone to the forefront for one

Garforth·Local Services

Garforth garden centre becomes home to new show site

August 17, 2026

A new garden building show site has opened at Garforth Garden Centre, bringing more than 25 sheds, summerhouses and log cabins to East Leeds.

Arts and Crafts·Community Spaces·Crossgates·Events·Festival

Crossgates community garden summer celebration brings residents together

August 17, 2026

A once gated-off and unloved piece of land in East Leeds has been brought back to life as local residents gathered to celebrate their

Garforth·Local elections·Local Politics·Politics

Mark Dobson welcomes public debate: “Let’s keep the argument about Garforth”

August 17, 2026

Independent Councillor Mark Dobson has welcomed the decision by members of the Garforth Neighbourhood Planning Forum (GNPF) to introduce themselves publicly and put their

Boxing·Burmantofts·Sports

Lee Murtagh’s East End park boxing show report

August 17, 2026

Many of the approaching 300 strong crowd attending Bethlehem Boxing Club’s latest show might have expected to be ‘Lazing on a Sunday Afternoon’ but

Community Safety·Garforth·Public Safety

Government issues severe fire alert as high risk threatens nation

August 17, 2026

The government has issued an urgent public warning, broadcasting a severe emergency alert directly to millions of mobile phones across West Yorkshire and the surrounding regions.

Arts & Culture·Festival·Temple Newsham

Temple Newsam serves up a weekend of food and fun

August 17, 2026

Food, live entertainment and family activities filled Temple Newsam as the food festival returned to East Leeds for its second year. The festival took

Aberford·Children & Young People·Literature

Aberford young authors seek new recruits to join creative hub

August 17, 2026

A quiet revolution in storytelling is taking place every month in the back room of The Arabian Horse pub. Far from the typical quiet

Garforth·Garforth·Governance·Leeds City Council·Local Institutions·Local Services

Garforth parish council plan raises key questions

August 10, 2026

People in Garforth are being urged to have their say on plans for a new parish or town council, amid questions over its cost,

Community Safety·Crime·Law·Police·Seacroft

Police escort convicted child sex offender from seacroft home as furious crowd gathers

August 10, 2026

A convicted child sex offender has been moved from a home in Leeds after a large, angry crowd gathered outside his property over the

Chapeltown·Job News·What's On

Leeds Jobseekers Invited To Upcoming Careers Fair

August 10, 2026

Local jobseekers will have the chance to meet employers, training providers and guest speakers at an upcoming Unity Careers Fair in Chapeltown. The event

Community·Community Spaces·Garforth·Kippax

Unlock new interests and make friends: garforth, kippax & district u3a welcomes new members

August 10, 2026

Retired or no longer in full-time work? A thriving community group is offering local residents the perfect opportunity to learn new skills, share hobbies,

Digital Inclusion·East Leeds·Technology

Free SIMs Bring Vital Lifeline to Leeds Residents

August 10, 2026

In the midst of the cost-of-living crisis, a lifeline is waiting on the shelves of local libraries across Leeds. Community hubs and libraries throughout

Chapeltown·Community·Housing Issues·Parents and Families

Chapeltown families enjoy afternoon of food and fun

August 10, 2026

Families from across Chapeltown came together for an afternoon of fun, food, and community spirit. The Unity in the Community family fun day was

Education·Harehills·Leeds City Council

Historic Harehills School Could Become SEND Centre

August 10, 2026

A landmark Harehills building could soon welcome students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Leeds City Council approved plans to use part of

Business·Community·East Leeds·Job News

Free help for aspiring entrepreneurs across East Leeds

August 7, 2026

Councils·Leeds City Council·Local Institutions·Local Politics

Complaints about council services reach record levels

August 3, 2026

Residents across Yorkshire and the Humber were among thousands of people who contacted the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman over concerns about local

Housing Issues·Infrastructure·Leeds City Council·Local Institutions·Local Services

New council homes planned for former Seacroft flats site

August 3, 2026

Plans have been submitted for new council housing at the former Kingsdale Court site in Seacroft. The site, off Boggart Hill, was previously home

Bus·Local Services·Transport

New scheme offers free bus travel for local children

August 3, 2026

Children across East Leeds can travel on local buses for free this August as part of a government scheme aimed at helping families with

Fitness·Health·Healthcare·healthy living

Over 40s in East Leeds urged to check heart health

August 3, 2026

People aged over 40 in East Leeds are being encouraged to take up a free NHS Health Check to help identify possible risks to

Fraud Prevention·Garforth

Urgent Warning: Large-Scale Scams Targeting Garforth Residents

August 3, 2026

Urgent community warnings have been issued in Garforth following reports of rogue door-to-door traders targeting older, vulnerable residents. Fraudsters are using highly persistent sales tactics

Sports

Boxing·Burmantofts·Sports

Lee Murtagh’s East End park boxing show report

August 17, 2026

Many of the approaching 300 strong crowd attending Bethlehem Boxing Club’s latest show might have expected to be ‘Lazing on a Sunday Afternoon’ but

Football·Seacroft·Sports

Scot FC Brings Hope and Football to East Leeds

July 27, 2026

In East Leeds, a grassroots community revolution started when three young children gathered to kick a ball around Seacroft. Founder Stacey Hubbard originally established

Community·Cricket·Sports·Temple Newsham

Girls’ Cricket Set To Expand In East Leeds

July 27, 2026

Girls in East Leeds are set for more opportunities to train and play cricket as a local club expands its junior section. Colton Institute

Boxing·Sports

SWARCLIFFE’S CALLAN BURKE DETERMINED TO BE A SUCCESSFUL KICKBOXER

July 20, 2026

Until now kickboxer Callan Burke was typical of a generation of young people who’ve enjoyed combat sports training and competing on a semi-professional basis

Football·Fundraising·Sports

Harehills football event raises support for local family

July 20, 2026

While the FIFA World Cup has showcased football on the global stage, a community tournament in Harehills demonstrated how the sport can also unite

Community·Community Spirit·Football·Seacroft·Sports

World Cup Dream Brought to West Yorkshire

July 20, 2026

A grassroots football tournament brought the magic of the World Cup directly to Leeds children. The event united local families and diverse cultural groups

Community Arts & Culture

Aberford·Art·Arts & Culture·Barwick-in-Elmet & Potterton·Bramham·Community·Festival·General News·Thorner

BRAMHAM PARK BRACES FOR 75,000 FANS AS LEEDS FESTIVAL UNLEASHES HISTORIC ARENA OVERHAUL

August 22, 2026

The quiet, stately grounds of Bramham Park are about to transform into a thriving metropolis of alternative youth culture. From Thursday 27 August to

Arts & Culture·Festival·Temple Newsham

Temple Newsam serves up a weekend of food and fun

August 17, 2026

Food, live entertainment and family activities filled Temple Newsam as the food festival returned to East Leeds for its second year. The festival took

Arts & Culture·Community·Entertainment·Garforth

Garforth Brass keeps community music alive

July 27, 2026

Garforth Brass is expanding opportunities for local musicians in East Leeds after receiving a £1,000 grant from a local community fund. The four-figure sum

Art·Arts & Culture·Arts and Crafts·Entertainment·Festival·National holidays and festivals·Seacroft

Let’s Grow East Leeds Festival Inspires Family Fun in Seacroft

July 27, 2026

People from across East Leeds came together to celebrate food, nature and community at the Let’s Grow East Leeds Festival, with organisers hoping the

Local Elections

Garforth·Local elections·Local Politics·Politics

Mark Dobson welcomes public debate: “Let’s keep the argument about Garforth”

August 17, 2026

Independent Councillor Mark Dobson has welcomed the decision by members of the Garforth Neighbourhood Planning Forum (GNPF) to introduce themselves publicly and put their

Election Results·Garforth·Local elections·MPs and Councillors·Politics

Independent Re-election Sparks New Era for Garforth and Swillington

May 22, 2026

The political landscape across Leeds has shifted dramatically, proving that no single party holds ultimate power anymore. Following the recent Leeds City Council elections,

Election Results·Local elections·MPs and Councillors·Politics

Political Shakeup in Leeds as Labour Loses Absolute Majority

May 22, 2026

A fresh senior leadership team has been established to guide Leeds City Council over the upcoming municipal year. The appointments follow a significant shift

Election Results·Garforth·Local elections·Politics

East Leeds election results 2026

May 9, 2026

Voting across Leeds on Thursday 7 May 2026 brought several changes to the city council makeup, with a range of parties winning seats across

Health & Wellbeing

Fitness·Health·Healthcare·healthy living

Over 40s in East Leeds urged to check heart health

August 3, 2026

People aged over 40 in East Leeds are being encouraged to take up a free NHS Health Check to help identify possible risks to

Community·Cycling·Fitness·healthy living·Seacroft·Sports

The Seacroft cycling group putting people before pedals

June 29, 2026

Seacroft Cycles is proving that cycling is not just about bikes, it is about people, community connection, and personal empowerment. The community bike project

Art·Arts & Culture·Festival·Health·Healthcare·healthy living·What's On

Groundbreaking Men’s Health Festival Back in Leeds

June 15, 2026

A powerful citywide celebration of men’s wellbeing is sweeping through the city as the Northern Man Festival takes centre stage this week. Emerging from

Areas in Focus: Seacroft

Aberford·Barwick-in-Elmet & Potterton·Bramham·Business·Clifford·Community·Crossgates·Garforth·General News·Kippax·Micklefield·Scholes·Seacroft·Thorner·Wetherby

CASH IN OR SHUT DOWN? THE POLARISING REALITY OF LEEDS FESTIVAL ON THE EAST ECONOMY

August 23, 2026

As 75,000 music fans pack their bags for the short migration to Bramham Park, a completely different kind of preparation is taking place behind

Everday Heroes·Gipton·Local champions·Seacroft

Seacroft hero honoured on 81st VJ day anniversary

August 17, 2026

Saturday, 15 August 2026 marked the 81st anniversary of Victory over Japan (VJ) Day, bringing a deeply personal milestone to the forefront for one

Community Safety·Crime·Law·Police·Seacroft

Police escort convicted child sex offender from seacroft home as furious crowd gathers

August 10, 2026

A convicted child sex offender has been moved from a home in Leeds after a large, angry crowd gathered outside his property over the

Climate + Environment

Burmantofts·Climate·Environment

Student Design Marks City’s Low-Carbon Future

July 27, 2026

Residents across Leeds will soon spot new plaques on local buildings connected to the city’s low-carbon heat network. The official launch took place on

Climate·Environment·Harehills·Weather·What's On

New event to spotlight growing heat risks in Harehills

June 8, 2026

Residents, community groups and organisations across Harehills are being invited to take part in a major community event exploring the growing risks posed by

Climate·East Leeds·Harehills

Rain Can’t Stop Harehills Going Green

October 2, 2025

Harehills turned out in force for the Our Planet Our Neighbourhood community day at the Compton Centre, proving that not even a grey and

Climate·General News·Harehills

Harehills Unites For a Greener Future

September 11, 2025

In the heart of Harehills, a powerful sense of community is blossoming, and it’s all coming together for a very special day. Mark your

Editors Picks

Editor's Picks·Health·Healthcare·Literature

The Woman Turning a Lifetime of Pain Into Strength

April 17, 2026

A woman who has spent nearly her entire life in the grip of sickle cell disease has opened up about the relentless pain that

Crossgates·East Leeds·Editor's Picks·Fitness·Health·Mental Health and Well Being·Sports

Crossgates star turns grief into record breaking mission

April 1, 2026

An East Leeds athlete who rose to fame as the fastest person to run dressed as wrestler John Cena is now chasing another world

Art·Arts & Culture·Culture·East Leeds·Editor's Picks·Harehills

Young women challenge health inequality in powerful new Leeds exhibition

April 1, 2026

A new exhibition at the Thackray Museum of Medicine is handing the microphone to young people who say healthcare has too often ignored voices

Art·Arts & Culture·Burmantofts·Culture·Editor's Picks

How East Street Arts Changed the Face of Leeds

March 19, 2026

Sometimes the biggest cultural shifts start quietly. Long before East Street Arts became a home for hundreds of creatives, its founders Jon Wakeman and