Second Meanwood Festival hopes to put suburb on the map

Last year marked the debut of the Meanwood Festival and boasted more than 60 events in ten days.

This year’s event is set to be just as spectacular, with special guests, craft and community stalls, music and entertainment.

Organised by the Meanwood Valley Partnership, the festivities kick off on May 21 and culminates nine days later in an annual fun day on May Bank Holiday.

A number of businesses and restaurants are involved in the event, including Ridgeside Brewery, which last year produced their own custom-made brew in honour of the Meanwood festivities.

Organiser Chris Swales said: “We already have groups lined up who have registered their interest about what they want to do for the festival. There will also be local walks in the area, which will include a talk on the history and a photographic exhibition.

“There will also be a local art group which will be doing an exhibition of their art, paintings, ceramics, textiles, among other things. Some of the restaurants here will be involved and the Ridgeside Brewery will be doing another special brew for us this time.”

Chris said he was inspired to help start the event as Meanwood has a tendency to get overlooked in favour of other destinations such as Headingley and Chapel Allerton.

He added: “For us, it is really important to showcase what Meanwood is about and the type of activities that go on here, with lots of different individuals and groups who do things here.

“Last year’s event was very successful and created a bit of a buzz in the area and so we thought we’d repeat it again this year. Lots of towns in Leeds have their own festivals, so why shouldn’t we have one?”