Leeds Star Newspaper

11/12/2025

Can you help bring festive magic to children spending Christmas in hospital by donating a gift?

Our Christmas Wishlist is still open until the 17th of December 🎅🏼

🎁 👇 Choose a gift here: 👇 🎁
https://www.leedshospitalscharity.org.uk/news/wishlist

Every item has been handpicked by our Play Specialists to suit all ages and abilities. Each gift will be delivered to Leeds Children's Hospital in time for Christmas, helping patients feel comforted and included during the holidays.

Our team of hospital elves will make sure every present reaches the right child.

Individuals can donate directly through the Wishlist, while corporate and community groups can book a delivery slot for larger donations.

Find out more at: https://www.leedshospitalscharity.org.uk/news/wishlist

10/12/2025

10/12/2025

07/12/2025

02/12/2025

01/12/2025

This weekend is the last of our Winter Tours until Christmas arrives in the house next week.

🎄Festive Tours arrive on 2 December
🎅 Father Christmas arrives on 6 December
🤶Mrs Claus joins us on 20 December

Head to our website to book a Winter Tour this weekend or book out Christmas events

26/11/2025

22/11/2025

White Rose Shopping Centre launches Christmas gift drive in support of Leeds’ Kidz Klub. White Rose Shopping Centre has kicked off the festive season by launching its annual Christmas gift drive in partnership with Leeds-based charity Kidz Klub. The initiative aims to bring joy to children and families across the city who may otherwise struggle during the festive period. Shoppers visiting White Rose are invited to donate new toys and gifts for children aged 0–16 years, with items for those aged 4 and above especially in demand. Donations can be dropped off at the appeal station located near the centre’s Christmas Grotto, where contributions will be accepted until Sunday 21st December. Once collected, the gifts will be wrapped and distributed by Kidz Klub volunteers to families across Leeds, helping ensure that more children wake up to a magical Christmas morning. This year’s appeal takes on special significance as Kidz Klub marks 25 years of supporting children and families through community outreach, home visits, events, and activities. With the support of White Rose visitors, Kidz Klub Leeds hopes to make this Christmas brighter for hundreds of Leeds children, reinforcing the spirit of kindness and community at the heart of the festive season https://leedsstar.co.uk/charity/white-rose-launches-christmas-gift-drive-in-support-of-leeds-kidz-klub/

22/11/2025

Flash Mob, Sparkles & Santa: Trinity Leeds Launches ‘Win Your Wishmas’ Next Month. Trinity Leeds is set to kick off the festive season in spectacular style with the launch of ‘Win Your Wishmas’, a one-day Christmas celebration packed with dazzling entertainment, festive surprises and the incredible chance for shoppers to win their entire Christmas wish list. Taking place on Saturday 6th December from 12pm to 5pm, the shopping centre will be transformed into a glittering hub of seasonal magic, complete with high-energy performances, larger-than-life characters and feel-good festive moments designed to delight visitors of all ages. At the centre of the celebration is the Win Your Christmas Shopping giveaway, happening on the hour every hour outside the Apple Store. Lucky guests will get the chance to step into the spotlight as the crowd cheers, while Trinity Leeds’ Christmas Spirit-O’Meter secretly measures joy levels throughout the day. Once it hits the top and the Christmas button glows, one lucky shopper will walk away with the shimmering Wishmas cash prize, starting from £500. With surprises around every corner and unforgettable entertainment throughout the day, ‘Win Your Wishmas’ is set to be the most magical moment of the season — and it’s all happening at Trinity Leeds https://leedsstar.co.uk/shopping/flash-mob-sparkles-santa-trinity-leeds-launches-win-your-wishmas-next-month/

Trinity Leeds is set to kick off the festive season in spectacular style with the launch of ‘Win Your Wishmas’, a one-day Christmas celebration packed with dazzling entertainment, festive surprises and the incredible chance for shoppers to win their entire Christmas wish list. Taking place on Sa...

22/11/2025

Impact of Leeds’ ABCD Programme Highlighted in New Six-Year Review. A comprehensive new review has showcased the significant and growing impact of Leeds’ pioneering Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) programme over a six-year period, revealing powerful outcomes for residents and neighbourhoods across the city. Published this month, A review of ABCD in Leeds Pathfinder Sites (2019–2025): A six-year journey from seeds to trees brings together the experiences of key stakeholders and local people involved in ABCD work at six dedicated Pathfinder sites: Better Action for Families (BAFF), Horsforth Community Assets Project (HCAP), LS14 Trust, Older People’s Action in the Locality (OPAL), St Luke’s Cares and Touchstone. Since 2013, the ABCD in Leeds programme has played a vital role in supporting residents to lead the changes they want to see in their communities. The approach focuses on recognising and building on the strengths, skills and connections already present in local areas. By enabling people to share their gifts, passions and ideas with one another, ABCD has sparked a wide range of community-led initiatives and strengthened wellbeing across neighbourhoods. As Leeds continues to champion ABCD principles, the review suggests the programme’s legacy will continue to grow — strengthening connections, inspiring action and contributing to healthier, more resilient communities across the city https://leedsstar.co.uk/news/impact-of-leeds-abcd-programme-highlighted-in-new-six-year-review/

A comprehensive new review has showcased the significant and growing impact of Leeds’ pioneering Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) programme over a six-year period, revealing powerful outcomes for residents and neighbourhoods across the city. Published this month, A review of ABCD in Leeds ...

22/11/2025

Yorkshire-Grown Christmas Trees Have Arrived at The Arium. Christmas has officially begun at The Arium, as thousands of Yorkshire-grown Christmas trees arrive ready to bring festive cheer to homes across Leeds. Each year, the council-run garden centre transforms into a winter destination for families looking to choose the perfect tree, and this season is no exception. All the Christmas trees on sale are grown at Stockeld Park in Wetherby, a renowned local grower that looks after around 500,000 trees annually. The partnership between Stockeld Park and The Arium has been in place since 2018, ensuring that Leeds residents have easy access to premium, sustainably grown trees that support local horticulture. Shoppers can choose between the ever-popular Nordmann fir and the traditional Norway spruce. The Nordmann fir is the UK’s favourite, loved for its full shape, straight central trunk and outstanding needle retention — keeping its glossy green needles far longer than any other fir variety. With local roots, outstanding quality and unmistakable Yorkshire charm, the festive season at The Arium is now in full swing https://leedsstar.co.uk/news/yorkshire-grown-christmas-trees-have-arrived-at-the-arium/

Christmas has officially begun at The Arium, as thousands of Yorkshire-grown Christmas trees arrive ready to bring festive cheer to homes across Leeds. Each year, the council-run garden centre transforms into a winter destination for families looking to choose the perfect tree, and this season is no...

22/11/2025

Work Begins on Morley’s New Multi-Million-Pound Learning and Skills Centre. Work has officially begun on Morley’s ambitious new multi-million-pound Learning and Skills Centre, marking a major milestone in the town’s drive to expand opportunities for adult education, skills development and career progression. The project, a cornerstone of the Morley Town Deal programme, will see the Grade II-listed St Mary’s in the Wood Church transformed into a modern, fully equipped education hub. Built in 1900 and located on Commercial Street at the heart of Morley’s newly revised conservation area, the building was purchased by Leeds City Council in October 2023 using funds from the £24.3 million Town Deal grant awarded by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. The centre will be operated by Leeds City College and will deliver courses designed to help residents upskill in key growth sectors such as technology and innovation. Planned training areas include coding, virtual reality, 2D printing, general IT skills, and essential subjects such as English and maths — equipping adults with the qualifications and digital literacy needed to compete in a rapidly evolving jobs market https://leedsstar.co.uk/news/work-begins-on-morleys-new-multi-million-pound-learning-and-skills-centre/

Work has officially begun on Morley’s ambitious new multi-million-pound Learning and Skills Centre, marking a major milestone in the town’s drive to expand opportunities for adult education, skills development and career progression. The project, a cornerstone of the Morley Town Deal programme, ...